Looking for a fun fall getaway? Head to a ski area!
The best way to immerse yourself in the autumn colors – to ride to the tops of mountains and take in the amazing vistas.
There is nothing like autumn in New England. The mountains, lakes, running streams, and inviting villages are all augmented by the colors of the shimmering leaves that surround you.
An easy way to find it all is to head to a ski resort this fall. No, not to ski (though some may have early snow, but not many). Heading to a ski resort in the fall allows you to not only take in the best fall foliage in the mountains, but also enjoy the wide variety of activities and entertainment they offer.
And, let’s start with the best way to immerse yourself in the autumn colors – to ride to the tops of mountains and take in the amazing vistas.
A big recommendation is to head to Bretton Woods in New Hampshire’s Crawford Notch.
Visitors can take a 12-minute ride on the Bretton Woods Skyway Gondola and get sweeping views of Mount Washington, New England’s tallest peak, which might also have some early season snow-cover, and the Presidential Range. At the summit, guests can enjoy the on-mountain dining at Rosebrook Lodge or explore hiking trailheads that begin right outside.
Also in the view is the classic and historic Omni Mount Washington Resort & Spa where you can visit the room where the United Nations Monetary and Financial Conference was held in 1944 that led to the establishment of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.
While at Bretton Woods take a tour of the historic stables or play a round of golf on a course designed by Donald Ross.
The resort offers another option for those who might want to wind their way through the foliage at a slower pace—take a guided ride from the resort’s historic stables or go golfing on its award-winning 18-hole and 9-hole championship golf course, which was built in 1915 and designed by Donald Ross.
Wildcat Mountain
Meanwhile, on the other side of Mt. Washington in Pinkham Notch, you can ride to the summit of Wildcat Mountain, a mere 2,100 feet over trails and treetops to the 4,062-foot summit, and take in the view of Tuckerman Ravine on Mt. Washington, just across the notch from Wildcat.
Mount Cranmore and North Conway
A little further south, almost right in North Conway village, Cranmore offers its Mountain Adventure Park. During the fall, tickets are available in two-hour time blocks and include unlimited rides for one person on Cranmore’s Mountain Coaster, Soaring Eagle Zip Line, and Giant Swing. Plus, it includes a scenic chairlift ride that can be used at any point during the day and offers a different view of Mt. Washington along with an overview of North Conway.
Or try Vermont or Maine, too!
Yes, other New England states sport amazing fall foliage and scenery, too. And, Bromley Mountain in southern Vermont also has a Mountain Adventure Park. It offers an Alpine Slide that winds down the natural curves of the mountain, a giant swing, bumper cars, miniature golf, a climbing wall, and much more. Or visitors can opt for the serenity of the scenic chairlift as it glides to the summit, offering breathtaking views that stretch as far as the eye can see. At the top, gain even more perspective by climbing the stairs to the top of Bromley’s new observation tower. And, surprise—on a clear day, you can see as far as Mount Washington!
Then there’s Saddleback in Rangeley, Maine. As locals say, fall in Rangeley is something special, and Saddleback is right at the heart of it. Of course you can ride to the summit and take in a sea of fiery reds and golds with a panoramic view of Rangeley Lake. Ride back down or rip a few laps on Saddleback’s downhill mountain bike trails.
The mountain has two big events coming up. The first is new and is perfect for classic car fans—Saddleback’s Cruise Into Fall on September 21. From timeless classics to modern showstoppers, the cruise-in is open to all makes and models of cars, trucks, and motorcycles with no registration fee required. Just roll in, park, and enjoy the crisp mountain air and spectacular scenery.
And, of course, what’s October without an Oktoberfest, a Munich-meets-Maine celebration at Saddleback is on Saturday, October 4th. Expect bratwurst, craft beer and cider samplings, live music from TJ Swan and Toby McAllister of The Sierra Sounds, plus stein hoisting and axe throwing to name just a few of the day’s activities to enjoy before the snow flies.
Ski areas across the country
Yes, ski resorts are almost the best places to enjoy fall foliage, whether it’s New England’s colorful display, Colorado’s golden aspens, or others across the country. They offer a wide variety of lodging and restaurant choices nearby to fit anyone’s pocketbook, and even if you’re not up for taking a zipline or participating in an event, there’s always just hiking the trails to take in the spectacular vistas that all ski areas offer.
