The Upper Valley Winter Lifestyle

The Upper Valley Winter Lifestyle

Winter in the Upper Valley of Vermont and New Hampshire isn’t something to get through—it’s something people choose. The season shapes daily routines, weekend plans, and even where people decide to live. Quiet mornings, well-cared-for trails, and a deep respect for the landscape define winter here, creating a lifestyle that feels grounded, active, and connected.

For longtime residents and newcomers alike, winter is when the Upper Valley shows its character most clearly: community-driven, outdoors-oriented, and unapologetically seasonal.

Alpine Skiing in the Upper Valley

Living in the Upper Valley means having exceptional access to alpine skiing across both Vermont and New Hampshire. From large destination resorts to approachable local mountains, skiers here enjoy a range of terrain within easy driving distance.

Many residents build winter routines around early-morning laps, midweek flexibility, and the freedom to choose conditions over crowds. Season passes often reflect personal priorities—variety, convenience, or loyalty to a favorite mountain—and skiing becomes less about spectacle and more about consistency.

Explore our guide to alpine skiing and season passes in the Upper Valley.

Small & Community Ski Areas

While larger resorts have their place, small ski areas remain the backbone of winter life for many Upper Valley families. These hills prioritize accessibility, affordability, and community, making them ideal places to learn, reconnect, and ski often.

Local ski areas foster generations of skiers, support school programs and race teams, and preserve a style of skiing that feels personal rather than transactional. For many residents, these are the places where winter memories are made.

Read more about small ski areas in the Upper Valley and why they still matter.

Nordic Skiing & Touring

Nordic skiing is woven deeply into Upper Valley winter culture. With groomed trail systems, conserved lands, and backcountry touring routes throughout the region, skiers can find everything from easy afternoon loops to all-day adventures.

Cross-country skiing and alpine touring offer a quieter, more immersive way to experience winter—one that rewards patience, rhythm, and familiarity with the landscape. These forms of skiing often become lifelong practices for those who live here.

Discover nordic skiing and touring opportunities in the Upper Valley.

Snowshoeing & Winter Walking

Snowshoeing is one of the most accessible ways to enjoy winter in the Upper Valley. Town forests, land trust properties, and trail networks invite residents out after fresh snowfall or on calm midwinter afternoons.

Because it requires little equipment and adapts easily to different abilities, snowshoeing often becomes a shared activity—something families, neighbors, and visitors can enjoy together. It’s also one of the simplest ways to understand why people fall in love with winter here.

Explore our favorite snowshoe trails in the Upper Valley.

Living Here, Season After Season

Winter recreation isn’t separate from daily life in the Upper Valley—it informs it. Access to trails, proximity to town centers, and ease of getting outside all influence where people choose to live and how they experience home.

At Higgerson & Company, we work with clients who value this connection between place and lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for a year-round home or a seasonal retreat, understanding winter access is often key to finding the right fit.

If you’re curious about life in the Upper Valley—or how winter shapes it—we’re always happy to talk. Our role is part guide, part translator, helping people understand not just where homes are, but how they live across the seasons.