Wildcat Mountain Ski Vacation Guide

Skiing here is truly unique. Voted #1 for scenery in North America by SKI Magazine and in the top ten for the East’s best terrain, challenge, and value, Wildcat ski area is the embodiment of breathtaking views and exhilarating slopes. Visitors appreciate the natural beauty and impeccable terrain and return year after year.

Ski Levels

There are no flashy base camps nor any luxury condos here. There is, however, impeccably groomed terrain and well-manicured trails and runs. The resort features 225 acres of trails and glades and houses 50 runs. The resort normally gets more than 16 feet of snow each year and has 90 percent snowmaking abilities. Their high-speed quad takes guests up their 2,100 feet of vertical in about six minutes. The runs are distributed between all skill levels and the breakdown is as follows, 25 percent beginner, 45 percent intermediate, and 30 percent expert and advanced. Their impressive ski school offers first-timer lessons, kids lessons, adult lessons, and private lessons that enable skiers and riders of all ages to hone fundamental skills and learn new tricks.

Après Ski

This is truly one of the most beautiful ski resorts in the area. Part of what makes the resort so stunningly beautiful is its lack of slope-side amenities, choosing to focus on preserving the natural beauty of the area instead. The resort has happily done without luxury ski-in condominiums and gargantuan base lodges. However, there is a cafeteria and cozy pub located on the mountain for guests to enjoy. The nearby towns of Jackson, Gorham, and North Conway offer a wide selection of dining and drinking establishments that cater to all tastes and budgets.

Lodging, shopping, and other amenities are found in nearby Jackson, Gorham, and North Conway as well. From budget hostels and motels to upscale inns, lodges, and condominiums the area runs the gamut on accommodation. In fact, many of the area’s lodging partners with the resort each year to offer visitors amazing ski and stay packages all season long.

Wildcat Mountain Snowboard Vacation Guide


Rider’s Guide

This is a mountain resort that focuses completely on the mountain, rather than on the base-camp experience. Their more than 220 acres of boardable land and 50 amazing trails are impeccably groomed and expertly maintained. It’s one of the best-kept mountains in the New Hampshire region. With an average snowfall of more than 16 feet and 90 percent snowmaking capabilities, the runs are a pleasure to ride.

Parks and Pipes

The mountain doesn’t feature any parks or pipes. What the area lacks in terrain parks, it more than makes up for in difficult, steep, long runs. It features some extremely challenging trails like the Upper Wildcat, the Lift Lion, and the Top Cat. The resort has more than 2,100 feet of vertical drop, which should put a smile on the faces of speed junkies.

Out of Bounds

The resort area doesn’t offer many activities other than fantastic skiing and snowboarding, its priorities are refreshingly straightforward, incredible trails and glades and none of the distractions found at other resorts, in other words, “pure vertical fun.” It’s sister mountain, Attitash, has more flare, but sometimes, you just gotta love the solitude.

Hangout & Hookup

The mountain itself only has one cafeteria and one après ski pub. The nearby towns of Gorham, Jackson, and North Conway offer plenty of eateries and bars. The Shannon Door Pub in Jackson is a rustic Irish-style pub that features live music on the weekends and delicious food daily. There are a large variety of restaurants in the area ranging from casual pizza joints to renowned gourmet dining.

There is no slopeside lodging offered, but they have partnered up with many of the area’s accommodation to offer visitors enticing ski and stay packages throughout the season. For travelers on a tight budget, check out the upscale, yet affordable, White Mountains Lodge and Hostel, which is a European-style hostel housed in a gorgeously restored 19th century farmhouse located 12 miles north of the ski area.

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