Après-Ski the East: New Hampshire

(SV Design - Siemasko + Verbridge, Arrigo Construction, Eric Roth Photography)

A lakeside ski home is a year-round pleasure, but there is something particularly magical about wintertime mountain adventures. A fresh blanket of snow in the white mountains of New Hampshire rallies skiers, snowboarders, and après-ski aficionados alike to the granite state. Just a short drive from Boston, the lakes region of New Hampshire hosts a plethora of fun and friendly mountains. The Lake Sunapee, Lake Winnipesaukee, and Squam Lake trifecta are epicenters of some of the best ski mountains in New Hampshire that also offer blissfully cozy aprés-ski locales.

(Shope Reno Wharton Architects, KVC Builders, Chenault Associates Interior Design, Jim Westphalen Photography)

(Shope Reno Wharton Architects, KVC Builders)

At the base between Sunapee and Spruce Lodge at Sunapee Mountain, a unique family-friendly gathering takes place on the flat stretch of snow nicknamed “The Beach.” Participants pack a grill and tailgate throughout the day. Several vehicles gather with plenty of music and socializing in this homemade party spot. Arrive early to snag a spot on this prime tailgating real estate, especially late in the season when springtime slush ushers in peak “Beach” season.

For a cozy indoor aprés at Mount Sunapee, head in to Goosefeathers Pub. Located in quaint Newbury overlooking the scenic shores of Lake Sunapee, Goosefeathers offers an ideal family-oriented après-ski scene. As the only place that serves beer and wine on the mountain, it is the perfect place to unwind and recount memories of an action-packed day on Sunapee’s flawlessly-groomed terrain. Along with six microbrews on tap, delightful family-friendly fare is present on the menu, and all ages are welcome.

(Yankee Barn Homes, Northpeak Design)

(Yankee Barn Homes, Northpeak Design)

Heading eastward toward Lake Winnipesaukee, Gunstock Mountain is home to the first chairlift in the East, and one of the earliest Eastern ski resorts. Boasting the granite state’s largest snow-tubing parks, 32 miles of cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and hiking trails, fat-tire mountain biking, and a mountain coaster, Gunstock offers more than skiing and snowboarding. When the cold air takes its toll, head in to The Pistol Pub, a resort favorite. Live entertainment goes down on the weekends, and the traditional pub feel evokes a traditional après-ski vibe.

(SV Design - Siemasko + Verbridge, Arrigo Construction, Eric Roth Photography)

To veer off the beaten path of tradition, why not visit a winery? Or, perhaps, a meadery? Hermit Woods Winery in Meredith, NH offers wine tastings, live piano on Fridays and Saturdays, and has a lovely eatery for light bites. Try out unique honey wines at Sap House Meadery in Ossipee. They offer a full food menu, flights, mead cocktails, beer, wine and more.

Après ski is the perfect transition between the ski-lift and the journey back to the ski house. Mixing in off-slope memories gives space for storytelling and ensuring all snow gear is accounted for. The magic continues when the boots come off by the fireplace and cozy time at home begins. Here are a few of our favorite New Hampshire ski homes to get you inspired for the incoming snowy season.