Overview
Waterville Valley is a resort town in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Waterville Valley attracts many visitors in the winter months with alpine skiing at Waterville Valley Resort and many miles of trails for cross-country skiing. During the summer, attractions include a golf course, tennis courts, and lots of hiking. The Mad River flows through the town, providing great views all year round.
9 things to do · 8 places to eat · 6 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Waterville Valley
White Mountain Athletic Club
Swimming, fitness, weights, indoor tennis, game room.
Waterville Valley Golf Club
Waterville Valley Indoor Ice Arena
Waterville Valley Tennis Center
Waterville Valley Resort
Boating
A fleet of over 30 kayaks, pedal boats and canoes are available at the Town Square dock.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Jul–Aug. Summer highs reach about 55°F; winter lows dip to about -3°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Oct and Jul. (climate data from nearby Mount Washington State Park)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- LEB Lebanon Municipal Airport, Lebanon — 46 mi away. Directions
- PWM Portland International Jetport, Portland — 64 mi away (major hub). Directions
Take Exit 28 on I-93 then follow route 49 east for about 11 miles.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning White Mountain Athletic Club, Waterville Valley Indoor Ice Arena, Waterville Valley Resort
- Lunch Coffee Emporium
- Afternoon Bike Rentals, Fishing
- Dinner Coyote Grill
Day 2
- Morning Waterville Valley Golf Club, Waterville Valley Tennis Center
- Lunch Diamond's Edge North
- Afternoon Boating, Hiking
- Dinner The Flying Burrito Bros
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
There are many restaurants in town square.
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Understand
Waterville valley was first settled in the 1760s, and incorporated as Waterville in 1829. The name Waterville Valley was adopted in 1967.
Get in
Take Exit 28 on I-93 then follow route 49 east for about 11 miles.
Get around
Waterville Valley Resort is a pedestrian-friendly village, so once you're here you can leave your car parked and easily get around on foot or bike.
- Waterville Valley Resort Shuttle – Hop on the open air trolley for quick transport, or simply enjoy a leisurely scenic ride around the valley.
Do
Do Waterville Valley Golf Club
Do Boating
A fleet of over 30 kayaks, pedal boats and canoes are available at the Town Square dock.
Do Hiking
Do Fishing
Buy
There are many shops in town square.
Shop The Adventure Center at Waterville Valley
A full service mountain biking and hiking center, with retail bikes and accessories, rentals, lessons, and guided tours.
Shop Dreams & Visions Gifts
A one stop shop for high quality gifts and home accents. Holly Yashi and Michael Michaud jewelry, Willow Tree figures, Hadley pottery, and wonderful made in New Hampshire products. Also carrying sundresses, straw hats and bags, and skin care products for fun in the summer sun.
Shop I Dream of Beading & Artistic Gifts
Make your own beaded jewelry. Great selection of beads & supplies, gifts, and Russian artwork reproductions. Instructional beading classes - You choose the beads, and the shop professionals help you do the rest!
Shop Toad Hall Toys
High quality American made toys and games for fun in the summer sun as well as indoor activities for rainy days. Legos, Tech decks, Ty dolls, a HUGE stuffed animal section, and an exclusive Sand Art Gallery.
Shop Waterville Valley Coffee Emporium
Handcrafted mugs, teakettles, creative accessories for the kitchen, and more.
Shop Waterville Valley Golf Pro Shop
Located at the Golf Club. Fully-stocked pro shop features sportswear from Nike, Ping, Monterey Bay, and Fairway Golf & Resort. Golf clubs and bags from Tour Edge and Wilson. Speed carts from Sun Mountain.
Shop Waterville Valley Shirt Company
The Valley's oldest and largest souvenir/gift store. Clothing, sweatshirts, t-shirts, swimsuits, stuffed animals, candles, fleece and accessories for the whole family.
Eat
There are many restaurants in town square.
Sleep
Stay Black Bear Lodge
Nearby
Lincoln
City / town · 35 listings · 10 mi away
White Mountain National Forest
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Moultonboro
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Chocorua
City / town · 15 mi away
Holderness
City / town · 3 listings · 16 mi away
Center Harbor
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Ashland
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Conway
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My experience
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