Is Lake Winnipesaukee worth visiting in winter?

Yes! Winter is a quieter, cozier time on the lake. You can ski at Gunstock, snowshoe or cross-country ski on local trails, watch ice fishing and pond hockey on the lake, and enjoy the lake towns without the summer crowds.

When does Lake Winnipesaukee freeze over?

It changes every year. The lake usually freezes sometime in mid-winter, but the timing and ice thickness depend on the weather, and in some warm winters it doesn't fully freeze. Always check local ice conditions before heading out on the ice.

What's the closest ski area to your rentals?

Gunstock Mountain Resort in Gilford. Our Gilford homes are just minutes away, and our Gilmanton homes are a short drive. Check out our Gunstock Ski Trip Guide for tips and lift ticket deals.

Do your guests get any winter perks?

Yes. Every Big Lake Properties guest gets our local partner perks, including discounted Gunstock lift tickets, no matter where they booked.

Winter on Lake Winnipesaukee

A local's guide to skiing, snowshoeing, ice events and cozy lake towns in the Lakes Region.

Lake Winnipesaukee in Winter: Things to Do, Events & Where to Stay

Most people know Lake Winnipesaukee for summer boating, but winter in the Lakes Region has its own magic. The lake freezes over, the mountains fill with skiers, and the lake towns slow down to a cozier pace. Here's our local guide to the best things to do around the lake in winter, and where to stay while you're here.

Hit the slopes at Gunstock

Gunstock Mountain Resort in Gilford is the Lakes Region's go-to ski area, with views of Lake Winnipesaukee from the top, night skiing and a snow tubing hill. Our guests also get discounted lift tickets through our Gunstock lodging partnership. For trail stats, night skiing hours and tips, read our Gunstock Ski Trip Guide.

Go cross-country skiing and snowshoeing

Gunstock Nordic Center (Gilford): groomed trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, plus guided snowshoe hikes.
Bolduc Park (Gilford): groomed cross-country trails through the woods and around the golf course, plus disc golf.
Castle in the Clouds (Moultonborough): miles of trails with mountain and lake views, plus guided winter hikes and seasonal events. Check their calendar before you go.

Hike the Belknap Range

The Belknap Range rises between Gilford, Gilmanton and Alton, with peaks like Mt. Major (1,786 ft), Belknap Mountain (2,382 ft) and Gunstock Mountain. In winter you get quiet trails and wide views over the frozen lake. Bring traction for your boots and check trail conditions before you head out.

See the lake come alive on the ice

When the ice is thick enough, Lake Winnipesaukee turns into a winter playground, with ice fishing shanties dotting the bays.

Great Meredith Rotary Ice Fishing Derby: a Lakes Region tradition held each February in Meredith, with anglers of all ages trying for a prize-winning fish.
New England Pond Hockey Classic: hundreds of teams play outdoor hockey on rinks set up on the lake in Meredith, usually around late January or early February.
Alton Bay Ice Runway: the only officially recognized seasonal ice runway in the contiguous U.S. When the ice allows, small planes land right on the bay, and it's a fun sight to watch.

All ice events depend on the weather, so check each event's website before you go, and only head out on the ice where it's known to be safe.

Warm up indoors

Marketplace at Mill Falls (Meredith): shops, a bookstore and restaurants right on the lake.
Pop Whalen Ice & Arts Center (Wolfeboro): an indoor rink with public skating.
Lakeport Opera House (Laconia): concerts, comedy and live shows.
Our local partners: Big Lake Properties guests get perks at local Lakes Region businesses. See our local partner perks.

Where to stay in winter

For a ski-focused trip, stay in Gilford, just minutes from Gunstock and the lake. For more space and quiet, our Gilmanton homes are a short drive away. You can also browse all our Lake Winnipesaukee vacation rentals. Look for a home with a hot tub, fireplace or fire pit for the perfect night in after a day outside.

Book direct and save

Booking directly on our website means no booking-site fees, and every guest gets our local partner perks, like discounted Gunstock lift tickets. See available homes.