New Hampshire winters offer something for every type of snow lover. Want the rush of flying down a mountain under the lights? Head to Gunstock for night skiing. Prefer quiet trails winding through frozen forests? The Lakes Region has miles of cross-country and snowshoe paths waiting. Or maybe you’d rather tear through northern corridors on a snowmobile at 60 mph. Tilton, NH sits perfectly positioned between all three, making it the ideal spot to base your winter adventure without spending half your trip on the road.
- Gunstock Mountain Resort offers 227 skiable acres with 49 trails ranging from beginner greens to expert blacks, plus night skiing on 22 illuminated runs and a terrain park that stays open after dark.
- Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails dot the Lakes Region, with options like Gunstock’s 27 kilometers of groomed Nordic trails and Wolfeboro’s community-run system offering 30 kilometers of scenic routes.
- Snowmobiling enthusiasts can access over 7,000 miles of groomed trails throughout New Hampshire, with northern corridors connecting towns like Pittsburg, Colebrook, and Berlin through forests and mountain passes.
Downhill Skiing Gets Better After Dark
Gunstock Mountain Resort sits right in the Lakes Region with views overlooking Lake Winnipesaukee. Most ski areas shut down when the sun sets, but Gunstock keeps 22 trails lit up for night skiing sessions. There’s something about carving turns under stadium lights with the temperature dropping and fewer people on the slopes that makes the whole experience feel different.
During the day, you’ve got 49 trails spread across 227 acres. Beginners stick to the gentler slopes served by the learning area, while more experienced skiers head to the Ramrod and Tiger sections on the west side for steeper terrain and race courses. Blundersmoke Terrain Park gets plenty of attention too, especially from snowboarders who want to hit jumps and rails. It’s actually the largest night terrain park in New England, so park rats can keep riding long after most other mountains close.
Seven chairlifts keep lines moving, including the Panorama high-speed quad that gets you to the summit in about five minutes. Vertical drop hits 1,340 feet, which isn’t massive but gives you enough run to build speed and work your legs. Weekend lift tickets run between $94 and $109 depending on when you go, with weekday prices dropping to $65-$79.
Slow Down on Nordic Trails
Not everyone wants to bomb down a mountain at 40 mph. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing offer a completely different winter experience, one that’s more about rhythm and scenery than adrenaline. Gunstock maintains 27 kilometers of groomed trails for both classic and skate skiing styles, with a full Nordic Center that rents gear and offers lessons.
Wolfeboro sits on the eastern shore of Lake Winnipesaukee and runs one of the better community ski operations in the state. Their 30 kilometers of groomed trails wind through forests and along ridgelines with lake views. Another 35 kilometers stay open for snowshoeing. Day passes are cheap, and kids under 12 ski free along with anyone over 74.
State parks get in on the action too. Franconia Notch has the Franconia Recreational Path for easy terrain, while Crawford Notch offers short trails to waterfalls that work well for intermediate snowshoers. Monadnock State Park keeps 12 miles of trails open on the lower slopes, though you’ll need at least 16 inches of snow since they don’t groom.
When Quiet Isn’t What You’re After
Snowmobiling delivers the opposite of a peaceful forest walk. You’re talking about machines that can hit highway speeds on groomed trails cutting through the backcountry. New Hampshire maintains over 7,000 miles of interconnected snowmobile trails, all maintained by volunteer clubs who groom the corridors and keep everything marked.
Northern corridors offer some of the best riding. Pittsburg alone has 200 miles of trails that connect to the Canadian border. Corridor 11 runs from Twin Mountain to Berlin through winding forest sections with mountain views. The Great North Woods region links towns like Colebrook and Errol with trails that can keep you riding for days if you’re into it.
Most snowmobiling happens on private land, which only works because landowners grant permission and riders respect the rules. Local clubs handle the relationships and maintenance, which is why joining a club makes sense if you plan to ride regularly. Registration with New Hampshire Fish and Game is required, but there’s no separate trail fee. Rental shops scattered throughout the north offer sleds and guided tours for people visiting without their own equipment.
Why Tilton Works as Your Base Camp
Location matters when you’re trying to hit multiple winter activities without wasting half your vacation driving. Tilton, NH, sits at Exit 20 off I-93, making it the gateway to the Lakes Region and putting you within easy reach of everything mentioned above. You’re 30 minutes from Concord, an hour from Boston, and positioned right between lake activities and mountain access.
Gunstock is a short drive northeast. Snowmobile trails connect throughout the region, and you can reach the northern corridors within an hour or so depending on where you’re headed. Cross-country ski areas dot the Lakes Region within a 20-30 minute radius. Plus Tilton has actual amenities like grocery stores, gas stations, the Tanger Outlets, and restaurants, so you’re not stuck in a remote mountain town when you need something.