Franconia Inn White Mountains Guide

Winter in the White Mountains of New Hampshire is more than a season — it’s an experience. From world-class skiing and snowshoeing to scenic train rides, cozy pubs, and unforgettable adventures like dog sledding and fat-tire biking, this region transforms into a playground for every type of traveler. Whether you’re a family planning school-vacation fun, a couple looking for a romantic escape, or an outdoor enthusiast chasing your next challenge, the White Mountains deliver. If you’re looking for the perfect homebase, the Franconia Inn sits at the heart of it all. Surrounded by 65 acres of open fields, snow-covered woods, and sweeping mountain views, the Inn offers a peaceful retreat between activities — with access to on-site cross-country skiing, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and après-ski cocktails at Peaks Pub.  This guide breaks down the top winter activities in the White Mountains, NH , giving you everything you need to plan your getaway.

When I am on vacation, my ideal day is to NOT feel like a tourist but rather immerse myself in a new place and put myself in a local’s shoes, imagining how it might feel to actually live somewhere else, even if it’s just for a day.

Discover one of the best White Mountain resort restaurants at the Franconia Inn. Enjoy seasonal dishes and a cozy dining experience in the heart of New Hampshire.

A beginner's guide to hiking your first 4000 foot peaks in New Hampshire

The winter of 2023/2024 in Franconia was marked by unseasonably warm temperatures, more rain than snow, and it left us wondering: "What is the future for cross-country skiing at the Franconia Inn?" With very little snow to work with, we were only able to be open for a handful of decent ski days which was a major disappointment for our Nordic ski enthusiasts. This season's winter put a lot of that uncertainty in the rearview mirror. With over 5 feet of snow and consistently cold temperatures, the cross-country ski conditions were some of the best we've ever experienced here at the Franconia Inn. Here's a look at how this incredible ski season played out in the North Country.

Our Favorite Things to do North of the Notch this Winter