Modern Eyes Places To See: Sunapee Region, NH

With snow appearing a constant feature in the forecast, we decided it was time to shift our perspective and take full advantage of the season with a weekend skiing trip. Since one of us was dusting off old ski skills and the other was a first-timer, we needed a spot that could accommodate both. Two hours north, the Sunapee Region delivered exactly what we wanted: crisp air, cozy vibes, and a winter reset.
 
To See
 
The journey there was magical all on its own. Driving the winding, rural roads of the Lake Sunapee Scenic Byway felt like a movie about embracing the Danish concept of hygge (cozy contentment). One minute the road was enveloped by snow-dusted evergreens, the next we emerged onto an open overlook of a frosted valley with postcard peeks of Mount Sunapee.
 
If you want to get out and explore, the region is packed with trails for winter hiking and snowshoeing, including Mount Kearsage which is known to offer spectacular views of the Sunapee Region. Or try cross-country skiing at the Pine Hill Ski Club with 20 kilometers of open trails (only $15/day). For a slower-paced adventure, join a Discovery Walk with a Naturalist near Newfound Lake and learn what’s happening in the woods when everything looks asleep.
 
Those craving a full-on winter glow-up can head a bit farther afield to the fully illuminated Ice Castles in North Woodstock; where you can wander through towering ice caverns and a frozen maze, take a sleigh ride through the trees along the Mystic Forest Light Walk, then warm up with a drink at the Frozen Tap ice bar.
 
To Ski
 
A New England classic, Ragged Mountain Resort boasts 55+ trails across 250 acres, from beginner greens to steep double-black diamond runs. It’s perfect for mixed-ability groups because you can ride the same lift and choose your own route at the top, knowing that all trails lead back to the same base area.
 
Encouraged by the easy logistics, one of us headed up the mountain while the other signed up for Ragged’s three-session Bebe Woods Program. A genuinely beginner-friendly package, each day includes a two-hour lesson, rentals, and a lower-mountain lift ticket for only $30. The instructors were patient, encouraging, and surprisingly effective. By the end of the second lesson, we were reunited at the summit and took in the panoramic view of the surrounding region, nearby Mount Cardigan, and the distant White Mountains. Then came the moment of truth: the first run down a green trail. Aside from one accidental “180 freestyle” maneuver from the newbie, we made it to the bottom unscathed and eager for another run.
 
At day’s end and flushed with success, we headed to Stone Hearth in the main lodge for après ski. Warm drinks in hand and a crackling fire at our backs, we settled in with front row seats to the terrain-park daredevils doing what we were absolutely not about to do (at least not yet) and happily spectated like the experts we were not.
 
To Savor
 
We stayed in nearby New London, NH, a great home base for eating well. Set in a charming 1790s farmhouse, The Oak Room was a outstanding first-night find that paired artful cocktails with locally sourced dishes and rich flavors in an impressively allergy-friendly menu.
 
The next morning, Blue Loon Bakery offered the perfect pre-ski grab-and-go with coffees and pastries (yes, gluten free too) that fueled us for the day ahead. On the mountain, the Birches offered a simple, seasonal menu with plenty of tasty options to keep us going.
 
That evening, we chose to “stay inn” at The Elms inside the historic New London Inn. We spent a cozy night by the open fireplace in their magazine-worthy dining room where the creative libations and inventive menu offerings did not disappoint. Through the windows, we could see skaters glide across the open-air Andrews Memorial Ice Rink, where public skating (and plenty of loaner skates) is free. Though tempted to take a spin ourselves, we decided instead to linger over hot toddies, decadent desserts, and warm memories of a day well spent.
 
Last Look
 
The Sunapee Region showed us the value of winter done right; with scenic views, approachable skiing, and cozy meals that make you want to slow time. Whether you’re a frequent flier, returning to skiing after a long break, or clicking into boots for the very first time, this corner of New Hampshire makes it easy to embrace the season. We left with tired legs, rosy cheeks, and a shared realization that the perfect winter getaway was closer than we imagined.