Waterville Valley, nestled in the undulating hills of New Hampshire’s White Mountains, is home to a wide variety of multi-seasonal outdoor adventures. The young, and young-at-heart, fresh-air enthusiasts will find a wide variety of fun, nature-focused activities. It is time to unplug and reconnect with the great outdoors.
Some information in this piece was obtained during a sponsored press trip, but all recommendations are my own.
1. Yoga
When you are on vacation, it is a perfect time to explore a personal interaction with your yoga mat. Those who practice yoga regularly will always find a local spot that will help balance their need for a go-go lifestyle and a restorative session with a trained instructor. Vacation time is also a perfect time for yoga newbies to explore a gentle yoga session; you may just get hooked on how good you can feel.
In Waterville Valley, you can begin a new yoga adventure or take your practice to a new level. Helen Rita Yoga & Pilates offers drop-in, rejuvenating outdoor yoga sessions at the Croquet Lawn near the Waterville Valley tennis courts. If you are looking for a more personalized yoga session, Helen books private classes that are tailored just for you.
2. Disc Golf
Disc golf courses are popping up everywhere — from breweries to ski resorts. They are a fun way to get out and enjoy wildflower fields and tree-lined slopes. Waterville Valley has two disc golf courses for your disc-flinging enjoyment.
Town Square is a nine-hole disc golf course laid out along wide open fields meandering through the resort. Featuring scenic mountain views, the mostly flat course is perfect for a newbie or seasoned throwers to improve their skills.
The 18-hole, Snow’s Mountain disc golf course traverses down the mountain, offering challenging shots and spectacular panoramic views. To access the course, players ascend to the first basket via the Snow’s Mountain Chairlift. As you snake your way down, challenging baskets test your skills at elevation changes, tree-lined borders, and the occasional chair-lift station.
3. Hiking Trails
Hiking along trails through New Hampshire’s White Mountains is a wonderful way to get out, breathe fresh mountain air, and explore nature’s gifts.
The beautiful Fletcher’s Cascade Trail nestled in the Sandwich Range Wilderness is a 3.2-mile out-and-back moderately ranked trail by AllTrails. The waterfall reward is well worth the hiking effort.
Another popular moderate-rated trail is Upper Greeley Ponds via Kancamagus Highway. The 2.9-mile out-and-back trail offers a reward of pretty pond views.
A little bit longer, 4.1 miles out and back, is Village Inner Mad River And Swans Way Trail. Still ranked as moderate, this trail is typically quiet and you may not encounter more than a few other hikers.
4. Golf
Adjacent to the Town Square is a nine-hole, executive-style golf course. The semi-private, Waterville Valley Clubhouse offers a picturesque round for players of all levels. Non-members can call 48 hours in advance for tee time availability.
The Waterville Valley Clubhouse does offer golf club rentals. Rentals are perfect for novice hackers who have no clubs and old-time duffers who don’t want to drag their full bag of clubs on vacation.
5. Scenic Fall Foliage Drive
The ultimate New Hampshire fall foliage drive is along the 34.5-mile Kancamagus Highway. The Kancamangus is designated as an American Scenic Byway and traverses through the White Mountain National Forest.
With breathtaking views any time of year, the panoramic drive takes you up to almost 3,000 feet at Kancamagus Pass. Mountains and foothills splashed with fall color and speckled with deep green fir trees are the epitome of New England in autumn.
6. Fishing
Freshwater anglers will love the varied options for fishing around Waterville Valley. Corcoran’s Pond, adjacent to the Waterville Valley Town Square, is stocked with fish at the beginning of the summer season just waiting for your baited hook.
Fly fishing at Mad River may land you a tasty rainbow trout. At the headwaters of Mad River are Greeley Ponds, which are stocked with eastern brook trout. Accessible only through wooded trails, there is no direct access to Greeley Ponds.
Pro Tip: Fishing licenses are required and can be purchased through the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.
7. Downhill Skiing
Downhill skiers and snowboarders will love the Waterville Valley winter powder that graces the 62 trails carved into Mount Tecumseh. Beginner to black diamond trails along with glades and mogul fields afford downhillers the option of super easy to daredevil fast.
8. Cross Country Ski And Snowshoe Trails
Most trails around Waterville Valley Resort are available for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Some trails will be cut in and packed down, while others can be pristine, just waiting for your mark. You can find solid trail information on AllTrails. It is a good source for up-to-date information posted by trekkers who have recently visited a trail you are considering.
9. Snowmobile
In nearby Lincoln, New Hampshire, you can satisfy your need for snow speed at Sled Ventures. Heading out into the snowy wilderness without a guide can be a risky venture. At Sled Ventures, they offer expert guided snowmobile tours. Whether you are a beginner or expert rider, you will love the experience of gliding along snow-covered paths hemmed in by winter-white-flocked trees and beautiful vistas around every corner.
Where To Stay And Where To Eat In Waterville Valley
Right in the center of all the action are the Waterville Valley Town Square Condominiums. The condos come in one- and three-bedroom options. Whether you are planning a getaway for two or a group of besties, you will love having a separate bedroom along with kitchen and living spaces to spread out.
A selection of restaurants is a short walk from your door. Enjoy a variety of casual comfort food to nourish your active soul. Restaurants including La Hacienda Mexicana, Olde Waterville Pizza, and the Valley Pub & Restaurant are just a flight of stairs down from your vacation digs. And if you forgot anything, Jugtown Country Store is filled with all the grocery items, pre-made eats, and beer and wine you require.
The Freedom Pass
Along with your reservation at the Town Square Condos, you receive a Freedom Pass entitling you to a host of low or no-fee activities. While the offerings vary from season to season, the Freedom Pass will enhance your visit allowing you to enjoy lots of fun outdoor activities.
The Freedom Pass can include adventures like 2 hours of free mountain bike rentals — perfect for cruising along and enjoying the fall foliage or spring blooms. Another fun perk is a ride on the Snow’s Mountain Chair Lift. The short lift offers riders a beautiful view of the valley and ski area. Riders can hike back down or just take the chair lift back for a relaxing ride.
Also included is the White Mountain Athletic Club, just a short walk from the Town Square. You can explore their indoor and outdoor pool complex, indoor track, strength and cardio fitness room, steam and sauna rooms, indoor tennis, and basketball court.
Moguls World Cup
Winter and snow are synonymous with the White Mountains. For the next 2 years, Waterville Valley Resort will host the Moguls World Cup 2024 and 2025. Beginning January 27–28, 2024, on Lower Bobby’s Run, the competition bell rings. Grab your warmest winter gear and watch the experts navigate tricky mogul fields absorbing every bump all the way to the finish line.