Where to Ski: Waterville Valley, Waterville Valley N.H.

Sometimes you just have to go somewhere different, switch it up, change the pace, that kind of thing. Waterville Valley is one of the classic East Coast hills that have helped to contribute to New Hampshire’s rich skiing history. When asked where to ski in New Hampshire I recommend Waterville Valley for getting back to your roots and getting in some serious hot laps!

How to Ski Waterville Valley

I’ll be the first to admit Waterville Valley is not the biggest place around, but for what it lacks in size it makes up for in quality, not to mention I always seem to have a ball at this place whenever I get up there.

The first place most people go when they get to the hill is the lodge, that’s why you should find a chair and set up shop near the killer fire place in the middle of the main area of the base lodge. Once you’re geared up your best bet is to head up to the White Peak Express Quad if you’re anything above novice. This is the lift you’ll ride most of the day and will allow you to access most of the mountain at once.

At the top of the W.P.E.Q. you’ll find yourself at the base of another double called the High Country Double. This chair accesses a few trails at the peak of the mountain where the snow usually holds up nice but it’s a cold ride, especially if it’s your first of the morning. I’d recommend warming up on Tippecanoe. This trail is one of the first of the season to open which usually means it holds some of the best snow the longest. The top half is super nice and wide with a really consistent pitch allowing for ample amounts of shredding.

If you haven’t quite found your legs, take a run down White Caps to Terry’s Trail to Old Tecumseh. This combination of blues makes for a more classic New England-style run consisting of tighter trails with a little more pitch. If you’re ready to jump into the nitty gritty, take a run down the Chute to Lower White Caps. This top to bottom burner runs right under the lift line and is sure to impress.

If it’s dumping out, venture down Psyched and into the Psyched Glade, you’ll find plenty of chutes and numerous lines to keep you busy for hours.

I like skiing Waterville with a group of people because it’s not a huge task to keep everyone together, it’s also not a big deal if you get separated because chances are you’ll see them at the bottom anyways. If your friends or families aren’t expert skiers and riders, no worries, there is an entire quad dedicated to beginner skiing and riding. The runs are mellow and long, great for decreasing that learning curve.

It’s important to note how awesome the Exhibition Park is. Every year the hits are perfect and the rail variety, unbeatable. A huge plus to the layout is the convenience of a Poma lift running right next to the park making it super easy to lap over and over again.

Waterville Valley is home to one of my all time favorite spots to grab a mid afternoon cocktail, one because of its name, Schwendi Hutte, and two, because of their on-mountain Bloody’s. Sit down and stay a while in one of their comfy, relaxed style seats. If it’s not blowing like blazes, the deck is a killer alternative to help end your day the right way.