Winter Activities in the White Mountains, NH: Your Guide to the Best Adventures of the Season

Cannon Mountain

Distance from the Inn: ~10 minutes

Pictured above, Cannon is a true New England classic: steep, rugged, fast, and beloved by locals. Known for its challenging terrain, breathtaking summit views, and the famous aerial tramway, Cannon is ideal for advanced skiers and adventurous intermediates.

Bretton Woods

Distance from the Inn: ~25 minutes

On the opposite end of the spectrum, Bretton Woods offers wide, perfectly-groomed runs, forgiving terrain, and some of the best glade skiing in the region. It’s consistently rated the #1 ski resort in the East for snow and grooming.

Loon Mountain

Distance from the Inn: ~25 minutes

Loon provides a balanced mix of beginner slopes, terrain parks, and intermediate cruisers. It’s a perfect mountain for families and groups with mixed skill levels.

Why stay at Franconia Inn?

Because after a day on the slopes, you return to a quiet, peaceful setting instead of a crowded base area — and you can warm up by the fireplace or grab an après-ski drink at Peaks Pub.

The Franconia Inn maintains over 30 kilometers of groomed cross-country ski trails that wind through forested paths, snow-covered meadows, and scenic viewpoints. Whether you're an experienced Nordic skier or trying it for the first time, the terrain offers a unique and peaceful way to explore winter at your own pace.

• Trails are single-track and groomed for classic skiing
• Scenic views of Mt. Lafayette and the Kinsmans
• Access is included for Inn guests, making it an outstanding value

For many travelers, this is the most underrated winter activity in the White Mountains. Other notable XC ski areas include:

• Jackson XC
• Great Glen Trails
• Bretton Woods Nordic

Perfect for:

• Couples looking for a romantic experience
• Families with kids
• Travelers seeking a quieter winter activity between other adventures

Franconia Inn guests get a $10 discount on sleigh rides, and be sure to check out our seasonal pacakges for other deals and ways to save. Blankets, crisp air, soft jingling of harness bells — it’s iconic for a reason.

Mount Washington Cog Railway

One of the most unique winter experiences in New England, the Cog offers snow-covered rides partway up Mt. Washington — absolutely stunning on clear days.

The Mountaineer (Conway Scenic Railroad)

A vintage-style train offering one of the most beautiful winter routes in New England.

These rides book up quickly during holidays, so it is recommended to book your tickets in advance.

Fat-tire biking has exploded in popularity — and the White Mountains are one of the best places to try it. Snow-dusted forest trails and groomed paths make for a surprisingly accessible winter adventure.

Here’s where the Franconia Inn stands out:

Guests can borrow fat-tire bikes for free from the Gear Library across the street, making this one of the easiest and most affordable winter activities available. This incredible resource is provided by Bike The North Country, a non-profit organization which promotes bike safety, accessibility, education, and awareness in the region. 

If your size is not available in the Gear Library, the White Mountain Bike Shop next door offers rentals as well.

This is ideal for:

• Adventurous couples
• Older kids & teens
• Weekend travelers looking to try something new
• Guests taking a break from skiing

Take a quick ride around the property or a longer outing into the local trail systems of Franconia, Littleton, or Bethlehem. All three towns have easily accessible Gear Libraries with fat bikes.

Muddy Paw Dog Sledding (Jefferson, NH) is the recommended dog sled operator in the area. They offer family-friendly dog sledding adventures designed to be more than “just a ride” and are hands on to the comfort level of the guest (no experience necessary, ages 2+ welcome).

This is one of the most sought-after winter activities in the White Mountains — book early.

The North Country has a robust brewery scene, featuring some incredible award-winning breweries. Top picks include:

• Schilling Beer Co. (Littleton, NH)
• Rek-Lis Brewing (Bethlehem, NH)
• Iron Furnace Brewing (Franconia, NH)

At the Franconia Inn, Peaks Pub offers cocktails, local beers, and a crackling fireplace — perfect for winding down after a long day outside.

From small boutiques to local artisans, the White Mountains offer charming holiday shopping:

Bethlehem

• Brown Paper Packages
• Doogans
• Hurry Slow Hat Co.
• Legacy Used Books

Littleton

• Chutters (home to the world's longest candy counter)
• Lahoots Ski Shop
• Little Village Toy & Book Shop
• White Mountain Canning Company
• Shaun Terhune Fine Art Photography

If you’re visiting in late November or December, the towns often host festive markets, decorations, and light displays.

Even in winter, many popular hiking trails remain accessible with the right gear:

• Artist’s Bluff (short but iconic winter views)
• The Basin (easy, great for families)
• Lonesome Lake (pictured above - a moderate climb with a stunning frozen lake)

Check out this guide for more information on recommended equipment and how to hike safely in the winter.

Make your White Mountain winter getaway unforgettable with:

• On-site XC skiing (30km groomed)
• Horse-drawn sleigh rides
• Après-ski drinks by the fireplace
• Peaceful surroundings and mountain views
• Easy access to Cannon, Loon, and Bretton Woods
• Fat-tire biking access & Gear Library

Whether you want adrenaline-packed days or slow winter moments, the Inn sits at the center of the region’s best activities.