New Hampshire's southern mountains are ready for family fun, snow sports and outdoor adventure, two hours from Boston, Hartford, Providence and other New England cities.
New Hampshire’s family-friendly ski areas have easy access, reasonably priced lift tickets, beginner slopes and child-friendly facilities that encourage new skiers of all ages to take to the snow. They also share a warmth and personal feeling that’s hard for mega-resorts to duplicate – friendly chatter in the lift lines and courtesy on the slopes.
Even the two mountains in the southernmost part of New Hampshire have snow for opening the beginning of December.
Crotched Mountain, which has some of the state’s best grooming and snow-making, is off Route 47, reached from Route 101 between Keene and Nashua. A good mountain for beginning and intermediate skiers, it offers a wide variety of trails. Weekend rates are $47 for adults and $35 for juniors with half days at $35/29 and mid week tickets $39/29 for a full day. The best deal is the Ski and Ride package at $69, which includes a lift pass, equipment rental and a lesson. On “2fer Tuesday” two people get lift tickets for only $22 each.
Pat’s Peak is in Henniker on Route 114, just off Route 9 between Concord and Keene. Good learner facilities mesh nicely with a separate greenhorn slope while other trails on the mountain satisfy intermediates and even advanced expert skiers. Weekend rates are $48 for adults and $36 for juniors, with weekday prices even more reasonable. Their season pass is only $369 adult, $269 juniors. Seniors get the juniors price.
Ragged Mountain is in Danbury, off I-93 (From exit 17 follow Route 4 and Route 104). Ragged has a good range of slopes, a good ski school and the friendly, family environment of a small resort tucked away in a valley. On Wednesdays their Carload special allows up to 4 people in a car to get their lift tickets for $50. Weekend rates are $54 adults, $44 juniors, $34 kids.
Gunstock Mountain Resort in Gilford is close to Laconia, accessed from I-93 at Tilton and clearly signposted along routes 3, 11 and 11A. One of the oldest areas in the state, it is also the most comfortable for families, with an outstanding ski school and youth programs and enough trails and slopes to challenge the whole family. Their “2fer” special is on Mondays, when two ski for $48 adults, $28 juniors. Gunstock’s weekend lift rates are $56 adults, $48 juniors and during the week $46/$38.
