Skiing enthusiasts of the Monadnock Region, rejoice—we’ve taken the stress out of deciding which hill to shred this season! With this list of great spots to find powder, you’ll be able to focus on WHEN to hit the trails instead of where. And as avid skiers ourselves, the team of locals here at Norm’s Ski & Bike Shop can stand by these go-to destinations.
It’s all downhill from here!
The Gorge-ous Drop of Granite Gorge
Plucked out of a Hallmark movie, Granite Gorge Ski area is attached to Pinnacle Mountain and holds a special place in the hearts of local skiing aficionados. Back in 1959, the ski area began as an open mountainside with just a few rope tows. That’s pretty hard to picture after so many years of growth.
Now, this fantastic, 250-foot vertical drop skiing experience includes five trails, ranging from novice to experienced, plus a ton of other snow activities, including tubing and a terrain park.
When this awesome landmark reopened under new ownership last year, locals raved about having it back. “What a great addition to the community! Every staff member we encountered had a smile on their face and were super helpful,” Melissa Paul said.
Same goes for the staff inside The Roxbury Bar & Grill, where you and your friends can fuel up for another round of adventure. Good eats, good drinks, and good company, for sure!
Also, pay attention to the website for engaging offers and events, like season pass pickups, early morning alpine and split board touring, and telemark clinics. This mountain is all-in on winter recreation. So if you’re a Keene, NH native looking to get some thrills or start your slope adventure, we recommend you check out their schedule!
A Peak at Pat’s Peak
Closer to the Henniker, NH area? Then you’ve likely heard of Pat’s Peak! Since opening in 1963, this ski area has earned its place as a favorite destination for skiers from all over.
With a vertical drop of 770 feet, the Peak offers a diverse range of trails for skiers of all skill levels, including several terrain parks for the tricksters out there. They have an excellent beginners program for kids, as well as an official ski team and racing events for experienced enthusiasts.
If hanging at the mountain is your number one priority this season, get ready for some awesome one-off events, too. Pat’s Peak is known for hosting fireworks, big air contests with cash prizes, and more.
Whether you’re just starting out or consider yourself an advanced skier, the slopes of Pat’s Peak provide an exhilarating experience against the scenic backdrop of Henniker. So grab your season pass and watch the snow report. It’s on!
Ski & Ride at Crotched Mountain
Crotched Mountain, located in western Hillsborough County, is a small mountain with big offerings for skiers. Boasting a 2,063-foot summit, Crotched Mountain skiers can take ‘the Rocket’, a high-speed lift chair to the top and experience 100 acres of tree glades and challenging gradients to the bottom.
The resort has lots of unique features, like its Rocket high speed quad and night skiing Tuesday through Saturday, which ensures the skiing adventure doesn’t end at sunset. The daring can even experience an event they call ‘Midnight Madness,’ on these slopes!
Be sure to take advantage of their premier Mountain Development Program for young skiers/riders of all ages, too. It’s a 10-week program that takes participants through the bumps, glades, parks, and race gates, to build a lifelong love for snow sports.
Locals will readily tell you there’s no place on Earth like Crotched, where everyone’s welcome and having fun tops the list.
But now that we’ve covered a few downhill angles, what about all you folks who like to take things a little slower and enjoy the scenery? We’ve got you covered—and you won’t have to travel far either.
Bit of Snow on the Green
A golfer’s paradise during the warm months, the Shattuck Golf Course in Jaffrey transforms into a winter wonderland as soon as snow falls. This hidden gem, located directly at the base of Mt. Monadnock, is complete with groomed trails that are perfect for cross-country skiing.
The course map, available with regular updates on their website, guides skiers through the picturesque winter landscape that you can only find in New Hampshire’s backyard. There are two impressive loops of about three miles each, one located around the front nine and the other around the back of the golf course. So cross your fingers for some great snow this season because these trails are a dream with fresh powder.
Once you’re done with your trek, grab your favorite brew and a burger at The Dublin Taproom and Eatery right on-site. With high quality comfort food, a full bar, and plenty of non-alcoholic options, too, it’s a great place to kick back with friends and enjoy.
Enter Viking Country with Dublin School
For those who prefer the tranquility of cross-country skiing, the Dublin School Nordic Center offers a pristine Nordic ski track with an up-to-date grooming schedule. This popular, local spot provides a serene setting for cross-country skiers to glide through the snowy landscapes, surrounded by the natural beauty of Southern New Hampshire.
The school boasts a nine-kilometer trail system with a state-of-the-art training and racing facility to go right alongside the longstanding 20-kilometer below Dublin Road. Get ready for a fun challenge and a chance to build up your skills and strengths. This is a great place to unleash your love of the sport and really test your abilities on the twists and turns.
Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a first-timer, these top-notch skiing spots in the Monadnock Region offer endless possibilities for winter adventures. But before you embark on your skiing escapade, swing by Norm’s Ski and Bike Shop.
Our friendly team is ready to assist you with recommendations for the best skiing gear and experiences in the area. Let’s grab our skis, hit the slopes, and embrace the thrill of winter in New Hampshire!