Granite Gorge Details and Photos

Keene, NH (Directions)
Granite Gorge Logo Granite Gorge Trail Map
Last Updated: 2/9/2012 10:17 PM

Overview

  • 6 Beginner
  • 3 Intermediate
  • 4 Advanced
  • 2 Expert
Granite Gorge Ski Area, New Hampshire’s “Gateway Ski Area” is located directly on Route 9 in Keene, NH. The stunning natural beauty of the mountain greets you as you cross the bridge over Otter Brook and into the Currier & Ives setting in the basin at Granite Gorge.

In the 1950’s a State committee was formed to locate the ideal gateway... ski area for New Hampshire as Vermont and New York were attracting the lion’s share of new development and skier business. The committee selected Pinnacle Mountain in Keene and Roxbury, NH, and the ski area opened in 1960. Pinnacle Mt Ski Area closed in 1977 and the property sat idle for many years. In 2003 the area re-opened as Granite Gorge and evoked a character mixing the old with the new.

At the heart of the mountain is a state of the art high powered snowmaking system capable of pumping 1000 gallons per minute of water to the highest skiable elevation. Withdrawing water directly from the gorge at the ideal 32 degree temperature Granite Gorge makes the finest snow in the region. The mountain’s North Face, protection from the wind, 525’ vertical drop and ability to hold snow all contribute to superior conditions.

All four lifts are new as well as the new Prinoth “Beast” groomer for providing great grooming and conditions.

There is something for everyone at Granite Gorge, including New England’s best snow tubing park. With the reincarnation of Granite Gorge, the tubing park was the first facility located in order to have the ideal configuration for snow tubing. With New Hampshire’s only Wondercarpet lift serviced tubing park located adjacent to Otter Brook with fir trees lining the grade the park is picturesque and unique. A two and a half minute ride up the carpet to ride 600’ feet of park is simply fantastic.

Granite Gorge provides snowmaking and lighting to the top. The Pinnacle Express double chairlift brings you to the summit in about five minute for a smooth, comfortable and scenic ride. The chair services trails for all abilities. Start out on the gentle and protected Monadnock perimeter trail for an easier way down, move on to the beautiful and sunny cruising trails including Sunset and Pinnacle that face due West toward Vermont or try the consistent steep pitch of the Main Street trail or on to the super steep, gnarly, double black diamond Headwall and Liftline trails. The Gorge provides thrills for all levels.
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Operations

Status

Open

Lifts Open/Total

4 of 4

Weekday Hours

Wed/Thu: 12p-6p; Fri: 12p-8p

Trails Open/Total

11 of 15

Weekend Hours

Sat: 10a-6p; Sun: 10a-4p

Stats & Conditions

Base Elevation

0 ft

24-hr Snowfall

0"

Vertical Drop

525 ft

Avg Base Depth

14-30"

Peak Elevation

0 ft

Photos

Granite Gorge Logo
Granite Gorge Logo
Granite Gorge Trail Map
Granite Gorge Trail Map

Reviews & Tips (9)

Better for boarders than skiers but no lines and friendly staff. Did a heroic job of keeping runs open considering the very poor conditions.
written Jan 30 2012 - 02:35 PM
 
Peter Intermediate Skier
land
written Jan 25 2012 - 02:27 AM
 
sanasaid Beginner Skier
Skied there Sunday of Presidents weekend and never stood in line for the chair. We skied after a thaw-freeze cycle and this little mountain did an admirable job grooming! Very impressed. Our tickets were 23.99...so we did 24 runs so we could say it was a "buck a run" day! I'll definitiely return to avoid a crowd. Look forward to skiing there when all the blacks are open!
written Feb 22 2011 - 03:37 PM
 
MSA Advanced Skier
We went in Super Bowl Sunday, for 18.00 a ticket. We had such a good time, even the two year old went with us and we put her on skis. What a great family day we had.
written Feb 09 2011 - 09:38 AM
 
carol Advanced Skier
Very nice intimate mountain and the associates were very friendly. Conditions were fantastic! Big mountain skiing without the cost. Never a long lift line, if at all.
written Feb 08 2011 - 07:10 PM
 
Laurie Intermediate Skier
Fantastic Tubing Park! Carpet Lift and big thrills - lots of screaming!
written Jan 31 2011 - 02:10 PM
 
Out of State Beginner Skier
Granite Gorge is great! Low lift ticket prices and awesome terrain. Loaded with powder, reminds me of skiing Mad River Glenn or Stowe - tons of character and tremendous terrain features. Skis Big!
written Jan 26 2011 - 12:31 PM
 
Jim Advanced Skier
Awesome All Mountain Terrain Park!
written Dec 22 2010 - 01:35 PM
 
Mr. Keene Advanced Snowboarder
come shred with us
written Feb 23 2010 - 05:36 PM
 
cj Advanced Skier

Share your Granite Gorge Review & Tips

Points to consider while writing:
  • - Definitely talk about the snow, the lifts, the quality of the run, the staff/instructors
  • - Would you go again?
  • - What would you say to others with your skill level who are interested in going?