Ragged Mountain | Wolfeboro

Ragged Mountain rises quietly from the rolling hills of Danbury and Andover, New Hampshire, offering one of the state’s most inviting combinations of outdoor recreation, natural beauty, and small-mountain atmosphere. Less commercialized than many of its larger northern neighbors, Ragged balances the feel of a community-driven resort with the scenic drama of alpine New England. Its forested slopes, open summits, and winding trails make it a four-season destination - equally appealing to skiers in winter and hikers or mountain bikers in summer.

Setting and Landscape

The mountain stands at 2,286 feet (697 meters) and consists of two distinct peaks: Ragged Mountain West Peak and Speakeasy Peak, connected by a long, undulating ridge. From the top, the view stretches across the Lake Sunapee region, reaching even to the faint outlines of the White Mountains on clear days. The landscape below is quintessential New Hampshire - a patchwork of maple and birch forests, old farm fields, and winding rural roads that gleam with sunlight after rain.

Ragged’s name suits it perfectly: the summit is irregular and craggy, its upper ridges dotted with ledges where trees give way to bare granite. In autumn, these outcrops glow under a canopy of red and gold, and in winter, they glisten under a heavy crust of snow. On still days, the silence on the upper trails feels absolute, broken only by the crunch of boots or the faint sound of skis carving the distance below.

Ragged Mountain Resort

At the heart of the mountain’s modern life is Ragged Mountain Resort, one of New Hampshire’s most beloved mid-sized ski destinations. The resort features 57 trails across over 250 acres of terrain, served by two main peaks and a vertical drop of about 1,250 feet. For many, it’s a perfect balance - big enough to challenge, small enough to feel personal.

The Summit Six Express, a high-speed chairlift, brings skiers to the top in minutes, while the Speakeasy and Village Green areas cater to beginners and families. The resort’s signature run, Raggedy Andy, winds gracefully down from the summit through glades and open slopes, offering a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside. On powder days, the Birches Glades and Flying Yankee trails attract more adventurous riders, their tree-lined routes creating the sense of moving through a private forest.

The base lodge, built in a rustic alpine style with wide beams and stone fireplaces, carries the warmth of an old New England ski tradition. The scent of wood smoke and chili greets you as you step inside, and the mood is always relaxed - families drying gloves by the fire, locals swapping snow stories, and live music echoing through the bar area on weekends.

Summer and Autumn at Ragged

While Ragged Mountain is known for its winter scene, it transforms beautifully in the warmer months. The ski trails double as hiking and mountain biking routes, leading to scenic overlooks where wildflowers and tall grasses sway in the breeze. The New Hampshire Appalachian Trail corridor runs nearby, and hikers often connect from local paths to explore the mountain’s ridge and natural ponds.

In autumn, Ragged becomes a vantage point for foliage viewing. The hills below turn into a living mosaic - russet oaks, crimson maples, and yellow birches reflecting the golden afternoon light. The chairlifts sometimes reopen for foliage rides, offering a bird’s-eye view of this seasonal spectacle. It’s quiet then; you might hear only the wind and the occasional chatter of chickadees flitting through the branches.

Wildlife and Environment

The mountain’s forested slopes host an array of wildlife. White-tailed deer graze along the lower fields, while foxes and wild turkeys are common sightings in early morning light. In the less-traveled areas of the ridge, you may even spot black bear tracks or the sharp call of a barred owl echoing through the trees at dusk. Streams cut across the terrain, feeding small ponds and wetlands where frogs and dragonflies thrive in summer.

Ragged’s surrounding countryside maintains its rural, untouched charm. The nearby Danbury Bog Wildlife Management Area offers additional trails and birdwatching spots, while Wilmot and Andover provide glimpses of old New Hampshire village life - white steepled churches, general stores, and dirt roads framed by stone walls.

The Local Experience

Visiting Ragged feels personal. Unlike the large, bustling ski hubs farther north, there’s a sense of familiarity here - staff greet regulars by name, and weekends bring together a mix of locals, families, and travelers who’ve heard about the mountain’s welcoming atmosphere. The resort’s Birches Café and Stone Hearth Bar are popular après-ski spots, where the conversation drifts easily between weather, trail conditions, and stories from past winters.

During summer weekends, local craft fairs, farmers’ markets, and live music events fill nearby towns. In winter, bonfires at the base area and night skiing sessions add a cozy community feel, while snowshoe trails wind quietly through the woods for those seeking solitude.

Closing Impression

Ragged Mountain may not boast the scale of Mount Washington or the celebrity of Bretton Woods, but that’s precisely its charm. It embodies the spirit of New Hampshire’s countryside - unpretentious, naturally beautiful, and deeply tied to its landscape. From the echo of ski lifts in crisp winter air to the scent of pine and wildflowers in summer, Ragged Mountain offers a year-round retreat where the pace slows, the scenery stirs, and nature feels close enough to touch.