Bretton Woods Ski Resort in NH and Escape2ski provides info on; vertical drop 1500ft/457m, total trails 97, closest airport 89mi/144km, lifts 10, and more. Today, visitors to Bretton Woods Ski Resort enjoy skiing and snowboarding on three mountain peaks, West Mountain, Mt Stickney and the main mountain area of Mt Rosebrook.

The original idea to create a ski area in Carroll County was lead by a group of investors from Philadelphia, PA. The investors chose this location due to the incredible views of Mount Washington and because it was a short distance away from the iconic Mount Washington Hotel. The hotel opened on July 28, 1902, and it was built to reflect a Spanish Renaissance Revival design. The hotel was the brainchild of Joseph Stickney, who made his fortune in coal and the railroad industry.

After experiencing a three-year delay due to regulatory hurdles, Bretton Woods Ski Resort finally opened to the public on Dec 29, 1973, with just eight trails serviced by two double chairs, a T-bar and 30 acres of snowmaking capability. It would be another ten years before Bretton Woods Ski Resort would begin a 17 year run of expansion that contributed to the ski area being ranked as the state of New Hampshire’s largest ski area.

In 1983, Bretton Woods Ski Resort installed a triple chairlift that increased the vertical drop to the present 1500ft/457m and added nine new trails. In 1989, one of the state’s first High-Speed Quads chairlifts, known as the Bethlehem Express was installed.

The West Mountain area opened for the 1999-2000 season, and the Mt Rosebrook upper area opened in 2003 and added some much needed black diamond terrain to the ski area, and finally, the Mt Stickney area opened for the 2010-2011 ski and snowboard season.

Over the course of its history, the Bretton Woods Ski Resort has experienced many challenges and different ownership groups, but the one thing that remains the same to this day is that the ski area has maintained a family-friendly atmosphere.

On the Slopes

• Bretton Woods Ski Resort has earned a reputation throughout the ski and snowboard industry for providing terrain that is suitable for all levels of ability. It features 35 gladed trails perfect for beginners, and be sure to check out the exciting intermediate runs of Coos Caper and Jacob’s Ladder.
• Coos, Midway and Crawford’s Blaze are three names to remember when looking for the terrain park experience at Bretton Woods Ski Resort. Midway is popular for most skill levels as it comes with small to medium jumps, rails, flat box downs and as a bonus, it is open during night skiing.
• Bretton Woods also features night skiing from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Friday, Saturday and Holiday evenings during the winter season on five trails serviced by two lifts.
• On mountain dining and shopping are available. The Slopeside Pub and Restaurant is located in the base lodge and offers all the usual favorites. And if you forget some essential items, stop by Tree Top Sports located in the base lodge.
• Bretton Woods Ski Resort and its Ski School is home to a dedicated team of ski and snowboard professionals. The school offers the Hobbit Ski and Snowboard Programs for the younger ones, as well as, adult, group, and private lessons.

Off the Slopes

• Bretton Woods Ski Resort does not have any true slope-side accommodations; however, the magnificent Mount Washington Hotel is located only a 5-minute drive from the slopes. There is also accommodation in the nearby towns of Jackson and North Conway.
• Off mountain dining and shopping exist in the valley below. The Mount Washington Hotel features the Stickney Street shopping experience and dining choices such as the Main Dining Room and Stickney’s Restaurant.
• Bretton Woods Ski Resort features the Babes in the Woods nursery, a childcare service for children ages two months to five years and features indoor fun with games, storytelling, craft, and more.
• The Mount Washington Valley is home to the Bretton Woods Nordic Center where you can access over 100km of trails. Snowshoeing and Tubing are also an option. Rentals are available. Contact (603) 278-3322 for more info.
• A complimentary 24-hour shuttle service is available for guests staying at the various properties associated with the ski area. Service can be arranged at the front desk of the hotel for service to Townhouse Properties, the ski area, The Lodge, Bretton Arms Inn and the Mount Washington Hotel.