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February Vacation Week is one of the best times to visit Mt. Washington Valley. With dependable winter conditions, family-friendly attractions and no shortage of ways to explore the wintery landscape, the region offers something for every kind of traveler.
Mt. Washington Valley has six alpine ski areas, all offering family-friendly terrain. Many also offer youth-focused programming, making it easy for the kids to enjoy the slopes with highly qualified instructors while the parents carve out some runs on the more challenging terrain.
Trails: 68 (29% beginner, 44% intermediate, 27% advanced/expert)
Trails: (23% beginner, 30% intermediate, 47% advanced/expert)
Trails: 60 (30% beginner, 45% intermediate, 25% advanced/expert)
Trails: 17 (35% beginner, 30% intermediate, 35% advanced/expert)
Trails: 44 (16% beginner, 58% intermediate, 30% advanced/expert)
Trails: 48 (20% beginner, 47% intermediate, 33% advanced/expert)
There is no shortage of family-fun activities off the mountain. Spend a day exploring some of the many family-friendly attractions in the area.
New England’s first indoor water park is a staple for families who visit the Valley. Enjoy over 40,000 square feet of rides and thrills for all ages.
Located in Settlers Green, Ryan’s offers an arcade with over 50 of the latest and greatest games, as well as an inflatable Airpark.
Visit touch pools, browse vibrant exhibits and see a variety of sea creatures. Kids can participate in special activities and learn about a variety of animals.
Mt. Washington Valley sits at the heart of one of the most expansive backcountry areas in the Northeast, offering thousands of acres of skiable terrain across the Presidential Range and surrounding peaks.
The iconic Tuckerman Ravine is a bucket-list item for many, drawing experienced skiers to its steep gullies and alpine bowl. Nearby, Huntington Ravine offers extremely technical terrain for those of the highest ability.
If it’s your first time exploring the area, consider hiring a guide from Redline Guiding to show you the ropes and take you down secret lines.
Fewer crowds and snow-covered trails can make for an enjoyable, beautiful traverse to the summits of the Presidential Range. If you haven’t explored the area in winter before, we highly recommend hiring a guide. The area can be extremely dangerous during the winter months (September–May).
Before heading out to the trails, consider purchasing a hikeSafe Card which helps support search and rescue efforts throughout the state while educating and reinforcing responsible hiking. Those who obtain the cards are not liable to repay rescue costs. Any individual may still be liable for response expenses if the actions that created the need for emergency response meet criteria set forth by legislation (RSA 206:26-bb).
Winter adventure is as much about preparation as it is about the thrill. Being Wildly Responsible means more than just staying safe; it’s an ethos of readiness for every condition and a commitment to protecting the wild places we love. Before you head out, visit wildlyresponsible.com for the planning tools and expert tips you need for a safe, sustainable journey.
Cross-country skiing may be a change of pace to the aforementioned but no less of a workout. The Valley is home to an extensive network of groomed and backcountry Nordic terrain, making it easy to tailor a day around fitness or exploration. Explore six groomed centers, forest roads and backcountry terrain throughout the area.
When temperatures drop, the Valley becomes one of the premier ice climbing destinations in the Northeast. Steep gullies, frozen waterfalls, and roadside accessible climbs draw athletes from across the region. Areas around Crawford Notch, Cathedral Ledge, and Frankenstein Cliff offer a wide range of routes.
New to the sport? International Mountain Climbing School and Northeast Mountaineering offer introductory programs with instruction and guided beginner climbs.
Not every trip to the Valley revolves around skiing and outdoor excursions. The area has plenty of options for families looking for activities off the slopes.
A great place to start is Settlers Green, the largest tax-free shopping outlet center in the area, with over 70 name-brand stores and excellent dining options like Barley & Salt Tap House and Kitchen and Mountain Moose Noodles & Asian Street Food.
When trying to plan out your meals, check out Valley Originals—a collection of locally owned spots that showcase the Valley’s food scene while staying very approachable for families. Many offer a casual atmosphere, kid-friendly menus and locations close to major attractions.
The best way to see many of the best views in just a few hours might be a train ride. Aboard the Conway Scenic Railroad, vintage cars offer a cozy, authentic feel as you travel through notches, valleys and nearby village centers. Another train, the mountain climbing Cog Railway, takes you on a journey to an extraordinary winter landscape at 4,000 feet on Mt Washington, the northeast’s highest peak.
Covered bridges, frozen waterfalls and roadside viewpoints throughout the Valley provide perfect photo ops.
Snowshoeing is one of the easiest ways to get outside and experience winter in the Valley. At Great Glen Trails, families can rent everything they need for a day on the trails. Explore open fields or wind through forested terrain, all with the White Mountains rising in the background.
This is a can’t-miss activity for the whole family. Cranmore was recently voted Best Tubing in New England. Check out their new Arctic Lights Night Tubing with the park illuminated by vibrant, color-changing LED lights. King Pine’s tubing park is another family-favorite!
The Mount Washington Auto Road offers a memorable winter adventure high above the tree line. Hop aboard the Snowcoach and travel to 4,200 feet, into a subarctic world with snowy panoramic views, all from the comfort and warmth of the cabin.
To learn more about New Hampshire vacations, go to www.VisitNH.gov.
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