The East Coast had a great winter.
While rising temperatures, random spurts of rainfall, and a lack of natural snowfall has plagued the “ice coast” in recent years, a mid-winter change of heart for Mother Nature helped New Hampshire have one of the more successful snowboard and ski seasons in recent history.
Alpine ski areas welcomed 2,221,206 guests during the 2024-2025 season. That’s good enough for a 3% increase from the 2023-2024 season, and a 7% increase for the last decade.
“Though it was relatively warm and dry at first, the weather turned around and became more like a true winter, complete with cold temps and snow,” Ski New Hampshire President Jessyca Keeler said. “The shift back to a more seasonal climate helped increase our skier visit numbers.”
Keeler said that the numbers were a positive overall, and highlighted resorts and ski area’s ability to adapt during unpredictable weather conditions. Those same ski areas are now ramping up improvements during the summer months.
The past winter was a welcome success. Regions in the west – such as Utah, Lake Tahoe, and Colorado – have been hammered with big natural snowfall years in the last few years, while the east coast has left its riders with something to be desired. But this past season, Jay Peak had more snowfall than big-name destinations like Alta and Jackson Hole at one point this winter.
Pats Peak in Henniker and Bretton Woods in the White Mountains will get new quad lifts in time for next winter. A new T-bar will be installed at the Waterville Valley Resort competition center. Loon Mountain’s North Peak will get major snowmaking upgrades. And Bretton Woods will also open up some new trails, including black diamond glades.
Keeler revealed this information during a season recap at Ski NH’s annual meeting, which was held at Cranmore Mountain Resort.
Until the temperatures drop again, summer operations have commenced. Resorts in the Granite State will offer scenic lift rides, ziplines, mountain coasters, golf, disc golf, mini-golf, mountain biking, kayaking, and adventure parks. Visit SkiNH.com for hours and information.
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