Easy access to great skiing, snowshoeing, and ice climbing, plus convenient lodging and restaurants, all make Jackson a fantastic winter destination.
Just south of the Presidential Range, Jackson, New Hampshire is not only the gateway to some of New England’s most iconic peaks, but when the temperatures dip and the snowflakes fly, it becomes one of the best winter playgrounds in the Northeast.
Here’s what you need to know to make the most of exploring Jackson in winter.
Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing
Jackson is legendary for Nordic skiing, and for good reason. The Jackson Ski Touring Foundation maintains more than 50 trails stretching for more than 100 kilometers through meadows, riversides, and into the foothills of the Presidential Range.
Nearby, Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center offers miles of trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and even fat tire biking. Great Glen also has snow tubing and the Mount Washington SnowCoach, which takes visitors up to experience the sub-arctic world at treeline on the Mount Washington Auto Road.
The Mount Washington Valley Ski Touring and Snowshoe Foundation offers cross-country skiing and snowshoe trails in nearby Intervale, while Bear Notch Ski Touring Center is also close by in Bartlett and features cross-country skiing and snowshoe trails with riverside views, waterfalls, and more.
Skiing & Snowboarding
For skiers and snowboarders who want the rush of downhill runs, Wildcat Mountain delivers some of the most breathtaking alpine skiing in New England. Its long, winding cruisers and hidden glades are favorites for skiers who crave both scenery and challenge, and it has trails that drop directly toward Mount Washington.
Close to town, Black Mountain is Jackson’s hometown hill—a family-friendly gem known for its old-school charm, rolling terrain, and short lift lines. Skiers and snowboarders can spend the morning carving turns and still be back in the village for an afternoon pint by the fire.
Also nearby is Attitash Mountain Resort in Bartlett, which has two peaks and more than 300 acres.
For a more wild experience, Jackson is also home to an incredible backcountry skiing scene. The Granite Backcountry Alliance, a group that works to advance backcountry skiing in the region, is a good source of local information. For more info and rental gear, check out White Mountain Ski Company. This shop is the adventure hub of the area, from trail running and biking in summer to backcountry skiing in winter. (And if you like a cup of joe, it’s also a coffee company.)
Ice Climbing
If you enjoy climbing, Jackson is the place to be, especially in winter, as ice climbers flock to the area each year. Crawford Notch State Park is a beloved destination for ice climbing. The frozen cascades along Frankenstein Cliff and Willey’s Slide are iconic routes, attracting climbers from across the East.
Several ice climbing and mountaineering guide companies are located in the area to help anyone from rookies to experienced climbers. Synnott Mountain Guides and Redline Guiding are based nearby in Intervale. Northeast Mountaineering is based in Glen, while Cathedral Mountain Guides and the International Mountain Climbing School are just down the road in North Conway.
Lodging
When you’re looking for a place to stay, it doesn’t get more seasonally appropriate than the Christmas Farm Inn and Spa near the center of Jackson. This holiday-themed inn also features an excellent restaurant and a full-service spa. And when the holidays approach, they crank up the Christmas spirit with Blitzen’s Pop-Up Bar, packed with holiday decorations, treats, events, specialty cocktails and desserts, and much more.
The cozy rooms at the Wildcat Inn are affordable, comfortable, and are right in downtown. It’s also home to the Wildcat Tavern, and excellent restaurant for lunch and dinner.
The Wentworth is a 61-room inn offering easy access to a wide array of outdoor activities. The RiverWood Inn is a charming 130-year-old inn that has been renovated and redecorated with antiques and artwork. The Eagle Mountain House, built in 1879, is one of the last remaining Grand Hotels in the White Mountains.
Food & Drink
From casual to candlelight, Jackson offers a wide variety of dining options that are perfect for capping off a day of winter adventure.
As mentioned earlier, the Wildcat Tavern has a diverse menu, a great beer selection, and live music regularly. The Shovel Handle Pub offers Yankee style cuisine to compliment the rustic charm of its three-story post and beam barn.
The dining room at the Christmas Farm Inn is known for its original cuisine, craft cocktails, and home-made desserts.
The Red Fox Bar and Grille features authentic wood-fire grilling. It makes a great sports bar, with wide-screen TVs, but it also has a kids’ playroom and movie room, making it perfect for families. The Shannon Door Pub is known for its thin crust pizza and extensive menu of comfort food.
