10 Best New England Winter Vacation Destinations

Top New England Winter Towns For Cold-Weather Getaways

A New England Winter Vacation can be the most memorable of your entire life if you take some time to plan your winter holiday in advance. Classic New England cold-weather outdoor activities include skiing, (both nordic and alpine), ice fishing, snowshoeing, sledding, ice skating, and snowmobiling. Not everyone enjoys the cold, so we’re suggesting some top New England Winter Destinations that offer options for non-athletic events like shopping, dining, art, entertainment, and sightseeing.

TOP 10 NEW ENGLAND WINTER DESTINATIONS

1. STOWE, VERMONT
A Stowe Vacation is a favorite due to the variety of events, lodging, dining, and professional caliber of innkeepers, chefs, and hospitality workers. Stowe has something for everyone – visit the Ski Museum, Stowe Mountain Resort, take private skiing or snowboarding lessons at Spruce Peak. Stay in a classic ski lodge or four-star resort. Topnotch Resort, Green Mountain Inn, Trapp Family Lodge, and dozens of other Stowe area rooms, suites, and private Stowe area rental homes are available. Stowe area dining standouts include Harrison’s Restaurant, Michael’s on the Hill, The Whip at Green Mountain Inn. When hunger hits find Piecasso on the Mountain Road, they offer fresh-made pizza, Italian specialties, microbrews, craft beers, and a full-service lounge.

2. MT. WASHINGTON VALLEY
The famous Mt. Washington Valley towns of Jackson and North Conway have everything from outdoor activities to the largest indoor, tax-free shopping plazas in the Northeast. Take in a dinner show at Wildcat Inn & Tavern, challenge your skiing skills at Black Mountain, Attitash, or cross-country skiing. Relax in the cozy atmosphere of the Inn at Ellis River.

3. LUDLOW / OKEMO, VERMONT
Ludlow sits at the foot of Okemo Mountain and provides a perfect setting for your Vermont ski vacation. The Castle Hill Resort & Spa offers luxurious lodging and dining. Pet-friendly rooms may be found at the Cavendish Pointe Hotel – just minutes from the entrance to Okemo Mountain Resort.

Lobster Roll Middlebury Inn

4. OGUNQUIT, MAINE
The southern Maine coast is quiet during the winter months, but this presents an opportunity to relax, reflect, and rejoice in the season. While some Ogunquit lodging and dining may be closed during the winter months many of Ogunquit’s best resorts are open – like the fabulous Beechmere Inn on Marginal Way. We always find plenty of dining and entertainment options. Jonathan’s is famous for sensation dinners and live music and comedy shows.

5. MIDDLEBURY, VERMONT
This Vermont village is a great place to visit during any season, but winter offers a visit to the Snow Bowl – Middlebury College’s outdoor activity center and ski area that is open to the public. In Downtown Middlebury, you’ll find historic lodging and exceptional dining at the Middlebury Inn.

6. SUNAPEE MTN / NEW LONDON, NEW HAMPSHIRE
The picturesque town of New London is home to Colby-Sawyer College and one of the most popular, solar-powered breweries in New England – Flying Goose Brew Pub & Grille. This NH Brewery is becoming famous for unique brews and sensational lunch and dinner fare. Lake Sunapee and Mt. Sunapee Resort offer winter activities.

winter sports at Smuggs - Smugglers' Notch Resort

Enjoying winter fun at Smuggs

7. JEFFERSONVILLE, VT / SMUGGLERS’ NOTCH RESORT
One of the World’s top family resorts is a favorite getaway in any season but winter here is a very special time of year. With state-of-the-art snowmaking and grooming, an award-winning staff, and a variety of event activities it is no wonder that the love for Smuggs just keeps on growing.

First Connecticut Lake Pittsburg, NH

8. PITTSBURG, NEW HAMPSHIRE
The Winter season is longer in the Connecticut Lakes Region of northern New Hampshire. Pittsburg is not for skiers but is a mecca for snowmobilers, naturalists, wildlife photographers, birders, hunters, and fishermen. The Partridge Lodge will have a warm, lakeside cabin waiting for you when you arrange your reservation in advance.

9. NORTH WOODSTOCK, NEW HAMPSHIRE
With Loon Mountain, and Cannon Mountain just minutes away there are plenty of recreation options. Live entertainment and microbrews are always on tap at the Woodstock Inn & Brewery. The Wilderness Inn offers a “honeymoon cabin” rental and also has family suite lodging. Life in New Hampshire doesn’t get any better.

10. BETHEL, MAINE / SUNDAY RIVER RESORT
Sunday River Resort offers eight mountains of skiing while nearby Bethel, Maine has specialty shops, funky clothing boutiques, and casual dining options.

Sunday River Resort

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