February Vacation in Bretton Woods, NH: Where to Stay and Exactly What To Do

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The big question: Where should you stay during February Vacation in Bretton Woods?

Short answer: our 4-bedroom Forest Cottage that sits right on the mountain. If you want a zero-stress ski week, you want three things that most places do not deliver at the same time:
  1. True ski-in/ski-out so the kids step from the front door to the beginner area in minutes.
  2. Walkable access to the Base Lodge and Skyway Gondola so you can stroll to après and summit dining at Rosebrook Lodge, then wander home without shuttles or long, icy parking lots. The gondola rises from the Base Lodge to the summit where you will find Switchback Grille, Crystal Hills, and Peaks Café inside Rosebrook Lodge. 
  3. A real gear room with boot and glove dryer, plus space for families to spread out. Add a living room with a wood-burning fireplace, a game space for evening wind-downs, 3-car parking with nearby overflow, full kitchen with an air fryer, laundry, and plush beds. That combination turns a crowded holiday into a restful one.

You will wake up, sip coffee while watching the first riders load, clip in at the door, ski until the kids want lunch, glide straight back to your ski room, warm up boots on the dryer, and be back on snow for afternoon laps. When the day ends, you will either walk to Slopeside Pub in the Base Lodge for après or light the fire and enjoy a calm house while the kids trade stories and play in the game room. That is February Vacation done right. The resort side even advertises Slopeside Pub at the Base Lodge for classic lunch and après, which pairs perfectly with a walkable slopeside stay. 

Why Bretton Woods is a cheat code for family ski weeks

Bretton Woods is the largest ski area in New Hampshire by skiable acreage, known for immaculate grooming, a spread of beginner and intermediate terrain, and the scenic Skyway Gondola with that new-school summit lodge view of Mount Washington. The mountain complements lift-served skiing with one of the biggest Nordic systems in the East. The Bretton Woods Nordic Center reports over 100 miles of groomed trails with rentals and lessons, and it is all right there in the resort orbit.
This hybrid of alpine, Nordic, and family-friendly experiences is exactly what you want during a peak week. Not everyone skis bell to bell. Kids crash after lunch. Grandparents want a gentle snowshoe. Couples want a scenic ride and a great meal. February Vacation works best when everyone can do something that feels easy and special without long drives or logistics.

Beginner slope and magic carpet at your doorstep! True ski-in ski-out.

Your home base: The 4-Bedroom Forest Cottage

  • Location: First condo on the mountain’s slope side, steps from the beginner area and a short walk to the Base Lodge and Gondola.
  • Ski flow: True ski-in and ski-out. Gear room with racks plus boot and glove dryer for that magical first-thing-in-the-morning warmth.
  • Parking: Three driveway spots with easy overflow close by.
  • Comfort: Multiple king beds, soft linens, a living room for adults to relax, a dedicated game space for kids, central AC/heat, and laundry.
  • Kitchen: Well-equipped, air fryer for fast kid snacks, and dining that actually fits a group.
  • Booking link

If you have ever tried to zigzag a family through shuttles and parking during a holiday week, you will understand why families rebook slope-edge properties year after year. This setup saves time every single morning and turns transitions into a 2-minute non-event. See reviews of the house here.

Complete February Vacation Itineraries for Bretton Woods

Below are two ready-to-use planners built for February 14 to 22, with the mountain’s best experiences slotted in where they belong. Each day includes a simple choice so your group can pivot based on energy and weather.

Where I say “book ahead,” I mean it. School breaks fill quickly. If you are adding lessons, the Bretton Woods Ski and Snowboard School is taught by PSIA/AASI-certified instructors and can make a significant difference in confidence after just one or two sessions.

Views from Rosebrook Lodge

4-Day Plan: Long Weekend That Feels Like a Week

Day 1 — Friday, Feb 14: Arrive, stage, and ride to the summit

  • Park and unload in your 3-car driveway. Overflow is an easy option if friends arrive later.
  • Stage the gear in the ski room and put boots on the dryer for the morning.
  • Sunset ride on the Skyway Gondola to Rosebrook Lodge. Dine at Switchback Grille for a sit-down meal or Crystal Hills for casual options. Hours can shift for private events, so confirm day-of before you walk over.
  • Fireplace and early night back at the house so the first ski day is smooth.

Day 2 — Saturday, Feb 15: First tracks and walk-to après

  • Ski from the front door to the beginner area, then branch out. Bretton Woods is the state’s largest, with the grooming and lift layout that keeps families moving without bottlenecks. 
  • Lunch at home to reset the crew and avoid the midday rush.
  • Après at Slopeside Pub in the Base Lodge, a short walk from the house, or grab a table upstairs with mountain views and keep it mellow. 

Day 3 — Sunday, Feb 16: Signature winter experience

Pick one marquee outing and make a memory.
  • Ice Castles, North Woodstock. This is the White Mountains winter icon with ice caverns, tunnels, and LED-lit walls. It runs in Woodstock, NH, and uses timed tickets, which book out around school breaks. Twilight is gorgeous. Ice Castles
  • Conway Scenic Railroad Winter Mountaineer. A four-hour classic rail journey through Crawford Notch. The railroad lists select dates from November 28 through February 22, 2026, with 10:30 am boarding at North Conway. It is warm, scenic, and relaxing for multigenerational groups. Conway Scenic Railroad

Day 4 — Monday, Feb 17 (Presidents Day): Wind-down with Nordic or snowshoe

  • Bretton Woods Nordic Center has a truly expansive groomed network and an easy rental flow. Cross-country for the adults, short snowshoe loop for the little ones, and you are still back in time for an unhurried checkout. 
  • Optional for early risers: a few alpine laps before packing, then a quick lunch or one last cocoa at Slopeside Pub before the drive. 

7–8-Day Plan: The Full February Vacation

Day 1 — Friday, Feb 14: Settle the base camp

  • Unpack once. Skis into the gear room. Groceries into the fridge. Firewood stacked.
  • Scout your line for the morning. From the house to the beginner area is the perfect warm-up route for all levels.

Day 2 — Saturday, Feb 15: Carve day and summit dinner

  • First chairs to feel the best groomers of the week.
  • Book lessons for anyone who wants a skills jump. The Bretton Woods Ski and Snowboard School uses PSIA/AASI-certified coaches who dial in stance, edging, and confidence. 
  • Summit dining at Rosebrook Lodge by Skyway Gondola. Time your ride for sunset views of the Presidential Range.

Day 3 — Sunday, Feb 16: Nordic sampler or sleigh rides

  • Nordic Center day with classic or skate rentals. Beginners can stay on the gentler loops near the resort while experienced skiers explore longer tours. The system is huge, with more than 100 miles of groomed trails.
  • Horse-drawn sleigh rides depart from the Omni Mount Washington Resort grounds. It is a beloved winter tradition and sells out during holidays. Reserve in advance.

Day 4 — Monday, Feb 17: Midweek reset and spa time

  • Late start and lower-impact ski session. Greens and mellow blues only.
  • The Spa at Omni Mount Washington for anyone who wants off-snow relaxation while others lap the lifts. 
  • Game night back at the house with the fireplace going and boots drying for tomorrow.

Day 5 — Tuesday, Feb 18: The White Mountains highlight

Choose your headliner.

  • Ice Castles in North Woodstock. Twilight slots pop with LED light. Parking and ticketing are straightforward if you book ahead. Ice Castles
  • Mount Washington Cog Railway to Waumbek Station. Winter trains run to a high viewpoint just under 4,000 feet, about one hour round trip, and are an all-ages hit. The Mount Washington Cog Railway

Day 6 — Wednesday, Feb 19: Stay close, ski loose

  • Sleep in and enjoy breakfast at the dining table while the mountain wakes up.
  • Green and blue cruisers for easy flow. Lunch at Switchback Grille on the summit if you want to keep the views going, or swing home for a quick air-fryer session. 
  • Après at Slopeside Pub or cocoa by the fire. 

Day 7 — Thursday, Feb 20: Scenic rail or snowshoe adventure

  • If you skipped Ice Castles or the Cog, plug it in here.
  • Conway Scenic Railroad Winter Mountaineer is still running select dates through February 22, 2026, and it is a perfect low-effort outing in holiday weeks. Conway Scenic Railroad
  • Or loop a longer snowshoe tour from the Nordic network. Rentals and passes are easy to arrange at the center. 

Day 8 — Friday or Saturday, Feb 21–22: Finale

  • Early laps with the crew.
  • Ski straight to the door, boots into the dryer, pack the cars, and toast a week well done with one last bite at Slopeside Pub before you roll.

How to book and what to book ahead for your Bretton Woods February Vacation

Your stay

Activities to reserve early

  • Skyway Gondola and Rosebrook Lodge dining. Hours can shift for private events. Check the resort page and the Omni page for current details, then time a sunset ride for a wow moment. 
  • Bretton Woods Ski and Snowboard School. Book private or group lessons in advance, especially for kids. Instruction is by PSIA/AASI-certified pros. 
  • Bretton Woods Nordic Center. Rentals and passes are simple to arrange, but set a morning pickup time on peak days.
  • Sleigh rides from the Omni Mount Washington Resort grounds. Call ahead for availability. 
  • Ice Castles New Hampshire. Timed tickets go fast around school breaks. Book twilight for the lights. Ice Castles
  • Conway Scenic Railroad Winter Mountaineer. Their official page lists availability from November 28 through February 22, 2026, boarding 10:30 am on select dates. Lock seats early. Book here
  • Mount Washington Cog Railway to Waumbek Station. Short winter ride with huge views. Book here

Know before you go: pro tips for a smooth week at Bretton Woods Ski Resort

  • Plan two kinds of ski days. Start with an alpine focus on your first full day, then layer a Nordic or snowshoe day after legs get tired. The Nordic miles around Bretton Woods give you a change of pace without leaving the resort orbit. 
  • Eat when others ski. Late breakfasts, early lunches, and sunset dinners will help you dodge the usual rush at holiday time.
  • Walk to après. Slopeside Pub in the Base Lodge is your easy choice and it is an enjoyable short walk from the house. You will be back by the fireplace in minutes. 
  • Use the gear room like clockwork. Stage skis and gloves at night, put boots on the dryer, and the morning scramble disappears.
  • Choose one headliner. If your group loves spectacle, pick Ice Castles. If you love retro charm and a warm seat, pick the Winter Mountaineer train. If you want a short outside-the-box adventure, pick the Cog to Waumbek. All three are easy drives and are winter favorites.
  • Lessons are not just for beginners. A focused two-hour session with a PSIA/AASI-certified coach can unlock a better week for intermediates.

Ready to book your February Vacation home base?

Plant your flag at the 4-Bedroom Forest Cottage and give your crew the gift of an effortless week: ski-in/ski-out, walkable gondola and après, a gear room with boot and glove dryer, a warm fireplace, a game space for the kids, and easy 3-car parking with overflow nearby. When home is on the snow, the whole week feels easier.
Check dates now and grab your preferred arrival:

Book Your NH February Vacation Home Now

Frequently asked questions

When is February Vacation in MA/NH for 2026?

MA districts (e.g., Newton) list Feb 16–20; many NH districts (e.g., Portsmouth, Hooksett) list Feb 23–27.

Do I need to book the gondola/lessons ahead?

In peak weeks, yes. The gondola takes you to Summit Dining at Rosebrook Lodge; lessons and some experiences sell out quickly.

Book the Gondola here

Book ski lessons here

Is Bretton Woods good for beginners during February Vacation?

Yes. The layout is intuitive, grooming is top-tier, and you can start from the beginner area right outside the Forest Cottage. Book a lesson on day one to build confidence quickly with PSIA/AASI-certified instructors. 

Where is the best on-mountain dining for views?

Ride the Skyway Gondola to Rosebrook Lodge and visit Switchback Grille, Crystal Hills, or Peaks Café. Time it for sunset if possible. 

What can non-skiers do?

Nordic skiing or snowshoeing at the Bretton Woods Nordic Center, sleigh rides from the Omni grounds, a scenic Conway Scenic Railroad adventure, and the Cog Railway to Waumbek Station.

Where should we go for après with kids in tow?

The Slopeside Pub in the Base Lodge is a relaxed and convenient spot. It is a short walk from the house and ideal for a warm bite before the evening routine. 

Do we need a car once we arrive?

You will want one for day trips to Ice Castles, the Cog, or Conway Scenic, but for daily skiing, you can simply walk and ski from the house.

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