Greetings Friend, and Welcome to New Hampshire!

There’s a reason – perhaps more than one – that people come to spend time in New Hampshire. Maybe it’s the mountains, whose rugged peaks invite you to enjoy views for miles and miles, or perhaps it’s our quaint New England towns that tempt you to explore covered bridges, tax-free shopping, and unique dining experiences. Maybe coming to New Hampshire is just about spending a few days somewhere that feels a little removed from everyday life and allows you to take a pause.

In the fall, New Hampshire’s mountains come alive with color. Scenic drives wind through brilliant foliage, trails lead to unforgettable views, and our ski areas become a destination for so much more than skiing, from scenic chairlift rides to fall festivals, and beyond.

If you’re looking for the perfect fall getaway, New Hampshire offers you a warm welcome.

Fall Is Better in the Mountains

There’s something special about fall in New Hampshire, and Ski New Hampshire’s member mountains offer so many ways to enjoy it. As autumn progresses, the foliage of the White Mountains turn brilliant shades of red, orange, yellow, copper, and gold, inviting you to admire nature’s changing colors below the treeline.

Check out our recommendations below for ways to spend time in our colorful wonderland this fall.

The Best Seat in the House for Fall Foliage

New Hampshire’s mountains are made for leaf peeping, and if you’d like to get the best seat to relax and enjoy Mother Nature’s spectacle, a scenic lift ride is the way to do it.

A chairlift or gondola ride provides views of the foliage from above, while also allowing easy access to summit trails. Our ski areas also offer dining options at the summit or at the base of the chairlift, so bring your appetite and enjoy a meal in the midst of nature’s splendor.

Take a Hike

Fall is the best time of year to enjoy New Hampshire’s trails. The heat of summer has moved on, and days are filled with crisp morning air, warm days, and cool nights. And, of course, the bugs have moved on too!

Hiking is one of the best ways to experience the fall landscape, with trails ranging from easy walks to challenging mountain climbs. Use our ski areas as a base camp for your hiking plans, or use them to access summit trails via lift service. Ski areas offer dining options, bathroom facilities, and other amenities, adding convenience to the overall experience.

Try Something Different

Mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, boating, ziplining, and other outdoor adventures offer even more ways to explore. These activities offer difficulty levels ranging from easy/beginner to more challenging

Choose one resort and take advantage of multiple adventure opportunities, or choose a region and explore options at different ski areas. Our ski areas are typically a short, beautiful drive from one to the next.

Bring on the Fall Fun

Fall brings a festive energy to New Hampshire’s ski areas. Oktoberfest celebrations, live music, and other seasonal events make the mountains a great place to be as summer fades and winter nears.

Oktoberfest celebrations have become a favorite part of fall at New Hampshire ski areas, and for good reason. Come hungry for Bavarian food, live music, games, scenic rides, and, of course, a stein or two. Attitash Mountain Resort, Tenney Mountain, McIntyre Ski Area, and Pats Peak Ski Area are all hosting Oktoberfest events. Waterville Valley’s Schwendi Fest offers its own mountain take on the tradition, with a scenic chairlift ride, live music, food, games, and activities.

Foliage festivals, live music, races, themed dinners, and other events take place throughout the mountains. When you’re ready to visit, we’ll be here to welcome you, in any season.