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5 Things You Don’t Want to Miss at New Hampshire Ski Areas This Spring

Spring is one of the most exciting times to visit New Hampshire’s ski areas. The sun is shining, the snow softens, and the mountains come alive with live music and on-snow events. From pond skims to lively après-ski patios to cardboard box races, there’s no better way to celebrate the end of such a fantastic winter season.

Here are five spring experiences you won’t want to miss at NH ski areas.

1. Pond Skims

Nothing says spring skiing like a pond skim. Skiers and snowboarders ski downhill and attempt to glide across a pond of water (usually in wild costumes) while crowds cheer them on.

Many New Hampshire ski areas host their own version each spring, including events like the Blizzard Splash Pond at Cannon Mountain, Last Run Luʻau & Pond Skim at Waterville Valley, Wildcat Mountain's Spring Fling and Pond Skim, McIntyre’s Pond Skim & Hawaiian Festival, and Cranmore Mountain’s Spring Splash. That’s not even all of them, check out Ski NH’s events page to browse the full list. Even if you don’t participate, these events are one of the most entertaining spectator experiences of the season.

2. Retro & Costume-Themed Ski Days

Spring is when ski areas embrace the fun side of mountain culture. Expect themed days like 80s ski parties where bright colors and retro gear take over the slopes.

Grab your neon jacket, dig out your vintage ski suit, and join the celebration; costumes are highly encouraged (sometimes even rewarded)!

3. Après-Ski Parties

Après-ski in the spring is arguably the best of the year. Think sunny decks, live music, and beautiful views while relaxing with friends or family after a day on the snow.

Across New Hampshire ski areas you’ll find live music at base lodges, outdoor patio gatherings, DJ sets and spring parties, and so much more.

4. Cardboard Box Races

Creativity meets chaos at cardboard races, where teams build sleds entirely out of cardboard and duct tape before racing them downhill. The more creative, the better!

These fan-favorite events often appear on spring event calendars across NH ski areas. A few to keep on the radar this season are Crotched Mountain’s Cardboard Box Derby, King Pine’s Cardboard Box Derby, and Mount Sunapee’s Cardboard Sled Race.

5. Bluebird Spring Skiing

Sometimes the best spring activity is simply skiing under sunny skies. We recommend checking our conditions page regularly to stay up to date on snow conditions at ski areas.

Spring conditions often bring:

• Warm temperatures
  
  

• Softer snow
  
  

• Longer daylight hours

This makes for some of the most enjoyable skiing of the season, and it’s why many say spring is the best time to hit the slopes. What are you waiting for? Get on out there!

Pro tip: Check the Ski NH Events Calendar to see what’s happening across the state!