You Won't Believe This Town Is In New Hampshire
New Hampshire is home to numerous resort towns, but few were developed by Olympic skiers. Even rarer is a town that’s highly walkable while being completely surrounded by the White Mountain National Forest. This unique resort experience lies in central New Hampshire’s Waterville Valley. Here, you will find over 40 miles of skiing trails, 125 miles of hiking trails, ice rinks, and ponds, many of which you can reach without even having to get in your car!
About Waterville Valley
Established in 1829, Waterville Valley began attracting tourists with its natural beauty almost immediately. Its true rise to fame, however, happened in 1965, when Tom Corcoran, an Olympic skier and US National Ski Hall of Fame Member, founded a ski resort area in town. The setting was ideal, situated within the White Mountain National Forest and surrounded by more than 700,000 acres of wilderness. Several mountain peaks surround the town as well, many of which reach heights of over 4,000 feet. All of these factors contribute to a sense of seclusion, with the town feeling far removed from the busier parts of the state. To add to its remote feel, there is only one road that leads in and out of town. Despite its tiny year-round population and remote location, the town is surprisingly walkable—something that sets it apart from many other towns in both the state and the country.
Winter Recreation
There are plenty of ways to enjoy a winter vacation in Waterville Valley. One of the most popular, of course, is skiing! Travelers hoping to hit the slopes can purchase a trail pass from the Nordic Center, which gives them access to more than 43 miles of groomed trails that wind through the White Mountain National Forest. This ski resort is great for beginner skiers as well. First-timers can sign up for a Beginner Package, which includes all the basics to get you started, including gear rentals, a lesson with an experienced instructor, and a trail pass. Those with more experience can sign up for classes as well, or sign up for the new Intro to Alpine Touring course.
If you aren’t a big fan of skiing, you might enjoy snowshoeing. All of the resort’s Nordic trails are suitable for snowshoers, and rentals do not require advance reservations. Meanwhile, the Nordic Center has several designated trails available for fat biking, which also do not require equipment rentals ahead of time.
Summer Recreation
While many visitors associate Winter Valley with winter sports, its alpine climate makes it equally beautiful for summer activities. With over 125 miles of hiking trails, Waterville Valley is home to one of the oldest hiking trail networks in the country. Dozens of these hiking trails begin in town, leading to waterfalls, cliffs, and flumes. If you are seeking an easy hike, Fletcher’s Cascade is a great option, a 3.2-mile round-trip hike that leads to a scenic series of ledges and chutes. For something more moderately challenging, you might enjoy the Mount Osceola hike, a 6.1-mile hike that ascends Mt. Osceola, a 4,340-foot peak. Mountain bikers will have plenty to explore as well, with the resort offering mountain bike rentals and more than 50 miles of mountain biking trails, a few of which include Bean Bender, Deep Woods, and Inner Mad River Trail.
Travelers wanting to appreciate the mountain vistas without a hike or bike ride can do so on the Snow's Mountain Chairlift. The chairlift offers picturesque, round-trip rides up the mountain and provides access to numerous trails and an 18-hole disc golf course.
A Walkable Village
In addition to the beautiful natural setting of Waterville Valley, many visitors are impressed by how walkable the village is. An extensive network of walking paths, hiking trails, and cross-country ski trails winds in and out of the village, conveniently connecting many of its lodges, restaurants, and other businesses. Travelers can make reservations in one of the town’s centrally located lodges, such as Golden Eagle Lodge, and keep their car parked for their entire vacation! Just a few of the walkable attractions include the Waterville Valley Ice Arena, a popular skating rink, Corcoran’s Pond, where you can go boating, and Coyote Grill, a relaxed American cuisine restaurant.
Final Thoughts
No matter when you visit Waterville Valley, you’ll always find a great way to explore the mountains. In the winter, the Nordic Center offers classic snow-based activities like skiing, fat tire biking, and snowshoeing, while the summer promises endless hikes, mountain biking trails, and disc golf. The best part? You will likely be able to leave your car in the lot and explore everything on foot (or ski!). So get ready to discover one of New Hampshire’s most remarkable mountain towns!
