WINTER IN WATERVILLE VALLEY
winter wonderland
Winter in Waterville Valley is where adventure and tranquility meet in a snow-covered paradise. Spend the day skiing, snow tubing, or relaxing in the hot tub, steam room, or sauna at the White Mountain Athletic Club. There’s no shortage of cozy delights, whether you’re sipping hot cocoa by a crackling fire or indulging in après-ski fun. To top it all off, winter lights dazzle and illuminate businesses across the valley, making every moment feel like a real-life winter wonderland.
winter playground
Winter in Waterville Valley is about atmosphere as much as adventure. A walkable village, snow-covered scenery, and inviting places to gather create the perfect setting for relaxed winter days and cozy nights in the heart of the White Mountains.
WINTER ACTIVITIES
Take to the Town
Town Square is the shopping hub of Waterville Valley, bursting with locally owned shops and one-of-a-kind finds. There are no chains here — every purchase supports a local business and the community that makes this place special. Thank you for shopping local.
freedom pass vacation package
The Freedom Pass Package combines lodging and activities, meaning you’ll have access to the best activities in Waterville Valley during your stay!
Winter Celebrations
COLD TURKEY PLUNGE
Saturday After Thanksgiving
Visitors flock to the shores of Corcoran Pond to watch the Cold Turkey Plunge! Many courageous souls plunge into the freezing waters of Corcoran Pond, all in support of Waterville Valley Adaptive Sports. Over the past 10 years, the Waterville Valley community has raised over $485,000 to benefit the mission of Waterville Valley Adaptive Sports.
SANTA, TREE LIGHTING, & FIREWORKS
Saturday After Thanksgiving
Santa arrives in Town Square to visit all of the children of Waterville Valley. Santa visits take place indoors at the Adventure Center. Parents are welcome to take photos! The evening concludes with Town Square Tree Lighting & Fireworks!
SKIJOUR GALORE
President’s Day Weekend
The wild, wild west comes to Waterville Valley for Skijor Galore! Skijor participants ski through an obstacle course and a few optional bump, all the while being pulled by a race horse! Spectators are welcome and encouraged!
Fireworks Over Corcoran Pond
Saturday after Thanksgiving, New Year’s Eve, Saturday of MLK Weekend, Saturday of President’s Weekend
Enjoy a dazzling array of fireworks over Corcoran Pond! Fireworks are as best viewed from Town Square. Open containers are welcome!
vacation like a local
When autumn draws to a close and flakes begin to fall, Waterville Valley undergoes an enchanting transformation. A carpet of snow envelops the Valley, rivers freeze over, and twinkling lights are hung from evergreens and snow-capped buildings. Town Square converts into a dream-like wonderland, with festive light displays extending all the way to the shores of Corcoran Pond.
- Lodging
ATTENTION WINTER HIKERS!
Winter in Waterville Valley is beautiful. Quiet trailheads and snow-covered woodlands makes for a picturesque winter wonderland. However, not every trail in Waterville is suitable for walking and/or hiking during the wintertime.
View our Designated Winter Walking Routes HERE!
STAY SAFE THIS WINTER
“Unless you have significant experience in the outdoors in the wintertime or have booked with a professional guide service, DO NOT ATTEMPT to hike our higher peaks during this season. Every year, visitors have died or faced serious, life-altering injury due to the complex nature of hiking in the winter, a lack of expertise and planning, and the harrowing, deadly weather regularly found above and below tree line.”
Read White Mountain Attractions’ Winter Hiking Tips for Visitors >>>