Sometimes, it's hard to tell where Waterville Valley Resort ends and the untamed wilderness begins. Built in 1966, the 500-acre resort is a comfortable, civilized outpost in within the surrounding White Mountain Natural Forest. The resort calls to mind the rustic charms of a traditional New England mountain town, with clapboard buildings and green-gabled roofs peeking out from between the trees.

The resort sits at the foot of Mt. Tecumseh, a 4,000-foot peak that sports 50 trails and 220 acres of space for skiiers and snowboarders alike. Eleven lifts ferry guests up to each run, and snowmaking machines ensure complete coverage even when Mother Nature doesn't cooperate. The resort also features four terrain parks for snowboarding, as well as a handful of on-mountain dining spots with stunning views. Its been voted #1 in NH for Kids-Activities, Off-Hill Activities, Terrain Parks, and Dining by SKI Magazine.