Why North Conway was named the best ski town in America

From easy access to multiple ski resorts to a charming downtown and plenty of après-ski spots, discover what makes North Conway the best ski town in the U.S.

When most people think of ski towns in the U.S., popular areas like Aspen, Jackson Hole, and Park City probably come to mind. But New Hampshirites know the Granite State is home to some exceptional ski spots, too. In fact, North Conway earned the number one spot on USA TODAY 10BEST’s list of the 10 best ski towns in the U.S.

“Being named the best ski town in the U.S. is a tremendous honor, especially among world-class destinations like Mammoth Lakes, Jackson Hole, Aspen, and Stowe,” Chris Proulx, executive director of the Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce, told us. “These communities set a high bar, and we’re proud that North Conway and the greater Mt. Washington Valley continue to stand out.”

To make it onto the 10BEST list, the ski towns had to be nominated by an expert panel and then voted as the best by USA TODAY readers.

While easy access to the slopes and plenty of fresh powder are important, the best ski towns have so much more to offer skiers, from a wide variety of lodging options to lively bars and excellent restaurants. Dan Houde, owner and publisher of Mt Washington Valley Vibe magazine and travel site NorthConwayNH.com, agrees that it’s about the overall experience, especially when skiers are in town for longer than just a day trip.

“Planning a multi-day ski trip means not only access to top ski areas and terrain but also the opportunity to enjoy the mountain-town experience with a wide selection of winter recreation, après and dining, unique events, rich history, shopping, value, and an abundance of lodging options,” Houde told us. “From small family resorts for those new to the sport to backcountry skiing in Tuckerman Ravine, the birthplace of extreme skiing, the [greater Mt. Washington Valley] region has ski options for everyone,” he added.

Keep reading to learn more about why North Conway was named the best ski town in the country, and discover the top-notch ski areas, shops, restaurants, and other attractions you won’t want to miss during your next visit.

Downhill ski resorts and cross-country ski areas

To be named a top ski town, easy access to multiple ski areas is a must—and North Conway, with its prime location in the White Mountains, offers exactly that. There are about 10 major ski areas—downhill, cross country, and backcountry—in and around North Conway that visitors can easily explore during their stay.

Located right in North Conway, Cranmore Mountain Resort has plenty to offer visitors. There are 170 acres of skiable area to traverse, which includes 60 trails and seven chair lifts, plus several dining options to try in between runs or for dinner. Cranmore Mountain Resort is also home to a snow tubing area that was ranked fourth in the country by USA TODAY.

While you could easily spend days on the slopes at Cranmore, there are a number of other downhill ski resorts nearby, including:

• King Pine Ski Area: Located in Madison, with 17 downhill trails
• Attitash Mountain Resort: Located in Bartlett, with 76 downhill trails
• Wildcat Mountain: Located in Gorham, with 48 downhill trails
• Bretton Woods Ski Area: Located in Bretton Woods, with 63 downhill trails

If you prefer cross-country skiing, your options are plentiful and include:

• Mt. Washington Valley Ski Touring: Located in Intervale, with about 19 miles of trails
• Bretton Woods Cross Country: Located in Bretton Woods, with about 63 miles of trails
• Great Glen Trails: Located in Gorham, with 28 miles of trails
• Bear Notch Ski Touring: Located in Bartlett, with 50 cross-country ski trails
• Jackson Ski Touring Foundation: Located in Jackson, with more than 50 cross-country ski trails

Backcountry skiers looking for a challenge will find one at Tuckerman Ravine. This well-known glacial cirque is located on the southeast face of Mount Washington, the tallest mountain in northeastern North America. Tuckerman Ravine is known for its rugged terrain, deep snowpack, steep descents, and extreme weather conditions.

Lodging 

Many of the ski resorts in and around North Conway have their own on-site accommodations, but those aren’t the only lodging options visitors have. From luxury hotels to family-friendly themed properties, there is something for every type of traveler.

Hotel Indigo, which opened in December 2025, is a new addition to the local scene. The hotel boasts beautiful mountain views, a rooftop restaurant and bar, an indoor swimming pool, and a spa.

Nearby White Mountain Hotel & Resort also boasts a lengthy amenities list and stunning mountain views. The property has a spa, outdoor pool and hot tub, firepits, a tavern, recreational courts, a sauna, and a fitness center.

North Conway Grand Hotel, Adventure Suites, Fox Ridge Resort, and Eastern Slope Inn Resort are among some of the other lodging options in North Conway, where skiers can rest and recharge after a long day traversing the nearby trails.

Bars and restaurants

After working up an appetite or thirst on the slopes, indulge at one of the many restaurants and bars in the North Conway area. Pro Tune offers one of the area’s most unique après ski experiences. The ski and bike tuning shop doubles as a tap room that serves local brews and hosts live music.

Red Parka Pub is another popular après ski spot. It’s rustic, lively, and famous for its ribs and hearty sandwiches. The pub also hosts live bands on the weekends.

Other local favorites include Muddy Moose Restaurant & Pub, Moat Mountain Brewing Company, and Delaney’s Hole in the Wall.

Other attractions

In addition to a wide variety of restaurants and bars, there are plenty of other places in North Conway and the surrounding area to visit when you need a break from the slopes.

If you want to learn about the history of skiing, head to the New England Ski Museum. You’ll find plenty of ski equipment and clothing, photos and films, a reference library of ski literature, memorabilia, and more.

Take a stroll down North Conway’s charming main street, and you’ll discover several unique shops full of treasures to take home. There is an independent bookstore, White Birch Books, a family-owned pet specialty store and pet bakery, Four Your Paws Only, an “old-fashioned” chocolate shop, Bavarian Chocolate Haus, and the North Conway League of NH Craftsmen Gallery, which houses crafts and furnishings that are handmade by New Hampshire artisans.

North Conway is an excellent basecamp for anyone wanting to explore White Mountain National Forest. The 800,000-acre region is home to more than 1,200 miles of hiking trails, plus many mountain lakes and the famed Mount Washington.

If your legs need a rest but you still want to enjoy the local scenery, hop aboard the Conway Scenic Railroad. Trains depart from an 1874 train station in North Conway and provide riders with stunning views of the White Mountains. There are multiple excursions to choose from, including a murder mystery-themed ride.