Conway, NH - New Hampshire ski resorts are looking forward to welcoming back skiers and riders for the 2021-22 winter season soon. With snowmaking operations begun, many resorts are ready for the right weather to power up their snow guns to cover the slopes with the white stuff everyone is craving this time of year. Ski NH, the industry trade association, has compiled helpful information that will allow skiers to plan for their next excursion with everything from projected opening dates to operational details related to COVID-19.

“Last winter, we advised visitors to ‘Know Before You Go’ and that advice holds for this year as well,” stated Jessyca Keeler, President of Ski NH. “With the safety of guests, staff, and our communities our priority, we’ve compiled resources needed to make informed decisions this season.” Ski NH has created a COVID-19 Resource Center on its website to make it easy for NH skiers to find important information about ski area operations: https://www.skinh.com/covid-19-consumer

While there is no single state-wide standard for COVID-19 precautions, all NH ski areas are implementing various public health regulations and protocols. Keeler continued, “Many practices that came into being last year are coming back this year, such as keeping base lodges free of ski bags. Other practices are not - for instance, ski lifts will likely be loaded to capacity this year. Because it all varies by resort, we recommend visiting our online Resource Center as well as individual resort websites.”

Masks are likely to be required for many indoor spaces as well. “No matter where you plan to ski, plan ahead, bring a mask and a vaccination card if available, as some indoor facilities may require them. But overall, operations will be expanded compared to last year,” Keeler added.

While all operations are weather-dependent, Ski NH has also put together a list of projected opening dates for most NH ski areas (see below). With significant investments in snowmaking and grooming, NH ski areas can make more snow more quickly than ever. This results in the ability to open even after just a few days of optimal snowmaking weather.

Projected Alpine Area Opening Dates (Subject to Change)

Go to SkiNH.com/conditions for updates on both alpine & cross-country area opening dates

Abenaki Ski Area – 12/26/21

Attitash Mountain Resort – 12/3/21

Black Mountain – not available

Bretton Woods – TBD

Cannon Mountain – 11/26/21

Cranmore Mountain Resort – Mid-to-late November

Crotched Mountain – 12/11/21

Dartmouth Skiway – 12/23/21

Gunstock Mountain Resort – 12/10/21

King Pine Ski Area – 12/17/21

Loon Mountain Resort – TBD

McIntyre Ski Area – not available

Mount Sunapee Resort – 11/24/21

Pats Peak Ski Area – 12/21/21

Ragged Mountain Ski Area – not available

Waterville Valley Ski Area – 11/26/21

Whaleback Mountain – not available

Wildcat Mountain – TBD

Ski New Hampshire is the statewide association representing 33 alpine and cross-country resorts in New Hampshire. For more information on ski areas, 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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