Winter Activities

Alpine Skiing | Dogsled Rides & Tours | Christmas Around Franconia Notch | Cross Country Skiing | Ice Climbing | Ice Skating | Sleigh Rides | Snow Boarding | Snowmobiling | Snowshoeing | Snow Tubing

ALPINE SKIING
The first moments of the first morning of the first run- this is the fun and adventure of skiing legacies left to us by skiing's long history as each winter brings us an increasing number of ways to enjoy winter, and to race against each other on snow. The people from the Telemark area of Norway have been largely credited with developing skiing into a sport by inventing the Telemark and Christiana (now known as the Christie) turns as methods of artfully controlling speeds on downhill descent, thus leading to the birth of Alpine skiing. Since then, equipment manufacturers have developed faster and safer equipment, and athletes combine this new equipment with better training and technique to continuously improve the sport. Of all the disciplines, downhill skiing captures it all in its thrilling descents in varying degree of difficulty or ease, whether for fun, leisure, or competition. As skiing can be enjoyed for a lifetime, Alpine skiing has grown rapidly in popularity among the young learning to be future champions and those who will enjoy invigorating outdoor winters on the slopes for years to come- comfortable with the familiar cry from their own early days of Alpine skiing- "First one down the hill wins"!

Loon Mountain

Located 20 minutes South of Franconia Notch at 60 Loon Moumtain Road in Lincoln, NH, and just a two-hour drive from Boston,  Loon Mountain offers a world of winter excitement for guests visiting for the day or staying in one of the many hotels, inns, or condominiums around town.  With a wide variety of terrain, a slope-side spa, the Adventure Center, and countless other on and off-hill activities, it’s also a place where everyone, from the most avid skier to those who have never stepped foot into a pair of bindings, can have fun. With 2,100 Vertical Feet, 55 Trails, 12 Lifts and 336 Acres,  

Loon Mountain offers night skiing for the ultimate exhileration of New Hampshire's #1 winter activity,  603-745-6281. 

Other Ski Areas near by

Waterville Valley Ski Resort
1 Ski Area Road . PO Box 540
Waterville Valley, NH
30 minutes South of Franconia Notch

Bretton Woods Ski Resort
Route 302
Bretton Woods, NH
30 minutes Northeast from Franconia Village

Burke Mountain Ski Area
223 Sherburne Lodge Road
East Burke, VT
45 minutes Northwest from Franconia Village

CROSS COUNTRY SKIING
Nordic skiing is one of the fastest growing winter sports because it's easy to learn, not complicated, doesn't require a lot of gear- and its affordable. Did we mention invigorating? Cross country skiing is as energetic as you want it to be; kick and glide along well marked scenic trails, or carve your own route through wooded areas leading to snowy fields and and frozen ponds that can be easily traversed. Ski areas and resorts maintain cross country ski trails for all family members to extend their vacation experience along with beginners, ski mavens and weekend warriors. And best of all? It's just good, healthy fun!

Loon Mountain

Sunset Hill on Sugar Hill
Sunset Hill House, located on Sunset Hill Road from Route 117 in Sugar Hill, offers rejuvenating cross country skiing around the natural terrain of the oldest golf course in New Hampshire atop Sunset Hill, unique in its 360 degree clear views of the entire White Mountain ranges, Green Mountains of Vermont and parts of Canada. Touted as "A Grand Inn" and famous for its hospitality awards, many amenities are available. Bring your dog for the exercise, pets are welcome!

Franconia Touring Center Trails
These XC touring trails can be accessed at Franconia Inn, Sunset Hill House or Horse & Hound Inn. All access trails from these touring center locations connect to 60 km Cannon Mountain X-C trails- 35 of which are kept groomed and tracked. A trail fee applies. Rental equipment is available at the Franconia Sports Shop, a full service four-season sporting goods in Franconia village. 603-823-5241.

Franconia Notch Recreation Trail
One of the main attractions of the White Mountains, this 9 mile paved bike path goes through Franconia State Park, passing Echo Lake, the Old Man of the Mountain historical site, the Basin, and the Flume Gorge. Highly recommended by winter recreation aficionados for its multiple use, the Notch's Recreation Trail is a winter mecca for snowshoeing and cross country skiing. To access the path from the North, the parking lot and bike path begins on the right after entering Route 3 North to Twin Mountain (Exit 35 from I-93 N). From the south, park in the Flume Gorge lot at Exit 34A off I-93. The trail starts on the very left side. To enjoy the best of this trail, park at one end and leave your car at the other parking lot. The best challenge for a round trip begins by entering the trail from the Flume Gorge parking lot. Bike rentals are available in Franconia and Lincoln.

Pemi-Trail
This popular XC trail in Franconia Notch along the I-93 Parkway, has a beginner rating with variations that easily protect the level of difficulty The distance varies from your starting point, one of five places in the Notch from parking lots (or areas). Park your car and jump on the trail from the right side lot at Exit 34B, the lot South of Profile Lake, Lafayette Campground lot, the lot at the Basin or the Liberty Springs parking lot. The Pemi-Trail roughly parallels the river, the highway and the bike trail.

Other CX Trails Within The Area

Lincoln Woods, Route 112E, Lincoln, NH
8 Kilometers of nice scenery tracked and groomed in the White Mountain National Forest.

Bretton Woods Ski Area, Route 302, Bretton Woods, NH
90 Kilometers wit views, groomed and tracked trails. Trail fees apply. In NE 800-232-2972; in NH 603-278-5000.

Jack O'Lantern Resort Trail System
Route 3 in Woodstock, NH. X-C trails on an 18-hole golf course with great views. Trail fee to the public. Call 603-745-3636.

Beaver Brook Trail System
Rt. 3, 15 miles north of Lincoln, NH. 3 trails, 15 Kilometers total, usually tracked with some views in the White Mountain National Forest. 

DOGSLED RIDES & TOURS 
Located in the heart of the White Mountains in Jefferson, NH, Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel specializes in providing dogsledding adventures through our dog sled tours, clinics, with an emphasis on education, hands-on activities and fun!   Tours aren't just sitting in the sled and going for a ride, but rather involve interacting with dogs, and learning aspects of a culture that many people just don't get to experience. However, if you prefer to have a relaxing ride, that's fine as well! Our experienced mushers love to share their knowledge and skill, operating warm weather activities as well.  Sled dog tours are offered at 4 locations; home in Jefferson, at the Rocks Estate in Bethlehem, NH, Mt. Washington Resort in Bretton Woods, NH and Smuggler's Notch in VT.  Book your adventure today or contact th Kennel to add dogsledding tours to your unique outdoors activities! 

ICE CLIMBING
Franconia Notch is perfect for an introduction to the frozen side of New England Climbing. Beginners and experts alike can find challenging climbs. Whether you are looking for some casual winter mountaineering in search of pillars and curtains, a short top-rope climb or a long multi-pitch ice climb on a face high in the mountains, the White Mountains has everything to suit your needs. Winter is magnificent in its beauty, but it is also harsh. Although the mountains are relatively low in elevation they are credited with some of the fiercest weather conditions on earth. Utilize the experience of a guide, be prepared for everything and be safe, but most of all enjoy.

Local Climbs

Falcon Alert - All climbers on the Eaglet and Eagle Cliffs are requested to avoid the nesting areas of peregrine falcon May 1st - mid-July Cannon Cliffs- park at parking lot on the south side of Profile Lake Heading south on 93 through Franconia Notch Artist Bluff - Rte 93 exit 34C head north on Rt3 18, park at Echo Lake parking lot Eagle Cliff - Rte 93 exit 34B park in Tram parking lot. Go under highway and follow Greenleaf Trail Indian Head - Rte 93 exit 33 take rte 3 north to Indian Head trail head just south of Indian Head Resort on left

ICE SKATING
3,000 years ago, Scandinavians perfected the art of skating by strapping blades made of deer or elk bones to their boots. Ice skating has evolved into two highly athletic and competitive sports, figure skating and ice hockey. Yet nothing can match the thrill of recreational skating at a local park, or neighborhood backyard rink. Since the invention of a single blade attached to a boot, the athleticism of ice skating has combined with all the skills of dance, gymnastics, speed and team sport competition. But it all starts with donning the skates and finding the skills to maneuver in runs and glides, forward and backward. Take it to any level from "crack the whip" to figure 8's, a race among friends or a pick-up hockey game. And Don't forget the romance in ice skating on crisp winter moonlit nights. Ice skating is more fun with a partner at any level- those Olympic doubles and dance teams all started the same way.

Public Rinks
Franconia rink right behind the Abbie Greenleaf Library, Main Street, Franconia
Bethlehem, NH at intersection of Routes 302 & 142
Remich Park in Littleton, NH, Turn up Pleasant St by the movie theater, turn left on Oak Hill Ave.

Indoor Ice Skating
Chester Ice Arena Ice Skating Rink
College Rd., Lyndon Center, VT 05850
(802) 626-9361

SLEIGH RIDES
Just hearing the words "sleigh ride" conjures up nostalgic memories and sounds; bells jingling, hooves marking time over crunchy snow, smells of winter floral and pine along moonlit paths and hunkering under layers of warm robes. Though a lost art of transportation necessity, sleighs and horse-drawn wagons enjoy a popular renaissance around the winter holidays, often lasting through Valentine's Day in the White Mountains. Vacationers and visitors alike plan ahead to be sure their winter activity experience includes the rhythmic whispering swoosh of sleigh runners.

Franconia Inn

The Rocks Estate

Mount Washington Hotel, Bretton Woods, NH

SNOW BOARDING
The development of snowboarding was inspired by surfing and skateboarding as an additional athletic challenge for winter's special season. The sport shares superficial similarities with skiing for its special boot set into a mounted binding, thus providing the best venue for this newest adventure- alpine ski slopes. Developed in the United States in the 1960s and 1970s, this competitive and innovative board sport became a Winter Olympic Sport in 1998.

Loon Mountain 

For those seeking the exceptional and exilerating half pipe, it's located 20 minutes South of Franconia Notch at 60 Loon Moumtain Road in Lincoln, NH, and just a two-hour drive from Boston,  Loon Mountain offers a world of winter excitement for guests visiting for the day or staying in one of the many hotels, inns, or condominiums around town.  With a wide variety of terrain, a slope-side spa, the Adventure Center, and countless other on and off-hill activities.  Its a place where everyone from the most avid snowboarder to those who have never stepped onto one can have fun among the 2, 100 Vertical Feet, 55 Trails, 12 Lifts and 336 Acres. 

Other snow boarding areas near by:

Bretton Woods-Bretton Woods NH - Distance: 30 minutes from Franconia

Burke Mountain-Burke VT - Distance: 45 minutes from Franconia

SNOWMOBILING
With over 100 miles of trails located in and near Franconia Notch State Park, snowmobiling enthusiast can spend the day- or night- sledding on trails in and around the most beautiful scenery in New England. Northern New Hampshire's trail system is well maintained by local snowmobile clubs as well as New Hampshire Trails Bureau under the NH Division of Parks and Recreation. Many well-planned trail rides and weekends take ardent machine sledders across state lines into Vermont and Maine. The favorite trails since the first snowmachines were introduced to the North Country were carved through Pittsburg with easy access to Canada where this recreational sport thrives and Canadian hospitality welcomes snowmobilers from below the border. 

Franconia Notch Recreation Trail
This 9 mile paved bike path goes through Franconia State Park, Echo Lake, the Old Man of the Mountain, the Basin, and the Flume Gorge- one of the main attractions of the White Mountains.. This is a multi-use trail for snowshoeing, cross country skiing and snowmobiling. To access the path in the north, the parking lot and bike path starts at the lot on the right just after you enter Rte 3 north to Twin Mountain Exit 35 from I-93 north. To start the trail from the south, park at the Flume Gorge parking lot at Exit 34A off I-93, go all the way over to the left and you will see the start. The best way to enjoy this trail it to start at one end and leave your car at the other parking lot, north to south. The best way to do the trail round trip is to start at The Flume parking lot.

SNOWSHOEING
Snow too deep to hike? Step into a pair of snowshoes and enjoy a peaceful winter walk. Whether you travel gentle groomed trails or rugged mountain terrains, you are in for a treat. The spectacular winter wonderland of New Hampshire is at your doorstep. Snowshoeing is a great way to enjoy the winter scenery in New Hampshire. All is calm and peaceful until all of a sudden a partridge swoops out of its hiding place in a cloud of snow or a snowshoe hare darts out from the underbrush. You are in for a special treat if you come across a bedded herd of deer.

Franconia Notch Bicycle Path-Franconia Notch State Park
Distance: 9 miles, Rating:Beginner

This 9 mile paved bike path goes through Franconia State Park and passes Echo Lake, the Old Man of the Mountain, the Basin, and the Flume Gorge-is one of the main attractions of the White Mountains.. This is a multi use trail, snowshoeing, cross country skiing & snowmobiling. To access the path in the north the parking lot and bike path start is at the lot on the right just after you enter Rte 3 north to Twin Mountain Exit 35 from Rte 93 north. To start the trail from the south you can park at the Flume Gorge parking lot Exit 34A off Rte 93, go all the way over to the left and you will see the start. The best way to enjoy this trail is to start at one end and leave your car at the other parking lot, north to south. The best way to do the trail round trip is to start at The Flume parking lot. There are bike rental places in both Lincoln & Franconia.

Flume-Pool Loop-Franconia Notch
Distance: 2.2 miles, Rating: Beginner

Start at the northernmost (left) parking area at the Flume Visitor Center Exit 34A off Rte 93

Start on the bike trail pass the sign to the Mt Pemi Trail sign. At a stop sign turn right and descend to a closed wooden gate, go around the gate and reach a T. Turn right then left where a road joins from behind the visitor center. Follow the Flume Path and cross 3 bridges to the Rim Path then take the Ridge Path to the Wildwood Path

Pemi-Trail - Franconia Notch
Distance: varies on starting point, Rating: Beginner

You can start in 4 places, Old Man (Exit 34B) right parking lot, and Parking lot south of Profile Lake, Lafayette campground parking Lot, The Basin parking lot or the Liberty Springs parking area. It roughly parallels the river, the highway and the bike trail.

Bald Mountain-Artist Bluff - Franconia
Distance: 1.5 miles, Rating: Beginner

Take Rte. 93 north to exit 34C, take a left on Rte 18 pass Echo Lake and park on right across from Cannon Mountain. Trail starts in back left corner of Cannon Mountain parking lot. Follow red blazes up .3 mile, a spur to the left takes you to Bald Mountain, turn to the left and you go to Artist Bluff. You will climb up and then down as you approach the left to the bluff. As you come down a steep area you will see a large bolder on your left, the trail goes to the left on the back side of this bolder(no sign) to Artist Bluff, if you go past the bolder and look back at it you will see a sign to Artist Bluff. Continue done the trail and follow the trail to the left just before Rte 18 to get back to the parking lot.

Kilburn Crag - Littleton
Distance:1.8 miles, Rating:Beginner

An easy trip to a viewpoint overlooking the town of Littleton and many high peaks. Take Rte. 93 north to exit 43 and take a right on Rte 135. At the intersection of Rte 18/135 take a left. A sign on the left about .5 mile designates the parking area

Mount Pemigewasset Trail- Franconia Notch
Distance: 3.6 miles round trip, Rating: Intermediate

Start at the Flume parking lot (exit 34A) left side. Follow bike path till you find the sign for the Mount Pemi Trail on the left. Follow the blue blazed trail. This is a ledge with beautiful views, be careful of your footing since a major drop off

Lower Georgiana Falls- Lincoln
Distance: 1.6 miles round trip, Rating: Intermediate

Take Exit 33 off Rte 93 head north on Rte 3 for .2 miles, turn left on Hanson Farm Rd. In .2 miles when the main road bends right you go straight to a plowed parking area. Go under the highway and follow the signs for the Georgiana Falls, yellow blazed trail which change to red blazes and stay close to the brook.

Lonesome Lake-Franconia Notch
Distance: 3.0 miles round trip, Rating: Intermediate

Park at Lafayette Campground parking area off Rte 93 south. Trail starts at the left side of the parking lot Follow the Lonesome Lake Trail yellow blazed trail. After ? mile Hi-Cannon Trail splits to the right you stay on Lonesome Lake Trail. The trail now becomes steep. When you get to the top take the Cascade Brook Trail along the south side of the lake.

Old Bridle Path-Franconia Notch
Distance: 4 miles round trip, Rating: Intermediate

Start at Trailhead parking lot on the right on Rte 93 north between exit 34A & 34B or park at the Lafayette Campground and cross under the highway. This is one of the most popular trails in the area. This trip will only go as far as the ledges hanging on the edge of the deep ravine of Walker Brook (going any further is for experts only). At .2 miles the Falling Water Trail goes to the right and the Old Bridle Trail goes straight. At 1.9 miles you will emerge on the first of two spectacular open ledges the next is 100 ft further. Return the same way.

Bald Peak-Easton
Distance: 4.6 miles, Rating: Intermediate

SNOW TUBING
Not all winter sports have to be expensive. Grab an inner tube and find a hill. You'd be amazed at the fun. Tubing has found its renaissance in the hills of the Franconia Notch region. Whether you trek up your snow covered obstacle on foot or indulge in a lift ride, you're in for a thrill. It's great fun for both children and adults- daytime or night. No experience necessary! Check your destination resort for availability and enjoy one of summer's favorite water sports gone winter!