Start by choosing the most central, most flexible White Mountains location for your winter New Hampshire getaway —Twin Mountain-Bretton Woods. From laid back and leisurely to adrenaline-pumping adventure, there’s winter fun for everyone. Our region is the ultimate mountain retreat, offering a variety of hotel and lodging options in all price ranges and many great restaurants to refuel after your winter adventure. Make the trip to Twin Mountain-Bretton Woods this winter – you won’t regret it!
Winter Quick Facts
- Average snowfall in Coos County is 95 inches
- Nearly 200 trails for alpine skiing and snowboarding between Bretton Woods Ski Resort and Cannon Mountain
- Over 100 miles of snowmobiling trails
- Home to the Mount Washington Cog Railway, the world’s first mountain-climbing cog railway
How far are you from Twin Mountain-Bretton Woods?
- Concord, NH: 1 hour, 30 minutes, 90 miles
- Manchester, NH: 1 hour, 45 minutes, 107 miles
- Boston, MA: 2 hours, 30 minutes, 158 miles
- Worcester, MA: 2 hours, 51 minutes, 178 miles
- Portland, ME: 2 hours, 15 minutes, 93 miles
OVERVIEW OF ACTIVITIES
Our region is home to Bretton Woods, NH’s largest ski resort, miles of pristine snowmobile trails, winter attractions such as the Mount Washington Cog Railway, and endless opportunities to explore on a winter hike or snowshoe adventure.
- Snowshoeing/hiking
- Skiing
- Snowmobiling
- Fat Biking
- Tubing
- The Cog
- Sleigh rides/carriage ride
- Canopy Tours
The Omni Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods – Your Destination for Snow Sports and Recreation
This resort has plenty of things to do throughout the entire winter season. Most winter activities are open to the public from alpine and Nordic skiing, guided snowshoeing and fat biking tours, sleigh and carriage rides to tubing, and more!
The Mount Washington Cog Railway – Winter Train Rides on Mount Washington
Take a trip up Mount Washington aboard the Cog Railway and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the North and South Presidentials to the Bretton Woods Ski Area, Lafayette, and the mountains of Vermont.
- 1 hour round-trip with a 25-minute stop at Waumbek Station, 4000’ elevation.
- The trip includes complimentary refreshments, fire pit, and warming huts. Visitors can also roast marshmallows or a hot dog (additional cost, available for purchase at Marshfield Base Station).
Before or after your ride on The Cog, browse the Cog Railway Museum, shop Cog collectibles and Mt. Washington gear from the gift shop, and chat with friendly Coggers eager to answer your questions. Find a schedule and purchase tickets online.
Marshfield Base Station – Embark on a Winter Adventure Beneath Mount Washington
Marshfield Base Station, at the entrance of The Cog, is the highest winter base camp on Mount Washington. This location is ideal for winter recreation, including winter hiking, snowshoeing, backcountry skiing or snowboarding. Hundreds of miles of snowmobile trails are also accessible from the Marshfield Base Station parking lot.
- Groomed trackside service trail is available all winter.
- Two major hiking routes to the summit of Mt. Washington: The Jewell and Ammonoosuc Ravine Trails (land use fees apply; please have proper gear suitable for winter sports).
- Check with the Twin Mountain Snowmobile Association for trail conditions of Marshfield Base Station.
- Bucket list item: Take The Cog Railway up the mountain and ski down.
Snowmobiling Trails – Ride Your Snow Sled Through the White Mountains
Ride over 100 miles of groomed snowmobiling trails throughout Twin Mountain and Bretton Woods. Our region allows for easy access to trails from area lodging, restaurants, gas stations, and convenience stores. Learn more on our Snowmobiling page.
White Mountains Winter Hiking & Snowshoeing – A Breath of Fresh Air
Winter hiking and snowshoeing is a great way to explore at your own pace. The Twin Mountain and Bretton Woods region offers a variety of trails, ranging from quick afternoon walks to all-day treks. Read our winter hiking gear checklist below before embarking on your adventure.
A few suggested trails, in order of difficulty include: The Rocks, Pondicherry National Wildlife Refuge, Saco Lake Loop, Elephants Head, Mt. Willard, Arethusa Falls or Ripley Falls, Artists Bluff, Sugarloaf Mtn, Zealand Hut
The Rocks: Explore over 1,200 acres of forest and farmland at The Rocks. Enjoy maintained trails, abundant wildlife, and panoramic views of the White Mountains during a winter hike or snowshoeing adventure.
- Christmas Tree Trails – stroll through The Rocks Christmas tree fields as you walk past wetland habitats, rows of Christmas Trees, and artfully crafted stone walls. This trail is suitable for all abilities.
- Michael A. Gozzo Trail – Meander through The Rocks property, crossing managed woodlands, apple orchards, beaver ponds, and wetland habitats. Explore on one long loop or head off on one of 3 designated trails, difficulty varies.
Click here to find complete details about the trails at The Rocks. Throughout the year, The Rocks hosts special educational events and programming. During the holiday season, guests can visit to cut their own Christmas tree – and in early spring, guests can embark on a NH Maple Experience.
Pondicherry National Wildlife Refuge: The Pondicherry National Wildlife Refuge is a division of the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge. It covers nearly 6,500 acres of wetlands and forests, including 3 ponds. Visitors enjoy hiking, snowshoeing, fat biking, and XC skiing the property, as trails are relatively flat with very little elevation gain.
Snowmobiling at Pondicherry is only permitted on the Pondicherry Rail Trail and the Presidential Rail Trail (also known as the Presidential Range Recreation Trail). Snowmobilers should be cautious of cross-country skiers and snowshoes, as these are multi-purpose trails.
Visit the Friends of Pondicherry website to learn more about the refuge and winter activities available on the property.
Winter Hiking Essentials: From warm clothes to trekking poles, food, water and more, before you embark on a winter hike, make sure you pack the right gear. Check the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Winter Hiking Gear List to prepare for your excursion.
Fat Biking – New England’s Newest Craze
Take a trip up Mount Washington aboard the Cog Railway and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the North and South Presidentials to the Bretton Woods Ski Area, Lafayette, and the mountains of Vermont.
- 1 hour round-trip with a 25-minute stop at Waumbek Station, 4000’ elevation.
- The trip includes complimentary refreshments, fire pit, and warming huts. Visitors can also roast marshmallows or a hot dog (additional cost, available for purchase at Marshfield Base Station).
Before or after your ride on The Cog, browse the Cog Railway Museum, shop Cog collectibles and Mt. Washington gear from the gift shop, and chat with friendly Coggers eager to answer your questions. Find a schedule and purchase tickets online.
Where to Find Rental Gear
Hoping for a tune up before you hit the trails? No problem. Kids outgrew last year’s gear? No worries. Forgot to pack a warm, cozy hat? Have no fear. Businesses in Twin Mountain and Bretton Woods are stocked with all the winter gear and supplies you’ll need for your outdoor adventure!
- Drummonds Mountain Shop – your one stop full-service ski shop
- Ski and snowboard rentals and sales – both recreational and high-performance skis available.
- Daily and multi-day rentals available, no reservations needed. Phone orders accepted.
- Full line of ski and winter clothing, footwear, and accessories.
- Ski and snowboard tuning and repair shop.
- Snowshoe rentals.
- Ski and snowboard rentals and sales – both recreational and high-performance skis available.
- TreeTop Sports at Bretton Woods Base Lodge
- A variety of alpine ski and snowboard gear and accessories for avid outdoor sports lovers.
- TreeTop Sports at Bretton Woods Nordic Center
- Cross Country gear and clothing for winter sport enthusiasts.
- Nordic skiing rentals.
- Rental & Repair Shop at Bretton Woods
- Open each winter season.