Winter in New Hampshire transforms the landscape into a glittering playground of snow and ice, offering adventures you can enjoy all season long. When you stay at The Inn at Oxbow Acres in Milan, you are perfectly positioned to experience the very best of it. Forget hibernating—this is your opportunity to get outside and play. Chances are the groundhog is right, and there's still six more weeks of winter to enjoy!
Whether you crave the quiet beauty of a snow-covered trail or the thrill of a downhill rush, the region has something for every age and skill level. Here is your guide to embracing the winter magic with activities available throughout the season.
Unleash Adventure with Sled Dogs
Experience the forest trails like never before—pulled by a team of eager, powerful dogs. Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel in Jefferson, NH, offers an unforgettable hands-on adventure that connects you with the landscape and some incredible canine athletes.
At Muddy Paw, the experience is more than just a thrilling ride. It’s a community built around care and education. Since 2006, they have offered year-round dog experiences that support nearly 90 sled dogs, many of whom are rescues or second-chance athletes finding a new purpose. In partnership with a local nonprofit, Muddy Paw provides lifelong care for every dog. When you ride with them, you are not just joining an adventure; you are helping support a future for these amazing animals.
Glide Through a Winter Wonderland
For a full-body workout that strengthens both heart and bones, look no further than cross-country skiing. It’s the perfect antidote to the winter blues, offering a gentle, gliding motion that’s easy on the joints while burning calories. While there are many trails adjacent to The Inn at Oxbow Acres, for the smoothest experience, we recommend these two beautifully maintained courses.
Nansen Ski Club
Based out of Milan Hill State Park, the Nansen Ski Club is the oldest continuous ski club in the United States. Its trails were thoughtfully designed by Olympic trail designer John Morton, with options for every skill level. Whether you are a total beginner or a seasoned pro, you’ll find a path that suits your pace. They even offer a full moon ski tour with a toasty fire and hot cocoa!
Great Glen Trails
For those new to the sport, guests at The Inn at Oxbow Acres can use discount passes for lessons at the Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center in nearby Gorham, New Hampshire. Friendly instructors will fit you for gear and show you the ropes! Great Glen's fantastic trail system is another excellent place to explore, and you can get up date conditions on their snow report every day.
Try Something New: Fatbiking
Have you ever considered biking in the snow? Fatbikes make it possible. These bicycles feature wide, soft tires that allow you to ride directly on the surface of the snow, opening up a whole new way to explore winter trails. Once again, Great Glen Trails offers rentals for both adults and juniors.
It's always best to book your fatbike rental in advance, as inventory for different sizes is limited. You can purchase your trail pass when you pick up your bike; note that the trail fee is separate from the rental cost. If poor snow conditions prevent fatbiking, you will receive a gift card or refund. Always check the snow report for the latest trail information.
Journey to the Arctic Zone: The Snow Coach
Does this seem like a promo for Great Glen Trails? Well, they offer so many memorable experiences and they are so close to The Inn at Oxbow Acres! Jump aboard an otherwordly alpine adventure on the Mount Washington Snow Coach. This impressive vehicle, mounted on heavy-duty tracks, provides warm and secure transport up to the tree line of Mount Washington, an elevation of 4,200 feet.
Winter weather generally limits public access to the summit as the Snow Coach takes you into an arctic-like tundra. However, there are some brief periods where the weather and road conditions are just right, so check their website. You could be one of the few to get to the top in the middle of winter! Witty guides share natural history and fascinating updates from the Mount Washington Weather Observatory. You’ll learn how life adapts to one of the harshest climates on Earth. More active travelers can take the coach up and snowshoe back down for a truly memorable trek.
Classic Fun: Tubing for All Ages
Unleash your inner child at the Great Glen Trails Tubing Hill. This walk-up, slide-down hill offers some of the best family-friendly fun in the east. With no lines and no lifts, it’s a safe, old-school activity perfect for all ages and abilities. Just walk to the top, slide down, and smile.
A single pass gets you a 90-minute session, which is plenty of time to get your thrills. Plan ahead and book online to secure your spot. On weekends and holidays, you can even warm up by a hosted fire-pit at the top of the hill, complete with s’mores and hot chocolate.
Another great option with an easy conveyor belt to get your tube up the hill is at King Pine in Madison. They are open in the afternoons Tuesday and Friday and throughout the day on the weekends.
For the ultimate tubing experience, go to North Conway Cranmore’s Tubing & Mountain Adventure Park. It's rated #1 in New England and in the entire United States, they are ranked among the top 4 tubing parks. On Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights, the tubing hill glows with vibrant, color-changing LED lights synchronized to energizing music, amplifying the thrill! Sessions at Cranmore are two hours long allowing for lots of fun.
The Thrill of Downhill Skiing
Of course, no New Hampshire winter guide is complete without mentioning downhill skiing and snowboarding. The Inn at Oxbow Acres is within easy driving distance of some of the best resorts in the East. Whether you're a beginner looking for lessons or an expert craving challenging terrain, you have plenty of options.
Explore the varied slopes of Wildcat Mountain, known for its stunning views of Mount Washington. Experience the expansive, award-winning terrain at Bretton Woods. Other nearby favorites include Sunday River in Newry, Maine, Cranmore Mountain (voted America's #1 ski town) and Attitash Mountain Resort. You can also head to Burke Mountain in Vermont and King Pine in Madison, NH. The iconic Black Mountain Ski Mountain in Jackson, NH has recently made a triumphant comeback as a co-op under the stewardship of Indy Pass. It offers a cozy, community-focused atmosphere that captures the essence of New England. There are so many unique mountains where you can spend a perfect day on the slopes near The Inn at Oxbow Acres. You'll want to return to ski each one!
Snowmobiling: Ride Into Winter Adventure
If you’re craving high-powered excitement, snowmobiling is one of the most exhilarating ways to explore New Hampshire’s wintry landscape. With an extensive network of groomed trails stretching for miles, it’s no wonder this is a favorite pastime in the North Country. With the right preparation and respect for the environment, snowmobiling is a blast for riders of all experience levels.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned sledder, there are plenty of options to get you started. Rent a snow machine from reputable local businesses like Northeast Snowmobile Rentals in Gorham. All rentals come with a helmet and snowmobile clothing may be rented as well. For those bringing their own machines, guests at The Inn at Oxbow Acres can park their snowmobile trailers on-site and ride straight from the inn right onto Corridor 19—one of the key arteries in the state’s trail system.
To discover and navigate the region’s extensive network of routes, download the SledNH app for maps and trail updates. With it, you can easily plan your ride, ensuring you make the most of the scenic backcountry and exciting terrain.
After a day spent exploring the snowy wonderland, there’s nothing better than heading back to The Inn at Oxbow Acres for a little comfort and relaxation. Sink into the inviting rustic ambiance, wrap yourself in oh-so-comfy linens, and let the quiet of the countryside soothe you. Unwind by the fire, reminisce about your adventures, and look forward to a delicious, hearty breakfast in the morning—guaranteed to fuel you for another day of winter excitement.
Embrace the Season
Winter in Milan is not about enduring the cold; it’s about finding new ways to play in it. From the rush of a dogsled to the scenic glide of cross-country skis, there is an experience waiting for you just around the corner. So, layer up, get outside, and discover why this might just become your favorite season of all.
At The Inn at Oxbow Acres, we take pride in being a family-owned bed and breakfast and event venue nestled in the charming town of Milan, New Hampshire. When you stay with us or host your event here, you’re not just a guest—you’re part of the Oxbow family. We’re passionate about crafting unforgettable memories and meaningful experiences because every moment with you is truly special. We invite you to visit in any season—we’re open year-round!
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