Skiing for families- MA or NH (Boston, Canton: ski resorts, vacation home, schools)

[rmh1]

We are new to the area and Im planning a ski trip in February. Our children are under 6 and new skiiers. Can you recommend a kid friendly ski resort in MA or NH. Probably a long weekend trip. Thanks!

[capecodcathy]

Bretton Woods is nice. I also always loved Sunapee. Smaller mountain but enjoyable for kids and not as much of a hike to North Conway.

[seamusnh]

www.crotchedmountain.com is our local mountain. Nice for kids.

[lrfox]

I'll Third Bretton Woods but it is a hike.

Wildcat has some of the prettiest scenery for any ski area in North America and a great variety terrain for all levels. PoleCat is the one of the longest ski trails in New England (2 3/4 miles) and while it's a green circle and appropriate for all ages, NONE of it is flat (you won't have to climb or "skate" any of it. There lessons programs are small and intimate, and there's a wide variety of beginner terrain so they won't be thrust into stuff that's too advanced once they've mastered the bunny hill. I went there with my family as a kid, and I still go (my family has a vacation home near Sunday River in Bethel, ME and I'd still rather drive out to Wildcat). It's my favorite Mountain in New England. Still family owned and operated so it's cheaper than most comparable mountains and you won't deal with the same sized crowds ( Ski or Ride New Hampshire's Wildcat Mountain Ski Area, Jackson NH in Pinkham Notch ). It's also close to North Conway and it's immediately adjacent to Mt. Washington so there's plenty to do off the mountain.

I'd also suggest Loon Mountain or Waterville Valley which are a bit closer to Boston (straight up 93). Both are fun for all ages and beautiful. Cannon Mtn, a bit further up 93 is also a good bet (nice tram to the top).
- www.loonmtn.com
- New Hampshire ski resorts at Waterville Valley : Welcome
- www.cannonmt.com

Finally, Attitash is big and also fun. It's also close to Bretton Woods, Cranmore, and not too far from Wildcat so you can mix it up if you want
www.attitash.com

I wouldn't highly recommend any mountain in MA for a weekend. Wachusett is good for a quick daytrip, half day, or night skiing, but I wouldn't spend a weekend there.

You could also consider Vermont (I've actually never skiid there, only heard good things) venues like Okemo, Killington, Mt. Snow, Stowe, etc get good reviews. Sunday River in Bethel, ME is nice too. Sugarloaf USA in Maine is great, but it's a hike (close to 5 hours from Boston).

[TheJagMan]

Irfox hit the nail on the head...

The kids can learn at anywhere, it comes down to what does the adults want? Was there plans to do anything else other than skiing? If you're not even going to ski and sit in the lodge, perhaps Wachusett would be good for you. If you want the best skiing and one of the tallest peaks New England has to offer, Sugarloaf ME is the place. If you want the best value, Cannon is usually the best deal as it's cheaper then almost all ski resorts, by a lot, and has one of the tallest peaks in NH...Waterville IMO is the closest to Boston descent place...

[KarynO]

I live here in the ski areas...Bretton Woods, Loon, or Gunstock. Since your children are not in school, I would definitely go mid-week on a non-school vacation week. Keep in mind that NH schools and Mass schools take different weeks off. Living up here I would never ski on a weekend...the crowds are miserable. I used to work at Gunstock and the little kids were free.

[SolarMan]

Originally Posted by seamusnh

www.crotchedmountain.com is our local mountain. Nice for kids.

Yea i love crotched....

I live about 15 min for there and its great for kids

[bgrasser]

Before you head North, check out the Blue Hills Ski Area in Canton,MA
for day trips; it could be a great intro for the kids.

Blue Hills Ski Area --> MA Ski Area Featuring...Skiing and Snowboarding!*

[Lincolnian]

Mt. Sunapee has an excellent children's program. They have a dedicated beginner area with a step on lift called the Magic Carpet. When my children were learning the instructors knew them by name even if we hadn't skied for two months.

I would highly recommend this program and the mountain for families.

[haberstroh]

My backyard ;-)