Gunstock Mountain Resort

Lake Winnipesaukee views and big-time night skiing.

A county-owned mountain above Lake Winnipesaukee with 1,340 ft of vertical, strong snowmaking and one of New England’s largest night-skiing operations. There is a lot to do beyond alpine runs: a lit tubing hill, a mountain coaster and groomed Nordic trails. Good for families and for skiing after work Tuesday through Saturday.

The mountain

Vertical drop

1,340 ft

Summit

2,300 ft

Skiable terrain

227 acres

Trails

49

Lifts

8

Average snowfall

120″ a year

Longest run

1.5 mi

Snowmaking

98% of terrain

Terrain mix

• Beginner 15%
• Intermediate 52%
• Advanced 33%

What’s here besides skiing

• Night skiing
• Terrain park
• Snow tubing
• Cross-country
• Snowshoeing
• Mountain coaster
• Kids programs

Holidays and events

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

• ChristmasSaturday before Christmas, 10 am–noonUsually

  Santa Visits Gunstock

  Santa roams the slopes and visits the Historic Base Lodge.

• ChristmasHoliday week, 5–7 pm (Dec 28 last season)Usually

  Torchlight Parade and Fireworks

  Skiers and riders carrying lights snake down the mountain at dusk, then fireworks. Live music at the Barrel Bar beforehand.

• Opening dayEarly December (Dec 5 last season)Usually

  Opening Day

  A party in the line for first chair on the Panorama quad.

• EventMLK weekend Saturday, 5–7 pmUsually

  Glow & Throw Rail Jam

  Night rail jam with glow sticks, music and s’mores by the slopeside fire pit.

• Pond skimClosing weekend (Apr 4 last season)Usually

  Pond Skim

  Costumed skiers and riders try to cross a pond at the base. Prizes for best costume, driest run and biggest splash.

Where to stay

• hotelFireside Inn & Suites Gilford

  Hotel near the lake with indoor and outdoor pools, a whirlpool, grab-and-go breakfast and one-bedroom suites with full kitchens.

  10 min drive
• hotelThe Margate Resort

  Lakefront resort hotel in Laconia on Lake Winnipesaukee.

  15 min drive
• innMill Falls at the Lake

  Four inns in Meredith on Lake Winnipesaukee, all within walking distance of each other and the village, with shared resort amenities.

  30 min drive

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

Things to do

• Gunstock Nordic Center · On site

  Groomed classic and skate trails, separate snowshoe trails and dog-friendly routes for skijoring.

• Gunstock Mountain Coaster · On site

  Two-person carts on a twin-rail track through the woods, with loops and banked turns. You control the speed. Check the site for winter hours.

• Night sessions and tubing · On site

  The tubing hill, terrain park and 22 trails are lit Tuesday through Saturday from 3 pm.

• Funspot · 15 min drive

  Huge arcade with classic games and bowling at Weirs Beach, good for a stormy afternoon.

• The Colonial Theatre of Laconia · 15 min drive

  Restored downtown theater with concerts and shows.

Après and nightlife

• Barrel Bar & Grille

  The on-mountain bar, with live music on event nights.

• Patrick’s Pub & Eatery

  Long-running Irish pub in Gilford with live entertainment.

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

Getting there

• Manchester-Boston Regional (MHT) · about 55 min drive
• Boston · about 1.75 hr
• New York City · about 4.5 hr

Directions in Google Maps