You just need to provide the desire, comfortable clothing, and perhaps a snack. New Hampshire cross country skiing venues will provide the snow. Lots of snow. Commercial cross country ski areas offer ski rentals and lessons. At these areas you’ll find groomed trails, many wide enough for skating. Many New Hampshire state parks are open in the winter. Expect to find ungroomed trails in the parks. Wherever you ski there will be forest and meadows, mountains and streams. There is no better way to enjoy winter outdoors.

DARTMOUTH-LAKE SUNAPEE top of listings

Cardigan State Park
Off Route 118
Orange, NH
Phone: 603-547-3373

This park sits on the western slope of Mount Cardigan, offering sweeping scenery. A scenic road leads to the picnic area. Trails offer visitors hiking in warmer weather, and cross-country skiing in the winter.

Mount Sunapee State Park
Off Route 103
Newbury, NH 03255
Phone: 603-763-5561

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The 4,085-acre lake at the park is ideal for family and group outings and for fishing, boating, swimming, and picnicking. The beach has a store, a playground, and a bathhouse. Rentals of canoes and kayaks. A boat launch is available. Open weekends only starting in late May, then daily from late June through early September; then weekends only until late September 24. Call or check Web site for exact opening and closing dates. Admission fee.

Pillsbury State Park
Route 31
Washington, NH
Phone: 603-863-2860

This wooded park offers canoeing on May Pond, fishing areas in both the pond and nearby streams, hiking trails into nearby mountains, and a picnic area. Wintertime activities available include snowmobile trails and cross-country skiing. There is a public campsite available. Pets are allowed.

GREAT NORTH WOODS top of listings

Connecticut Lakes State Forest
Route 3
Pittsburg, NH
Phone: 603-538-6965

Visitors will enjoy fishing, hunting, boating, paddling, and hiking. In the winter, there are cross-country ski trails available. This state forest includes the Deer Mountain Campground operated by the New Hampshire Division of Parks and REcreation. Deer Mountain Campground is just five minutes south of the Canadian border and 13 miles from Lake Francis. It is adjacent to the stretch of Route 3 north of Pittsburg, referred to as Moose Alley, which makes it a prime location for moose viewing. The 25-site primitive campground includes 22 sites available by reservation only, and three for first-come/first-served campers. Each site has a fireplace, picnic table, flat area for a tent, and a parking space. The campground is open for reservable stays from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend. First-come/first-served camping with limited facilities is available starting in mid-May, 2009, weather permitting. Information: www.nhdfl.org or www.nhstateparks.org/

Moose Brook State Park
Off U.S. Route 2
Gorham, NH
Phone: 603-466-3860

Popular with fisherman because of its numerous ponds and streams, this park also offers hiking trails, mountain climbing in the Crescent Mountain range, mountain bike trails and lake swimming. Cross-country ski trails are open in the winter. There is a public campsite available.

Nash Stream
Off Route 110 to Emerson Road to nash Stream Road
Odell, NH
Phone: 603-788-4157

More than just one stream, this is actually 40,000 acres of undeveloped land. It's available for public use for hiking, fishing, paddling, hunting, snowmobiling, ATV riding, and cross-country skiing. Camping is not permitted. Information: www.nhdfl.org.

LAKES top of listings

Cottage Place on Squam Lake
1132 U.S. Route 3
Holderness, NH 03245
Phone: 603-968-7116
Fax: 603-968-2345

It's the perfect place for a winter landing!!

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The Cottage Place on Squam Lake is situated on the shores of pristine Little Squam Lake in Holderness, a perfect location for your vacation or just a few days of peace and nature. Our vacation rentals include seven cottages, one six-bedroom lodge, and eight cottage suites all of which offer year-round access to the lake and surrounding area. We are located within a half-hour of five ski areas, and have direct access to trails for all kinds of winter activities.
During the winter seasons, there's plenty to do in our corner of the Lakes region. You can step outside for some snowshoe hiking, cross-country skiing or a snowmobile ride. If the lake's frozen enough, you can try your hand at some ice fishing, or just enjoy a quiet stroll along the beachfront. Of course, you can also spend your time in the warmth of your room or our lodge if that's your preference.

Gunstock Cross Country and Snowshoe Center
Route 11A
Gilford, NH 03429
Phone: 603-293-4341

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Amenities/Attractions: Cross country skiing and snowshoeing, on over 50 km of trails, through dense woods with stone walls and brooks, as well as scenic overlooks. Nearby alpine ski area has snow tubing park.

King Pine Ski Area @ Purity Spring Resort
Route 153
East Madison, NH 03849
Phone: 603-367-8896
Toll-Free: 800-FREE-SKI

Voted "#1 Family Ski Resort in the White Mountains" by Boston-based RideTheLift.com's 2007 skier survey

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Complimentary Cross-Country (Nordic) Skiing is available midweek at Purity Spring Resort for its in-house lodging guests. On weekends, XC skiing is just $9 for adults and $6 for kids. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere and affordability, Purity Spring and King Pine Ski Area have been a tradition for families throughout New England for decades.

Additional amenities at King Pine and Purity Spring Resort include night skiing, snow tubing, zamboni-prepped ice skating, an indoor pool and fitness center… plus a warm, caring atmosphere that keeps families coming back year after year. To learn more about Purity Spring Resort, follow our link above or call (800) 373-3754.

MERRIMACK VALLEY top of listings

Bear Brook State Park
Off Route 28
Allenstown, NH 03275
Phone: 603-485-9874

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This park is set on 9,600 acres, amid lakes, hills and forest. Visitors will find hiking trails, play areas, archery ranges, a nature center, and museums dedicated to camping, snowmobiling and the Civilian Conservation Corps. There are hunting areas, fishing in streams and ponds, mountain biking trails, nature programs, boating, a beach and canoeing. Wintertime offers cross-country ski trails, snowmobile trails, and dog-sledding. A public campsite is available.

Pawtuckaway State Park
128 Mountain Road
Nottingham, NH 03290
Phone: 603-895-3031

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This park features a beach, changing facilities, swimming, boating, canoeing, hiking trails, fishing, mountain biking, and a picnic area. In the winter, snowmobile and cross-country ski trails are open. A public campground is also available.

MONADNOCK top of listings

Fox State Forest
309 Center Road
Hillsborough, NH
Phone: 603-464-3453

This forest features over 20 miles of trails for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.

Greenfield State Park
Route 136
Greenfield, NH 03047
Phone: 603-547-3497

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A 401 acre park on Otter Lake offering a beach, swimming, picnic areas, canoeing, fishing, and hiking trails. Wintertime activities include cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. A public campground is available.

Monadnock State Park
Route 124
Jaffrey, NH 03452
Phone: 603-532-8862

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Home to Mount Monadnock, which rises over 3100 feet, this park is among the most popular in New England with hikers and mountain climbers. There are over 40 miles of trails and a spectacular view of New Hampshire, Vermont and Massachusetts at the mountain's summit. Visitors will also enjoy the winter-time cross-country ski trails, and a public camping area is available all year long. The park also has a store.

Wapack National Wildlife Refuge
Route 101
Peterborough, NH

This preserve offers ample opportunity for wildlife observation, particularly of migrating hawks. Hiking trails lead past forested land, a bog, a swamp and a rock cliff. These trails are available in the winter for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing as well. Camping and open fires are not permitted.

Windblown Cross Country
1180 Turnpike Road (Rte. 124/123)
New Ipswich, NH 03071
Phone: 603-878-2869

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You'll find 40 km of exciting trails with fantastic views. Snowshoe trails have been expanded.

Woodbound Inn Cross Country
62 Woodbound Road
Rindge, NH 03461
Phone: 603-532-8341

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Enjoy twenty kilometers of beautiful ski trails, lighted skating pond and sledding hill. Breathtaking views of Mount Monadnock.

SEACOAST top of listings

Odiorne Point State Park
Route 1A
Rye, NH
Phone: 603-436-7406

The site of the first European settlement in New Hampshire, founded in 1623. During World War II, it was home to Fort Dearborn, a U.S. Army Base. Today, the park offers a look back at the history and a view of the area's nature through panels set throughout the park. In addition, visitors will enjoy canoeing, walking trails, a bike path and picnic areas. In the winter, cross-country ski trails are available. The park is also home to the Seacoast Science Center, which holds events throughout the year.

WHITE MOUNTAINS top of listings

Bear Notch Ski Touring Center
Route 302
Bartlett, NH 03812
Phone: 603-374-2277

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Amenities/Attractions: Cross country skiing and snowshoeing over 70 km of groomed trails and backcountry. Trails traverse pristine waterfalls, riverside views, picturesque open meadows and trailside picnic tables.

Bretton Woods Cross Country
Route 302
Bretton Woods, NH 03575
Phone: 603-278-3320

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100 km of groomed classic and skate trails plus snowshoeing and even biathalon.

Eastman Cross Country Center
Grantham, NH 03753
Phone: 603-863-4500

Cross country skiing and snowshoeing on 36 km of groomed trails and 6 km backcountry.

Franconia Inn
Easton Road
Franconia, NH 03580
Phone: 603-823-5542
Toll-Free: 800-473-5299

Welcoming guests since 1863

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Situated on over 100 sprawling acres in Easton Valley, the Franconia Inn affords a breathtaking view of Mount Lafayette, Franconia Notch, and the Franconia and Kinsman Ranges of the White Mountains. Our prime New England locale provides easy accessibility to the small villages of Franconia, Sugar Hill, and Easton, as well as to the serene charm of the more quiet country life. Much more than a scenic winter ski resort, The Franconia Inn is an enchanting getaway for all seasons. In winter, spring, summer, and fall, you are sure to find plenty to please.

Franconia Notch State Park
Route 93
Franconia, NH 03580
Phone: 603-823-8800

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Perhaps the most interesting of New Hampshire's state parks, Franconia Notch offers some incredible natural experiences. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain climbing up Cannon Mountain and Mount Liberty, fishing, canoeing, boating, and picnicking. Winter activities offered include cross-country ski trails, alpine skiing and snowmobile trails. Trails include a portion of the Appalachian Trail, and lead to spectacular sites. Historic site of The Old Man of the Mountain, a natural phenomenon created by a series of granite ledges jutting from a cliff face 1,200 feet in the air, which collapsed in 2003. The Flume is a 800 foot gorge with high granite walls, which support a variety of mountain flora in the warmer months. The Basin is a glacial pothole over 20 feet wide, formed at the base of a waterfall by the onslaught of the rushing water. Sightseers will enjoy a ride on the park's Aerial Tramway to the top of Cannon Mountain, where the view is spectacular. A public campground is also available.

Jackson Ski Touring Foundation
153 Main Street
Jackson, NH 03846

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Cross country skiing and snowshoeing on the most extensive and oldest (since 1888) trail system in the Eastern U.S. 93 km groomed and 61 km backcountry trails. Magnificent vistas of the Presidential Range, wide-open fields, and the Ellis River.

King Pine Ski Area @ Purity Spring Resort
Route 153
East Madison, NH 03849
Phone: 603-367-8896
Toll-Free: 800-FREE-SKI

Voted "#1 Family Ski Resort in the White Mountains" by Boston-based RideTheLift.com's 2007 skier survey

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Loon Mountain Cross Country
60 Mountain Road
Lincoln, NH 03251
Phone: 603-745-8111 x5562

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Amenities/Attractions: Cross country skiing and snowshoeing, telemark, and ice skating. Trails are pristine, uncrowded, and meticulously groomed and tracked. Total of 35 km trails and 10 km backcountry.

Moose Brook State Park
Off U.S. Route 2
Gorham, NH
Phone: 603-466-3860

Mt. Washington Valley Ski Touring & Snowshoe Center
Routes 16 & 302
Intervale, NH 03845
Phone: 603-356-9920

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Cross country skiing and snowshoeing 65 km of groomed and 5 km backcountry trails. Trails connect the towns of Intervale, Kearsarge and North Conway offering views of the Saco River and Mt. Washington.

New England Ski Museum
Exit 34B, I-93/Franconia Notch Parkway
Franconia, NH 03580
Phone: 603-823-7177

Open: Memorial Day -March 31, daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

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Exhibits feature antique ski equipment and vintage ski films. There is a museum shop. Admission is free.

Nordic Center at Waterville Valley
Town Square
Waterville Valley, NH 03215
Phone: 603-236-4666

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Ski or snowshoe 73 km of trails in the heart of the White Mountain National Forest and over 35 km in the backcountry.

Omni Mount Washington Resort
Route 302
Bretton Woods, NH 03575
Phone: 603-278-1000
Toll-Free: 866-257-6946

Stay here. Ski free.

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It seems like winter was made for Mount Washington Resort. The largest ski area in New Hampshire, Bretton Woods boasts some of the best conditions and weather in the region. Over 101 trails and glades for Alpine skiing and a 100-kilometer trail network for Nordic skiing make for endless fun for beginners and experts alike. Enjoy a wide array of other activities including ice skating, dog sledding, snowshoeing, ice climbing and Canopy Tour, an exhilarating year-round adventure. Come to Mount Washington Resort this winter for great excitement and memories to treasure. And when you do, our “Stay Here, Ski Free” offer delivers the perfect winter getaway at a true New England value.
Visit our website or call 866.257.6946 for more information.