Avid east coast skiers already know that New Hampshire is one of the top States for ski resorts in the East. With the White Mountains running through the center of the state, it's no wonder that so many fantastic ski destinations have popped up, but which ones are the best for avid skiers? Avid skiers want a lot out of their mountains so here is a look at the mountains that have the most to offer. Here is a look at 10 ski resorts that are perfect for avid skiers in New Hampshire and the beautiful White Mountains.

10 Waterville Valley

Located in the small resort town of Waterville Valley, the Waterville Valley ski resort start’s with its base lodge at nearly 2,000 feet above sea level with the slopes extending 2,020 feet up from there. Waterville enjoys reliable snow conditions in its tucked-away corner of the White Mountain National Forest. The ski area is built on Mount Tecumseh with a summit elevation of 3,997 feet. With 11 lifts including two high-speed quads, Waterville Valley Ski Resort is able to quickly get skiers all across the mountain. The mountain’s north face is primarily intermediate trails and enjoys great conditions all season. The more technical trails and racing trails are found on the mountain's steep southern face leading into the beginner Quadzilla area of the mountain.

9 Loon Mountain Resort

Located in Lincoln New Hampshire, Loon Mountain is another ski resort that can be found in the White Mountain National Forest. It has the tenth-largest vertical drop in New England at 2,109 feet while being one of the most well-known ski destinations in New Hampshire. Its resort is one of the largest and most popular for people looking to ski in the Granite State. Loon has three distinct peaks that all over its skiers something a little different.

  • North Peak: Located on the far left of Loon, North Peak is a modest open area with long intermediate trails, all serviced by the North Peak Express high-speed quad.
  • Loon Peak: Right in the heart of Loon, serviced by the White Mountain Express Gondola is Loon Peak.
  • South Peak: South Peak is Loon's most recent expansion, initially started in 1996 and finally finished in 2007 after various setbacks.
  • Loon Mountain Parks: Running parallel to the White Mountain Gondola on both sides are the Loon Mountain terrain parks.
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8 Bretton Woods

Famously known as New Hampshire's largest ski area, Bretton Woods boasts 464 acres of some of the best downhill skiing that can be found in the state. Bretton Woods has even been named number one in the East for best groom and snow for multiple years in a row now. Skiers at Bretton Woods are often amazed by the views of Mount Washington and the Presidential Range on the Skyway Gondola.

The renowned Rosebrook Lodge at Bretton Woods offers skiers an excellent way to relax, refuel, and enjoy their time off the slopes as much as on them.

Related: 10 Places To Explore In New Hampshire's Lakes Region In The Fall

7 Cannon Mountain Ski Resort

Cannon Mountain is a state-owned ski resort that and found on Cannon Mountain in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. The mountain is within Franconia Notch State Park and has 10 lifts spread across its 265 acres of land. With 23 miles of trails and the only aerial tram in New Hampshire, Cannon has an awful lot for skiers to discover. Cannon also quietly boasts the most vertical in New Hampshire at 2,180 feet and has been the home to legendary skiers like Bode Miller who grew up skiing here.

6 Attitash Mountain Resort

Located on U.S. Route 302 in Bartlett New Hampshire, Attitash Mountain Resort near North Conway was first constructed in 1937 by the Works Progress Administration. Now operated by Vail Resorts, the mountain operates within the White Mountain National Forest under a special use permit. With 68 ski runs, the mountain has a bit of terrain for everyone. The resort is actually home to two mountains, Attitash and Bear Peak allowing for a multitude of different terrain for skiers to experience.

  • Attitash: The name means “blueberry” in the Abenaki language.
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5 Wildcat Mountain

Located on Wildcat Mountain near Jackson, New Hampshire, Wildcat Ski Area has an impressive 2,112 feet of vertical making it the second largest in New Hampshire, and the ninth in the state. Wildcat is well-known among avid alpine skiers as being a resort that offers a great deal of fun and challenging terrain.

One of the fun aspects of Wildcat Mountain is the ungroomed cross-country trail that leads from the summit into the town of Jackson dropping 3,240 feet over 11.1 miles making for a fun adventure.

Related: 10 Incredible Places To Ski In The Southern Hemisphere

4 Gunstock Mountain Resort

Not always known as Gunstock Mountain Resort, the ski area was known as Belknap Mountain Recreation Area. The trails were originally carved out as part of a New Deal agency that provided employment and created public works projects throughout the United States during the Great Depression. One of these projects was the 60-meter ski jump where the first meet was held in February 1937. Since then Gunstock has evolved into a modern ski resort where skiers can experience the trails carved out during the Great Depression as well as new trails and modern projects and plans the ski area has to continue to grow.

3 Cranmore Mountain Resort

Opened by local businessman, Harvey Gibson, as a single rope tow during the 1937-1938 season, the ski area has continued to expand ever since. In the 1938-1939 season, they add a new lift dubbed the Skimobile consisting of small cars traveling on a wooden track designed by the mechanic, George Morton. Since then, the additions have become a bit more technologically advanced. With 1,200 feet of vertical and a great deal of balanced terrain. Cranmore is a popular ski destination.

2 Mount Sunapee Resort

Mount Sunapee has an interesting origin dating back to 1940. In response to the success of a tram at Cannon Mountain, a survey was made for a similar tram at Mount Sunapee. The result was New Hampshire passing the Tramway Bill proposing the construction of a tram intended for sightseeing. This tram would pass by Mount Sunapee. Though the tram was originally built for sightseeing it was assumed that it would also be used by skiers and eventually Mount Sunapee Ski Resort sprang to life. Now, travelers can check out the incredible scenic Mount Sunapee and its great terrain.

1 Pats Peak Ski Area

Pats Peak Ski Area is an independent resort that can be found in Henniker, New Hampshire. It was opened in 1963 and offers skiers about 770 feet of vertical. Pat’s Peak isn’t as large as some other ski areas, but just a 90-minute drive outside of Boston, it is still a popular draw. The terrain of Pats Peak is particularly friendly for new or beginner skiers as 50% of its trails are considered novice level.