The Lake Sunapee region in New Hampshire offers year-round attractions that celebrate its natural beauty and vibrant local culture.Winter transforms the area into a snowy paradise, with Mount Sunapee Resort offering skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing adventures.
Spring revives the landscape with blooming wildflowers, perfect for nature walks and birdwatching. In the warmer months, visitors can enjoy boating, swimming, and fishing in the pristine waters of Lake Sunapee, or explore the area’s extensive hiking and biking trails, such as those in Mount Sunapee State Park.
Fall brings spectacular foliage, with scenic drives and festivals showcasing the region’s charm. The region also features quaint towns with shops, galleries, and restaurants that provide a cozy retreat no matter the season. Whether you are seeking outdoor recreation or a relaxing getaway, Lake Sunapee has something for everyone year-round.
Unique Winter Activities in the Lake Sunapee Region
Sno-Go Tours – Snow biking – Mount Sunapee
For a truly memorable and unique winter experience, experience the thrill of gliding down the slopes on snow bikes, blending the exhilaration of skiing with the simplicity of biking. Designed for all skill levels, Sno-Go bikes offer a unique way to explore the mountain. Whether you’re an experienced rider or trying it for the first time, Sno-Go Tours will create memories to last a lifetime.
mountsunapee.com/explore-the-resort/activities-and-events/winter-activities/snow-bike-tours
Winter Carnivals
Dartmouth Winter Carnival
A carnival that started in 1911, this free, three-day festival celebrates winter and Dartmouth’s sports teams. The festival has a theme every year and features unique activities such as an ice sculpture contest and dog sled racing. The festival typically occurs in January.
- For 2025, the theme is Jurassic Parka: The Carnival Before Time and is celebrating its 115th year!
- Don’t miss the fun on February 6-9th, 2025 https://students.dartmouth.edu/collis/events/winter-carnival
Newport Winter Festival
Enjoy a 10-day Winter Festival filled with delicious food and fun family-friendly activities! Highlights include live music, a chili cook-off, mesmerizing magic shows, impressive ice carving displays, and engaging performances for kids. This exciting event usually takes place in February, offering something for everyone to enjoy.
- Don’t miss the excitement on February 14-23rd, 2025
Cozy Winter Activities to Warm up
Grounds Coffee Shop, is a cozy cafe in New London, celebrated for its high-quality coffee and warm ambiance. It offers an array of coffee and tea options, including Organic. The shop features an array of freshly baked pastries, quiches, and sandwiches perfect for a relaxing breakfast or quick snack.
Located in New London, New Hampshire,The Flying Goose Brewery is a microbrewery and restaurant offering a welcoming atmosphere, delicious food, and handcrafted beers brewed on-site. Known for its diverse menu featuring classic pub fare,it caters to a variety of tastes, including vegetarian and gluten-free options. The brewery offers a rotating selection of craft beers. With scenic views, live music events, The Flying Goose is a favorite spot for locals and visitors.
If you are looking for a pick-me-up from those Winter blues and in much need of some self-care, the Natural Glow Day Spa is a cozy day spa that offers a variety of services including massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, and body treatments. There is even a hot stone massage to warm you up after a long day of skiing. The 5 star reviews mention how this is one of their favorite stops in town and one of the best places to receive a massage.
Christmas Activities
Experience the magic of the season with these enchanting holiday attractions in New Hampshire, these attractions offer a perfect blend of tradition, beauty, and holiday cheer for all to enjoy!
- Christmas at The Fells: Explore the John Hay Estate transformed into a festive showhouse by talented interior designers, floral artists, and decorators. https://thefells.org/christmas-at-the-fells
- Sunapee Christmas Village: Celebrate the holidays at Lake Sunapee Living with a delightful Christmas event for the whole family.
Ice Skating
1). Town of Sunapee –Temporarily Closed :
https://www.town.sunapee.nh.us/recreation-department/page/sunapee-ice-skating-rink-close
The ice skating rink is located at Veterans Field. It’s the field between Lake Sunapee Bank and the Fire Station. There are free skates in the warming hut.
Hours: Open daily 9:00 am to 10:00 pm
Saturday Hockey 7:00 pm-9:00 pm
2). Town of Newport – Newport Town Common
Recreational Skating only, with a warming hut open to the public. Please note that hockey is not allowed at this rink.
Skating hours:
- Monday–Friday: 2:30–5:30 PM
- Saturday & Sunday: 11:00 AM–5:00 PM
The ice Skating Rink is located at the Newport Town Common in Newport, NH.
- From the Base of Mount Sunapee head West on 103 to junction of Rt. 11 and Rt. 103.
- Take a left heading West on Rt. 11.
- Then follow the signs to Newport. At the rotary, look for Newport Town Common and the Newport Information Booth at the South End of Common.
3). Skating – North End of the Common
Free Ice skates are available along with a warming hut at Newport Town Common.
Warming Hut hours:
- Monday through Friday: 2:30–5:30 PM
- Saturday & Sunday: 11:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Ice Skating on the Common:
- Monday–Friday: 2:30–5:30 PM
- Saturday & Sunday: 11:00 AM–5:00 PM
Please note that ice conditions depend on weather conditions and all ice skating is at your own risk.
4). Town of New London – The Bob Andrews Memorial Ice Rink
Hours: Open Daily 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, weather permitting.
The skating rink is between the New London Town Offices and the historic New London Inn.
Snowmobiling
Lake Sunapee Snowmobile Club
Club trails can be found in Bradford, Grantham, Newbury, Newport, Springfield, Sunapee, Sutton and Washington; spanning over 85 miles in two counties.
Lake Sunapee Winter Hiking
Sunapee-Ragged-Kearsarge Greenway Coalition
Winter is usually a slow season for hikers but not at SRKG. They have planned a series of hikes, some of which are along the Greenway Trail, where the goal is just to get outdoors and have fun and exercise.
Cross Country Skiing & Snowshoeing
Sunapee – Dexter’s Inn Trails
Dexter’s cross-country ski and snowshoe trails wind their way through forests and fields with minimal road crossings. There are approximately 20 km of trails that are groomed and open to both inn guests and the public on weekends, holidays, and school vacation days.
- If you are an overnight guest at the Inn you receive a free trail pass.
- A daily trail pass for non-overnight guests is $12 for adults & teens and $6 for ages 6 – 12. Free for children 5 or younger
- A Cross-Country ski package rental is $20 per person per day
- Snowshoe rental is $12 per person per day
New London – Pine Hill Ski Club
- Located off Sandpit Rd, New London. 20 km of trails.
- Rentals available at Village Sports in New London.
- Parking is located at Mt. Road in New London.
- Hours: Open Daily December & January 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- February & March 9:00 am- 5:00 pm
A daily pass is $15 for adults. Children ages 11–17 $5 Free for children 10 and under
New London Recreational Department
The Spring Ledge ski and snowshoe trail with parking available at the Middle School. 10 km of trails.
Eastman Cross-Country
Your one stop winter activity center offering over 36K of skiing and snowshoeing trails, skating and sledding.
Hours: Wednesday–Friday: 10 AM–5 PM
Saturday–Sunday: 9 AM–5 PM
- Full-day trail pass: $22 for adults
- Half-day trail pass: $18 for adults
- Grantham, NH
603-863-4500
For more events check out the Events Monthly Calendar: Events Calendar
More Lake Sunapee Region Seasonal Activities > Spring – Summer – Fall