Winter is the perfect time of year to enjoy the White Mountains, and particularly so if you love skiing and snowboarding. Crisp corduroy trails, snowy views, and après-ski entertainment are things winter memories are made of – but what if you don’t want to actually do the whole skiing part to enjoy yourself at a White Mountains, NH ski resort?

Our local alpine ski resorts have plenty of activities to keep non-skiers entertained throughout the season. If you’re traveling with friends of family who are enjoying the slopes the traditional way, use this blog as your guide to filling up the day with fun.

Are you taking a ride up a gondola or tram? Dress for winter weather (including snow boots)! You will experience the same frosty temperatures and winds that skiers do at the summit.

 

BRETTON WOODS (Bretton Woods, NH)

Bretton Woods has fantastic ski trails for all ages and abilities, but in this blog we’re here to laud what awaits the summit: the Rosebrook Lodge. This sleek building houses several dining options, including the Switchback Grille, Peaks Café, and Crystal Hills, plus outstanding views of the Presidential Range. To get there, you’ll board the impressive Bretton Woods Skyway Gondola, which can accommodate up to four people and whisks you to the summit in 12 minutes.

Other activities for non-skiers include snow tubing at the nearby Bretton Woods Nordic Center, as well as winter horse-drawn sleigh rides, snowshoeing, the indoor Slopeside Climbing Wall, and even a Canopy Tour that will send you zipping through a winter wonderland!

Please note that a scenic gondola ride ticket does not guarantee seating at Switchback Grill. Limited seating is first-come, first-served. Wait times can be expected on peak days. Please plan accordingly.

For more information on the Skyway Gondola, dining, and all winter offerings, visit Bretton Woods’ website.

Woman Looking Out at Snowy View Holding Coffee

 

CANNON MOUNTAIN AERIAL TRAMWAY (Franconia Notch, NH)

Franconia Notch State Park is home to the legendary Cannon Mountain, which offers skiers some of the best views in the state. Gain access to the same views the skiers get, minus the skis, and book a ticket on the historic Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway. On this scenic ride up Cannon to 4,080’, look for landmarks like Artist Bluff, Echo Lake, and Mount Lafayette; at the top, enjoy views in all directions from the summit building, purchase an epically oversized cinnamon bun at the cafeteria, and dare the looped walking trail to the observatory tower if conditions are fair.

For hours, tickets, and more information, visit Cannon’s website.

Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway (Winter)

 

CRANMORE MOUNTAIN RESORT (North Conway, NH)

North Conway has been ranked the #1 Best Ski Town in the U.S. thanks to the 10Best Reader’s Choice Awards, and in large part that is due to the outstanding family-friendly activities at Cranmore Mountain Resort. Here, non-skier guests can enjoy it all: a Snow Tubing Park plus a Mountain Adventure Park filled with fun. Take a ride on the classic Mountain Coaster, ride the Giant Swing for a pendulum-like experience, and fly through the air on the Soaring Eagle Zip Ride.

Cranmore also offers fun events throughout ski season such as live music, fireworks, and Cranapalooza (for kids eager to meet C-more the Penguin).

For hours, tickets, and more, visit Cranmore’s website. We strongly recommend booking tubing tickets in advance, especially on weekends and holidays.

Winter Tubing at Cranmore Mountain

 

LOON MOUNTAIN RESORT (Lincoln, NH)

If you find yourself in Lincoln, you’d be remiss not adding the Gondola Skyride at Loon Mountain Resort to your list. Book your scenic round trip ride, and bundle up – you’ll travel 1,738 vertical feet to the summit of Loon Peak, where an observatory tower and Summit Café await! Along the way, take in views of White Mountain National Forest, as well as skiers and snowboarders zipping beneath your four-person gondola.

Additional activities for non-skiers at Loon Mountain Resort include their special Camp III Snowshoe & S'mores Evening Adventure on select winter dates, as well as shopping and strolling in the towns of Lincoln and North Woodstock.

Visit Loon’s website for more information on all winter offerings, as well as gondola tickets.

Two Women Taking a Selfie at the Summit of Loon Mountain in Winter

 

ATTITASH MOUNTAIN RESORT (Bartlett, NH)

At Attitash Mountain Resort, the fun for non-skiers is found during their après-ski offerings at Ptarmigans Pub and the Den. Let your friends have fun on the slopes, and meet up later in the day for snacks and live music.

For a full events calendar and a peak at the dining scene, visit Attitash’s website.

 

GUNSTOCK MOUNTAIN RESORT (Gilford, NH)

Get ready for adventure at Gunstock Mountain Resort; this ski resort in NH’s Lakes Region has a great snowtubing hill complete with a conveyor-style lift, plus snowshoe tours departing from their Nordic Center. We’d say schedule both activities in one day for maximum fun!

For more information on non-skier activities, visit Gunstock’s website.

 

WATERVILLE VALLEY (Waterville Valley, NH)

Head to the Waterville Valley Adventure Center for all sorts of non-skier activities just a short drive from the mountain. Highlights include snowshoe rentals to explore the Valley’s vast network of trails, as well as fat biking on select trails when the conditions are favorable.

Visit the Adventure Center’s website for more information.

 

WILDCAT MOUNTAIN (Gorham, NH)

Similarly to Attitash, Wildcat’s winter offerings for non-skiers revolve around dining and music in the afternoon and evening hours.

Visit Wildcat’s website for more information.

 

There are also several great spots in the White Mountains for cross-country skiing if you’d like to try a more sedate sport involving skis. See you out and about, winter fans!