Top 3 New Hampshire Winter Weekend Getaway Ideas for 2024

Are you suffering from a case of cabin fever this winter? A change of scenery may be just what you need to beat the winter blahs. Luckily, some of the best winter getaway locations are just a short distance from your Seacoast New Hampshire home. If you’re ready for a mini-vacation, one of these New Hampshire options may be the perfect spot for your trip.

Skiing and Snowboarding at Omni Mount Washington Resort

Bretton Woods, NH

If it wouldn’t be winter without a ski trip, why not plan a getaway to Omni Mount Washington Resort? New Hampshire’s largest ski area offers 63 trails ideal for skiing and snowboarding, in addition to 100 kilometers of Nordic trails. Other activities at the Bretton Woods resort include snowshoeing, snow tubing, winter fat bikes, and zip lining over the treetops on the Canopy Tour. During your visit, perfect your snowboarding skills with a visit to one of the terrain parks.

After a busy day of snowy fun, relax in a comfortable room or suite at Omni Mt. Washington Hotel, Omni Bretton Arms Inn, the Lodge at Bretton Woods, or the Townhomes at Bretton Woods. Dining options at Bretton Woods range from casual fare at Lucy Crawford’s Food Court to New England favorites at the main dining room in the Omni Mt. Washington Hotel.

Dog Sledding at Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel

Jefferson, NH

There’s no better way to enjoy the winter scenery than with an exhilarating dog sled ride. Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel in Jefferson offers several tours, including:

• 5-Hour Tour: If you’re new to dog sledding, this introductory tour may be the ideal option for you. During the first 30 minutes of the tour, you’ll meet the dogs and help the mushers get the dogs ready for your ride. You’ll then embark on a five-mile ride that will take about 45 minutes. This tour is offered Tuesdays through Sundays until March 31 and is appropriate for ages 2 and up.
• Mini Mush Tour: The Mini Mush tour also includes ample time to get to know the dogs before your ride. Half of your group rides on the sled for 2.5 miles, then switches places with the remaining members.
• Musher for a Minute: Musher for a Minute is the perfect tour for you if you’ve always wanted to learn how to mush. You’ll spend 30 minutes preparing the dogs for the ride, then take to the trails on a double-driver sled with an experienced driver. During the five-mile course, you’ll learn the basics of driving a sled.
• Three-Hour Tour: The three-hour tour includes a 12-mile ride after a 30-minute preparation period. It’s the ideal tour for guests 5 and older who would like to spend more time enjoying the dog sledding experience.

After honing your dog sledding skills, warm up in your room at the Jefferson Inn. The inn is a convenient home base if you’d like to try a few of the area’s other winter sports, which include outdoor ice skating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. Other accommodation choices include Applebrook Bed & Breakfast, Mt. Madison Inn & Suites, Royalty Inn, and Mountain View Grand Resort and Spa - all within 25 miles of Jefferson.

Ice Fishing at New Hampshire Lakes

Fishing doesn’t have to stop just because it’s a little chilly outside. In fact, ice fishing is a popular winter activity at many New Hampshire Lakes, including Lake Winnipesaukee, Connecticut Lake (first, second and third), Dan Hole Pond, Diamond Pond, Francis Lake, Granite Lake, Great East Lake, Squam Lake (big and little) and Winnisquam Lake. Depending on the lake, you may find trout, chain pickerel, perch, black crappie, or bass in the water.

When Lake Winnipesaukee freezes over, part of the lake becomes a runway for private planes. You can also drive your car or truck onto the frozen lake to reach your ice fishing spot. A Facebook page offers information about current conditions at the lake, as well as tips and suggestions for ice fishing.

Are you planning a visit to Lake Winnipesaukee in February? Consider entering the Great Rotary Ice Fishing Derby. The annual competition, sponsored by the Meredith Rotary Club, will be held on February 12 and 13 this year. If you catch the largest fish in your category, you may even win a cash prize. Would you like to introduce your children to ice fishing? Enroll them in the kids’ ice fishing clinic held throughout the day on February 12. The clinic is also open to adults who are new to ice fishing. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult to attend the clinic.

If you’ll be participating in the derby or spending the weekend ice fishing at Lake Winnipesaukee, Mill Falls at the Lake offers convenient accommodations. Four inns and hotels on the shores of the lake provide amazing views of the lake and mountains and are a short distance from shops and restaurants. If your muscles feel a little sore after a day on the lake, be sure to book an appointment for a soothing massage at Cascade Spa and Salon at Mill Falls. In addition to several types of massages, the spa offers facials, reflexology therapy, pedicures, and manicures.

Is your Seacoast New Hampshire home as comfortable as it could be? Turn your house into the ultimate staycation spot with remodeling. Get in touch with us, and we’ll help you explore renovation options.