7 Breathtaking Alpine Towns In New Hampshire
New Hampshire may be thousands of miles away from Switzerland, but it has landscapes that are as alpine in character as some of the most prominent peaks in the Swiss Alps. Although the terrain is varied, several locations have a geography and climate that are perfectly suited for skiing. And don’t downplay this: skiing can form the basis for an entire holiday. From modern mega-resorts known across the nation to hidden gems that deliver top-tier experiences, New Hampshire is an awesome place to explore during the white season. Not sure where to start? The following are the 7 breathtaking Alpine towns in New Hampshire.
North Conway
Hidden in the Mount Washington Valley with dramatic White Mountain backdrops, and providing easy access to several major ski areas in the Mount Washington Valley, North Conway is often considered among the best ski towns on the continent, if not the best. Think of over 330 trails totaling 1,600 skiable acres, the tallest peak in the northeast, which is Mount Washington at an astounding 6,288 feet, and some of the finest skiing and snowmobiling opportunities in the nation. Cranmore Mountain Resort, just 5 minutes from North Conway's inner core, offers 56 trails, gorgeous scenery, and a tubing park.
Additionally, the chairlift is peaceful and beautiful, and the mountain coaster is always a lot of fun. The property has been in operation for more than sixty years and was where Hannes Schneider, regarded as the father of modern skiing, first opened his ski school. There's Echo Lake State Park, a winter wonderland with a nice path that goes around the lake, Whitaker Woods, which offers quiet and easy hikes through the woods, and Zeb's General Store, filled with awesome souvenirs and several old-fashioned artefacts to take with you back home.
Lincoln
Lincoln is tucked on the western slopes of the White Mountains. It is a classic New England mountain town, as well as one of the most celebrated ski bases in North America. Loon Mountain Resort is one of Lincoln's most recognizable attractions. It has a chairlift known as Kancamagus 8, which is reputed to be North America's most technologically advanced chairlift, as well as the first 8-place chairlift in the East. A scenic drive along the Kancamagus Highway takes you through the White Mountain National Forest, where you can gasp at the lush evergreen trees and admire the beauty of the rolling mountain peaks.
Franconia Notch State Park, just north of town, offers visitors an unforgettable adventure to the summit of Cannon Mountain on the Aerial Tramway. The operator often gives an interesting commentary on the way up as you soak up some terribly beautiful views on almost every side. After visiting a few sites, you will want to look for a winery to relax, and Seven Birches will serve as a great finale. From some fine ciders to a mix of reds and whites to an amazing ambience, nothing here is left to chance.
Waterville Valley
From its establishment in the 1820s, Waterville Valley has always been known for its exceptional natural beauty. However, its real breakthrough came when Tom Corcoran, a member of the US National Ski Hall of Fame, founded a ski resort area in town. The opening of the Waterville Valley Resort immediately transformed the area into a full-service, year-round destination resort. There's a sense of seclusion around here, with the neat, walkable town feeling far removed from the busier parts of New Hampshire. You can enjoy some heart-pounding action at Sandwich Mountain Trailhead, which features an incredibly pretty birch forest, enjoy some delicious steak at Coyote Grill, amid cute, countryside scenery, then spend a quiet night at the Golden Eagle Lodge Resort, a cozy and luxurious property with beautiful mountain views.
Franconia
Franconia is a small, adorable town along I-93 in the northern White Mountains, best known for its proximity to Franconia Notch, a scenic mountain pass with some of the region’s most spellbinding landscapes and outdoor attractions. Franconia includes part of Franconia Notch State Park, home to Flume Gorge, an exhibit of nature's artistic fury that extends 800 feet at the base of Mount Liberty.
Beautiful Echo Lake, perched at nearly 2,000 feet, offers views of Mt. Lafayette and Cannon Mountain. Actually, Franconia serves as the jumping-off point to Cannon Mountain, New Hampshire's only state-owned premier ski area. Cannon Mountain Ski Resort is an excellent ski resort with some magnificent runs. It features more than 280 skiable acres, including some thigh-busting trails like DJ’s Tramline, reputed to be one of the toughest runs in the East.
Bartlett
Bartlett is a small, modest town with a soft, understated charm. It is surrounded by the White Mountain National Forest and provides direct access to Attitash Mountain Resort, one of New Hampshire’s top ski destinations. The resort's two connected peaks, 68 trails, and classic New England terrain make it perfect for both beginners and experienced skiers. In winter, it is typically full of fluffy powder and offers a thrilling experience on the slopes.
If you want to stay in a place that offers unlimited access to some of New Hampshire's most charming views, set base at the Attitash Mountain Village, a stunning place with all-around greenery and a lot of luxurious amenities. Patrons rave about the scenic railway train that goes through the village a couple of times a day. There's the Bear Notch Ski Touring Centre, a short drive away, which is a top-rated Nordic ski destination with expertly groomed trails. The property's snowshoeing routes offer breathtaking views of New Hampshire's winter landscapes.
Jackson
With classic covered bridges and inspiring mountain scenery typical of the area around New Hampshire's White Mountains, Jackson can easily pass for a small, alpine village beneath the Bernese Alps. Wildcat Mountain, just 10 minutes from town, is tucked in the legendary Pinkham Notch and consistently ranked the most scenic mountain in the East. The phenomenal facility offers over 2,100 vertical feet of skiing and snowboarding terrain, and the best part is that it typically suits all ability levels.
Black Mountain Ski Area, which is much closer to town, is a nice mid-sized, family-owned ski area with slopes that generally face south, which typically means a nice sunny ski day with less wind. There are lots of trails to choose from, as well as some fun, challenging chutes. Meanwhile, Eagle Mountain House & Golf Club offers fabulous views, a wooden bridge over a river, and a step back into time. It's a nice, quiet place to spend the night. Alternatively, Nestlenook Farm has rooms with fireplaces and is a sprawling property set on 65 acres, where you can enjoy sleigh rides on fresh snow.
Gorham
Gorham is just 20 miles north of Jackson, meaning if you are in the area, it's a fantastic idea to check it out. But we don't just include it here because of the proximity. It says a lot that Gorham is known as “the Switzerland of America.” Great Glen Nordic Ski Area offers Nordic skiing (like the name suggests), as well as snowshoeing and tubing opportunities. It has a nice trail network with plenty of variety and is tastefully positioned at the base of the Presidential Range.
The Presidential Rail Trail, which features the incredible scenery on the route between Whitefield and Gorham, offers over 19 miles of stunning mountain views. Remember to keep your eyes peeled for moose, black bears, wild turkeys, beavers, and otters. Keep in mind that Gorham is near Wildcat and Black Mountain, both of which are revered names in the skiing world. If you have explored the area and worked up a healthy appetite, Big Day Brewing serves decadent wings and a variety of tasty vegetarian options.
So, while every part of New Hampshire has a distinctively unique feature, the Granite State has places with a winter landscape that feels unmistakably alpine. This is especially true of the area around the White Mountains, whose steep peaks, snow-laden forests, and crisp highland air create conditions that rival Europe’s most storied ski regions. You will find big names in the skiing world, some of which have a worldwide reputation, just as you will quieter enclaves prized for their intimacy and scenery.
