Bretton Woods

New Hampshire’s largest ski area, under Mt. Washington.

New Hampshire’s largest ski area, with about 464 acres of well-groomed trails and glades looking straight at the Presidential Range. It pairs with the Omni Mount Washington Resort across the road, so sleigh rides, a 100 km Nordic network, tubing, a spa and a full holiday program are all on site. Best for families and intermediates who value grooming and views over steeps; there is no night skiing.

The mountain

Vertical drop

1,500 ft

Summit

3,100 ft

Skiable terrain

464 acres

Trails

103

Lifts

9

Average snowfall

200″ a year

Longest run

2 mi

Snowmaking

73% of terrain

Terrain mix

• Beginner 25%
• Intermediate 40%
• Advanced 35%

What’s here besides skiing

• Terrain park
• Snow tubing
• Sleigh rides
• Scenic lift rides
• Snowshoeing
• Cross-country
• Zipline
• Fat biking
• Spa
• Kids programs

Holidays and events

2026–27 dates where they’re posted. “Usually” means the date follows past years. Confirm before you go.

• ChristmasSat Nov 28, 5–7 pm

  Omni Lights Up the Holidays

  Christmas tree lighting in the hotel’s Great Hall, kicking off a month of holiday programming.

• ChristmasNov 28 – Dec 31

  ’Tis the Season at the Omni

  Life-size gingerbread house, Santa visits, kids’ scavenger hunts, Blitzen’s Bar for adults and a Nutcracker performance on Dec 19.

• ChristmasSat Dec 12, 5–8 pm

  Alpin Nights

  Moonlit snowshoe tours, sleigh rides, tubing and s’mores at the Nordic Center, then raclette and fondue at The Grille.

• ChristmasThu Dec 24

  Christmas Eve at the Omni

  Cookie decorating for Santa in the afternoon, a Santa meet-and-greet and a Christmas Eve buffet ($125++ adults).

• New Year’sDec 31, fireworks 10 pm

  New Year’s Eve fireworks

  Family bingo, buffets and dinners, then fireworks over the golf course and a ball-drop party in The Cave (21+).

• RaceMLK Day (Jan 19 in 2026)Usually

  Geschmossel Classic Ski Race

  One of New England’s oldest citizens’ cross-country races, 15 km classic on the Nordic trails.

• RaceEarly March (Mar 7 in 2026)Usually

  Mount Washington Cup

  10 km freestyle Nordic race on the hotel grounds, now near its 50th running.

Where to stay

• lodgeAMC Highland Center

  Appalachian Mountain Club lodge at the top of Crawford Notch, a good-value base for skiers and winter hikers.

  10 min drive
• hotelOmni Mount Washington Resort & Spa

  The 1902 grand hotel across Route 302, with a spa, indoor and outdoor pools, sleigh rides from the side door and The Cave speakeasy.

  5 min drive
• innOmni Bretton Arms Inn

  An 1896 inn with a B&B feel, a short walk from the main hotel and a short drive to the slopes.

  5 min drive
• innThe Notchland Inn

  Romantic country inn deep in Crawford Notch with rooms, suites and cottages.

  20 min drive

Rates are typical winter lows before taxes and fees, and change constantly. Book on the property’s own site.

Things to do

• Horse-drawn sleigh rides · At the hotel

  Private half-hour rides from the Omni hotel ($115 per sleigh for up to five in 2025-26). Book ahead.

• Bretton Woods Nordic Center · 5 min drive

  More than 100 km of classic and skate trails over the hotel grounds and national forest, with rentals, lessons and fat-bike trails.

• Canopy Tour · At the resort

  Gondola up, then nine ziplines, two sky bridges and three rappels with Mount Washington views. Billed as year-round; check winter dates.

• The Spa at Omni Mount Washington · 5 min drive

  Full-service hotel spa for a post-ski soak and treatment.

• Snow tubing hill · 5 min drive

  Classic walk-up tubing hill near the hotel (no lift). Rent tubes at Stone Pillar Outfitters.

• Mount Washington Cog Railway · 10 min drive

  Winter trains climb partway up Mount Washington to Waumbek Station; Santa rides run on December weekends.

• Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel · 30 min drive

  Hands-on dog sled tours in Jefferson, from a short family Mini Mush to a 13-mile, three-hour run.

Après and nightlife

• Slopeside Restaurant & Pub

  Third floor of the base lodge, with drink promos and live music in the afternoons.

• The Cave

  Speakeasy in the Omni hotel’s lower level, with bands and DJs on busy nights (21+).

• Fabyan’s Station

  Casual pub in a former railroad depot on Route 302.

These themes are our summary of recent skier reviews, not quotes.

Getting there

• Manchester-Boston Regional (MHT) · about 2 hr drive
• Boston · about 3 hr
• Montreal · about 3.25 hr
• New York City · about 6 hr

Directions in Google Maps