about Waterville valley
Nestled deep within the breathtaking White Mountains, Waterville Valley offers an authentic alpine experience, blending rich history with a vibrant community atmosphere.
The Town of Waterville Valley was incorporated in 1829 and immediately began attracting visitors to its stunning natural beauty. The story of skiing in this picturesque valley began in 1937 when the Civilian Conservation Corps first cut ski trails on Mount Tecumseh. Skiers would hike up what is now the Mount Tecumseh Trail and descend on the blue square trail known as “Old Tecumseh.”
In 1965, two-time Olympic skier Tom Corcoran, alongside notable figures like Sel Hannah and Senator Robert F. Kennedy, transformed Waterville Valley into a year-round resort destination. By December 1966, the Waterville Valley Ski Resort officially opened its doors, featuring 145 acres of skiable terrain, 18 runs, four double chairlifts, and a vertical drop of 2,020 feet.
Waterville Valley is celebrated as the birthplace of Freestyle Skiing, launching the first Freestyle Instruction Program in the U.S. in 1969 and hosting the inaugural National Open Championships of Freestyle Skiing the following year. Legendary freestyle skiers, including Wayne Wong and Doug Pfeiffer, played pivotal roles in shaping both the sport and the resort, with trails and lounges named in their honor.
Today, the resort boasts world-class facilities, including 100% snowmaking and nightly grooming across two mountain peaks, offering over 265 skiable trail acres.
Beyond skiing, the charming town of Waterville Valley is encircled by 770,000 acres of protected National Forest. Despite being among such vast wilderness, Waterville Valley has a welcoming small-town feel. Activities, shops, lodging, and dining are all clustered around Town Square, which is widely considered the heart of the town. This quaint, village center lies on the shores of Corcoran Pond and boasts incredible views of the surrounding mountain peaks.
During the Summertime, Town Square becomes a hub for events - visitors, locals, and longtime community members gather for live music on the Gazebo Stage, food festivals, fireworks, outdoor movie nights, and outdoor activities for all ages. Pedal boats, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards can be rented right from the dock. Waterville Valley is an open container town, so you're welcome to relax along the shores of Corcoran Pond with a cold libation.
Waterville Valley is exceptionally pedestrian-friendly. Anything you could ever need is within walking distance. The town is interconnected through its extensive trail system -walking paths, hiking trails, and cross-country ski trails weave in and out of the alpine village, local lodging destinations, boutiques, and dining establishments. No car is needed here in the Valley. Moving around town is effortless, especially when you can hop on the free resort shuttle at any time!
Generations of families have flocked to Waterville Valley to relax, explore, reconnect, and make lifelong memories. With so many adventures and so much potential for exploration, it's no mystery why Waterville Valley is considered New Hampshire's Family Resort.
LODGING
With a variety of lodging options ranging from romantic Inn style rooms to large 8 person condos, Waterville Valley has lodging to accommodate all guests and their families.
ACTIVITIES
Waterville Valley offers the perfect combination of relaxation and adventure. Hit the pool with a group of friends or spend the day exploring the National Forest, we've got it all. 
DINING
Whether it's breakfast from La Tasse or a delicious lunch/dinner from one of our many bars and restaurants, Waterville Valley offers plenty of dining options to satisfy every craving.
lodging guide
UPCOMING EVENTS
