First timers and lessons
South Peak
The separate South Peak learning area keeps the first morning close to beginner terrain, lesson meeting points, and the Children's Learning Center. Start here before moving a cautious group onto the main mountain.
Mount Sunapee ski guide
Lake views, polished cruisers, and a separate learning mountain
Mount Sunapee brings southern New Hampshire skiing to the ridge above the lake, with South Peak for first timers, main-mountain groomed runs, and Sun Bowl as another lift-served terrain area.
The geography matters
The ski area is in Newbury, not in the Town of Sunapee
Mount Sunapee Resort and the state-park mountain operations sit in Newbury, south of Sunapee Harbor. Treat the mountain as a distinct outing: save the resort address, allow for winter road conditions, and do not assume harbor lodging is slopeside.
1,510 ft
vertical drop
233
skiable acres
66
named trails
2,743 ft
summit elevation
Terrain choices
Four parts of the mountain answer four different ski days
Longer green and blue laps
Main-mountain cruisers
The front side carries the resort's central groomed network from the summit toward the main lodge. Open the winter map before riding so the group agrees on a return route and a meeting place.
A distinct terrain area beyond the front side
Sun Bowl
Sun Bowl adds its own lift-served terrain and a different aspect. Check the live lift-and-terrain report before crossing over, especially when wind, visibility, or limited operations narrow the day.
Confident skiers and riders
North Peak, glades, and steeper lines
More difficult runs and gladed zones depend heavily on natural cover, patrol decisions, and current openings. Read the live report instead of treating every mapped trail as guaranteed.
Keep the evening warmer than the mountain
Harbor inns and regional lodges can add fireplaces, gear space, and a quiet dinner after the lifts close. Compare Sunapee, Newbury, and New London rather than assuming one village serves every part of the trip.
The same ridge becomes a hiking mountain
Summit, Andrew Brook, Newbury, and Solitude trails replace lift lines with roots, ledges, and sustained climbing after winter. Use the official hiking map rather than following open ski slopes uphill.
Beyond ski season
Three established Mount Sunapee hikes
The mountain's marked hiking network reaches the summit, Lake Solitude, and White Ledges from different sides of Newbury. Distances below follow the official New Hampshire State Parks trail map; carry that map, check current access, and expect mud, roots, rock, and fast weather changes.
Moderate to strenuous
Summit Hiking Trail
- Distance
- about 4 miles round trip
- Time
- roughly 3–4 hours
- Effort
- steady climb
From ski-area parking to the Mount Sunapee summit. The official map shows roughly 2 miles each way. Begin behind the resort buildings, follow hiking-trail signs rather than ski trails, and expect a sustained climb to the 2,743-foot summit.
Moderate to strenuous
Andrew Brook Trail to Lake Solitude
- Distance
- about 3.8 miles round trip
- Time
- roughly 3–4 hours
- Effort
- rocky uphill trail
From the Mountain Road trailhead in Newbury, the state trail map marks Andrew Brook at about 1.9 miles to Lake Solitude. White Ledges adds more distance and exposed footing beyond the lake; protect fragile vegetation near the ledges.
Strenuous
Newbury Trail to the summit
- Distance
- about 4.8 miles round trip
- Time
- roughly 3–5 hours
- Effort
- steep wooded ascent
From the Lake View Avenue trailhead in Newbury, the official state map marks the Newbury Trail at about 2.4 miles to the summit area. It climbs from the east side and meets the Solitude Trail and summit network near the top.
During ski operations, hiking on ski trails is prohibited. Use the marked hiking routes, obey closures and signs, and carry traction when ice or packed snow remains. Lake Solitude and White Ledges are fragile upland areas; stay on durable surfaces and pack everything out.
Official resources
Use current Mount Sunapee information
Tickets, lessons, open terrain, weather, parking, and hiking access change by season and day.
Official sourceWinter and summer trail mapsOpen the resort's current winter map before comparing South Peak, the main mountain, and Sun Bowl.Official sourceLift and terrain statusConfirm operating lifts, trails, connectors, and terrain before driving to Newbury.Official sourceSnow and weather reportReview snowfall, reported snow depth, temperature, visibility, wind, and forecast.Official sourceLift ticketsCompare date-specific tickets and Epic products directly with the resort before arrival.Official sourceLessons and ski schoolReview current child, adult, group, and private options with their meeting details.Official sourceNH State Parks mountain mapUse the official hiking map for Summit, Andrew Brook, Newbury, Solitude, and regional greenway connections.
Continue the trip
Return to the harbor after the mountain
Sunapee Harbor gives the ski day a lake-town evening, while Newbury shortens the mountain drive. Compare the room, dinner, and next morning together rather than forcing every night into one pattern.
Layers for cold lifts and changing mountain weather
Dry gloves, eye protection, warm socks, and an outer shell matter on windy chairs and late-afternoon runs; summer hikers need traction, water, and a downloaded map.
