Bretton Woods is great but its expensive.

Some people like Wildcat, I hate it.

Loon is very accessible.

Cannon is great for tough skiing.

Cranmore is a great family mountain, but its usually packed.

Gunstock for the amazing Lake Winnipesaukee views.

I like Cannon, but everyone has difference preferences. You can get a Ski 93 pass and lets you use several mountains in along the 93 corridor.

Loon, Cranmore, Gunstock

Since everyone is going to suggest mountains to go to I'm going to do the opposite. If the family member plans to ski on the weekend then I'd avoid purchasing them a pass to a Vail mountain (Crotched, Sunapee, Attitash, Wildcat). As great as they are when there's fresh snow, they're usually the most crowded on the weekends and seem to have the most issues. I attribute it to the cheap ticket prices and under-staffed issues.

LOON

My preferred ski resort to recommend to people from out of state is Loon. Cranmore if they have little ones.

I second sending them all to loon. Stay the hell away from Cannon.

Gunstock for price and views

It's icy and scary and lifts are constantly on wind hold. Definitely hit Loon (it's closer too and there's always plenty of parking.) :)

And there's a choo choo train! Everybody loves choo choo trains!

I'd probably ask what they prefer

Why hate Wildcat?

Bretton woods is very family friendly. I'd wait to actually purchase the tickets though until you get there, a lot of money to spend if it turns out to be a rainy/miserable day.

I’m curious too. I’ve skied all over NH and Colorado, and wildcat is a top 5 mountain for me.

My dad always said that no matter what it looks like at the house, the weather at Wildcat is awful. Been going there sporadically over 30 years and 100% agree.

I'm not them, but it's always wind scraped every time I go. It's gotten to the point that I just don't even try anymore.

I'd rather hit Loon or spend the extra time to go to VT or ME than touch Wildcat

Surprised to see so many recommendations for loon. It’s almost always icy and windy. Gunstock is always a decent option due to being almost an hour closer south than any other mountain while still having some good runs. Great for a day trip.

Loon has arguably the best, most consistent conditions in the state and even New England. Bretton Woods is the only other mountain that can compete in the state. If you think loon is windy you probably haven't skied cannon or wildcat. It's also one of the few large mountains in the state. That being said it is also the most popular and busiest mountain in the state.

Tb pretty much sums it up here.

Except I wouldn't say bretton woods is on par w loon...doesn't have the steeps.

"Almost always icy and windy..." Oh, so your talking about east coast skiing. Got it