Bretton Woods is a relatively new ski area by New Hampshire standards, having been started in 1973. In close proximity to the famed Mount Washington Hotel, and joining it as part of the Bretton Woods Mountain Resort complex, it has grown over the past 10 years to become New Hampshire’s largest ski area in terms of acreage, with four high-speed quads accessing the terrain.

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Bretton Woods, part of Mountain Washington Resort, continues to gain popularity as a top destination ski resort on the national level. Bretton Woods has been ranked as the #3 resort in North America for its excellence in family programs and Top 5 for its grooming (SKI Magazine, Oct. 2007). The same survey ranked Bretton Woods #1 in the East for weather; Top 5 in the East for snow, service, on-mountain food, lodging and scenery; and Top 10 in the East for dining, lifts, off-hill activities, and overall satisfaction.

Long known as a destination for beginner and intermediate skiers—its gentle pitch and mostly wide-open terrain makes it a perfect place for all to feel like "boy, can I ski!"—recent expansions into West Mountain and Rosebrook Canyon have added much-needed challenge for upper intermediate and expert skiers. Now dotted with glades—from wide-open gentle tree runs to gnarly stump- and tree-ridden precipices—this is not your father’s Bretton Woods. Everyone from troll-hunting third graders to their arboreal-thrill-seeking parents will find a smorgasbord of gladed terrain. And an impressive view of New Hampshire’s Presidential Range. That’s all part of the reason World Cup star Bode Miller signed on as director of skiing here.

When the nearby Mount Washington Hotel began welcoming winter guests in late 1999, Bretton Woods became more than a regional ski area. It became a grand resort. Although the ski industry often overuses the word—with “grand” tacked onto the name of many new large hotels—the Mount Washington is the real deal. The colossal turn-of-the-20th-century Spanish Renaissance structure, with its Tiffany glass, one-sixth-mile-long wrap-around verandah, and plasterwork sculpted by Italian craftsmen, is what every other grand hotel wants to be. John F. Kennedy, Joan Crawford and Bjorn Borg all slept here (to name just a few) and, oh yes, there was that monetary conference there in 1944. The ski area and the hotel, plus the Bretton Arms Country Inn, the Lodge at Bretton Woods and more than 900 acres surrounding the resort have recently been purchased by CNL Income Properties and Celebration Associates, who note that they "have the experience, resources and commitment to position Bretton Woods as the premier historic and year-round resort destination in the world."

Bretton Woods touts itself as a family ski resort and it really is. With one base area, it’s difficult to get lost, although at times in the deep woods, you might feel lost. The free Learning Center quad serves a dedicated slope that’s long enough and gentle enough that beginners can easily link turns without knee-shaking fear. The renovated base lodge is expansive. The children’s center, which is expanded for the 2006-'07 season to streamline the process for children whether they are going to day care or off to lessons, is convenient and well-equipped. And the staff—from the parking attendants to the cashiers—are genuinely happy to help. If you’re waiting for the shuttle back to the hotel or other area lodging, it's great to hang out in front of the fire in the large curbside gazebo and this winter there will even be marshmallows to roast!

Skiing isn’t the only activity at Bretton Woods. The Mount Washington Hotel has a list of daily activities reminiscent of a cruise ship: culinary demonstrations, martini tasting and bead workshops, just to name a few. Or hit the hotel during one of its many theme weekends, such as the Food & Wine Festival or Mardi Gras.

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Night Skiing at Bretton Woods

When darkness falls at Bretton Woods, the skiing and riding fun continues. The Bethlehem Express high-speed detachable quad accesses the Bigger Ben, Big Ben and Bretton's Wood trails. Bretton's Wood also is home to the Lumber Yard Terrain Park, which hosts a "freestyle frenzy" informal jam session every Friday night. The Learning Center Quad is a four-person, user-friendly lift that services the lighted Rosebrook Meadow trail, ideal for the first-time skier or snowboarder.

Between runs, skiers and riders can find most anything they need at the base lodge at Bretton Woods. The Food Court, now serving Starbucks coffee, and Nash's General Store are open during night-skiing hours.

Lift ticket rates for night skiing at Bretton Woods are $23 for all ages (4–9 p.m.) and Twilight tickets (2–9 p.m.) are available for $43 for all ages except juniors, who pay $34. Night skiing covers two lifts and four fully-lighted trails from 4–9 p.m. Daily from December 26–31 and every Friday and Saturday, from January 4 through March 15, 2008, and every night during holiday vacation periods.

Summit elevation: 3,100 feet Vertical drop: 1,500 feet
Base elevation: 1,600 feet

Expert: +
Advanced: +
Intermediate: +++
Beginner: +++++
First-timer: +++++

Address: Route 302,
Bretton Woods, NH 03575
Area code: 603
Ski area phone: 278-3320
Snow report: 278-3333
Toll-free reservations:
(800) 258-0330
E-mail: skiinfo@brettonwoods.com
Internet: www.brettonwoods.com

Number and types of lifts: 9—4 high-speed quads, 1 quad, 1 triple, 1 double, 2 surface lifts
Acreage: 434 acres
Snowmaking: 92 percent
Uphill capacity: 14,000 per hour

Parks & pipes: 1 park, 1 pipe
Bed base: 3,400+
Nearest lodging: Slopeside
Resort child care: Yes, 2 months and older
Adult ticket, per day: $57–$64 (06/07 prices)