If snow-covered landscapes, downhill thrills at major ski mountains, and seemingly endless cold-weather activities are up your alley, then your winter bucket list isn’t complete without a visit to New Hampshire’s Lakes Region.
Prefer to spend your winter days bundled up indoors? Our region is also home to plenty of cozy shops, restaurants, theaters, and other businesses that provide welcome shelter from the cold. Here, we’re breaking down the must-visit Lakes Region attractions to help make the season sparkle.
SKI DOWN THE SLOPES
Perhaps the most obvious winter activity to add to your New Hampshire bucket list: downhill skiing. With multiple ski mountains and resorts around the Lakes Region, alpine aficionados can take their pick of a top-notch collection. Here are just a few of the slopes to check out this winter:
Gunstock Mountain Resort: Perfect for both seasoned skiers and those new to the sport, this four-season mountain resort in Gilford boasts 227 skiable acres and sweeping views of Lake Winnipesaukee. Grab an all-day ticket and choose between daytime shredding or a picturesque nighttime ride (the resort is open in the evening, thanks to its 22 well-lit trails!).
Ragged Mountain Resort: This Danbury resort’s crown jewel? New Hampshire’s only high-speed, six-person chairlift, ready to whisk you up the mountain at 1,000 feet per minute. To access the 250 skiable acres, purchase lift tickets and rentals online in advance.
Mount Sunapee Resort: Set on Lake Sunapee’s sparkling shores, this Newbury resort is ideal for families looking to spend a day on the slopes together. Slightly less crowded than its counterparts, Mount Sunapee offers a trail for every skill level (76% of its terrain is beginner and intermediate-friendly).
King Pine Ski Area: Located in Madison, King Pine Ski Area’s 17 trails are suitable for a variety of skill levels. With plenty of seasonal programs for the young’uns, it’s a great destination for a day of family fun in the snow.
Abenaki Ski Area: One of the oldest small ski areas in the country, Wolfeboro’s community-owned ski hill has a storied legacy dating back to 1936. Visit the ski area today, and you’ll find seven trails, limited crowds, and one of the fastest rope tows on the East Coast.
Find more downhill thrills and wintertime chills.
Lace Up Your Skates
Looking to hit the rink and glide along the ice this winter? The Lakes Region offers everything from public outdoor rinks to state-of-the-art indoor arenas. Whether you want to lace up indoors or enjoy the breeze, these local gems fit the bill for a fun-filled day on the ice:
Pop Whalen Ice & Arts Center: Operated by the Town of Wolfeboro, this public rink is open year-round for skating and hockey, where residents can skate for just $7 (non-residents pay $8). Follow the Facebook page for the latest hours and updates.
Tokho Dome Ice Skating Rink: Just across the street from the King Pine Base Lodge, this family-friendly skating rink is open on weekends and select holiday periods. If you’re spending the day at the King Pine Ski Area, use of the rink is included with all lift tickets, season passes, and the Skate & Trails ticket.
Discover more places to glide along the ice.
Try a New Winter Activity
Skiing and skating may be a given, but there are so many other snowy activities to partake in. Did you know New Hampshire has the most extensive network of cross-country trails on the East Coast? If that sounds a bit too strenuous, let gravity take the wheel and enjoy an afternoon of snowtubing, or gather the family for a brisk winter hike. Here are some of the best Lakes Region destinations to visit on a snowy afternoon:
Gunstock Mountain Resort: The Gunstock Nordic Center, situated on the right side of the resort access roads, consists of 27 trails that can be accessed with your day trail pass for Nordic skiing or guided snowshoe hikes. When it comes to tubing, Gunstock makes it easy with a multi-lane tubing hill and a carpet conveyor-style surface lift that’ll bring you back uphill.
Bolduc Park: In addition to a 9-hole golf course, Gilford’s Bolduc Park also offers cross-country skiing (dependent on snow conditions). Journey along just over 6 miles of groomed trails, then perhaps save time for disc golf, available even in the wintertime.
Prescott Farm: The Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center’s roughly 3 miles of trails are free and open to the public seven days a week, from dawn to dusk. After your trek, stick around for one of the center’s seasonal programs and hands-on experiences (perfect for keeping the kiddos entertained).
Owl’s Nest Resort: Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are available free of charge at Owl’s Nest Resort, framed by stunning views of the White Mountains. Bring your own equipment and stick to the marked trails (you’ll find trails for snowmobiling on Corridor 11).
Castle in the Clouds: At Castle in the Clouds in Moultonborough, you have the chance to explore nearly 30 miles of trails maintained by the Lakes Region Conservation Trust. The mountaintop property also hosts regular guided winter hikes for anyone looking to learn more about the estate and its surrounding nature.
Tenney Mountain Resort: Ditch the skis and snowboards and slide downhill in a tube at the Plymouth resort. Take a ride back up the mountain in the surface lift and admire the mountain views — reserve your two-hour session in advance, as popular tubing time slots sell out quickly.
King Pine Ski Area: In addition to just over 12 miles of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails, this major ski area has a rope-pull tubing hill (the Pine Meadows Tubing Park), with groomed chutes and an easy lift back up to the top. Advanced reservations for snowtubing are encouraged.
Cozy Up Indoors
Whether you’re all tuckered out from a day on the slopes or want to curate a full itinerary around cozy indoor activities, there are plenty of places to warm up, enjoy a brew, and avoid the brisk chill in the Lakes Region. Here are a few must-visit attractions on a chilly day:
Woodstock Inn Brewery: Experience the best of both indoor and outdoor dining this winter and reserve a spot at one of the Woodstock Inn Brewery’s coveted igloos. With space for up to eight people, this unique dining setup includes heaters to keep you warm, a Bluetooth speaker, and card games. You can even bring the pups along to make it a memorable experience for the whole family.
Mello Moose Coffee House and Wayfarer Coffee Roasters: The only thing better than sipping a warm latte on a cold day? When that latte is from one of the Lakes Region’s independent cafes. Mello Moose Coffee House in Meredith is known for its decadent baked goods, quiches, and breakfast sandwiches, and Laconia’s Wayfarer Coffee Roasters serves must-try, homemade liege waffles in addition to its specialty lattes.
The Marketplace at Mill Falls: Now that the holiday shopping is complete, take some time to shop for yourself! Grab a new paperback, browse several local boutiques, and grab a bite to eat all in one place – while the marketplace is al fresco, you’ll find yourself spending most of the time inside the collection of charming shops. Don’t forget to snap a picture of the marketplace’s iconic waterfall while you’re there!
Lakeport Opera House and The Flying Monkey Movie House & Performance Center: Stay warm inside one of the Lakes Region’s theaters and performance spaces! From films to comedy shows and concerts, these two local landmarks host a wide range of entertaining events. Be sure to check the respective websites for upcoming showtimes, ticket availability, and more information to plan your night at the theater.
Find our guide to more local theaters and entertainment options.
