Best Cozy Mountains in New England

There’s nothing like a mountain getaway.  When it comes to great skiing and comfy inns, everybody can find something to enjoy. So whether you want to hit the slopes, or just huddle up inside and enjoy the view, these New England peaks are some of the best cozy mountains the region has to offer. 1. Pats Peak, Henniker, New Hampshire: The lighted slope means you don’t have to come in out of the cold when the sun goes down. 710-foot vertical, 22 trails. 888-728-7732, 603-428-3245; patspeak.com On the mountain you may meet instructor Phil Ryan, who helps Kate Bartlet run the unpretentious Henniker House, nestled on a Main Street corner in the village. “I want people to feel as though they’re coming to their favorite aunt’s house,” Kate says. 10 Ramsdell Rd., Henniker. 866-428-3198; hennikerhouse.com 2. King Pine, East Madison, New Hampshire: In addition to plenty of downhill trails, the mountain boasts cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and skating. 350-foot vertical, 17 trails. 800-373-3754, 603-367-8896; kingpine.com Apres-ski, head down the mountain to Snowvillage Inn, which combines rustic accommodations and an idyllic view of Mount Washington with hearty country cooking. 136 Stewart Rd., Snowville. 603-447-2818; snowvillageinn.com 3. Mount Abram, Greenwood/Locke Mills, Maine: Just down the road from bustling Sunday River, Mount Abram offers a slower-paced alternative for families who like their elbow room. A slew of intermediate slopes and the mountain’s tubing park (longest in Maine, with two trails) will keep your kids busy. 1,030-foot vertical, 44 trails. 207-875-5000; skimtabram.com In the evening, head into Bethel and relax at The Chapman Inn. The breakfast there, prepared by chef/co-owner Fred Nolte, will leave you stoked for all the runs that await. 1 Mill Hill Rd., Bethel. 877-359-1498, 207-824-2657; chapmaninn.com 4. Shawnee Peak, Bridgton, Maine: This intermediate mountain has the added boast of being the first in Maine entirely powered by wind. 1,300-foot vertical, 44 trails. 207-647-8444; shawneepeak.com Ecoconscious skiers should stay at Noble House. The organic breakfast (featuring fresh bread and locally grown fruits and veggies) is the perfect start to a long day on the slopes. 81 Highland Rd., Bridgton. 888-237-4880, 207-647-3733; noblehousebb.com 5. Butternut Basin, Great Barrington, Massachusetts: What it lacks in thrills it makes up for in family memories. This easy mountain offers a homey atmosphere and a selection of skiing classes, making it a great place for youngsters. 1,000-foot vertical, 22 trails. 413-528-2000; skibutternut.com For a B&B with a distinctively European flair, stay at The Wainwright Inn. Don’t ask what’s in the famous pancakes — it’s a secret. 518 S. Main St., Great Barrington. 413-528-2062; wainwrightinn.com

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