About
Waterville Valley
ADVENTURE, RELAXATION, AND EVERYTHING IN-BETWEEN AWAITS YOU...
Surrounded by 4000-foot mountain peaks at the end of a winding, picturesque road, Waterville Valley is located just 2 hours from Boston, and yet so far away from the busy pace of everyday life. It's been regarded by thousands of vacationers through the years as an amazing place to create memories. Sure, we have all the conveniences of the modern world like WiFi and HDTV, but we also offer a place to take a deep breath and relax. Our breathtaking mountain setting offers an environment where families can slow down, breathe fresh air, take in mountain vistas and rediscover constellations in star-filled skies. It's a setting conducive to re-bonding and remembering what conversation can be like without the distractions of modern devices, traffic noise, and city lights. Sometimes it's life's simple pleasures that remind us what's important. We invite you to discover for yourself in this truly unique vacation experience.
AN OASIS IN THE MOUNTAINS
Waterville Valley, New Hampshire, is a four-season resort set in the the heart of the White Mountain National Forest. In addition to winter snowsports like skiing and snowboarding, Waterville Valley offers award-winning tennis courts, golf, biking, cultural activities and summer theater, an indoor ice rink, boating, and a skate and bike park. Lodging choices include traditional inns and all-suite hotels, and dining options range from traditional bars to elegant eateries. There are 125 miles of hiking and mountain bike trails to explore, a pond for swimming, and activities and programs for children and the whole family at the Curious George Cottage and the Recreation Center.
THE MOUNTAIN
THE TOWN
The Town
WATERVILLE VALLEY, NEW HAMPSHIRE
The Town of Waterville Valley is nestled deep within the White Mountains. With breathtaking locales at every turn and intersection, Waterville Valley lies within the shadows of 4000-foot mountain peaks, which are visible from almost anywhere in the village. There's only one road in & out of Waterville Valley. There's no passing-through, - Waterville Valley is a final destination. This level of seclusion offers families of all ages serenity, privacy, and safety.
There is a rich history behind this quaint, alpine town. The Town of Waterville Valley was incorporated in 1829 and immediately began attracting visitors to its stunning natural beauty. The town started to become a major tourist destination in 1965, when Tom Corcoran - a two-time Olympic skier and member of the U.S. National Ski Hall of Fame - founded the ski area with plans to transform the Valley into a year-round full-service destination resort.
The town is completely encircled by 770,000 acres of protected National Forest land. Despite being among such vast wilderness, Waterville Valley has a welcoming small-town feel. Activities, shops, lodging, and dining are all clustered around Town Square, which is widely considered the heart of the town. This quaint, village center lies on the shores of Corcoran Pond and boasts incredible views of the surrounding mountain peaks. Old-school New England charm is palpable, especially with the colonial-style architecture.
During the Summertime, Town Square becomes a hub for events - visitors, locals, and longtime community members gather for live music on the Gazebo Stage, food festivals, fireworks, outdoor movie nights, and outdoor activities for all ages. Pedal boats, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards can be rented right from the dock. Waterville Valley is an open container town, so you're welcome to relax along the shores of Corcoran Pond with a cold libation.
Waterville Valley is exceptionally pedestrian-friendly. Anything you could ever need is within walking distance. The town is interconnected through its extensive trail system -walking paths, hiking trails, and cross-country ski trails weave in and out of the alpine village, local lodging destinations, boutiques, and dining establishments. No car is needed here in the Valley. Moving around town is effortless, especially when you can hop on the free resort shuttle at any time!
Generations of families have flocked to Waterville Valley to relax, explore, reconnect, and make lifelong memories. With so many adventures and so much potential for exploration, it's no mystery why Waterville Valley is considered New Hampshire's Family Resort.
When flakes start to fall come Winter, Town Square transforms into a Winter Wonderland, with a twinkling winter lights display, a cozy outdoor fire pit, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, fatbiking and ice skating. Groomed Nordic trails weave throughout the Valley, offering guests a chance to explore the snowy White Mountains. The best part? The complimentary Resort Shuttle runs daily, and will take you up to the ski slopes and anywhere around the Valley!
Locals & Visitors dancing to outdoor live music in Town Square
4th of July Parade - T-Shirt Cannon!
Squam Lakes Animal Encounter Series
Town Square Mid-Winter
Fireworks in Town Square
Fat Biking through Winter Lights
The Mountain
MOUNT TECUMSEH & GREEN PEAK
Skiers first began skiing down Mount Tecumseh in 1937, when the Civilians Conservation Corps cut the first ski trails of Waterville Valley. Back then, skiers would hike up what is now Mount Tecumseh Trail and ski down what is now the blue square trail “Old Tecumseh”.
It wasn’t until 1965 when Tom Corcoran - a two-time Olympic skier and member of the U.S. National Ski Hall of Fame - took an interest in Mount Tecumseh and Waterville Valley. With the help of Sel Hannah, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and Ralph Bean, Corcoran developed the Waterville Valley ski area in 1965 and 1966. By December 1966, Waterville Valley Ski Resort was open for business, with 145 acres of skiable terrain, 18 runs, four double chairlifts, and a vertical drop of 2,020 feet.
Waterville Valley Resort is known as the birthplace of Freestyle Skiing, opening the first Freestyle Instruction Program in the United States in 1969. The following year, the ski resort hosted the first National Open Championships of Freestyle Skiing on the Sunnyside trails, organized by Tom Corcoran and Doug Pfeiffer.
Just as Waterville Valley played a role in the development of freestyle skiing, so in turn, freestyle skiing shaped Waterville Valley. Many legendary freestyle skiers played significant roles in the development of the ski resort, including Wayne Wong, Doug Pfeiffer, and Nick Preston. The Freestyle Lounge, Preston's Path, and Wayne Wong Way are all named in honor of these freestyle legends.
In 1994, Waterville Valley Resort opened the first terrain park in New Hampshire - “The Boneyard”. Today, Waterville Valley Resort maintains its authority as a world-class terrain park. Waterville Valley Resort has been a breeding ground for pro snowboarders including Pat Moore, Chase Guldemond, and Luke Mathison.
Waterville Valley Resort hosted its first World Cup Finals in 1966. Since then, the ski resort has hosted 11 World Cup Races in its history, featuring athletes like Alberto Tomba and Ingemar Stenmark. In January 2024, Waterville Valley Resort will host the Moguls and Dual Moguls World Cup. Legend has it that Waterville Valley also held the first official NASTAR race back in 1968.
Today, Waterville Valley Resort provides 100% snowmaking and nightly grooming across two mountain peaks. There are over 265 skiable trail acres, an elevation of 4,004 feet, a vertical drop of 2,020 feet, and a plethora of amenities and services. View Mountain Stats & Facts >>>
Waterville Valley Resort is also home to the Northeast’s premier cross-country trail system, with over 72km of professionally groomed & maintained trails that weave deep into the White Mountain National Forest. Waterville Valley was the Olympic training facility for the 1971 US National Nordic Ski Team and is the home training site of Kris Freeman.
Waterville Valley Ski Resort is an independently owned and operated resort. We provide an authentic, non-corporatized skiing experience with a thriving local culture and palpable soul. Generations of families have flocked to Waterville Valley Resort to not only ski, but to relax, explore, reconnect, and make lifelong memories. With so many adventures and so much potential for exploration, it's no mystery why Waterville Valley is considered New Hampshire's Family Resort.
Band playing outside the Base Lodge, circa late 1960s.
Last Chair on White Peaks Express Quad.
Kids Kampers testing their new skills on High Country.
Guests at Waterville Valley Ski Resort, circa 1970s.
The Annual Torchlight Parade.
The Annual Last Run Lūʻau and Pond Skim.