The Ultimate Cranmore Mountain Resort Travel Guide

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Cranmore Mountain Resort is one of the oldest ski resorts in New England, and it just got a brand-new facelift that adds modern conveniences without taking away the mountain’s quintessential charm. Located in North Conway, a lively alpine town in the heart of the picturesque Mount Washington Valley, Cranmore is an easy (under three hours) drive from Boston and a year-round vacation destination. 

Cranmore opened a new 30,000-square-foot lodge just in time for the 2023/2024 ski season, featuring Skimobile Station food court, Koessler’s slope-side bar, and a ski accessories shop. The lodge is packed with skier-friendly amenities like free water bottle filling stations and bathrooms on the ground floor (so you don’t have to trudge down a flight of stairs in ski boots like at many other resorts.)  

Cranmore also made some outdoor improvements, adding five new trails to the mountain and debuting a new terrain park with boxes, rails, and snow features. 

For the perfect winter weekend at Cranmore Mountain, follow our guide and learn where to eat, what to do, and where to stay. 

Cranmore Mountain

I planned my visit to Cranmore Mountain for the last weekend in February, not realizing that it was the end of a vacation week for many area schools. I feared the resort would be crowded with long lift lines. Fortunately, that wasn’t the case—this ski resort is so well-laid out, with 60 trails spread across more than 170 acres. Thanks to seven lifts (including one high-speed quad), I never waited more than 10 minutes for a chair, and on Sunday, I didn’t have to wait at all after lunch. Nothing is better than skiing straight off a trail and back into the chairlift without stopping!

There is a great mix of green, blue, and black diamond trails at Cranmore, making Cranmore a good destination for all skiers of all abilities. I loved that there’s a long green trail that winds from the summit down to the lodge, so a group with mixed abilities can ride the chairlift up and everyone can ski down comfortably, no matter their skill level. 

During my weekend trip, we were blessed with two warm bluebird days. Cranmore is one of the more temperate mountains in the area, thanks to its 2,000-foot elevation, which is a huge plus for those used to the icy and frigid conditions other New England ski areas are famous for. That doesn’t mean Cranmore doesn’t get snow—the mountain averages 80 inches of fresh powder annually. 

Over the last few years, Cranmore has invested over $1 million into mountain snowmaking improvements, adding over 500 energy-efficient snow guns to make snow more quickly.  

Cranmore Mountain Lessons

Whether you’re hoping to advance your skiing to the next level or try snowboarding for the first time, I highly recommend taking advantage of the great learning programs available at Cranmore. 

Group lessons are available daily for kids and adults learning how to ski. Cranmore has a large learning area, including a unique trail with specifically shaped snow features designed to naturally help first-timers learn to control their speed and body position. 

As an intermediate skier who wants to improve, I signed up for a one-on-one private lesson. My knowledgeable instructor, Becca, gave me personalized tips on form to help me advance and feel more comfortable on the mountain. After my lesson, I felt much more confident and could tackle trails I might not have attempted previously.  

Cranmore Ski Resort Lift Tickets

Cranmore is one of the more affordable mountains in the area for a day of skiing. Lift tickets cost $119 for an adult day pass if you buy them the same day you’re skiing, but you can save up to $20 if you buy them online in advance. 

A two-day adult pass costs $209, and if you don’t want to ski an entire day, there are options for night skiing ($69) and half days ($99).

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What to Do at Cranmore Mountain

There’s plenty to do at Cranmore Mountain for non-skiers as well. The tubing park is a big draw for families in the winter. A magic carpet whisks sledders up to the top so they can repeatedly slide down one of 10 lanes without getting tired.

For more thrills, hit the Mountain Adventure Park, home to three adrenaline-pumping rides: A giant swing, a 700-foot zip line, and a mountain coaster. 

Tickets for the Mountain Adventure Park can be booked online in advance and start at $29 per ride. Tubing tickets start at $45 per person for two hours. 

Where to Eat at Cranmore Mountain

Whether you’re looking for a quick snack to grab and eat on the chairlift or a leisurely sit-down lunch, there are plenty of dining options at Cranmore Mountain. My favorites included: 

Meister Hut

For the best views in town, ski off the chairlift and into Meister Hut. This fast-casual lodge-style eatery has a beautiful back deck with stunning views of Mount Washington. In the afternoon, the sun hits the deck and keeps it warm enough to sit outside, making it a perfect place for a lunch stop.

Zip’s Pub

A full-service bar and restaurant in Cranmore’s Schneider Square area, Zip’s Pub offers hearty comfort food. 

Skimobile Station

This grab-and-go food court is a quick stop for packaged snacks, coffee, or fast food options.

Koessler’s Bar

Koessler’s Bar is the place for apres-ski, with live music on Saturdays. The massive 7,000-foot square patio is a fun place to grab a drink after a day on the slope.

Where to Stay Near Cranmore Mountain

Cranmore Mountain is a less than five-minute drive from downtown North Conway, where there is a huge variety of accommodations to choose from. Travelers hoping to keep their ski trip affordable should book a room at the Village Place at the Eastern Slope Inn, which offers motel-style accommodations starting at around $125 per night during the winter season.

I stayed in a queen room, which was equipped with two queen beds, a microwave, and a minifridge. These conveniences were great for sticking to a budget, as it meant I could pack food and bring it to the mountain in lieu of buying lunch. The room itself was extremely clean and overall comfortable. 

Guests of the Village Place will have access to all the amenities of the Eastern Slope Inn, a larger hotel located a short drive down the street, including a heated indoor pool and hot tub.

Village Place is one of the few dog-friendly hotels in the Conway area, a plus for those traveling with a canine companion.

Editor’s Note: Cranmore Mountain hosted the writer for a weekend visit.

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