
Wildcat Mountain Ski Area
Ski area with breathtaking views of Mt. Washington, offering challenging terrain for skiers and hikers alike. Known for its rugged trails and old-scho...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fresh snow & fewer crowds

Wildcat Mountain Ski Area
Best Time
Fresh snow & fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ski area with breathtaking views of Mt. Washington, offering challenging terrain for skiers and hikers alike. Known for its rugged trails and old-school charm.
"The mountain with arguably the best views in all of New England."

Bring Hiking Poles! :hiking_boot:
Essential for navigating the steep, rocky, and potentially slippery trails, especially on the Wildcat Range Trail.
Check Snow Conditions :snowflake:
Trails can be icy; be prepared for a 'skating' experience if snowmaking is limited.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Views of Mount Washington
Summit of Wildcat D
Unobstructed vistas of Mount Washington and its ravines, a photographer's dream.

Wildcat Range Trail
Connecting Wildcat D to A
A challenging and scenic hike with steep ascents and descents, offering a true mountain adventure.

Steepest Mile on the Appalachian Trail
Wildcat Ridge Trail
Experience one of the most demanding sections of the AT, a rocky scramble with significant elevation gain.

Varied Ski Terrain
Throughout the ski area
From groomed runs to tight glades and exposed features, Wildcat offers a diverse skiing experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Views, Prepare for the Climb
Skiing Conditions & Lodge Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Hiking Poles! :hiking_boot:
Essential for navigating the steep, rocky, and potentially slippery trails, especially on the Wildcat Range Trail.
Check Snow Conditions :snowflake:
Trails can be icy; be prepared for a 'skating' experience if snowmaking is limited.
Locker Room Available :key:
The lodge has lockers for gear storage; remember to bring your own padlock.
Dog-Friendly Trails :dog:
Trails are challenging for dogs, but manageable with proper footwear and care.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Hiking Poles! :hiking_boot:
Essential for navigating the steep, rocky, and potentially slippery trails, especially on the Wildcat Range Trail.
Check Snow Conditions :snowflake:
Trails can be icy; be prepared for a 'skating' experience if snowmaking is limited.
Locker Room Available :key:
The lodge has lockers for gear storage; remember to bring your own padlock.
Dog-Friendly Trails :dog:
Trails are challenging for dogs, but manageable with proper footwear and care.
Capture the Views :camera:
The scenery is incredible, especially on clear days; perfect for photography.
Car Logistics for Hikers :car:
Consider stashing a bike at trailheads for traverses or exploring shuttle/taxi options in Gorham.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Wildcat Mountain for its absolutely stunning, unparalleled views of Mount Washington and its varied, challenging terrain for both skiing and hiking. The 'old-school vibe' and friendly staff are often highlighted. However, some find the trails can be icy, and the food prices a bit high, with limited chairlifts operating at times.
"The trail is rugged. We took the ski route up to the Wildcat D and there was some nice views of Mount Washington on the way up. You can see both the Tuckerman and Huntington Ravine. This part of the trail was road made for ATVs so lot of pebble/rocks and Gravel making it slippery and slow going in the Sun as there is no tree cover the entire way up the wildcat. This part was also tough for the dog both coming down and going up. Once you reach the Wildcat D you have great views of presidentials. The next part was going to Wildcat A via Wildcat range trail and this was steep and hiking poles came in hiding. The trail is rocky with some slabs as well. The up and down between the mountains is tough on the knees but the trail is well covered with tree and was much cooler. No views from Wildcat C and B, but great view from Wildcat A. Tough trail for dogs but they can do it for sure"
prabhas chaudhari
"Great varied terrain, long ski runs, mix of groomed and ungroomed trails, long green from summit, bumpy runs, steps, and glades. Far enough north to have great fresh powery snow today, no lines, fast summit lift. Older lodge but sufficient. Awesome views of Mt. Washington while skiing."
Joel Burdette
"Wildcat Mountain Ski have nice variety trails to go thru and have heck of adventure! I love the speed going down hill, quick turn, and location is beautiful! Very trail was pretty icy and snowy. You got to be ready for icy when you make a turn because you may lose balance or get close to trees. Be Careful.
The middle lift was nice express; it does feel little faster then other two trails and it take 5-7 minutes ride to get to very top.
They have a nice cafe inside and locker. It was great they have locker for me to change my gears and storage stuff in locker. Bring your Lock pad.
The cafe was good. I order crispy
chicken buffalo sauce. Yummy and spicy.
It is pricy and they do have water bottle fountain.
The staff was great and friendly people. When I check in I was able to get my Pass ID print. I pick ID instead using app because I need to have it on and pass open. So it didn’t make sense for me to take my phone out all time."
Anonymous
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Wildcat Mountain Ski Area is located in New Hampshire. For hikers tackling the Wildcats-Carters-Moriah Traverse, Gorham is a key town. While taxis or shuttles might be available, some hikers opt to stash bikes at trailheads or even hitchhike for car logistics.
Reddit users suggest stashing a bike at the trailhead on the Wildcat side and starting your hike with Moriah. This allows for a more streamlined return. Researching local shuttle services in Gorham is also advised.
Public transport options directly to Wildcat Mountain Ski Area are limited. It's primarily accessed by car. For hiking traverses, Gorham is a more central hub with potential for ride-sharing or pre-arranged transport.
Wildcat Mountain Ski Area is located off NH-16 in Gorham, New Hampshire. It's a prominent landmark in the White Mountains region.
Yes, Wildcat Mountain Ski Area provides parking facilities for visitors, especially during the ski season. For hikers, parking availability might vary depending on the trailhead.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Lift ticket prices for Wildcat Mountain Ski Area can vary based on the season, day of the week, and age group. It's recommended to check their official website for the most current pricing and potential discounts.
While not always mandatory, booking lift tickets in advance for Wildcat Mountain Ski Area is often recommended, especially during peak season or holidays, to secure your spot and potentially get better rates.
Operating hours for Wildcat Mountain Ski Area typically vary by season. During winter, lifts usually start in the morning and run until late afternoon. Hiking trails are generally accessible year-round, but daylight hours should be considered.
Discounts may be available for Wildcat Mountain through various programs, such as multi-day passes, group rates, or special promotions. Checking their website or local tourism sites is advisable.
While some resorts offer app-based passes, at Wildcat Mountain, some visitors prefer a physical Pass ID for convenience, especially if they need to present it frequently.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
Hiking trails at Wildcat Mountain can be rugged and steep, featuring rocky sections, gravel, and slippery surfaces. The Wildcat Range Trail is known for its challenging ascents and descents, and it includes the steepest mile on the Appalachian Trail.
Absolutely! Wildcat Mountain offers spectacular views, particularly from Wildcat D, with vistas of Mount Washington and its ravines. The scenery is a major draw for both skiers and hikers.
For skiing, Wildcat Mountain offers a mix of terrain, including a long green run from the summit, making it accessible for beginners. However, the hiking trails are generally considered more challenging and may not be ideal for novice hikers.
Wildcat Mountain boasts a great variety of ski trails, including groomed runs, bumpy sections, steps, and tight glades. The terrain is diverse, offering challenges and enjoyment for different skill levels.
Dogs are generally allowed on the hiking trails at Wildcat Mountain, but they can be challenging for pets due to the rugged terrain. Ensure your dog is well-behaved and equipped for the hike.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Wildcat Mountain has a cafe located in the lodge that serves food. Visitors have enjoyed items like crispy chicken with buffalo sauce. While the food is considered good, it can be a bit pricey.
According to reviews, the food at Wildcat Mountain's cafe is considered a bit pricey, though some find it comparable to or slightly lower than other ski resorts.
Yes, Wildcat Mountain does have a water bottle fountain available, which is convenient for staying hydrated during your visit.
While specific policies on outside food may vary, it's generally advisable to check with the venue. However, the cafe offers dining options if you prefer not to bring your own.
The cafe at Wildcat Mountain offers a selection of items, with one reviewer specifically mentioning enjoying a crispy chicken buffalo sauce dish. It's a good spot for a meal or snack during your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit of Wildcat D offers unparalleled panoramic views of Mount Washington and its surrounding ravines, making it a prime photography location. Clear days provide the best opportunities for stunning shots.
Yes, Wildcat Mountain is excellent for winter photography, especially with its snow-covered landscapes and the dramatic views of Mount Washington. The clear, crisp air often enhances the photographic quality.
For capturing the expansive views, a wide-angle lens is beneficial. For hiking, a compact camera or smartphone is practical. Consider a tripod for stable shots, especially in low light or for long exposures.
During the ski season, capturing the action on the slopes, the dramatic mountain scenery, and the historic lodge can all make for great photos. The views of Mount Washington while skiing are particularly noteworthy.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset often provide the most dramatic lighting for landscape photography. However, midday on a clear day also offers excellent visibility for capturing the vast mountain vistas.
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Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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💑 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Hiking the Wildcat Range: A Challenging Adventure
One of the most talked-about features of this hike is its inclusion of the steepest mile on the Appalachian Trail. This section involves a rapid gain of approximately 1,000 feet in just half a mile, requiring careful footing and a good level of fitness. While the trail is well-covered by trees for much of the way, offering some shade, sections can be exposed, making sun protection important during warmer months. The effort is often rewarded with stunning panoramic views, making the challenging climb worthwhile for many adventurers.
Skiing Wildcat Mountain: Views and Terrain
While the scenery is a major draw, visitors should be aware that trail conditions can sometimes be icy, especially if snowmaking is limited. This can lead to a 'skating' sensation rather than traditional skiing. Despite this, the old-school vibes and the challenging terrain, including the glades, are highly appreciated by many. The lodge provides essential amenities like a cafe and lockers, though bringing your own padlock for the lockers is recommended. The staff are generally described as friendly and helpful, contributing to a positive visitor experience.
The Appalachian Trail Connection
Hikers tackling the Wildcats-Carters-Moriah Traverse often face logistical challenges related to car placement. Strategies like stashing a bicycle at one trailhead to facilitate a return trip are common among solo hikers. The views from the Wildcat peaks, particularly Wildcat D, offer a stunning reward for the effort, providing expansive panoramas of the surrounding White Mountains, including Mount Washington. This section of the AT is a testament to the rugged beauty and demanding nature of hiking in New Hampshire.



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