Loon Mountain vs Bretton Woods: New Hampshire's Family-Friendly Picks
Two of New Hampshire's most popular family ski resorts compared for terrain, amenities, and value.
Side-by-Side Stats
| Stat | Loon Mountain | Bretton Woods |
|---|---|---|
| Skiable Acres | 370 | 464 |
| Vertical Drop | 2,100' | 1,500' |
| Trails | 61 | 97 |
| Lifts | 10 | 10 |
| Snowfall | 156 inches annually | 200 inches annually |
| Beginner Terrain | 20% | 31% |
| Intermediate Terrain | 60% | 35% |
| Advanced Terrain | 20% | 34% |
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Terrain Variety
Loon MountainLoon's three peaks offer more advanced terrain including the steep South Peak.
Crowds
Bretton WoodsBretton Woods limits ticket sales and rarely has lift lines, even on peak weekends.
Scenery
Bretton WoodsBretton Woods sits beneath Mt. Washington with views of the Presidential Range and the historic Omni Mount Washington Resort.
Apres & Town
Loon MountainLoon is in Lincoln/Woodstock with more restaurants, shops, and entertainment options nearby.
Beginner Friendly
Bretton WoodsBretton Woods has 30% beginner terrain with gentle, wide-open slopes perfect for learning.
Value
TieBoth offer competitive family pricing with similar lift ticket and lodging costs for the White Mountains.
Overall Verdict
Loon wins for terrain variety and town access, Bretton Woods wins for uncrowded slopes and scenic beauty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Loon Mountain or Bretton Woods?
Bretton Woods wins more categories overall (3 to 2 with 1 tied), but the best choice depends on your priorities. Loon wins for terrain variety and town access, Bretton Woods wins for uncrowded slopes and scenic beauty.
Which resort has more terrain, Loon Mountain or Bretton Woods?
Bretton Woods has more skiable terrain with 464 acres compared to Loon Mountain's 370 acres. Bretton Woods also leads in trail count with 97 trails versus 61 at Loon Mountain.
Which resort gets more snow, Loon Mountain or Bretton Woods?
Bretton Woods receives more snowfall at 200 inches annually, compared to 156 inches annually at Loon Mountain. Loon Mountain has a vertical drop of 2,100 feet and Bretton Woods has 1,500 feet.
Is Loon Mountain or Bretton Woods better for beginners?
Bretton Woods is more beginner-friendly, with 31% of its terrain rated for beginners compared to 20% at Loon Mountain. For intermediate skiers, Loon Mountain offers 60% intermediate terrain versus 35% at Bretton Woods.