Wildcat Mountain

Big vertical, face to face with Mount Washington.

Wildcat drops 2,112 feet in Pinkham Notch, directly across from Mount Washington and Tuckerman Ravine, so the views from the top are hard to beat. Trails are narrow and classic New England, from the 2.75-mile Polecat cruiser to steep, bumpy lines and trees. It’s exposed and often windy, so pick your day; Vail runs it and the Epic Pass covers it.

The mountain

Vertical drop

2,112 ft

Summit

4,062 ft

Skiable terrain

225 acres

Trails

48

Lifts

5

Average snowfall

200″ a year

Longest run

2.75 mi

Snowmaking

90% of terrain

Terrain mix

• Beginner 20%
• Intermediate 47%
• Advanced 33%

What’s here besides skiing

• Cross-country
• Snowshoeing
• Kids programs

Holidays and events

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

• ChristmasChristmas Eve and Day (annual); pop-up bar late Nov – Dec 31Usually

  Christmas at the Christmas Farm Inn

  Holiday dinners by reservation and the festive Blitzen’s Pop-Up Bar at this Jackson inn.

• New Year’sDec 31, 5 pm – 12:30 am (annual)Usually

  New Year’s Eve at the Shovel Handle Pub

  Live bands, firepits, a balloon drop and a midnight toast at Whitney’s Inn in Jackson.

Where to stay

• hotelThe Glen House

  68-room hotel at the foot of the Mount Washington Auto Road, the closest hotel to Wildcat, with dining and a heated saltwater pool.

  5 min drive
• hotelEagle Mountain House

  Historic hotel and golf club on Carter Notch Road, just above Jackson village.

  15 min drive
• innWildcat Inn & Tavern

  Village inn and tavern in the middle of Jackson.

  15 min drive
• innThe Wentworth

  Historic inn and restaurant in the center of Jackson village.

  15 min drive

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

Things to do

• Great Glen Trails · 5 min drive

  More than 100 km of groomed cross-country and snowshoe trails at the base of the Auto Road, with rentals and lessons.

• Mt. Washington SnowCoach · 5 min drive

  Tracked van tours up the Auto Road to treeline at about 4,200 ft, with the option to ski or snowshoe back down.

• Jackson XC · 15 min drive

  Community-run cross-country network that winds through Jackson village, with rentals, lessons and snowshoeing.

• Nestlenook Farm · 15 min drive

  Austrian-sleigh rides on a lit 1.5-mile trail (from Nov 27, 2026) and skating on 3-acre Emerald Lake when it freezes.

• Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel · 35 min drive

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

Après and nightlife

• Wildcat Inn & Tavern

  Jackson’s classic tavern for a pint and comfort food after skiing.

• The Shannon Door Pub

  Long-standing Irish-style pub in Jackson.

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

Getting there

• Portland International Jetport (PWM) · about 1 hr 45 min drive
• Boston · about 3 hr
• Montreal · about 3.75 hr
• New York City · about 6.25 hr

Directions in Google Maps