By Paulina Leskow, ’24

Staff Writer

Winter has finally arrived, meaning that people are hitting the slopes for skiing and snowboarding. There are so many ski resorts that make up the New Hampshire Skiing region, some people may not be aware which mountain best suits their ability and preference. Here are the most popular ski resort rankings for anyone looking to hit the slopes this winter.

Starting at number five is Gunstock Ski Resort. Gunstock is a four-season ski resort that offers 227 acres and 49 trails. It is located in the lake regions of New Hampshire, offering a beautiful view of Lake Winnipesaukee. Although Gunstock is a beautiful resort with amazing views and fun trails, it does have its flaws. When one comes in and starts skiing early in the morning, skiers and snowboarders experience nice, powdery snow, however, as the day goes on, the slopes become icy and dangerous to ride on. By lunchtime, riders are going down ice-filled hills with a fear of falling and bruising on the ice. All in all, Gunstock is not a bad ski experience, especially if one is willing to wake up early and head over. 

The next resort on the list is Cannon Mountain. Cannon Mountain is located near Echo Lake in central New Hampshire. This resort has some of the most beautiful mountains and snowy trails imaginable. The only problem is that these conditions are not consistent throughout the whole winter. The conditions depend on the day, and good skiing weather is very hit-or-miss in this region. If you happen to arrive at Cannon Mountain on a beautiful day with amazing conditions, you will have the time of your life riding down the mountain. 

Ranked third is Cranmore Resort. Not only is Cranmore a great place to ski and snowboard with groomed surface conditions and great views, but it also contains many amusements all yearround. In addition to skiing, one is able to ride a rollercoaster as well as take a trip on a zipline. It is a great place to visit with family and friends, and the penguin mascot can always make your day. Cranmore could be a place to go for a weekend trip, with people more interested in the thrill of amusement parks, not just skiers. 

Second on the list is Pats Peak. If you like long, scenic routes on the mountains, Pats Peak is the perfect place for you. It takes about an hour just to get down the mountain. That may seem extremely long for non-skiers, but for those passionate about the sport, this is paradise. Riding calmly through long paths freshly coated with snow sounds like the perfect getaway on a nice winter day. In addition, Pats Peak is located in Southern New Hampshire, one of the closer resorts in the region, so you don’t have to be stuck in the car for hours upon hours just to go skiing. When looking for a nice, calm ski journey, Pats Peak is just the right mountain. 

Although all of these ski resorts are pretty great places to ski or snowboard, Waterville Valley resort is by far the greatest of them all. Waterville Valley is located in the center of New Hampshire, and has a whole village revolving around the ski resort perfect for the winter, and even the summer. All of the ski routes are based upon ski level and vary in length, depending on your preferences. This mountain also introduced a new ski lift that holds six people, as opposed to the standard four-person lift. Lessons at Waterville Valley are very effective and memorable, and it is a great place to go with family, or alone. Waterville Valley is the perfect place to ski or snowboard no matter how advanced you are, and no matter if you prefer long or short trails.

HHS Ski Club: If interested in joining the newly active school ski club, please contact the author at pleskow24@hanoverschools.org

featured image: https://www.newenglandskihistory.com/NewHampshire/watervillevalley.php