Plan a ski weekend in New Hampshire’s White Mountains and three names come up quickly: Cannon Mountain, Bretton Woods, and Loon. They’re all within easy driving distance of our New Hampshire Bed and Breakfast, but they offer three very different ski days. Cannon is known for challenging, old-school New England terrain. Bretton Woods has the most skiable acreage and is one of the best New Hampshire ski resorts for beginners. Loon combines modern lifts, terrain parks, and enough variety to keep mixed-ability groups busy.
The quick Verdict:
- Choose Cannon Mountain if you’re a strong intermediate or expert who wants steep terrain and classic New England skiing.
- Choose Bretton Woods if you’re a beginner, a cruiser, or anyone who cares about excellent grooming and views of Mount Washington and the Presidential Range.
- Choose Loon Mountain if your group has mixed abilities, someone loves terrain parks, or easy access from I-93 matters.
We send guests to all three every winter from Sugar Hill Inn, which puts you within easy driving distance of each.
Cannon vs. Bretton Woods vs. Loon at a Glance
Bretton Woods is the largest ski resort in New Hampshire by skiable acreage, with 464 acres. Loon has 403 skiable acres and 2,190 feet of vertical, while Cannon has 285 skiable acres and 2,180 feet of vertical.
Cannon is the mountain for advanced skiers and anyone who prefers steep, traditional New England terrain. Bretton Woods is the strongest choice for beginners, groomed cruising, and scenery. Loon has the broadest appeal for mixed-ability groups, with extensive beginner terrain, advanced runs, and one of the region’s best-known terrain park programs.
Their lift systems are different, too. Cannon’s historic aerial tramway was retired in 2025. Bretton Woods has nine lifts, including the Skyway Gondola, while Loon operates 13 lifts, the most in New Hampshire.
For skiers comparing passes, Cannon and Bretton Woods are part of the White Mountain Superpass, along with Cranmore and Waterville Valley. Loon is not included.
Cannon Mountain: For Skiers Who Want a Real Challenge
Cannon is New Hampshire’s state-owned ski area, with the old-school New England character that has kept generations of skiers coming back. Set inside Franconia Notch State Park, it reaches a ski-area summit elevation of 4,080 feet and has 2,180 feet of vertical. About a third of its terrain is rated expert, while the Mittersill side adds another dimension for experienced skiers.
One important change for longtime visitors is the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway. The second-generation tram was retired in 2025, and they’re working on a replacement. The New England Ski Museum remains near the former tram base and is worth a stop for anyone interested in the region’s skiing history.
Cannon’s elevation and exposure also mean conditions can change quickly. Upper trails can be windy and firm, so check the mountain report before heading out.
Is Cannon Mountain good for beginners? Yes, but with a plan. The Tuckerbrook Family Area is a separate but connected learning zone with its own lifts and beginner and novice terrain, away from the more demanding sections of the main mountain. It’s a good place to learn, although beginners looking for a mountain they can gradually explore throughout the day may find Bretton Woods or Loon more forgiving.
For trail picks, lessons and logistics, read our full guide to Cannon Mountain Ski Resort.
Pick Cannon if: you want challenging terrain, classic New England skiing, and the shortest trip from Sugar Hill Inn.
Bretton Woods: For Beginners, Cruisers and the Best Views
Bretton Woods is the biggest ski resort in New Hampshire by skiable acreage for the 2026-27 season, with 464 acres, 63 trails, and 36 glades. The mountain faces the Presidential Range, giving skiers broad views toward Mount Washington on clear winter days.
The skiing leans toward wide, groomed terrain, which is one reason Bretton Woods works so well for beginners and intermediates. Snowmaking covers 92% of the trails, and grooming has long been a resort strength. The Skyway Gondola runs from the base to Rosebrook Lodge, and the mountain’s lift system also includes high-speed quad service.
For beginners, Bretton Woods has a dedicated Learning Center Quad and ski and snowboard programs for people starting from scratch. More importantly, plenty of approachable terrain lies beyond the learning area, so newer skiers can explore more of the mountain as their confidence improves.
Experts will still find steeper trails and glades, but an all-advanced group looking primarily for difficult terrain may prefer Cannon.
One planning note: Bretton Woods does not offer night skiing. If someone in your group prefers cross-country skiing, the Bretton Woods Nordic Center offers another option nearby. Our full guide to Bretton Woods skiing covers tickets, lessons, and more.
Pick Bretton Woods if: you’re learning, you love long groomers, or the scenery matters as much as the skiing.
Loon Mountain: For Mixed-Ability Groups and Park Enthusiasts
Loon sits in Lincoln near I-93, making it convenient for skiers coming north from Boston and southern New England. It features 73 trails and 403 skiable acres across three connected peaks, North Peak, Loon Peak, and South Peak, with a published vertical drop of 2,190 feet.
Loon operates 13 lifts, which the resort says is the most in New Hampshire. The headliner is Kancamagus 8, the first eight-person chairlift in the eastern United States, with heated seats and a weather-blocking bubble. The White Mountain Express Gondola climbs Loon Peak, and terrain parks remain central to the mountain’s identity.
Loon’s range makes it particularly useful for groups. Beginners have dedicated learning terrain, including the expanded South Peak area, where the Timbertown Quad serves 11 beginner-friendly trails. Intermediates have plenty of cruising terrain, while advanced skiers can head for steeper trails, glades, and terrain elsewhere on the mountain.
So, is Loon Mountain good for beginners? Yes. Its expanded beginner terrain makes it a strong option when first-time or novice skiers travel with more experienced friends.
The tradeoff is popularity. The highway access that makes Loon convenient also makes it busy on weekends and during holidays. The resort recommends purchasing date-specific lift tickets in advance, and tickets can sell out.
Our Loon Mountain Ski Resort guide has the details.
Pick Loon if: your group splits between beginners and experts, someone wants the terrain park, or modern lift infrastructure and convenient highway access are priorities.
Which New Hampshire Ski Resort Is Best for Beginners?
Of these three New Hampshire ski resorts for beginners, Bretton Woods is our first choice, with Loon a close second. Bretton Woods comes out ahead because so much of the mountain is approachable and well-groomed, allowing progressing skiers to move beyond the learning area without making a dramatic jump in difficulty.
Loon is the smarter call when a beginner is skiing with experienced friends. Its dedicated beginner terrain gives new skiers room to learn while the rest of the group has access to hundreds of acres of intermediate and advanced terrain.
Cannon also works for first-timers, especially in the Tuckerbrook Family Area. The difference is what happens after a beginner is ready to venture farther. Cannon’s main mountain is considerably more demanding than its dedicated learning area, which is part of the reason experienced skiers love it.
A tip for adult beginners: book a lesson for your first morning, wherever you go. New England conditions can be firm, and learning the basics from an instructor makes it much easier to enjoy the rest of the weekend.
Head-to-Head: Quick Answers
Cannon vs. Loon: Cannon is steeper, more traditional, and more heavily weighted toward experienced skiers. Loon has more skiable acreage, more lifts, considerably more beginner terrain, and extensive terrain parks. Strong skiers may lean toward Cannon; mixed groups will generally find more options at Loon.
Bretton Woods vs. Loon: Bretton Woods is bigger by skiable acreage, gentler overall, and particularly well suited to groomed cruising. Loon has more vertical, more lifts, and a stronger terrain park program. When comparing Loon vs. Bretton Woods, beginners and cruisers may prefer Bretton Woods, while park skiers and mixed-ability groups may prefer Loon.
Cannon vs. Bretton Woods: These two offer very different ski days. Cannon is the better fit for challenging terrain, while Bretton Woods favors groomed cruising and beginner-friendly skiing. The White Mountain Superpass covers both, along with Cranmore and Waterville Valley. The Bold and Beautiful Pass also covers Cannon and Bretton Woods on eligible dates, although restrictions and blackout dates apply.
Want to look beyond these three? See our roundup of New Hampshire ski resorts, including Wildcat and Attitash.
Why Ski All Three From Sugar Hill Inn
Here’s the advantage of staying at Sugar Hill Inn: you don’t have to plan your entire trip around one mountain. Cannon is the closest of the three, while Bretton Woods and Loon are both an easy drive away. That gives you the freedom to choose based on conditions and what everyone wants to ski that day. Spend one day tackling Cannon, another cruising Bretton Woods, and another exploring Loon.
Then come back to something very different from a busy ski lodge. At our New Hampshire Bed and Breakfast, we include a full country breakfast each morning, plus afternoon small bites when you return from the mountain. Warm up in the Tavern by the wood-burning fireplace, arrange an in-house massage for tired legs, or sit down to dinner at the inn’s restaurant on select evenings. Distinguished Restaurants of North America has recognized the restaurant, and its wine list has earned a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence.
The inn’s individually designed guest rooms and vacation cottages give you a comfortable place to settle in after a day on the mountain, with many accommodations featuring fireplaces, soaking tubs, or other welcome touches for a winter stay.
Book your stay today and start planning the ultimate White Mountains ski trip! First time staying here? Start with our complete guide to staying at Sugar Hill Inn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Bretton Woods or Loon?
Bretton Woods has more skiable acreage, with 464 acres compared with Loon’s 403. Loon has more vertical, at 2,190 feet compared with approximately 1,500 feet at Bretton Woods. Loon has announced a 272-acre Black Ridge expansion planned for winter 2027-28 that is expected to increase the resort to 675 skiable acres.
Which New Hampshire ski resort has the biggest vertical drop?
Based on the resorts’ currently published figures, Loon lists a 2,190-foot vertical drop, compared with Cannon’s 2,180 feet. Cannon has the state’s highest ski-area summit at 4,080 feet.
Is Cannon Mountain good for beginners?
Yes, particularly in the Tuckerbrook Family Area, which has its own lifts and beginner and novice terrain. Cannon’s main mountain suits confident intermediates and advanced skiers better.
Is Loon Mountain good for beginners?
Yes. Loon has dedicated learning terrain and 11 beginner-friendly trails served by the Timbertown Quad at South Peak. It’s a strong choice when beginners are skiing with more experienced friends.
Can I ski Cannon, Bretton Woods and Loon on one pass?
Not on the White Mountain Superpass. The pass covers Cannon and Bretton Woods along with Cranmore and Waterville Valley. Loon is not included.
Where should I stay to ski Cannon, Bretton Woods, and Loon?
Sugar Hill is conveniently positioned for reaching all three. Sugar Hill Inn lets you ski a different mountain each day while returning to the same New Hampshire bed and breakfast for a full breakfast in the morning and a comfortable place to relax after skiing.