Ski resorts across New Hampshire’s White Mountains are wrapping up what operators are calling the best snow season in more than a decade, with consistent natural snowfall, cold temperatures, and strong visitor numbers extending the season well into late March.
Cannon Mountain, the state-owned resort in Franconia Notch, reported a seasonal snowfall total of 182 inches through mid-March, compared to an average of 156 inches. Bretton Woods, Loon Mountain, and Waterville Valley all reported similar above-average totals.
“Mother Nature really delivered this year,” said Cannon Mountain general manager John DeVivo. “We’ve had consistent snow from December through March, and the base depths have been outstanding. A lot of our terrain has been natural snow all season.”
The strong snow year has translated directly into economic benefits for communities throughout the White Mountains region. Hotel occupancy rates in Lincoln, North Conway, and Franconia averaged 15 to 20 percent above the five-year average for January and February.
North Conway Chamber of Commerce president Janice Crawford said businesses across the valley have felt the impact. “When the skiing is good, everything is good — restaurants, shops, equipment rentals, even the grocery stores. A strong ski season carries the whole economy.”
Several resorts have announced extended operating schedules. Wildcat Mountain plans to stay open through the second weekend of April, while Tuckerman Ravine — the backcountry bowl on Mount Washington famous for spring skiing — is expected to hold skiable snow into May.
The season has also been notable for several major events, including the return of the World Cup freestyle moguls competition to Waterville Valley in February, which drew athletes from 15 countries and thousands of spectators.
Looking ahead, resort operators are cautiously optimistic about converting this season’s visitors into return customers. Many are investing in summer activities — mountain biking, zip lines, and scenic gondola rides — to build year-round tourism businesses.
