With the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics running from February 6 – 22, 2026, families everywhere will be watching athletes chase gold on snow and ice. But here in New Hampshire’s Twin Mountain–Bretton Woods region, you don’t have to just watch. This winter, why not host your very own Family Winter Games—a playful, memory-making vacation inspired by real Olympic events?
All you need is a sense of adventure… and snow. And up here, we’ve got that in spades.
From skiing to skating to ski mountaineering, here’s how to turn your winter getaway into a gold-medal experience.
Downhill Skiing at Bretton Woods & Cannon Mountain
Begin your family’s Winter Games with classic alpine skiing, one of the most beloved Olympic sports. The Twin Mountain–Bretton Woods region gives you two world-class mountains, each offering its own character and terrain.
Bretton Woods Ski Area, New Hampshire’s largest ski resort, is known for its beautifully groomed trails, wide-open slopes, and friendly terrain ideal for beginners. Start your competitions with:
- Fastest family member down a green circle
- Best turns on a blue cruiser
- A team relay on the Learning Center quad
Just a short drive away, Cannon Mountain offers big vertical, iconic New England terrain. Cannon’s deep ski racing heritage makes it a great place for your own “family trials”—time your runs, challenge each other’s technique, and enjoy dramatic views of Franconia Notch.
Snowboarding (Slopestyle & Carving Challenges)
Get into the freestyle spirit with a family snowboarding session. Bretton Woods offers wide, forgiving trails perfect for carving, along with fun, low-key terrain features for kids looking to try small jumps or balance challenges. Scoring is optional—smiles are not.
Nordic Skiing + The Chasing Gold Weekend Pass
Cross-country skiing is one of the most family-friendly ways to explore the White Mountains, and the Bretton Woods Nordic Center offers more than 100 kilometers of groomed trails for classic and skate skiing. Enjoy peaceful loops, wildlife tracks, and stunning mountain scenery.
And this year brings something truly special: the Chasing Gold Weekend Pass from White Mountain Nordic. For just $26, skiers receive a two-day pass valid at all six Nordic centers in the White Mountains of New Hampshire:
- Bretton Woods Nordic
- Jackson Ski Touring
- Great Glen Trails
- MWV Ski Touring
- Bear Notch Ski Touring
- Purity Spring XC & Snowshoe Reserve
That’s over $100 value for $26, valid February 7–8, 2026. With a special punch card, you can ski one center or sample several in a single day—creating your own Olympic-style ski tour of the White Mountains.
Family-friendly competitions include:
- Classic vs. skate “sprints”
- Photo scavenger hunts
- Kilometer challenges
Ice Skating
No Winter Games are complete without ice skating. Families can enjoy local rinks throughout the region—but for an extra-special experience, some Bretton Woods Vacations rental homes (like unit 1800ML) include their own private skating rink right on the property. They even have a webcam to view the rink!
Whether you’re gliding across a resort rink or stepping outside your rental for a magical backyard skate, try events like:
- Longest glide
- Best “figure eight”
- Most creative paired routine
It’s pure winter magic. You’ll find indoor skating rinks a reasonable drive away in Lancaster, Bethlehem, Franconia, Lincoln, Jackson, Conway and Waterville Valley, NH. Bretton Woods Vacations has created a great compilation of ice skating options in the region – check it out here.
Ski Mountaineering (Backcountry Touring for Families)
Ski mountaineering—one of the newest Winter Olympic sports—can be enjoyed in a family-friendly way throughout the region. Here, it often takes the form of backcountry ski touring, a peaceful blend of climbing and descending on skis.
The White Mountains offer countless mellow backcountry trails ideal for beginners and intermediates. For those who prefer to stay in-bounds, both Bretton Woods and Cannon Mountain offer designated uphill travel routes during specific times and conditions. Families can climb at their own pace, enjoy the quiet of the winter woods, and then ski down groomed terrain.
It’s a unique, memorable way to add an Olympic-inspired twist to your winter getaway.
Ski Jumping… and a Visit to the Nansen Ski Jump
No, your family won’t be launching off towering Olympic ski jumps—but you can recreate the fun safely. Try small terrain-park features, gentle rollers, or mini snow jumps near your cabin.
Award medals for:
- Best landing
- Best form
- Most dramatic announcer voice
For a dose of real history, take a short drive to Berlin, NH, home of the iconic Nansen Ski Jump—America’s oldest ski jump and a towering symbol of the sport’s heritage. While it’s not open for public jumping, it’s a fascinating and inspiring stop for families imagining athletes soaring through the air.
🎿 Freestyle Skiing (Family Edition)
Freestyle doesn’t have to mean big air. At Bretton Woods, you can play on naturally varied terrain, practice small bumps, or challenge each other to balance and technique drills. Creativity counts—and every participant can shine.
🍫 Après Skiing (The Event Everyone Wins)
A day packed with family competitions deserves a delicious finish. The region has fantastic après-ski options:
- Rosebrook Lodge at Bretton Woods (via gondola): Cozy spaces, panoramic views, and great food—no skis required.
- Rek-lis Brewing in Bethlehem: Lively atmosphere, creative beers, and hearty comfort food.
- The Wayside Inn: Classic New England charm and riverside dining.
- Rosa Flamingo’s: Warm Italian-inspired meals perfect for ending a winter day.
Plan Your Family Winter Games
This winter, don’t just watch the Olympics—create your own in the Twin Mountain–Bretton Woods region. With world-class skiing, family-friendly adventures, and endless snowy magic, it’s the perfect place to make memories you’ll treasure long after the medals are awarded.
Plan your family’s Winter Olympics getaway — Twin Mountain-Bretton Woods is ready for you.
This blog made possible through New Hampshire’s JPP Grant Program.
www.VisitNH.gov