Snowmobiling in the Lakes Region
Local guide
Snowmobiling in the Lakes Region, NH: Your Local Guide
Why ride in the Lakes Region
New Hampshire has about 7,000 miles of snowmobile trails, most of them on private land and kept up by local volunteer clubs. Around Lake Winnipesaukee, club trails run through fields, forests and small towns, and once the lake freezes, riders head out onto the ice to reach lakeside towns and restaurants. Add cozy lake houses and easy access from Boston and southern New England, and it's a great place for a sled weekend.
Local snowmobile clubs
Clubs groom the trails, keep the maps current and work with the landowners who let the trails cross their property. Some of the clubs near our homes:
- Gilford: Belknap Snowmobilers
- Gilmanton: Gilmanton Snowmobile Association
- Alton: Mount Major Snowmobile Club
- Belmont: Belmont Bogie Busters
- Meredith: Sno-Streakers
- Moultonborough: Moultonboro Snowmobile Club
- New Durham: Powder Mill Snowmobile Club
- Wolfeboro: Wolfeboro Snowmobile Club
Joining a club affiliated with the New Hampshire Snowmobile Association gets you a discount on your registration and helps keep the trails open.
Before you ride: registration and rules
- Register your sled: snowmobiles must be registered to ride anywhere off the owner's property in New Hampshire, including frozen lakes and ponds. You can register through NH Fish and Game or at a registration agent. There are no extra trail fees.
- Stay on marked trails: ride only on signed snowmobile trails or land where you have the owner's permission. Trails cross private land, so respect the landowners.
- Check conditions: sign up for the NH Snowmobile Trail Conditions Report and use the NH Snowmobile Association's interactive trail map to plan your route and find gas and food along the way.
- Ride sober: New Hampshire strictly enforces its laws against riding under the influence.
Rules can change, so always check the NH Fish and Game website for the latest before your trip.
Riding on Lake Winnipesaukee
When the ice is solid, Winnipesaukee becomes a winter highway that connects the towns around the lake. It's one of the most unique rides in New England, but ice is never guaranteed. Ask locals about current ice conditions, stay away from open water and pressure ridges, and watch for ridges hidden under fresh snow. If you're not sure, stay on the land trails.
When to go
The season usually runs from late December or January into March, depending on snowfall. Trails open when the clubs say they're ready, so check the trail conditions report before you book your dates.
Off the trail
Not everyone in your group rides? Gunstock Mountain is close by for skiing, snow tubing and cross-country trails. Read our Gunstock Ski Trip Guide and our Lake Winnipesaukee winter guide for more winter ideas.
Where to stay
Our homes are spread across the Lakes Region, in Gilford, Gilmanton, Alton, Meredith, Moultonborough and more, so you can pick a home close to the trails you want to ride. After a long day on the sled, come back to a hot tub, a fire pit or a game room. If you're bringing a trailer, send us a message before you book and we'll help you find a home with room to park. See our Lake Winnipesaukee vacation rentals.
Book direct and save
Booking directly on our website means no booking-site fees, and every guest gets our local partner perks. See available homes.