FAQ Index
First Time
As you approach the resort on Skimobile Road, turn left on Old Bartlett Road then take your third right onto North Chair Road. Look for directional signage pointing you to the Center. All services related to your child's camp will take place in this one building–tickets, rentals, etc. Other family members may also purchase tickets or redeem online purchases there as well for convenience. Please note that the area in front of the Center is for drop off only – no long term parking. Note that the Arlberg Children's Center is used exclusively for children's programs for safety and security reasons - it is not a base lodge for public use.
Please arrive at least 45 minutes before your child's lesson starts if they are renting equipment. If you already have equipment please arrive no earlier than 10 minutes prior.
If you have made reservations for an Adult Learn to Ski or Snowboard lesson, you should proceed to the main ticket office to pick up tickets prior to the start of your lesson time. If you are renting equipment, arrive at the 10th Mountain Pavilion to pick up all tickets and equipment. Please allow ample time to pick up equipment prior to the start of your lesson.
When you have your equipment and tickets, go to colored flags in front of the deck of Zip’s Pub, no earlier than 10 minutes prior to the start of your lesson, to meet your instructor.
If the reservations are for a kid's lesson, all of their ticketing and equipment will be available at The Arlberg Children's Center. To access the Children's Center: as you approach the resort on Skimobile Road, turn left on Old Bartlett Road then take your third right onto North Chair Road. Look for directional signage pointing you to the center. All services related to your child's camp will take place in this one building–tickets, rentals, etc. Other family members may also purchase tickets or redeem online purchases there as well for convenience. If you purchased an adult and kid's lesson, all of these items are available for pick-up at the Children's Center.
Please note that the area in front of the center is for drop off only–no long term parking. Note that the Arlberg Children's Center is used exclusively for children's programs. For the safety and security of our campers, the building is not available for public use. Again, we recommend arriving at least 45 minutes before your scheduled lesson time, to allow adequate time for the rental process, and to allow your children to get comfortable with their new surroundings and our staff.
At Cranmore, our goal is to create a lifelong passion for skiing and snowmaking, all while building self-esteem, in a safe and fun learning environment. Our professional instructors look forward to sharing their love for winter and their enthusiasm for teaching. With each ski or snowboard lesson, you will learn skills leaving you looking forward to your next time on snow.
Private, small group lessons, Adult First Time Packages, and KidsRule Mountain Camps are available. Lessons must be booked in advance, online or over the phone. Same-day or walkup reservations may not available.
If you are taking a skiing or snowboarding lesson, you should plan on meeting your instructor no earlier than 10 minutes prior to the start of your lesson-this is for all children and adult lessons. If you or your child is renting equipment, please plan on arriving at least 45 minutes prior to the start of the lesson, to allow ample time to pick up equipment.
For tubing and Mountain Adventure Park tickets, please plan on arriving no earlier than 15 minutes to the start of your scheduled time.
Winter often provides us with variable weather conditions in New Hampshire, sometimes within the same day, or even within several hours. Proper outdoor winter attire is recommended. It is best to dress in layers, allowing your child to add or remove clothing as conditions and temperature change.
Clothing checklist:
- A moisture wicking base layer made of synthetic material. Stay away from cotton as it holds moisture that will eventually make your child feel cold.
- A lightweight wool sweater, fleece, or turtleneck.
- A single pair of medium weight wool or synthetic socks.
- An outer layer consisting of a warm waterproof or water repellent winter jacket, and ski or snowboard pants.
- Waterproof gloves or mittens. Fleece is not recommended.
- A face covering, goggles or sunglasses.
- Helmets are required if taking a junior ski lesson (and always recommended to wear), but if choosing not to wear one, a winter hat will help keep warm.
- Sport Thoma retail located in the base area offers all the accessories and necessities you may need to keep your child comfortable on the slopes.
Lift Tickets
All of our services are available rain or shine.
It is very uncommon for the resort to close due to weather conditions. If for some reason the resort deems conditions to be unsafe enough to close for the day you plan to visit, we will work with you to reschedule as best as we can.
If an upcoming forecast looks like it will be providing weather that would make your activities with us uncomfortable, please let us know with at least 48-hour notice to reschedule. All purchases inside the 48-hour window prior to arrival are final.
All purchases are final. Reservations can be rescheduled up to 48 hours of arrival. Within 48 hours reservations are final.
First Time Adult Learn to Ski or Snowboard Packages for ages 13 and up include 90 minutes of instruction, Beginner Basin Access, and equipment rentals.
KidsRule Mountain Camp Packages for kids ages 4–14 include a full mountain lift ticket.
Pre-school Ski or Snowboard lessons for kids ages 3–5 include lesson, rental equipment and a full mountain lift ticket.
We offer a $15 discount on full-priced lift tickets for active military and their dependents.
For retired military, we offer a $15 discount on full-priced lift tickets for the individual.
Military tickets can be purchased over the phone at 603-356-5544 ext. 0 or at the resort. Must present military ID at Ticket Office to pick-up tickets.
Discount cannot be combined with any other deals, specials or offers.
We do not typically close or shut down our lift operations due to weather conditions like rain or snow. On the off chance that we are forced to close our lifts for the safety of our guests, we will work with guests to move their reservations to another day.
All purchases are final. Reservations can be rescheduled up to 48 hours of arrival. Within 48 hours reservations are final.
Yes. You may purchase a ski ticket the day of your arrival at the main ticket office located in the base area.
We are offering a discounted two-day ticket. Ticket must be used on consecutive days, and are non-transferable. They can be purchased online or at the ticket office.
Rentals
No. Lift tickets and passes must be purchased separately.
If equipment is returned after designated return time, renter will be charged for a second day.
There are a limited number of paid lockers available inside the rental shop to store personal belongings. There are also a select number of cubbies located outdoors at the resort, available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
We will not be allowing guests to store personal belongings or bags in any of our facilities and bag check will not be available this year.
Guests are responsible for any damage to equipment, up to full replacement cost if equipment is not repairable.
Yes. Equipment must be returned by 4:15pm to avoid late fees.
During checkout of your online purchase, you will be given an option to choose a window of time to pick up your equipment. This is to manage capacity inside the facility. On weekends and during holiday periods, pick up time will begin at 8am. Midweek, pickup times will begin at 9am.
PLEASE BE ON TIME and arrive during your designated hour. Late arrivals will be moved to the next available time slot.
Snowboard or ski equipment rentals can be reserved online, in advance for best availability. Same-day or walk-up reservations may not be available.
Lessons
If you have made reservations for an Adult Learn to Ski or Snowboard lesson, you should proceed to the main ticket office to pick up tickets prior to the start of your lesson time. If you are renting equipment, arrive at the 10th Mountain Pavilion to pick up all tickets and equipment. Please allow ample time to pick up equipment prior to the start of your lesson.
When you have your equipment and tickets, go to colored flags in front of the deck of Zip’s Pub, no earlier than 10 minutes prior to the start of your lesson, to meet your instructor.
If the reservations are for a kid's lesson, all of their ticketing and equipment will be available at The Arlberg Children's Center. To access the Children's Center: as you approach the resort on Skimobile Road, turn left on Old Bartlett Road then take your third right onto North Chair Road. Look for directional signage pointing you to the center. All services related to your child's camp will take place in this one building–tickets, rentals, etc. Other family members may also purchase tickets or redeem online purchases there as well for convenience. If you purchased an adult and kid's lesson, all of these items are available for pick-up at the Children's Center.
Please note that the area in front of the center is for drop off only–no long term parking. Note that the Arlberg Children's Center is used exclusively for children's programs. For the safety and security of our campers, the building is not available for public use. Again, we recommend arriving at least 45 minutes before your scheduled lesson time, to allow adequate time for the rental process, and to allow your children to get comfortable with their new surroundings and our staff.
Gratuities are not included but are always appreciated if you feel that the service warrants it.
Everyone’s first time on snow is different. Though there is no exact answer to how long it will take you to pick up the sport, we have found that typically within three adult ski and snowboard lessons first timers have the skill and confidence they need to cruise down beginner terrain.
We use the Terrain Based Learning Method ™ in all our beginner ski and snowboard lessons. Terrain Based Learning uses specifically shaped snow features to naturally control your speed and body positioning, removing the traditional fears and anxieties associated with your first time sliding on snow, making it easier than ever to learn to ski or snowboard.
On the day of your skiing or snowboarding lesson, arrive at the main lift ticket office to pick up all tickets prior to your lesson time.
If you are renting equipment, arrive at the 10th Mountain Pavilion to pick up all tickets and equipment. Please allow ample time to pick up equipment prior to the start of your lesson.
When you have your equipment and tickets, go to colored flags in front of the deck of Zip’s Pub, no earlier than 10 minutes prior to the start of your adult ski and snowboard lesson, to meet your instructor.
Cranmore schedules lessons instructors daily. We do not cancel lessons due to changing weather, storms or temperature. Please dress appropriately.
Children under seven years old, enrolled in a lesson must ride the chairlift with an adult. Please beware adults may not always be their instructor or a Cranmore employee while in the kids ski school.
Your instructor was scheduled specifically for your lesson. Cranmore will not refund money or reschedule a lesson if you are late or miss your lesson entirely.
Please plan on arriving 10 minutes prior to the start of your lesson–or 45 minutes if picking up rental equipment.
Rental equipment is available, and must be reserved online or over the phone, at least 48 hours prior to arrival. Same-day reservations or walk up reservations may not be available. Rental information will be collected prior to arrival, allowing us to have pre-teched, fully sanitized equipment ready for your child on arrival.
On the day of your child’s lesson, head to the Arlberg Children’s Center with your child ready to go on snow. We will not be allowing kids to get dressed or store gear in the Arlberg Lodge. Please plan accordingly.
If you are renting equipment, please allow 45 minutes for equipment pick up. Rental equipment must be picked up prior to this time.
Winter often provides us with variable weather conditions in New Hampshire, sometimes within the same day, or even within several hours. Proper outdoor winter attire is recommended. It is best to dress in layers, allowing your child to add or remove clothing as conditions and temperature change.
Clothing checklist:
- A moisture wicking base layer made of synthetic material. Stay away from cotton as it holds moisture that will eventually make your child feel cold.
- A lightweight wool sweater, fleece, or turtleneck.
- A single pair of medium weight wool or synthetic socks.
- An outer layer consisting of a warm waterproof or water repellent winter jacket, and ski or snowboard pants.
- Waterproof gloves or mittens. Fleece is not recommended.
- A face covering, goggles or sunglasses.
- Helmets are required if taking a junior ski lesson (and always recommended to wear), but if choosing not to wear one, a winter hat will help keep warm.
- Sport Thoma retail located in the base area offers all the accessories and necessities you may need to keep your child comfortable on the slopes.
Cancellations:
All purchases are final. Reservations can be rescheduled up to 48 hours of arrival. Within 48 hours reservations are final. This includes any cancellations due to weather. Cancellations made the day of your kid’s ski lesson or no shows will be charged full price and the lesson will be forfeited.
All cancellations must be made by calling 603-356-5544 ext. 2501.
Sick Policy:
In the event that your child is experiencing any flu-like symptoms, they will not be allowed to participate in their lesson. If they should suddenly develop any flu-like symptoms while in our care, our staff will notify you to come pick them up.
Weather:
Kids ski and snowboard lessons and instructors are scheduled daily. We do not cancel our ski and snowboarding classes for kids due to changing weather, storms or temperatures. Please dress appropriately.
Refusal Policy:
Cranmore reserves the right to refuse a child due to age, communication barriers, tardiness, behavior, availability, or readiness. Your child must be toilet trained–not in diapers or pull-ups. Cranmore does not refund money for children who do not want to be on snow during the ski class for kids.
Winter Tubing
New England winters often provide us with variable weather conditions, sometimes within the same day, or even within several hours. Proper outdoor winter attire is recommended in the Tubing Park.
We understand that sometimes children can be hesitant to use their own tube on our snow tubing resort, but it is for safety reasons we require any one over 42 inches to use their own tube. We recommend that you hold onto your child’s tube and have them go down the hill beside you (subject to change to weather and snow surface conditions).
When arriving at the resort, go to the Artist Falls Lodge. Located to the right of the property when entering the resort through the main entrance on Skimobile Road.
We strongly recommend purchasing snow tubing park tickets online, and in advance for best availability. Same-day purchases at the resort are possible, based on availability.
Cranmore’s tubing area is located at the base of the mountain, between the main base lodge and the Artist Falls Lodge.
All purchases are final. Reservations can be rescheduled up to 48 hours of arrival. Within 48 hours reservations are final.
Season Passes
Yes. The 100-day guarantee and deferment option are available for any season pass that was purchased through Cranmore Mountain, including the White Mountain Super Pass, Sun N Snow Pass, and NH College Pass.
As in previous years, you have the opportunity to roll your ski and snowboarding pass over to the next season. With supporting documentation from a physician, the cost of the pass can be rolled over to next season. The amount rolled over can be anywhere from 25-100%, depending on the date of the rollover request and surrender of the pass.
We are guaranteeing a minimum of 100 operating days next winter. While we expect to exceed 100 days, we have established a new guarantee for guests where we will credit you 1% towards a 2024-25 ski and snowboarding pass for each day we fall below 100 days of operation.
*The 100-day guarantee is reflective of the total resort winter operational days during the 2023-2024 season, and not the number of days you have access to the mountain based on your pass purchase.
Sorry, we do not offer cash refunds on season pass purchases. We’re implementing a “no questions asked” season pass deferment option (credit valid for the 2024-25 season) for all unused 2023-24 Happy Trails passes purchased prior to 12/1/2023. Please contact us and we will be happy to assist you.
After Dec. 1, with supporting documentation from a physician, the cost of the pass can be rolled over to next season. The amount rolled over can be anywhere from 25%-100% of the pass value, depending on the date of the rollover request and surrender of the pass.
We do not offer cash refunds on local ski season pass purchases. We’ve implemented a “no questions asked” season pass deferment option (credit valid for the 2024-25 season) for all 2023-24 Happy Trails passes purchased prior to Dec. 1, 2023. Please contact us and we will be happy to assist you.
After Dec.1, with supporting documentation from a physician, the cost of the pass can be rolled over to next season. The amount rolled over can be anywhere from 25%–100% of the pass value.
To provide the smoothest transition to Winter 2023-24, Season Passes will be printed and mailed in the Fall. If you’re buying your pass online, there will be an option to upload a current headshot for your pass. If you are a returning passholder and have moved to a different residence in the last year, please contact the ticket office to confirm your new mailing address.
Things to keep in mind prior to uploading your season pass photo:
Please make sure your full face is in the frame with no sunglasses or face coverings.
Please no professional photos as the file size is too large. Think passport photo – but smile!
Please make sure your photo is taken against a plain background.
Please call us at 603-356-5544 ext. 5332 to apply an existing credit to your 2023/2024 season pass purchase.
We do not offer a military discount on season passes.
Of course! To purchase an annual ski pass using a Cranmore gift card, call us at 603-356-5544 ext. 5332 or stop by the ticket office during operating hours.
Payment plans are only available prior to the Tier 1 deadline (May 31, 2023). Pay only a one-time upfront $50 service charge per transaction. Your total purchase price will be split into six equal payments, with the first payment due at the time of purchase, with the remainder automatically charged each month to the credit card on file.
Cranmore offers a variety of local ski pass options. Choosing the annual ski pass that is right for you requires a little research and pre-planning:
Happy Trails Black Diamond. Valid at Cranmore, any day throughout the season.
Happy Trails Blue. Valid at Cranmore any day that isn’t considered a holiday period. 2023-24 Blackout dates: 12/25/23–1/1/24; 1/13/24–1/14/24; 2/17/24–2/24/24
White Mountain Superpass. Unlimited skiing and riding with no blackout dates at Cranmore, Bretton Woods, Cannon Mountain, and Waterville Valley.
NH College Pass. Available for qualifying college students. Includes unlimited skiing and riding with no blackout dates at Cranmore, Cannon Mountain, Waterville Valley, and Gunstock.
Sun N’ Snow. Valid Sunday–Friday, non-holiday at Cranmore and Bretton Woods.
Night Skiing
Please know that trails that are open for night skiing and snowboarding are not regroomed mid-day and conditions will be variable. Guests looking to ski or snowboard after the sun goes down should be comfortable riding a chairlift and navigating intermediate terrain.
Yes, you may purchase a same day night skiing lift ticket online.
Night skiing and snowboarding is included with Cranmore Season Pass options and is available to the passholder with a valid season pass for that day.
On the day of arrival online purchases can be picked up at the kiosks outside to the left of the ticket house.
If you have not yet purchased your night skiing tickets send one representative of your party into the ticket house.
Yes. Lift tickets can be purchased online or at the ticket office.
We do not typically close or shut down our lift operations due to weather conditions like rain or snow. On the off chance that we are forced to close our lifts for the safety of our guests, we will work with guests to move their reservations to another day.
All purchases are final. Reservations can be rescheduled up to 48 hours of arrival. Within 48 hours reservations are final.
Bike Park
Cranmore is surrounded by a well-established cross-country mountain bike trail network sanctioned by NEMBA. This is a free trail network, some of which cut through Cranmore property. Riding these trails is at the rider’s own risk and are not patrolled by Cranmore’s patrol staff.
The 4-mile Mt. Washington Valley Recreation Path runs between Cranmore Mountain and Settlers Green Outlet Village and provides residents and visitors with opportunities for safe, family-oriented recreation and transportation.
PLEASE NOTE: THE CRANMORE BIKE PARK IS A FEE AREA. A TICKET IS REQUIRED TO ACCESS THE TRAILS AND TRAILS WILL BE MONITORED.
Yes. Lift access passes are available for riders comfortable with lift service mountain biking and are required for anyone riding Cranmore downhill trails.
Helmets (full face is recommended), and sturdy closed toe and heeled sneakers are required in the mountain bike resort area. We also recommend you cover up with long sleeves/shorts and protect your body from a range of elements. Full finger gloves give added protection for your hands, and goggles are the best choice for eye protection against dirt, branches and other obstacles you might run into on the trails. Elbow and knee pads also give added protection from cuts, scrapes and impact. Full-suspension bikes, pads and other protective equipment are recommended.
Gear is available for purchase/rent (helmets and pads) in the Crank Bike Bike and Repair Shop.
Helmets and sturdy, closed toe and heeled sneakers are required. Full-suspension bikes, pads and other protective equipment are recommended.
Bike Park Equipment Restrictions & Requirements
- Helmets are required.
- Bikes must have a functional brake on each wheel.
- No Coaster Brakes (Pedal brakes, kick-back brakes, back pedal brakes, torpedo brakes, contra brakes).
- No wheels smaller than 20” in diameter.
- No tires wider that 3.5” wide.
- No Child Seats.
- No Mac Rides.
- No Stryders.
- No Tandem Bikes.
- No Trailers or Pulled Carriers.
- No Unicycles.
- No Scooters of any kind.
- No Mountain Boards.
- Kick Stands are not recommended.
- No class 2 or 3 e-bikes allowed.
- For Adaptive Bikes, please call ahead so that we can make accommodations during your visit.
As we do not have an age minimum for the downhill mountain bike park, to ride the chairlift, bikes need to have a minimum of a 20” tire and children must be competent riders.
Learn-to-bike packages start at age seven.
Lift service is offered off the South Quad chairlift.
We do not offer lessons. Riders should be comfortable riding a bike with hand-brakes. Some skill and strength is needed. We have a great skills park that can help get you comfortable on the bike before you hop on the chairlift.
Cranmore’s mountain bike resort park has a full-service onsite bike rental shop with a complete line of Rossignol and NORCO full suspension rental bikes, gear, and accessories.
Bike Park Equipment Restrictions & Requirements
- Helmets are required.
- Bikes must have a functional brake on each wheel.
- No Coaster Brakes (Pedal brakes, kick-back brakes, back pedal brakes, torpedo brakes, contra brakes).
- No wheels smaller than 20” in diameter.
- No tires wider that 3.5” wide.
- No Child Seats.
- No Mac Rides.
- No Stryders.
- No Tandem Bikes.
- No Trailers or Pulled Carriers.
- No Unicycles.
- No Scooters of any kind.
- No Mountain Boards.
- Kick Stands are not recommended.
- No class 2 or 3 e-bikes allowed.
- For Adaptive Bikes, please call ahead so that we can make accommodations during your visit.
Summer Mountain Adventure Park
The resort is open rain or shine and will only suspend operations in thunder and lightning conditions. No rain checks or vouchers will be issued for weather unless Cranmore management suspends operations.
Guests are welcome to bring outside food and non-alcoholic beverage items into the park. There are also food and beverage options located in the park. Click here for more information.
Cranmore’s Mountain Adventure Park is located at the base of the mountain, between the main base lodge and the Artist Falls Lodge.
All purchases are final. Reservations can be rescheduled up to 48 hours of arrival. Within 48 hours reservations are final.
Yes. Mountain Adventure Park tickets may be purchased on the day of, at the Artist Falls Lodge ticket office. We encourage guests to purchase their tickets online, in advance to save $5.