Conway, NH – New Hampshire ski areas are ready to welcome visitors during the Presidents' Day holiday weekend and ensuing February vacation weeks. Over 875 alpine and Nordic trails are currently open and covered side to side and top to bottom with snow, offering thousands of acres of varied terrain suitable for everyone from beginners to experts. Additionally, resorts are offering a multitude of other family-friendly activities like tubing, snowshoeing, and ziplining, along with special events and après-ski festivities for both kids and adults.

Ski New Hampshire provides a listing of both alpine and cross-country ski areas on its website at www.SkiNH.com/resorts. Here, visitors will find information on ski areas of all sizes, each with its own vibe, level of difficulty, and off-slope offerings. Those looking for hidden gems with short lift lines and lower ticket prices can often find both at smaller ski areas. Currently, Ski NH has $25 tickets available at Dartmouth Skiway and McIntyre Ski Area that are good any day for the rest of the 2023-24 ski season, including February vacation weeks. Buy them at www.SkiNH.com/ski-nh-lift-tickets.

Ski NH’s Conditions page provides information that guests typically want to know in advance, including snow conditions, the number of open trails and lifts, links to resort web cameras, and click-through links to area websites for more detailed snow reports.

Regarding tickets, ski lessons, and more, people should be aware that some ski areas will sell out of certain products or services during holiday and vacation periods. Ski NH suggests calling in advance to ensure availability, and in some cases, advanced purchases or reservations may be recommended or required.

Night Ski and Save

Another way vacationers can save on the slopes is to consider skiing under the lights at night. Many areas like Gunstock Mountain Resort, King Pine, McIntyre Ski Area, Pats Peak, and Crotched Mountain offer night skiing and riding from mid-afternoon until 8 p.m. or later. Crotched Mountain is normally open Tuesday-Saturday until 9 p.m., but is also open for night skiing until midnight on March 2. On February 17, Cannon Mountain will host a Family Fun Night which includes night skiing until 6:15 p.m., live music, a torchlight parade and fireworks at 6:30 p.m. Find the latest information on night skiing at www.SkiNH.com/activities/night-skiing.

Go Nordic

Nordic (or cross-country) skiing is a great choice to beat the crowds and get a great workout. At many Nordic centers, visitors can also snowshoe. The state has many choices for cross-country skiing that offer diverse terrain options, from beginner to expert, and some with sweeping views across open fields and others through wooded trails. Cross-country skiing is a lower-cost alternative to downhill, has a shorter learning curve, and is another great way for the entire family to enjoy time on snow this February. For those who have never tried cross-country skiing before, most areas offer lessons; one lesson can build confidence and get new skiers on their way to enjoying many miles (or kilometers, as measured by Nordic areas) of trails. Discover Nordic options at www.SkiNH.com/resorts and filter by "Cross Country."

Take a Lesson

Even experienced skiers and riders can learn a thing or two when they take lessons. Various options include lessons for kids, adults, women only, and adaptive lessons, as well as group or private lessons. Instructors provide an insider’s knowledge of the mountain and how to access the best terrain for the participants’ skill level. Other benefits can include access to the “snowsports only” lane in the lift line as well as getting one’s form in the best possible shape for the rest of a ski vacation. Some resorts offer private group lessons that can be tailored for family groups. Ski New Hampshire’s website lists many resort learning programs at www.SkiNH.com/learn/learn.

Go tubing

Snow tubing has become increasingly popular, especially for kids, for those who don’t ski, or as an activity to complement skiing and riding while on vacation. Snow tubing facilities vary; some are lift-serviced while others require a short hike up the hill. NH resorts offering snow tubing include Bretton Woods, Cranmore Mountain Resort, Franconia Inn XC, Great Glen Trails, Gunstock Mountain Resort, King Pine, Loon Mountain Resort, McIntyre Ski Area, and Pats Peak. For more information on tubing hours and options, visit www.SkiNH.com/activities/tubing.

Other mountain adventures

Many NH ski resorts offer additional activities on and off snow, including fat biking, canopy tours, skijoring, mountain coasters, and taking a snow coach up the famed Mount Washington (the highest peak in the Northeast) where you can either ride the coach or snowshoe back down. Find more information on these unique non-skiing activities at www.SkiNH.com/activities/winter-adventures.

Don’t Forget the Après

For those who enjoy live music and hanging out with friends and family after skiing and riding, most NH alpine ski resorts offer live music on weekends or certain afternoons along with hearty appetizers, sandwiches, burgers, drinks, and more. During the February 17-24 vacation week, several ski areas will be serving up live music daily, while others will be hosting live acts Friday and Saturday at either end of the vacation week. Find details at https://www.skinh.com/calendar for a list of après-ski events.

Cool Events Not to Miss

A variety of events will take place at NH ski areas during the vacation weeks. Watch the sky come to life with friends and family, sip on a libation, and enjoy the dazzling array of fireworks over Corcoran Pond in Waterville Valley on February 17. Tickets are also available for the MWV Ski Team Ski Ball that’s taking place from 5-9 p.m. on February 17 at Cranmore Mountain Resort. The evening includes dinner, refreshments, a silent auction to benefit the ski team, and dancing to live music from Rek’lis. For the kids, Cranmore will also be hosting its Cranapalooza family-friendly events daily from February 17-23. For those who enjoy competition, McIntyre Ski Area is hosting a Rail Jam on February 17, and the U Go Girl Race will take place at Attitash Mountain Resort on February 19. Like horses? Check out Waterville Valley Resort’s Skijor Galore on February 18. Details on these and many more events can be found at www.skinh.com/events.

Ski New Hampshire is the statewide association representing over 30 alpine and cross-country ski areas in New Hampshire. For more information on trail conditions, vacation planning, and updated winter events at Ski New Hampshire resorts, visit SkiNH.com. For statewide travel info, go to VisitNH.gov.

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