Winter Sports
Winter recreation opportunities are exceptional on the White Mountain National Forest. The WMNF offers developed and undeveloped opportunities for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and alpine skiing, snowmobiling and sledding.
Winter is a wonderful time in the White Mountains! The woods are quiet with a stark beauty unlike any other time of year. But it takes care and knowledge to safely explore the mountains in winter. With proper planning you can enjoy a safe winter trip to the White Mountains.
Winter Recreating: Careful Planning Required
Before heading out for the day, be prepared for all conditions:
- Driving to your destination presents many hazards and is often one of the most dangerous things we do. Higher elevation roads, such as the Kancamagus may have black ice.
- There is spotty cell phone service throughout the forest, make sure you carry extra supplies in your vehicle at all times.
- Hypothermia is possibly anytime of the year. Always carry extra layers of clothes - you may need to share them with your friends.
- Leave your itinerary with friends and/or family. Where will you park your vehicle? What trail will you be hiking on? Do you foresee any alternative routes/plans? It is a lot easier to find you if multiple people have your recreation plan written down.
- When hiking above tree line, bring the following: sleeping bag, snowshoes, and some form of boot traction. These 3 items are in addition to the 10 essentials listed below for all seasons.
When packing your gear for the day, take the time to include the 10 essentials:
- map
- compass
- warm clothing
- extra food and water
- flashlight or headlamp
- matches/firestarters
- first aid kit
- whistle
- rain/wind gear
- pocket knife
And don't forget to visit the hikeSafe website for season-specific considerations for every season. Be safe and enjoy
Skiing/Snowboarding
The WMNF annually hosts close to 700,000 skier visits at 4 Nordic and 4 Alpine permitted ski area. In the summer, these areas provide non-winter recreation opportunities like scenic gondola rides, ziplines, ropes courses, mountain biking, weddings, festivals, and endurance races. Please be aware that each downhill skiing and snowboarding winter recreation area has unique ski area uphill policies.
Uphill Ski Policy
Visitors who enjoy getting exercise by skiing or split boarding uphill (skinning) should learn and respect each ski area’s uphill policy. The policies were created with your safety in mind; designating times and in some cases uphill routes that avoid grooming, snowmaking, and winch cat operations while not creating user conflict during normal business hours. The links below will navigate to each ski area uphill policy:
Backcountry Skiing and Snowboarding
For those wanting to escape the confines of a resort, the WMNF has numerous opportunities for backcountry skiing and snowboarding, ranging from the open bowls at Tuckerman’s Ravine to developed gladed areas at Bartlett Mountain in partnership with Granite Backcountry Alliance. While this activity can be deeply rewarding, it is paramount that users plan ahead and learn the techniques and strategies for avoiding winter hazards. More information on avalanche terrain and preparation can be found on the Mt Washington Avalanche Center page. Also, please review the Ski Kind Backcountry Responsibility Code.
Sledding/Tubing
Sledding is prohibited at the ski areas. However, some offer tubing.
Snowmobiling
For updated State of New Hampshire snowmobile trail conditions.
XC Skiing/Snowshoeing
The White Mountain National Forest boasts a wide array of snowshoeing and cross-country skiing opportunities. The WMNF permits 5 cross-country centers including Bear Notch Ski Touring, Bretton Woods Nordic Ski Area, Jackson Ski touring, Great Glen Nordic Ski Area, and Waterville Valley Ski Area; all of which provide groomed trails for a fee. The remaining areas listed below offer primarily ungroomed, backcountry experiences at no cost.
Search for Winter Sports Opportunities
Lafayette XC-Ski Trailhead
Livermore S Trailhead
Loon Mountain Ski Resort
Meadow Brook Snowmobile & Biking Trailhead
Rob Brook - Nana XC-Ski Trailhead
Sawyer River Road Snowmobile Trailhead
Waterville Valley Ski Area
Wildcat Mountain Ski Resort