New Hampshire is, hands down, one of the most exciting places for cold-weather lovers to visit during the winter months. Not everyone enjoys winter sports, and New Hampshire offers more than your average collection of ski slopes. Here are 10 of my favorites!

Snowmobiling

Snowmobiling across New Hampshire?s thousands of miles of trails is exhilarating. The state has a website designed to make planning your trip simple and easy. Bring your passport and, if you choose, you can extend your tour into Canada.

Ice Harvesting

Ice Harvesting demonstrations are incredibly educational, even though ice harvesting itself is now a lost art. You might want to try harvesting a small block of ice yourself, or leave it to the professionals and opt to visit Tamworth in February for the annual winter festival.

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is an excellent activity, even for those who don?t necessarily enjoy athletic activities. There are dozens of winter resorts that allow snowshoeing on their properties, both during the day and in the romantic evening. Anyone with the ability to walk can participate in a snowshoeing tour.

Sleighing

Sleighing is lovelier in person than it is in the movies. Snuggle up under a blanket and enjoy the ride and then warm up a cup of hot cider in front of a warm fire when you return to your hotel. Check with your Nashua NH hotel to see if they can arrange your ride.

Ice Fishing

Ice Fishing is the perfect activity for the fisherman in your life. Expect to find the ponds and lakes in New Hampshire covered with at least a foot of ice. They?re all fair game for ice fishing except for a few that are protected for the summer trout and fly-fishing seasons.

Dog Sledding

Dog Sledding is not just limited to the Alaskan wilderness. Look for a designated dog sledding tour- company or ask your hotel concierge about the tours available in the area you are visiting. Some offer simple rides while others will teach you about the art of dog sledding itself.

Snow Tubing

Snow Tubing is an excellent activity for those who want to glide down the slopes without the fear of falling off of skis or snowboards. Most ski resorts now have designated snow-tubing areas. A few require a trip up a ski lift but most only require you walk up a set of stairs to the top of the hill.

Mount Washington Cog Railway

The Mount Washington Cog Railway offers a breathtaking view from the highest peak in the state. Your train ride will not take you to the top of the mountain in the dead of winter, but you?ll find yourself 4,100 feet above sea level. Make sure you bring your camera!

Winter Festivals

Winter Festivals can be found all over the state. Most can be found during the months of January and February. Be sure to check out the festival at Dartmouth University ? they held the first festival in the winter of 1911, leading other communities to follow suit in creating their own festivals over time.

New Hampshire Foodie Trail

The New Hampshire Foodie Trail will offer the perfect solution for those who want to experience a northern winter while avoiding the elements. Visit the Remick Country Doctor Museum and Farm in Tamworth for cooking classes or head on over to the Seacoast Winter Wine Festival to check out some of New England?s finest wine tastings.

Photo Credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Visit the following links for more information on other activities in the state of New Hampshire:

New Hampshire Outdoors
Spas in New Hamphire
Lake Winnipesaukee