With more than 800,000 acres, the White Mountains skiing opportunities seem endless. Many of the ski resorts near Thornton offer other winter activities in addition to skiing, so it's fun for the whole family. Here are some places you don't want to miss while you are here in Thornton.
Wildcat Mountain offers you 225 acres of skiing trails that are designed for skiers of every level. While 45 percent of the runs are made for intermediate skiers, 25 percent of them are designed with beginners in mind, and the more advanced skiers will find 30 percent of the trails are designed just for them. Each trail is going to offer you a unique adventure, so choose a trail according to the type of ride you're looking for. If your party has a variety skiers of different levels, the 'Cat' has something for everyone. Beginners can enjoy themselves on The Polecat, while more intermediate skiers will enjoy The Lynx or The Gondi Line. Wildcat Mountain is located about 90 minutes from your Thornton Bed and Breakfast.
Loon Mountain offers some of the best White Mountains skiing opportunities for every level of skier. In addition to ski trails, Loon Mountain provides visitors with a large selection of winter activities. Cross-country skiing can be found on the east side of Loon along the Pemigewasset River. The trailhead is located two miles from the Adventure Center, but to reach it you must take the shuttle because there is no parking at the trailhead. The shuttle runs every hour from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Other winter activities offered include ice skating, snowshoeing and numerous workshops to help improve your skills.
The Cannon Mountain Ski Area is located in Franconia Notch State Park, which is about 15 minutes away from your Thornton Inn. You'll find 165 skiable acres that include 55 runs of varying difficulty and nine lifts. Each year Cannon Mountain gets around 160 inches of snowfall, but to make up for the low amount they use snowmaking machines. Cannon Mountain offers skiing classes, but does not offer night skiing.
White Mountains skiing at Waterville Valley offers you the chance to ski on a mountain with a 4,000 foot summit and a 2,020 foot vertical drop. There are six mogul fields and four glades that are designed for skiers of all abilities. The 259 skiable acres offer the choice of 52 runs, 60 percent of which are designed for intermediate skiers, 20 percent for beginners and 20 percent for advanced skiers. One lift that is unique to Waterville is Quadzilla, which holds numerous skiers and can get up the hill faster than a regular lift. Night skiing is not available, but they do offer cross-country skiing.