Gunstock Mountain Resort | Wolfeboro

Gunstock Mountain Resort, perched above the lakeside town of Gilford, New Hampshire, is one of the most scenic and versatile four-season destinations in New England. Overlooking the wide expanse of Lake Winnipesaukee and framed by the distant peaks of the White Mountains, it offers a blend of mountain adventure, small-town charm, and panoramic views that are unmatched in the region. Whether blanketed in winter snow or bathed in summer sunlight, Gunstock feels both lively and serene - a mountain that moves at the pace of the seasons.

Setting and Atmosphere

The resort lies in the Belknap Mountain Range, just a few miles from the lakeshore. The drive up to the base area feels almost cinematic: winding past farms and woodlands before the trees open suddenly to reveal the ski slopes rising sharply above open meadows. From the summit of Gunstock Mountain (elevation 2,267 feet), the view stretches for miles - the broad surface of Lake Winnipesaukee glimmering below, dotted with islands, and beyond it, the faint line of Mount Washington on clear days.

At the base, the village area combines rustic lodge architecture with the easy rhythm of a family-friendly resort. You can hear the hum of the chairlifts, the sound of children’s laughter echoing from the tubing hill, and the soft rustle of pines framing the slopes. It’s a place that balances energy and calm - where outdoor adventure always feels close, yet never hurried.

History and Legacy

Gunstock Mountain Resort has deep roots in New England’s skiing history. It opened in 1937, making it one of the oldest continuously operating ski areas in the United States. Originally developed by the Belknap County community, it was designed as a local recreation center during the early growth of American alpine skiing. Its first rope tow and single chairlift were built by hand, and its slopes helped introduce generations of New Hampshire families to the sport.

Over the decades, Gunstock has expanded and modernized but never lost its local spirit. Today, it remains county-owned and community-operated, preserving a welcoming, unpretentious atmosphere that feels distinct from corporate resorts. Many of its trails still follow the contours first mapped out nearly a century ago - a living link to the early days of skiing in New England.

Winter at Gunstock

In winter, Gunstock transforms into a full alpine playground. The resort features 227 acres of skiable terrain, 49 trails, and 8 lifts, including high-speed quads that whisk skiers quickly to the summit. The mountain offers a balanced mix of difficulty: wide beginner runs like Smith and Pistol flow gently through the woods, while classic intermediates such as Ramrod and Tiger give satisfying variety and pace. For experts, Recoil and Upper Gunsmoke offer steeper descents and natural snow glades that test precision and control.

The resort’s snowmaking system covers nearly all of its terrain, ensuring reliable conditions throughout the season. Night skiing is a local favorite - Gunstock’s slopes glow under the lights, and the illuminated trails create a magical view over the frozen lake below. The Gunstock Nordic Center maintains over 50 kilometers of cross-country trails, winding through pine forests and meadows, perfect for snowshoeing or skate-skiing in quiet solitude.

Family-friendly features include a snow tubing hill, beginner zones, and a ski school with patient instructors who keep the learning atmosphere relaxed and fun. The base lodge offers a classic après-ski setting, with a wood-beamed ceiling, warm fireplaces, and the comforting aroma of chili, cocoa, and wood smoke.

Summer and Fall Adventures

When the snow melts, Gunstock shifts seamlessly into a warm-weather destination, offering some of the most diverse outdoor recreation in New Hampshire. The mountain’s Adventure Park becomes the centerpiece - featuring a zipline tour, aerial treetop course, and the Gunstock Mountain Coaster, which winds down the slope through the forest.

Hikers can take the Gunstock Summit Trail or the Ridge Trail, which connects to Mount Rowe and Belknap Mountain, part of the Belknap Range loop. From the top, the view over Lake Winnipesaukee is nothing short of spectacular - a sea of blue water and green islands stretching to the horizon.

Mountain biking is another major draw, with lift-serviced downhill trails and a well-maintained network for cross-country riders. The resort also hosts summer concerts, yoga sessions, and festivals, often under open skies as the sun sets behind the ridge.

By autumn, the entire slope turns into a canvas of color - deep reds, bright golds, and russet browns reflecting in the lake below. The scenic chairlift rides during foliage season are among the most popular in the region, offering a slow, panoramic ascent through one of New England’s most vibrant landscapes.

Community and Experience

What sets Gunstock apart isn’t just its range of activities, but its spirit of community. Locals mingle easily with travelers, and the resort’s staff - many of whom have worked there for decades - treat visitors more like neighbors than customers. Everything feels approachable: parking close to the lifts, small crowds, friendly greetings, and the sense that you can take your time here.

The resort also works actively to balance recreation and sustainability, protecting the mountain’s forests and watershed. It remains a gathering place for school trips, local ski clubs, and families who return year after year - often with stories of learning to ski on the same slopes their parents once did.

The Experience

Visiting Gunstock feels like entering a timeless rhythm of New England outdoor life. In winter, it’s the crunch of fresh snow under boots, the soft hiss of skis carving through powder, and the orange glow of the lodge windows after dusk. In summer, it’s the scent of warm pine and the rush of wind as you descend the mountain coaster, with the lake gleaming below like polished glass.

Every season here carries its own mood - but in all of them, Gunstock embodies the quiet beauty of the Lakes Region. It’s not a resort that overwhelms; it invites. A mountain of honest charm, deep history, and expansive views, Gunstock Mountain Resort remains one of New Hampshire’s most enduring and beloved outdoor destinations.