The Monadnock Region has two downhill skiing options within its borders and a few other mountains located close by.
Within the Monadnock Region:
Crotched Mountain Resort: Bennington, NH: As a member of the Vail Resorts Management Company (yes, THAT Vail), Crotched Mountain is a legit, full scale downhill ski experience located in the northeast corner of the region. All equipment is available for rent, lessons can be reserved, and with both a pub and a cafeteria there’s plenty of options to keep your energy up – even if you take advantage of their night hours. Only 40 minutes from Keene and 20 minutes from Peterborough, Crotched Mountain is a very accessible yet surprisingly uncrowded option to hit the slopes.
Granite Gorge Mountain Park: Keene NH: Granite Gorge Mountain Park is a beloved local establishment, where generations of families have learned to ski. Complete with equipment for rent and group or private lessons, it’s easy to be in and out of the park in less than 2 hours. And if you love snow but skiing isn’t your thing, check out their tubing hill. A great, easy day leaving you plenty of time to explore more of the area.
Just beyond the region:
Pat’s Peak: Henniker, NH
Roughly a 40 minute drive from both Keene and Peterborough, Pat’s Peak has 28 trails, 11 lifts, 3 terrain parks, a snowtubing park, night skiing and 100% snowmaking. There’s also a delicious snack bar for full meals or those necessary apres-ski treats!
Mount Sunapee: Sunapee, NH
About an hour from both Keene and Peterborough, Mount Sunapee is a premium, family-oriented, ski resort in Southern NH. It has 66 trails, 11 lifts, and over 1,500ft of vertical drop. They also have lifts that can accommodate 3 people, which can be helpful for families! It is part of the Vail Resort Collection.
Mount Snow: Somerset, VT
About an hour from Keene, Mount Snow is also part of the Vail Resort collection. Featuring four faces of diverse terrain, stellar dining and après-ski scenes, and an atmosphere of warmth and welcome, they’ve got something for everyone, both on-mountain and off.
Okemo: Ludlow, VT
About an hour from Keene, Okemo Mountain has 121 trails, 20 lifts, and excellent apres-skiing dining options. It is also part of the Vail Resorts Collection.