Snow, White Mountains Weather – During the winter months, the New Hampshire White Mountains come to life. Skiers take to the ski resorts, snowmobilers ride the hundreds of miles of groomed trails, and hikers explore the snow-covered trails. Winters that produce lots of snow are good for the New Hampshire economy (tourism industry), while the winters that have little snowfall can be detrimental to the local economy.

My favorite time of year to shoot in the White Mountains is during the winter season. When covered in snow the landscape of the White Mountains is transformed into a peaceful winter wonderland. Included in this blog article are a few snow scenes that showcase the winter season.

Many outdoor enthusiasts take to the alpine zone of the Presidential Range during the winter season to summit the legendary Mount Washington. Known for the worst weather in the world, Mount Washington has taken the lives of many. But the risk versus reward still attracts hikers from across the world during the winter months. Conditions are constantly changing on Mount Washington, but the landscape of the alpine zone is stunning even in whiteout conditions (above).

When snow-covered, the railroad bed of the East Branch & Lincoln Railroad is well defined, more so than any other season. The Lincoln Woods Trail (above), which utilizes the EB&L Railroad bed, showcases how straight sections of the railroad were. In operation for over fifty years, one of the unique features of the EB&L Railroad was the miles of straight railroad. Today these flat railroad grades allow easy hiking for the young and old.

Night snowshoeing in the White Mountains is a favorite pastime among many winter outdoor enthusiasts. And the Flume Covered Bridge / Gorge area in Franconia Notch State Park is a popular spot for night snowshoeing. And even during the night, the Flume Covered Bridge (above) is picturesque.

Waterfalls in the White Mountains take on a new look when covered in snow. Stairs Falls (above), located on Dry Brook, in Franconia Notch is not tall by any means, but it packs a punch. And during times of high water, it is impressive. When covered in snow, it is a classic New Hampshire winter scene.

The peacefulness of a forest after a snow storm is indescribable. When covered in snow the forest (above) on the northern slopes of Mount Jim in Kinsman Notch is heaven. And if I were to use only one image to showcase a snow scene of the New Hampshire White Mountains it would be this one.

Cross-country skiers explore the White Mountains during the winter season. And the Downes – Oliverian Brook Ski Trail (above) is a popular ski trail. This section of the trail follows the old railroad bed of the Swift River Railroad (1906-1916). Signs of logging from the Kanc 7 Timber Harvest project can be seen on the hillside.

Winter camping is also a favorite pastime among outdoor enthusiasts. Beaver Brook Shelter (above) along the Appalachian Trail, on the north side of Mount Moosilauke, is a great spot for winter camping. This area usually has lots of snow. Built in 1993/1994 this is an Adirondack-style shelter that sleeps 8.

All of the above images can be licensed for publications by clicking on the image you are interested in. And you can view more snow scenes here.

Happy image making..

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Erin Paul Donovan

Owner of ScenicNH Photography LLC

Erin Paul is a professional photographer, writer, and author who specializes in environmental conservation and historic preservation photography mainly in the New Hampshire White Mountains. His work is published worldwide, and publication credits include: Appalachian Mountain Club, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Backpacker Magazine, and The Wilderness Society.