MOUNT SUNAPEE

📍Newbury, New Hampshire, USA

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Cruiser 🏞️ Scenic Cruiser 💎 Hidden Gem Unlimited on Epic ☀️ Year-round destination

Photo: Accidental Nomad · CC BY 2.0 · Photo details

Vertical drop: 1,510 ft
Skiable terrain: 233 acres
Avg snowfall: 100 in^*
Lifts: 8

Another season up here

BEYOND WINTER

Lift-served mountain biking, scenic chairlift rides, aerial challenge courses, disc golf and hiking.

Explore summer activities ↗Make a mountain escape →

LAKE SUNAPEE REGION

Mount Sunapee rises from the shores of Lake Sunapee in the western foothills of central New Hampshire, offering a ski experience that combines a beaut...

THE REGION

Mount Sunapee rises from the shores of Lake Sunapee in the western foothills of central New Hampshire, offering a ski experience that combines a beautiful natural setting with the comfort of a well-managed resort. The mountain operates within Mount Sunapee State Park, which lends a public-land conservation ethic to the ski area while Vail Resorts manages the ski operations. Lake Sunapee itself is a pristine, glacier-carved lake surrounded by forested hills and dotted with historic summer camps and lakefront homes. The broader region encompasses charming New England towns like Newbury, New London, and Sunapee Harbor, creating a classic four-season New Hampshire destination that feels more intimate and less commercialized than the White Mountain resorts to the north.

THE LOCAL SCENE

The Lake Sunapee region has a distinctly New Hampshire character -- understated, community-oriented, and proud of its natural beauty. New London, home to Colby-Sawyer College, is the cultural hub with bookshops, galleries, and a classic New England town green. The region is popular with second-home owners from Boston and southern New Hampshire, giving it a prosperous but unpretentious feel. The Sunapee Harbor area, while quieter in winter, comes alive in summer with lake activities and the League of NH Craftsmen's annual fair.

GETTING THERE

Approach the ski area from Route 103 in Newbury. Follow staff directions on the access road to the available parking lot. Sunapee Harbor, New London and nearby inns are separate from the ski base, so plan a drive to your lesson or rental pickup.

WHEN TO GO

For a family trip, check South Peak, lesson availability and rental hours for your date. For a summit or Sun Bowl day, look at the open lifts and trails. Snow cover and spring operations vary across the mountain.

BEYOND THE SLOPES

The region offers much more than skiing. Here's what else to explore:

🏔️

Lake Sunapee Scenic Drive

Outdoor

Drive the loop road around Lake Sunapee, stopping at scenic overlooks and the charming village of Sunapee Harbor.

🎭

New London Village Exploration

Culture

Browse bookshops, galleries, and cafes in the charming college town of New London, home to Colby-Sawyer College.

🏔️

Snowshoeing in Mount Sunapee State Park

Outdoor

Choose a designated winter route and confirm access with the park. The ski area has its own uphill routes and operating rules.

🎭

The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens

Culture

Visit the lakeside Fells estate in Newbury, with winter snowshoe trails through its grounds and views of Lake Sunapee.

🎭

Newport Opera House Events

Culture

Check the calendar at the beautifully restored Newport Opera House for concerts, plays, and community events.

🍽️

Sunapee Region Craft Beer

Dining

Sample local craft beers at the Flying Goose Brew Pub in New London, one of the region's favorite gathering spots.

WHERE TO STAY

For a short drive to the ski base, look along Route 103 in Newbury. Mountain Edge offers suites and indoor pools, while Hideaway Inn has guest rooms and a fireside lounge. Choose Sunapee Harbor Cottages for cooking facilities, or The Lodge by Sunapee Stays for a suite near the harbor. The New London Inn puts Main Street and dinner at your door, with a drive to the lifts.

THE FOOD SCENE

In Spruce Lodge, Spruce Café is the counter-service choice when it is serving. For wood-fired barbecue, head to Wildwood Smokehouse on Main Street in Sunapee. The Flying Goose Brew Pub is a separate outing in New London, with a pub menu on Andover Road.

APRÈS & NIGHTLIFE

Meet at Goosefeathers Pub on the second floor of Spruce Lodge before leaving the mountain. For an evening in New London, the Flying Goose Brew Pub offers food and beer on Andover Road.

INSIDER TIPS

💡Agree on a base lodge for lunch before your group splits between South Peak and the main mountain.
💡Use the ski area’s winter uphill policy for designated routes and permitted times. Plan Lake Solitude as a separate hiking outing.
💡New London offers an off-mountain stop, including Flying Goose Brew Pub.

DESTINATION FACTS

Nearest Town

Newbury, New Hampshire

Population

~2,100

Elevation

1,280 ft (base lodge)

Timezone

Eastern Time (EST/EDT)

LIVE WEATHER

Real-time conditions for planning your Mount Sunapee trip

❄️Snow Depth 🌨️Precipitation 💨Wind 🌡️Temperature ☁️Visibility

Learn to read ski weather maps →

GETTING THERE

✈️

LEB

Lebanon Municipal

About 30–60 minutes

✈️

MHT

Manchester-Boston Regional

About 1–2 hours

✈️

BOS

Boston Logan International

About 1.5–2.5 hours

Approximate planning ranges; allow extra time for winter conditions.

OVERNIGHT STAYS & CAMPERVANS

For Mount Sunapee, compare a booked room or rental around Newbury with a designated campsite that accepts your vehicle and winter dates. Choose your base around the daily mountain journey and the power, water and indoor facilities you need.

Compare lodging options ↗

Book a designated overnight place for your vehicle and dates. Day parking does not provide permission to camp.

Sources & planning context

Historical planning figures · Figures marked * come from earlier references and may differ from current resort figures.

Other names · Mt. Sunapee, Mount Sunapee Resort

Local recommendations are editorial guidance. Travel times are approximate and depend on your route and conditions.

Typically late November to mid April

A broad planning range from the historical guide, conditions permitting. Use the operator’s schedule for your travel dates.

Official schedules & conditions ↗

Schedule source ↗Official resort ↗

Official website: https://www.mountsunapee.com/; Source ↗ · Oct 27, 2026
Summer and winter destination: Yes; Source ↗ · Oct 25, 2026
Beyond winter: Lift-served mountain biking, scenic chairlift rides, aerial challenge courses, disc golf and hiking.; Source ↗ · Oct 25, 2026
Summit elevation (ft): 2743; Source ↗ · Oct 27, 2026
Base elevation (ft): 1233; Source ↗ · Oct 27, 2026
Skiable area (acres): 233; Source ↗ · Oct 27, 2026
Lifts: 8; Source ↗ · Oct 27, 2026
Runs: 67; Source ↗ · Oct 27, 2026
Vertical drop (ft): 1510; Source ↗ · Oct 27, 2026

Historical mountain figures awaiting field-level confirmation: Reported average snowfall (in).

Individual listings retain their own sources and check dates. A source check covers only the named details; it does not confirm availability. Snowfall averages describe climate, not a forecast.

Mount Sunapee ski school progression ↗The operator distinguishes South Peak learning terrain from a summit descent on Ridge. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Mount Sunapee uphill policy ↗Winter access is limited to designated routes and hours. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Mount Sunapee access and parking ↗Staff direct arrivals to available parking on the access road. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Sunapee Harbor Cottages ↗The operator at 4 Lake Avenue distinguishes equipped kitchenettes from the full kitchens in Cottage 5 and the Harbor House. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Mountain Edge Suites ↗Suite hotel in Newbury between lake and ski area. Continental breakfast, indoor pools, hot tub, sauna and games room. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Hideaway Inn Mt. Sunapee hotel overview ↗Operator locates hotel at 1403 NH-103 between the lake and the lifts and describes king and double-queen rooms, suites, indoor pool and shared lounge. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

The Lodge by Sunapee Stays ↗Operator identifies the former Burkehaven Lodge and describes its reopening after renovation, with studio, one- and two-bedroom suites a short ride from Sunapee Harbor. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

The New London Inn ↗Boutique inn in central New London with guest rooms on Main Street and The Elms restaurant. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Mount Sunapee lesson arrival guide ↗Lessons use Adventure Center meeting points. Child groups check in at the table outside and private lessons meet at the signed flag. Lesson rental add-ons are collected at the Adventure Center; separate online rental pickup is beside Spruce Lodge. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Mount Sunapee Basecamp ↗The resort rents skis, snowboards and boots and offers tuning at Sunapee Rentals beside Spruce Lodge at the bottom of Parking Lot 1. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Mount Sunapee first-timer’s guide ↗South Peak is the designated learning area, separate from the rest of the mountain. The guide distinguishes the Adventure Center and rental shop. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Bob Skinner's Ski & Sport ↗The operator offers boot fitting, ski and snowboard rentals by phone and tuning by Edgewise Elite under the same roof. Its number is 603-763-2303. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Lake Sunapee Region Chamber – Bob Skinner’s ↗The chamber confirms the Newbury business name, location and existing recorded phone. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Mount Sunapee | Spruce Café ↗The café in Spruce Lodge offers quick breakfast and lunch, including grab-and-go options and chili. Winter opening days vary. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Wildwood Smokehouse ↗The wood-fired barbecue restaurant is at 45 Main Street in Sunapee, New Hampshire. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Flying Goose | Pub food ↗The brewpub at 40 Andover Road in New London offers pub meals, including fish and chips. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Mount Sunapee official hours / current-season information ↗
The official hours page describes summer/fall operations; exact 2026–27 ski-season opening and closing dates were not found there.
Experience Mount Sunapee Summer ↗
Lift-served mountain biking, scenic chairlift rides, aerial challenge courses, disc golf and hiking.
Mount Sunapee — Mountain Information ↗
The operator publishes 2,743 and 1,233 feet; their exact difference is 1,510 feet.

THE REGION

THE LOCAL SCENE

BEYOND THE SLOPES

The region offers much more than skiing. Here's what else to explore:

🏔️

Lake Sunapee Scenic Drive

Outdoor

Drive the loop road around Lake Sunapee, stopping at scenic overlooks and the charming village of Sunapee Harbor.

🎭

New London Village Exploration

Culture

Browse bookshops, galleries, and cafes in the charming college town of New London, home to Colby-Sawyer College.

🏔️

Snowshoeing in Mount Sunapee State Park

Outdoor

Choose a designated winter route and confirm access with the park. The ski area has its own uphill routes and operating rules.

🎭

The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens

Culture

Visit the lakeside Fells estate in Newbury, with winter snowshoe trails through its grounds and views of Lake Sunapee.

🎭

Newport Opera House Events

Culture

Check the calendar at the beautifully restored Newport Opera House for concerts, plays, and community events.

🍽️

Sunapee Region Craft Beer

Dining

Sample local craft beers at the Flying Goose Brew Pub in New London, one of the region's favorite gathering spots.

WHERE TO STAY

INSIDER TIPS

💡Agree on a base lodge for lunch before your group splits between South Peak and the main mountain.

💡Use the ski area’s winter uphill policy for designated routes and permitted times. Plan Lake Solitude as a separate hiking outing.

💡New London offers an off-mountain stop, including Flying Goose Brew Pub.