Famous for the breathtaking colours of its autumn flora, New Hampshire is also home to an enviable range of ski resorts in the White Mountain National Forest. Lying just two hours north of Boston, the White Mountains offer affordable skiing and boarding on well-managed slopes, as well as friendly service in a relaxed, family atmosphere.
Helping international visitors make the most of the skiing on offer, five of the best resorts in the area work closely with the New Hampshire Ski Group USA to offer what is probably the most flexible multi-mountain lift pass on the market, the 5-Mountain Ski Passport. Valid on the 5 different resorts of Cannon Mountain, Loon Mountain, Waterville Valley, Bretton Wood and Cranmore Mountains, the Ski Passport can be used on any or all of these mountains, leaving the choice of where and when entirely up to the skier.
The five resorts are within close radius of each other, and boast terrain for all levels of skiers and boarder, with an approximate average split of 25% gentle learning and novice slopes, 50% groomed intermediate cruising 25% advanced steeps and glades. And what’s more, the well maintained trails which snake their way down among the trees are crowd-free, with empty slopes particularly on Monday to Friday leading to lifts that you just hop straight on to without any waiting.
Close to 100% snowmaking coverage supplements significant annual snowfall, allowing for a season running from late November to mid-April.
There is also a wide choice of places to stay, with options to suite every taste and pocket from ski-in/ski-out convenience, mid-priced family-friendly hotels and, for those seeking a more traditional base, quaint New England Inns.
Among the most affordable American skiing to the UK, New Hampshire offers the chance to ski a variety of mountains in one trip, with outstanding friendly service in a relaxed, low-key atmosphere. And with the shortest flight to the USA and an easy two-hour drive, it’s closer then you think!
For more info: www.usaskiholiday.co.uk
