Monadnock Region (Winter)

The Monadnock Region's namesake, Mount Monadnock, crowns the entire area with its snow-capped peak. Although there is no downhill skiing on the mountain, three other ski areas provide plenty of downhill action. Crotched Mountain, in Francestown is known for its state-of-the–art snowmaking and grooming. Pat’s Peak in Henniker is a favorite of families, with a full schedule of events for all ages. Granite Gorge in Keene, the smallest of the three, is especially suited for boarders, although skiers are welcome, too. It has cross-country trails as well. Windblown Cross Country Center in New Ipswich is the largest cross-country center in the ...

The Monadnock Region's namesake, Mount Monadnock, crowns the entire area with its snow-capped peak. Although there is no downhill skiing on the mountain, three other ski areas provide plenty of downhill action. Crotched Mountain, in Francestown is known for its state-of-the–art snowmaking and grooming. Pat’s Peak in Henniker is a favorite of families, with a full schedule of events for all ages. Granite Gorge in Keene, the smallest of the three, is especially suited for boarders, although skiers are welcome, too. It has cross-country trails as well. Windblown Cross Country Center in New Ipswich is the largest cross-country center in the region with challenging trails for experts and level terrain for beginners. Shoppers love Keene with its independently-owned shops inside a historic mill, the Colony Mill Marketplace, as well as Hanna Grimes Marketplace on Main Street for local crafts. The region’s several covered bridges (one route in Swanzey, south of Keene, has five) and picture-perfect villages such as Westmoreland's Park Hill, Hillsborough's village ensemble, and Fitzwilliam's white clapboard meeting house, church, and homes around the green, are especially photogenic covered in snow.

About the Expert

Lura Seavey is the author of Fun with the Family in Vermont and New Hampshire and she has contributed to several Thomas Cook guidebooks, including Drive Around Catalonia, Travellers Mallorca, and Travellers Barcelona.