The White Mountains have already seen the first hints of winter and it’s only a matter of time when Old Man Winter is here to stay! The White Mountains is an outdoor enthusiast’s playground this time of year and whether you are looking for a way to gently ease into the season or a more challenging adventure, there is a little bit of fun for everyone!

 

Winter at the White Mountains Attractions

The Mount Washington Cog Railway will be running daily train service to Waumbek Station, which is at an elevation of 4,000’. At Waumbek guests can get out to enjoy the incredible scenery and get toasty in one of their warming huts. Hot cocoa and refreshments will be provided.

The Mt. Washington Auto Road’s SnowCoach is a van outfitted with 4 tracks as opposed to wheels and runs to about 4,200’ up the other side of Mount Washington. These guided tours are a fun and educational experience and allow guests to see Mount Washington in a unique way during the winter.

Winter is a special time at Alpine Adventures, where outdoor adventure is taken to the extreme. Soar through the snow-covered trees on one of their Zipline Tours or take a winter off-road adventure in one of Alpine’s Pinzgauers. Challenge yourself on their Thrillsville Aerial Course or enjoy a more relaxing guided snow-shoe tour with one of their knowledgeable and experienced guides. 

Collage of winter photos including a zipline, vans with treads instead of tires driving up Mount Washington, and passengers debarking from the Mount Washington Cog Railway

 

Take a horse-drawn sleigh ride

The White Mountains offers an idyllic backdrop to a traditional horse-drawn sleigh ride. Whether it’s for a romantic outing or a scenic tour with family, there are several great options for you to check out. Franconia Notch Stables offers hour-long excursions through fields and forests with views of Mt. Lafayette, Kinsman Ridge, and Cannon Mountain. Blankets are provided and feel free to bring your choice of warm beverage to enjoy on the ride. The Omni Mount Washington Resort’s sleigh rides bring riders on a tour of the historic resort grounds with the snow-covered Mount Washington in the background. Reserve a private ride or ride with a group. 

Two horses each pulling a single a sleigh stand in the snow at the Omni Mount Washington Hotel

 

Ski and Ride in the White Mountains

We have some of the best skiing and riding in the Northeast! Amazing trails for kids, beginners, and the more seasoned. Depending on which mountain you’re at, you will experience stunning views of the Presidential Range or Mount Washington. Events and special-themed ski days happen continuously, so check out what Attitash Mountain ResortCannon Mountain, Cranmore MountainLoon Mountain ResortWildcat Mountain, and Bretton Woods have to offer!

A skier goes downhill underneath a gondola climbing Loon Mountain

 

Book a Snowmobile Tour

The conditions are great for snowmobiling and the White Mountains offers many trails to explore. SledVentures in Lincoln offers guided group and private snowmobile tours to everyone from the beginner to the expert. See Franconia Notch in a new way as your ride down Corridor 11.  Northeast Snowmobile has locations in Gorham and Fryeburg, Maine to give their guests the best experience. Rent your snowmobile then explore a multitude of trails with incredible views.

A line of snowmobiles passes along a trail between snow-covered trees on an expedition from Northern Extremes Snowmobiling

 

Snowshoe in the woods (And bring your camera!)

There are more trails than can be mentioned that are suitable for snowshoeing here in the White Mountains. For those just looking to get outside and get some fresh air, there are some easier trails to snap on the snowshoes and enjoy the scenery. At the western end of the Kancamagus Highway, Lincoln Woods is a 2.6 mile trail that runs along the Pemigewasset River. Many other trails stem off of this, so your walk can be tailored to your ability and the length of time you want to be out in the woods. The Discovery Trail, also on the Kancamagus Highway, is a 1-mile loop trail that incorporates signs about the history, and natural aspects of the White Mountains. Jackson Ski Touring Foundation maintains 100 km of trails suitable for snowshoeing. Self-guided, and guided tours are available along with rental gear. The AMC Highland Center and the Pinkham Notch Joe Dodge Lodge both offer snowshoe tours led by experienced and knowledgeable guides. Mount Washington Valley Ski Touring offers 40 km of groomed ski and snowshoe trails for all abilities as well as guided snowshoe walks and snowshoe yoga.  

A cross-country skier on a tour from Jackson Ski Touring follows a trail around a bend

 

Winter Adventure Center Activities

Many Nordic and Alpine ski resorts also have adventure centers that are open in the winter. These adventure centers cater to those who want a mountain experience but may not want to hit the slopes to do so.  Explore these great resorts for winter ziplining, non-skier gondola rides, mountain coasters, snowtubing, snowshoeing, winter fat biking and ice skating. Check out the thrilling winter offerings at Bretton Woods, Cranmore Mountain Resort, Great Glen Trails, Gunstock Mountain Resort, Loon Mountain Resort, Purity Spring Resort, and the Waterville Valley Adventure Center

A woman holds a young girl in a snow tube as they glide downhill at Cranmore Mountain

 

Muddy Paw Dog Sled Kennel offers 1–3-hour sled dog tours and guests are encouraged to meet and greet with their sled dog team for an immersive experience. Tours are for ages 2+ and will have you exploring the White Mountains in a very unique way.

A team of sled dogs from Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel pull a rider along a snowy mountain path

 

Ice Castles New Hampshire

This annual, winter attraction returns to the White Mountains this January with a beautifully hand-crafted ice castle, ice tunnels, ice slides, tubing hill, and the enchanted forest walk.

A group of people emerge from a tunnel carved in ice and colored with red, blue and yellow lights Ice Castles

Ice Climbing with North Country Climbing Center

Not only does North Country Climbing Center offer fun and challenging indoor rock climbing for the whole family, they also delve into the world of guided ice climbing adventures. Keep your eye on their website as they update with more information on these extreme, winter excursions!

Two people climbing the side of an ice wall as others spot for them at the bottom on an expedition from Ice Climbing with North Country Climbing Center