The NH Division of Travel and Tourism is anticipating an estimated three million people will visit the state this winter, who are proejected to spend upwards of $1.5 billion.
“We’re very optimistic about this winter season,” says NH Travel and Tourism Director Lori Harnois. “This is the first time since the pandemic visitation is expected to surpass levels we experienced in 2019.”
Skiing comtinues to be a major draw for winter visitors and NH ski areas have been making investments.
Loon Mountain Resort has been expanding its South Peak expansion to adds 11 trails and one four-person chairlift. Cranmore Mountain Resort is opening a new lodge for the 2023-24 ski season. In Bartlett, Attitash Mountain Resort will open a new lift this month—The Mountaineer—a high-speed 4-passenger chairlift that replaces a triple-passenegr lift that is expected to reduce ride time by more than half and increase uphill capacity. Mount Sunapeeis debuting a ski-through lighthouse.
“There’s a lot of excitement around skiing and riding this year, particularly with the cold temperatures and even some early season snow that many of our ski areas have experienced,” says Jessyca Keeler, president of Ski NH, the organization that promotes NH as a ski destination. Recent weather has helped 11 Ski NH member resorts open for the season, including Attitash Mountain, Bretton Woods, Cannon Mountain, Cranmore Mountain Resort, Crotched Mountain, Loon Mountain Resort, Mount Sunapee, Pats Peak Ski Area, Ragged Mountain, Waterville Valley Resort, and Wildcat Mountain. Other resorts will be opening leading up to the holidays, as well as cross-country areas where weather conditions allow.
Current Issue - May 2024