Gunstock
719 Cherry Valley Road,
Gilford
, NH
(Driving Directions to Gunstock)
Last Updated: 5/25/2013 10:55 PM
Gunstock Lift Ticket and Ski Pass Deals
Gunstock Ski Report, Mountain Conditions and Resort Statistics
- 6 Beginner
- 31 Intermediate
- 12 Advanced
- 1 Expert
Gunstock is a family friendly resort in the heart of the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. With amazing views and great terrain, Gunstock also offers night skiing.
The most spectacular view of Lake Winnipesaukee is just one of the many reasons why skiers and riders make their way to Gunstock Mountain Resort. As the closest major ski area to Boston, ... we provide the ideal atmosphere; close to everything in the Lakes Region, yet away from the crowds. Jump on the Panorama High Speed Quad, the third longest lift in New Hampshire, and let it take you over a mile and 1400 vertical feet in just 6 minutes.
Choose an adventure for every member of your family at any level- take a run on one of 51 trails on 220 acres, rip it up or get some air in one of two Terrain Parks, go tubing on the longest tube park in NH, strap on the kick skis or skate ski on 50 kilometers of groomed cross country ski trails, then take a summit hike on a pair of snowshoes, and end the day relaxing by the fire. Winter Fun - Pure & Simple! Read more
The most spectacular view of Lake Winnipesaukee is just one of the many reasons why skiers and riders make their way to Gunstock Mountain Resort. As the closest major ski area to Boston, ... we provide the ideal atmosphere; close to everything in the Lakes Region, yet away from the crowds. Jump on the Panorama High Speed Quad, the third longest lift in New Hampshire, and let it take you over a mile and 1400 vertical feet in just 6 minutes.
Choose an adventure for every member of your family at any level- take a run on one of 51 trails on 220 acres, rip it up or get some air in one of two Terrain Parks, go tubing on the longest tube park in NH, strap on the kick skis or skate ski on 50 kilometers of groomed cross country ski trails, then take a summit hike on a pair of snowshoes, and end the day relaxing by the fire. Winter Fun - Pure & Simple! Read more
Gunstock Amenities
-
Night Skiing
Night Skiing
Night skiing available; an extra charge may apply. -
Terrain Park
Terrain Park
Ski area offers at least one terrain park. -
Half Pipe
Half Pipe
Ski area offers a half pipe. -
Cat Skiing
Cat Skiing
Cat skiing is available at this resort; may entail an add'l cost -
Snow Making
Snow Making
Ski area offers snow making for additional coverage. -
Daycare Available
Daycare Available
Guests have access to daycare services; an additional charge may apply. -
Slopeside Dining
Slopeside Dining
Resort offers at least one restaurant on the slopes; hours may vary. -
Slopeside Lodging
Slopeside Lodging
This resort has slopeside lodging available; it may or may not be ski in/ski out. -
Tubing
Tubing
This resort offers tubing activities; additional charges may apply -
Wi-Fi Access
Wi-Fi Access
This resort is equipped with internet access; additional charges may apply
Gunstock Operations
Status
Open for Summer Fun
Lifts Open/Total
0 of 8
Weekday Hours
--
Trails Open/Total
0 of 55
Weekend Hours
--
Gunstock Snow Report & Ski Conditions
Base Elevation
900 ft
24-hr Snowfall
0"
Vertical Drop
1,400 ft
Avg Base Depth
0"
Peak Elevation
2,300 ft
Gunstock Ski Pictures and Photos
Gunstock Logo
Gunstock Trail Map
Gunstock Reviews & Tips (75)
Went with my 6 year old on a late March mid-week day. Would return again earlier in the season next year. PROS: Suprisingly good conditions with glades open and still well covered. Extremely friendly ski staff from lift techs to lodge staff. Extremely cheap lift tickets for mid-week and this time of season. CONS: Some slow & flat sections on intermediate trails that led to my 6 year old having to skate through them a lot. Beginner terrain park not set up during the day which was a dissappointment to my young one. Unfriendly kitchen staff.
Gunstock review written Apr 03 2013 - 06:36 AM
Avoid Flintlock trail and most on that side of the mountain, as they are flat and slowwwww. The rest of the mountain is a treat for those of us who don't want a three hour drive from Boston.
Gunstock review written Apr 02 2013 - 05:42 AM
Great little mountain. Very friendly staff that is all about service. I highly recommend this place. Great bar. Only downfall is the food. It is priced right but is just plain bad. Pack a lunch.
Gunstock review written Mar 30 2013 - 02:51 PM
Came here over Valentines day long wkend, before Pres Day wkend, small mountain with easy terrain, good 3days of skiing, great snow for mid-Feb, got ticket deals from Liftopia, kids loved the nite skiing but that's when lots of teenagers show up & ski fast down the mountain so just beware of that.
Gunstock review written Mar 29 2013 - 05:49 PM
Visited on Saturday 3/23 with my bride. We are approaching retirement age, and the mountain fits well. She went there often as a kid, and hadn't been there in over 30 years. In fact, she was reluctant to go previously. I talked her into it, and she had a great experience. So much so, that we will be returning.
Can't speak for the black or double black crowd, but the blue to green types will like this hill. More, and varied of these runs than many other places.
Yes, the bottom is flat. While a better set up than decades ago, it's still not great. As it caters to "locals", the trails are not that well marked.
If you like Bretton Woods, you will like Gunny.
Gunstock review written Mar 27 2013 - 07:48 AM
Went there on Friday and it was not crowded. Nice views and relatively easy slopes, because after a whole year gap I was skiing below my limits. Also an attractive alternative is cross-country skiing or snowshoeing right at the base of the mountain.
I consider a drawback that lifts are far apart and on the flat, so if you are not ready to start from the top black diamond trails, you have to do a bit of a walking.
Gunstock review written Mar 26 2013 - 09:42 AM
Gunstock was awesome on Saturday! Lots of racers though but other than that it was GREAT!!!!!!!
Gunstock review written Mar 19 2013 - 09:18 AM
It was great skiing Friday once I found trails away from the incredible young skiers preparing for Saturday's race. The conditions were excellent, runs a good length, and snow perfect. I love skiing there during the week. The free checking of valuables is wonderful. My only complaint would be that the large maps of the runs by the top of the lifts were a title too small for me to read. They should be moved forward a bit or redone with a bigger font. Also, my iPhone maps program took us to a back road with no access or ski area visibility and told us we should walk the last 400 feet!
Gunstock review written Mar 17 2013 - 02:29 PM
Took my two kids here on Friday March 8. The mountain was virtually empty, conditions were great. My little guy loved skiing "black diamonds." He's 4 1/2 so I hope he doesn't try the more advanced trails at other mountains. Trails linked nicely so you can get from one lift to another. People were friendly. Nice, basic mountain with lots of trails. I can see where advanced skiers may be disappointed.
Gunstock review written Mar 10 2013 - 06:08 PM
This is not an advanced mountain. I skied every trail with ease, the "glades" were a bit of a joke compared to what I've skied at other mountains. Having said that, I had a good time. The snow was decent considering the weather this year and the time of year (March), icy in places but not too bad. The best snow was at the summit, but we skied off the Pistol Triple most, because it had the shortest lines and led to the least crowded section of the mountain.
The food in the Powder Keg (restaurant in the lodge) was quite good, if overpriced. Free bag check was handy, bathrooms were clean, ticket counter and rental office were easy to navigate.
Gunstock review written Mar 05 2013 - 02:00 PM
Conditions were good on Saturday. The mountain was easy all over, even for black diamonds. The mountain is overpriced, way too busy, and it sucks when they close 2-3 trails for racing. I didn't realize it was school vacation, but I still think it was overpriced for that kind of mountain.
Gunstock review written Mar 05 2013 - 07:18 AM
First time there. Well-groomed and good conditions. But I was really disappointed. At my skill level, I can do - but get nervous on - black trails. I did all these and was bored. And half the black trails required a too-long traverse across the base area to get back to the quad to the summit. The others were closed for racing. So by mid-afternoon I was bored. Nothing inherently wrong, just doesn't seem worth it for advanced/expert skiers.
Gunstock review written Mar 04 2013 - 05:15 PM
Took a group of 8 teens skiing. It was very difficult to navigate the system there to first buy tickets (special combo offers for lessons and rentals), then get rentals and then find the lessons. No one to help. Also trail signs are inconsistent. They are sometimes not marked for difficulty or what is marked Easy on the trial map it is not marked on the trial.
Gunstock review written Mar 04 2013 - 02:51 PM
Pack your own lunch. The prices in the food court are beyond pricey. Compared to other ski areas they are the worst for prices.
Gunstock review written Feb 19 2013 - 02:23 PM
Went last Sunday. There wasn't any natural snow on the ground, but the runs had plenty and not icy. Was pleasantly surprised. Lift lines weren't long. It was a good day.
Gunstock review written Feb 05 2013 - 03:39 PM
My husband and son ( 13) went up for a day of riding and they had a BLAST. They liked the new " no bag" policy. Put in a full day and arrived back home tired but very happy. They said some part were icy but overall the snow was good. They are both excellent riders. I know they will be returning and I hope I get to go next time
Gunstock review written Jan 21 2013 - 06:22 PM
Went to teach my youngins to ski. Howver, it was snowing so they closed the magic carpet for the day. Apparently, it jams if they run it. Did not know this! Not happy about that as our drive was 1.5 hours. Other than that, the mountain is great!
Gunstock review written Jan 18 2013 - 02:40 PM
Ski past 1pm and the lodge crowd dwindle and later the liftlines dissapear!
Gunstock review written Jan 02 2013 - 03:03 PM
Love Gunstock--just FYI, they won't let you use the liftopia passes with any kids (ski nh) passes...
Gunstock review written Jan 02 2013 - 02:27 PM
I took my 14 year old son and 5 of his friends. I have been skiing since a kid, they are all intermediate. We enjoyed our day. We found less wait in lines during noon time and after 3p. Plenty of snow made while we were there and it snowed while we were there too. Had a blast!
Gunstock review written Jan 01 2013 - 04:56 PM
Thought more trails would have been open during vaca week especially the terrain park! Otherwise, for a day trip from seacoast, its a short ride! I would not pay the regular price but always shop the deals on Liftopia - love it.
Gunstock review written Dec 30 2012 - 06:03 PM
Base Camp is great for the young ones. Bag drop is outstanding! Ski demo was my very favorite part and I found skis that worked best for me. People are really nice-- small, intimate feel.
Gunstock review written Mar 20 2012 - 02:22 PM
Great mountain for all-level skiers, I've been here twice and definitely will go back again !
Gunstock review written Mar 20 2012 - 07:08 AM
A bit on the small side, but the Mountain Magic Learn to Ski was a great deal for our beginner kids. It wasn't very crowded, which was good. I think the lodge would have been uncomfortable if it had been busy. Unfortunately there was not a lot of snow at this point in this warm season.
Gunstock review written Mar 14 2012 - 08:59 AM
I like the resort, the location, the size and variety. But in my last visit (3/6/12), the snow just hadn't worn well late in this warm season. Very hard pack with just a thin loose layer on top -- hard to carve, and unpredictable. I'd have used their good-conditions guarantee, but it doesn't apply to pre-bought tickets like Liftopia. Oh, well. Better luck next year.
Gunstock review written Mar 08 2012 - 06:16 PM
Gunstock has something for everyone. Cruisers are off the summit and Pistol chairs and the fast advanced trials off Tiger chair are a blast. Gunstock has great snowmaking.
Gunstock review written Mar 07 2012 - 08:06 PM
Great day and a great deal. We would go again. They seem to do a nice job making snow & grooming.
Gunstock review written Mar 03 2012 - 08:15 AM
Great skiing. Lift lines not very long especially mid week.
Snow conditions are great considering the lack of snow fall this year.
TIP: Get there 30 min prior to open and enjoy those first great runs on well groomed trails.
Gunstock review written Feb 18 2012 - 07:54 AM
I enjoyed Gunstock - lift lines are not long at all. I am very new at this,it was only my sencond time and felt very comfortable and the staff is very helpful.
Small enough to get around without being lost. Can't wait to go back again!
Gunstock review written Feb 16 2012 - 06:02 PM
First time using Liftophia, will definately use them again. Would love to see more weekend deals. Went on Feb 8. Blue skies, 38 degrees, no lift lines, views for miles from the top, great conditions! Always have a great time at Gunstock!!
Gunstock review written Feb 11 2012 - 03:15 PM
Almost all trails open Monday Jan 30th, except for glades and some outer ones. Bright sunny day with no lines and smooth granular snow to ride on. Staff very down to earth and friendly. Not a mega resort, just a fun laid back place. My first time to Gunstock, absolutely will return as much as I can.
Gunstock review written Jan 31 2012 - 09:56 AM
What was open was in good shape. Worth the trip. Did 21 runs Sat. Need more SNOW!!
Gunstock review written Jan 09 2012 - 07:49 PM
not enought snow yet.
when the Mt. up and running it the best bang for your buck!
Hamburger was $8.25 add fries $2.00. I think the childs 1/2 day pass was the same price.
Gunstock review written Dec 30 2011 - 05:47 AM
Go here at least 15 times a year living in MA. The snow is incredible. If you want simple terrain, not to challenging but still good enough to have some fun on, this is your place.
Gunstock review written Dec 06 2011 - 10:54 AM
Came here for a race on a weekend, so the first half of my day was devoted to that. Conditions were pretty bad for a race, but for afterwards and cruising around the mountain they were terrific! One of the instructors yelled at me for going on the mini slalom thing on the side of one of the trails though. Not too many moguls though, just on Hot Shot, Red Hat, and Tiger Steeps. The terrain park is way underrated. Giant flat spot under the high speed quad though, so if you're on hot shot, recoil, gunsmoke, trigger, etc, keep your speed up. Also, when you go down upper Ramrod, towards the end you need a lot of speed before you hit that 90-100 degree turn. The groomers are the main focus here though.
Gunstock review written Jul 21 2011 - 10:57 AM
I went with my 12 year old son. The skiing was GREAT. Spring skiing is my favorite and Gunstock is one of my favorite mountians too. We had a great time and can't wait till next season.
Gunstock review written Apr 06 2011 - 05:14 PM
Last day of the season was great with the snow loosening through the day. Excellent park jumps and some decent terrain -- though not much on the steeper side. Usually ride at Sunday River and was great to have a change of scenery and EASY drive from Kennebunkport...
Gunstock review written Apr 05 2011 - 02:31 PM
Gunstock offers great skiing - awesome grooming and fun trails for all abilities. Has a reputation as a family mountain but Gunstock offers steeper terrain than Wildcast. For advanced skiers take the Tiger chair to ski Tiger, Cannonball, Redhat, and Flintlock Extension. These diamond trails are fast and fun! Take the summit chair to ski the glades.
Gunstock review written Apr 02 2011 - 08:11 PM
It is a great alternative to Sunapee. Less crowds, just as far away from Boston. It is a little smaller than Sunapee but bigger than Wachusett.
Gunstock review written Mar 28 2011 - 03:44 PM
Great little mountain to ski with the kids. My two (7&8) are getting confident on blacks and Gunstock's are a great for their standard. Not too long or challenging but wide with some steep bits, good confidence builders.
All in all I treat Gunstock as my quick fix day ski or head up for a night ski. It won't set your hair on fire if you are anything above an intermediate skier but is a nice, small mountain and pretty family friendly.
Gunstock review written Mar 28 2011 - 02:21 PM
Attended free demo day sponsored by nearby Piche's for the second year in a row. Fun spring conditions. The best part, we woke up late and were pleased to find that our tickets were good till 10pm, no extra charge! Good sized mountain with some fun cruisers, cannonball and tiger are good to rev up some speed.
Gunstock review written Mar 22 2011 - 05:31 PM
The snow conditions and grooming were great this past weekend. The group I was with had a great time snowboarding. A great mountain for all levels, with plenty of trails for beginners as well as those who are more advanced.
Gunstock review written Mar 22 2011 - 03:33 PM
Not the place for a real challenge but if you like to sleep in until noon and then ski until 10pm this place is perfect.
Gunstock review written Mar 21 2011 - 02:09 PM
I went there with my 8 year old son who is a skiing beginner and had a great time. The lines were short and the detachable quad to the peak enabled us to get plenty of runs in. The terrain was perfect for him...blues and beginner blacks.
Gunstock review written Mar 15 2011 - 04:07 PM
I went up on 3/10/11. Its a bear to find the resort because its several minutes off I93,I was rewarded though with some great skiing.Trails were well groomed and challenging.The weather added a degree of difficulty,windy with constant snow showers/cold temps. I had a blast!
Gunstock review written Mar 13 2011 - 06:24 PM
We had a great time. The extras like bag check and ski check were great. We had to park in a remote parking lot but the bus was easy. The lift lines were fine. We were pleasantly surprised we could ski as long as wanted because the day ticket included night skiing also. It gave us those last few runs we wanted before dinner.
Gunstock review written Mar 04 2011 - 09:07 AM
Went on Sunday 2/20, got there at 8:15 (opens at 8:30) were in the 3rd row of parking. They do have a drop of area. Conditions were as posted so no surprise. For a vacation Sunday crowds not bad - ski the side trails to avoid crud and beginners. Seemed like EVERY TIME on the lift it stopped for minutes (not just the usual occasional stop because someone fell). Overall very positive experience. Smooth transaction with Liftopia (bring printout!)
Gunstock review written Feb 23 2011 - 07:05 AM
Love Gunstock
Great family mountain and helpful, friendly staff. My family all learned to ski at Gunstock. Lift lines are typically short during the week and aren't bad on Sundays as long as the weather is good and all the lifts are running!
Gunstock review written Feb 22 2011 - 05:36 PM
My only tip would be to try and offer more ticket and rental deals. With all the new skis coming out, it would be nice to get a discount on rentals and try out some of the demos so I would know what to buy for the next season!!!!
You all do a helluva job though and have saved me and my buddies beacoup bucks.
Gunstock review written Feb 22 2011 - 02:57 PM
Gunstock is a great place to ski unless the weather stinks, which happened on my last trip. Very windy and cold following a extreme warm spell causing alot of ice. Can't control the weather but they did a good job of grooming.
Gunstock review written Feb 21 2011 - 03:36 PM
This was my firt time at Gunstock. What a blast! Trails were fun yet challenging. They could have been groomed a litter better. Some big cookies, but overall a good time. Lines only get busy toward the end of the day.I will def be back
Gunstock review written Feb 21 2011 - 02:55 PM
We had a great ski trip on Fri Feb 11, No Lines and Bluebird conditions!!
Gunstock review written Feb 15 2011 - 08:18 AM
If you can play hooky on a friday, go to Gunstock. No lift lines and great conditions.
Flintlock and red hat trails are in great shape.
If the summit quad gets crowded, go to pistol, a short but sweet trail to practice your carving and does not usually have alot of traffic.
Gunstock review written Feb 13 2011 - 06:16 PM
Call ahead to find out if lifts/trails are open. On 2/6/11 we got there and just the right half of the mountain was open. The website listed all lifts and trails clear. The summit lift didn't start till 2:00pm, and they had some races going on, which closed another few trails all day. No discount for full day tickets either. Fun mountain, but I was dissappointed for the day overall.
Gunstock review written Feb 08 2011 - 06:57 PM
Skied here on Friday 2/4. Great conditions and everything was open. It was surprisingly uncrowded until the night crowd started showing up around 5.
Gunstock review written Feb 07 2011 - 09:57 AM
i had a great time.short and quick lift lines and great trails.very
well groomed
Gunstock review written Feb 02 2011 - 10:53 AM
We have always enjoyed Belknap Mountain Recreation Area (aka Gunstock), and even remember the single chairs way back when (check out Piche's ski shop in Gilford, Bob Bolduc hung one from the ceiling!)It was the second single chair installed in the US, after Sun Valley, in 1937.
The mountain has an excellent race program, great night skiing, friendly staff. Great family skiing, a a wonderful big REAL FIREPLACE!
Gunstock review written Feb 02 2011 - 06:57 AM
Good mountain to take a beginner on, not the place to go if you are looking for a challenge.
Gunstock review written Feb 01 2011 - 07:15 PM
Great mountain!! Get there before it opens though or your going to park far:( but there is a shuttle to make up for it!! :)
Gunstock review written Feb 01 2011 - 06:34 PM
Gunstock was a great family mountain, and Liftopia is definitely on my "favorites" list!
Gunstock review written Feb 01 2011 - 05:29 PM
This is a great family mountain. If you are not taking a family I would go somewhere else because it is very congested skiing. Night skiing is great here and a lot less crowded.
Gunstock review written Feb 01 2011 - 08:20 AM
Check out the Adaptive Program located in handicap parking. It is a seven day a week program that assist anyone with a disability to learn skiing or snowboard.
Gunstock review written Jan 31 2011 - 04:50 PM
I ski'd on sunday 1/23/11 and on the trail "Out of site" it was named that because it gets no sun, I think! it was crusty and not enjoyable.
other than that, has a FANTASTIC time!
Gunstock review written Jan 26 2011 - 06:43 AM
On Thursday 1/20 we used the storage tent outside the main lodge to secure out equipment while we ate lunch. It was quick & easy - great idea.
Gunstock review written Jan 23 2011 - 03:19 PM
It was a great ski. The weather was perfect (around 30 degrees) with no wind, the trails were in almost perfect condition (not crowded at all). And it was a nigh ski (for the same price!).
We'll definitely come back as time permits.
Gunstock review written Jan 17 2011 - 11:20 AM
I do a lot of night riding here and the conditions are always good. Always good deals too. Always a better choice than sunapee.
Gunstock review written Jan 14 2011 - 02:11 PM
I love Gunstock Mt. It's my summer and winter playground for camping and boarding. I was there this past Tues (01/11/10). We had more snow on the Cape than most of New Hampshire, until yesterdays storm. The snow making was awesome. I thought the trails were groomed perfect Why travel farther and pay more? I like to go during the week. No crowds until the afternoon when the kids get out of school. Then it's time to go.
Gunstock review written Jan 13 2011 - 03:17 PM
Pretty fun mountain, very shaded especially in the afternoon so it gets super icy
Gunstock review written Jan 11 2011 - 06:37 AM
Didn't have the guns going last weekend and it was in the 40's so there were a few grass spots, snow was slushy but surprisingly smooth to ride, I've been up 4 times this year because I live close, good mountain for me to learn on, looking to try something bigger soon.
Gunstock review written Jan 04 2011 - 02:23 PM
Great views. We were a bit disappointed in the number of trails that were open. The reports indicate 35 or so--- I guess they, like a lot of ski areas, count each cross trail, connector, and possibly path to the lodge as a trail. Otherwise, the conditions were very good--- the hardpack started to get scratched off by about 1 PM. No lift lines however so we got a lot of runs in over the day we were there.
Gunstock review written Dec 26 2010 - 09:23 AM
Skiing was fine for what we expected. Close enough to seacoast area and with a midweek Liftopia pricede ticket it was worth the trip. Plenty of trails and good views
Gunstock review written Dec 24 2010 - 06:56 PM
Gunstock: Big mountain price 2 hrs of skiing and then boredom. Second best View in NH. WE lifts typically opening 10 minutes late exposing the pass holders to the mob on their 4th run. Parking lot attendant personalities could chill on the mid-week days. There's no emergency man it's a slow easy mid week day. If you are gonna spend $70 bucks to ski get up a half hour earlier and get to Loon, WV, Cannon or Wildcat a 1/2 hour later. Still the best ski area in the Seacoast with snow making done by Feb 3rd. Enjoy the SORFGRAC till warmer March days. Sm ole recycld frzn grnlar crp. A morning half day ticket for less than $15 might make it a deal. The classic charm of the architecture of the main lodge can not stand another add on. Beware end of season "rest of season" passes where the night skiing is then shut down < a week later.
Gunstock review written Dec 09 2010 - 05:32 PM
Closet big mountain skiing to Boston and North Shore. Great place to learn for beginners and intermediate. Fun place to run and ride for more advanced.
Gunstock review written Nov 30 2010 - 02:10 PM
I used to ski here a lot growing up. It has a lot of charm, is a great place for families, and has some really neat views.
Gunstock review written Jan 29 2009 - 05:56 PM
They have awsome snowshoeing trails at Gunstock.
Gunstock review written Dec 19 2008 - 06:46 PM