Granite Gorge

Granite Gorge Ski Report, Mountain Conditions and Resort Statistics

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....Read more