Bretton Woods is New Hampshire’s largest ski area with over 464 acres of skiing and snowboarding within the White Mountain National Forest. For the past five years, it has been ranked in the top two spots in the East for Snow and Grooming.
Skiers and snowboarders come from near and far to enjoy the 62 trails, 35 glades, three terrain parks, and ten lifts. While the skiing is some of the best in New England, Bretton Woods is more than just a ski resort. The resort offers tons of other off-mountain indoor and outdoor activities that you can enjoy after a long day of skiing.
Ski and Snowboard
Courtesy of Omni Mount Washington Resort
Bretton Woods is New Hampshire’s largest ski area with over 464 acres of trails, glades, and terrain parks for all ages and abilities. Located in the Rosebrook Mountain range, Bretton Woods first opened to skiers in 1973. The infamous Mount Washington Resort across the street from Bretton Woods purchased the ski resort in 1997 and has since expanded the mountain to include new high-speed chairlifts and more trails and glades.
With 1,500 feet of vertical drop, you’ll find 97 trails and glades of varying terrain from beginner to expert. Ski Magazine has consistently ranked Bretton as the top mountain in the East for snowmaking and grooming, so you know the skiing will be good. On weekends and school vacation weeks, Bretton Woods also offers night skiing on five trails. With an extensive ski and snowboard school and a dedicated children’s program, Bretton is one of the best ski mountains in New England for young children learning to ski or snowboard for the first time.
Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides
Courtesy of Omni Mount Washington Resort
What’s more romantic than a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snow-covered evergreens with the iconic red roof of the Mount Washington Resort behind you? Carriage rides at the Resort are available year-round, but there is something special about a winter sleigh ride through the snow-covered fields. You can listen to the sleigh bells jingle as resort guests have for over a century. This fun activity is perfect for families or couples.
Snowshoeing at the Mount Washington Resort
Courtesy of Omni Mount Washington Resort
Follow in the footsteps of past resort guests and explore the Mount Washington Resort and White Mountain National Forest strapped to a pair of snowshoes. For over a century, snowshoeing has become a long tradition. With incredible views of the Presidential Mountain Range, the Ammonoosuc River, and Bretton Woods Mountain Resort, you’ll quickly see why so many people enjoy exploring the historic grounds by snowshoe.
If you don’t have your own pair of snowshoes, you can rent a pair at the Alpine Rental Shop or the Bretton Woods Nordic Center. Beginners will enjoy the 100-km network of groomed Nordic trails while more experienced snowshoers will enjoy backcountry treks up the famous Presidential peaks. Guided Snowshoe Treks are also available if you prefer a guide.
Snow Tubing
Courtesy of Omni Mount Washington Resort
Flying down a hill on a snow tube is one of everyone’s favorite childhood memories. Perfect for children and adults of all ages, snow tubing at Bretton Woods Nordic Center is packed with tons of thrills. The dedicated sculpted tubing hill is opened to 8 pm on the weekends and is sure to be fun after a long day of skiing. Tubes can be rented at the Stone Pillar Lodge near the Bretton Woods Nordic Center.
Indoor Climbing Wall
Courtesy of Omni Mount Washington Resort
Sometimes you just need to come inside and warm up for a bit. Get the blood flowing to your toes and fingers on the 624-square foot indoor Slopeside Climbing Wall located on the Slopeside level of the Bretton Woods Base Lodge. Designed to resemble the granite cliffs of the White Mountains, the climbing wall has several climbing routes that ascent 30 feet above the ground. The professional climbing staff will help you with all the gear and start you on your climb.
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
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Wander to Littleton
For local boutique shopping, craft beer, and delicious gourmet food, head 30 minutes down Route 302 to Littleton, New Hampshire. Named as one of America’s Best Main Streets, downtown Littleton has it all. Grab a pizza and craft beer from Schilling Beer Co. or traditional Thai food with a slice of contemporary flair at Chang Thai Café. Catch the latest blockbuster at Jax Jr. Cinemas or just enjoy a lovely stroll in downtown Littleton to visit the famous Pollyanna statute. While Littleton might not be the cosmopolitan city you’re used to
Bretton Woods and the Mount Washington Resort is a full-service mountain resort nestled in New Hampshire’s White Mountain National Forest. Home to award-winning skiing and snowboarding, the mountain resort offers tons of other indoor and outdoor activities to keep you busy all day long.
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