Long before we were stressing over ski pass blackout dates, Bretton Woods was the winter playground for the 19th-century elite, who arrived by chugging steam engines in search of fresh mountain air and a little solitude. Today, the steam engines are mostly gone (except for the Cog Railway), but Bretton Woods’ reputation as New Hampshire’s premier winter escape is alive and well—thanks in large part to its claim as the state’s largest ski area.
The legendary mountain spans 464 acres of terrain, with 63 trails and 36 glades, all famous for perfectly groomed slopes and unbeatable snowmaking.
Follow this three-day itinerary to plan the ultimate winter weekend in the White Mountains.
Day One
For a ski trip, a vacation rental almost always beats a standard hotel room. You get space to spread out, a kitchen for cheap and easy meals, and a comfortable spot for après-ski drinks without the crowds—plus plenty of room to dry gear and tackle laundry. Check into the Gingerbread House, located just down the street from Bretton Woods. From the back deck, you can watch the lifts start spinning each morning and spot the groomers at work after dark. With its space and slope-side views, it’s an ideal home base for a big group planning an epic ski weekend.
Afternoon: The Mount Washington Cog Railway
Get a lay of the land and start your weekend with a ride on the iconic Mount Washington Cog Railway. In winter, the train climbs to roughly 4,000 feet, where you’ll step off at Waumbek Station for sweeping views of the southern Presidential Range—on clear days stretching all the way to the Canadian border. Complimentary hot cocoa helps you warm up, and s’mores kits and hot dogs are available to roast over an open fire.
As a fun connection, the Gingerbread House you’re staying in was once owned by the family who originally operated the railway.
Evening: Dinner and Drinks at the Omni Mount Washington
You can’t miss the Omni Mount Washington, a sprawling, red-roofed building that’s visible from miles away in the White Mountains. Start with a drink at the Rosebrook bar for phenomenal sunset views, and then move to dinner at Stickney’s Restaurant, the resort’s casual pub. Be sure to make a reservation, especially if you’re traveling with a big group or on the weekend, as it’s a popular place. Finish off your evening with a nightcap at The Cave, the Omni’s prohibition-era speakeasy that has a club-like atmosphere on weekend nights.
Day Two
Morning: Breakfast and First Chair
Take advantage of the Gingerbread House’s fully equipped kitchen and have breakfast at the table overlooking Bretton Woods, pointing out which trails you’ll hit first. Then it’s just a two-minute drive down the street to grab first chair at the resort.
Begin with the Skyway Gondola to the summit, then carve your way through the center and west sides of the mountain, where snow-packed glades and wide-open cruisers await. Don’t miss the Telegraph T-Bar up to Mount Stickney Cabin, one of Bretton Woods’ best-kept secrets—a cozy hideaway on the far side of the mountain serving light snacks, hot beverages, and a warm spot to catch your breath before heading back out.
Afternoon: Lunch and Mount Oscar
Skip the crowded base lodge for lunch and take the gondola up to the Rosebrook Lodge for lunch. This beautiful mountain lodge at the summit offers panoramic views of the Presidential Range, along with multiple dining options, including the casual Peaks Cafe and the sit-down Switchback Grille. After, stop at Chutters on the Mountain, for a sweet surprise—a candy store on the slopes. Once the sugar rush kicks in, head to the Mount Oscar side of the mountain for more challenging terrain (but don’t worry, there are still blue and green options over here too) and fewer crowds.
After last chair, make your way to the Slopeside Pub at the base, where live music and lively après-ski vibes make the perfect end to a day on the mountain.
Evening: A Cozy Night In
For dinner, take a short stroll down to Fabyan’s Station, a beautifully restored 19th-century railway depot visible from the Gingerbread House’s back deck. This casual, family-friendly spot is beloved for its hearty burgers and classic pub fare.
Day Three
Morning: Breakfast at Yaya’s
Yaya’s Market and Deli might just look like a convenience store inside a gas station, but locals know that this is the place to go for a great (and affordable) breakfast sandwich. If you’re looking for something heartier and don’t mind a drive, head a little further to Polly’s Pancakes, a New England legend. Pro Tip: Use Polly’s online waitlist before you leave the house—it fills up fast! Try their homemade cornmeal or buckwheat batters with local maple sugar.
Afternoon: Winter Canopy Tour or Tubing
Ziplining isn’t just a summer thrill in Bretton Woods. Bundle up in your ski gear and take on the Canopy Tour, open year-round. This adrenaline-packed adventure carries you across a network of platforms via sky bridges, rappels, and nine ziplines, including one that soars for over 1,000 feet.
Prefer something a little less intense? Bretton Woods’ groomed snow tubing hill lets non-skiers experience the rush of flying down the mountain. Just a heads-up: there’s no lift service, so be ready to walk and really earn every run!
Where to Stay
Book the Gingerbread House through Bretton Woods Vacations, just down the street from the resort. This historic home offers stunning slope views, five bedrooms, three bathrooms, two spacious living rooms, and a fully equipped kitchen with a deck overlooking the mountain. Aside from the incredible views, my favorite part about staying here for a ski trip was the entryway, which is outfitted with plenty of hooks for hanging coats and ski pants, along with boot hooks over the heater to help warm up and dry out ski boots for the next day.
