November 1, 2026 - (Bretton Woods, NH) Winter preparations officially began Saturday morning, October 31, when snowmaking crews at Bretton Woods launched operations for the 2026–2027 ski season, beginning the work of building the mountain’s snow base ahead of opening day.

WATCH LIVE: Follow snowmaking operations as crews begin building the mountain’s base for winter on the Bretton Woods live webcam.

Crews will target Outer Bounds and Rangeview, two trails historically among the first to receive snow because they are served by the Zephyr lift, expected to be the first lift operating on opening day. With a forecast window of approximately 20 to 24 hours, the team will take advantage of suitable temperatures to get a head start on building the base.

“After spending the warmer months getting our system ready, we’re ready to put it to work,” said Jace Wirth, general manager of Bretton Woods. “Taking advantage of early-season weather windows requires planning, coordination and close attention to conditions. Our team takes a lot of pride in making the most of those opportunities as we prepare to welcome skiers and riders back.”

Throughout spring, summer and fall, crews maintain and repair the complex systems and infrastructure that make snowmaking possible when temperatures cooperate. The team’s proactive approach to early-season snowmaking has helped Bretton Woods open earliest in New Hampshire for many years.

The start of snowmaking comes on the heels of national recognition for Bretton Woods. In the 2026 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, readers ranked the New Hampshire resort No. 9 among the top 30 ski resorts in the United States, placing it No. 1 in the Northeast on the list.

“It’s rewarding to see Bretton Woods recognized among the best ski resorts in the country, because our team knows how much work goes into delivering that experience,” said Alexa Bernotavicz, assistant general manager at Bretton Woods. “From preparing our snowmaking systems months before the season to making the most of every weather window, there’s a tremendous amount of planning and teamwork behind getting this mountain ready. We take a lot of pride in that work, and we’re looking forward to welcoming skiers and riders back.”

As snowmaking gets underway, the team will continue monitoring temperatures and conditions to make the most of each opportunity to build the mountain’s snow base ahead of opening day, which has not yet been determined.

• WHAT: Official start of snowmaking for the 2026–2027 ski season
• WHEN: Saturday, October 31
• WHERE: Bretton Woods Ski Area, Bretton Woods, New Hampshire

Looking ahead to another great season, now is the best time to lock in final savings on season passes when purchased by midnight, October 31.