Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire’s largest lake at roughly 72 square miles, transforms dramatically from December through March. The lake freezes thick enough to support bob houses (ice shanties), snowmobiles, and even vehicles — though ice conditions vary year to year. The towns ringing the lake — Meredith, Wolfeboro, Laconia, Alton, Gilford, and Center Harbor — lean into winter rather than hibernating through it. Here are the best things to do at Lake Winnipesaukee in winter.
1. Ice Fishing
Ice fishing is the signature winter activity on Lake Winnipesaukee. From January 1 through March 31, anglers set up bob houses on the frozen lake and fish for lake trout, landlocked salmon, white perch, black crappie, pickerel, bass, and cusk (the only freshwater cod, caught at night). The lake’s depth (over 180 feet in places) and diversity of structure make it one of the best ice fishing destinations in New England.
You can fish independently — bring an auger to drill holes, tip-ups, jigs, and warm clothing — or hire a guided ice fishing service. Tim Moore Outdoors, the most established guide on the lake, runs morning (7 a.m.–noon) and afternoon trips with heated portable shelters, all tackle provided, and snowmobile transport to fishing spots. A valid New Hampshire fishing license is required. Ice safety is critical: 4–6 inches of clear ice supports a person on foot; 8–10 inches for a snowmobile. Ice thickness varies across the lake — always check conditions and test as you go.
2. Skiing and Snowboarding at Gunstock Mountain
Gunstock Mountain Resort in Gilford overlooks Lake Winnipesaukee and offers 48 trails across 230 acres for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. The summit provides panoramic views of the frozen lake and the surrounding Belknap Range. Gunstock has a well-regarded learning program with separate beginner slopes and lifts, making it a strong choice for families and first-timers. Night skiing is available on select trails, and the resort also operates terrain parks. Verify current lift ticket pricing and hours at gunstock.com before visiting.
3. Snow Tubing at Gunstock
Separate from the ski area, Gunstock runs a dedicated snow tubing hill with multiple lanes and a surface lift that tows you back to the top. No experience or special equipment needed — just warm clothes. Tubing sessions are timed and sell out on weekends and holidays, so book in advance. This is one of the most popular family activities in the Lakes Region in winter and a good option for non-skiers in your group.
4. Snowmobiling
The Lakes Region has an extensive network of groomed snowmobile trails maintained by local clubs like the Belknap Range Snowmobile Club. Trails run through forests, along lake shores, and connect to the statewide New Hampshire snowmobile trail system — hundreds of miles of riding. Several trails pass through the Weirs Beach area along the railroad tracks and into the Paugus State Forest. Snowmobile rentals and guided tours are available from outfitters in the area. Note that while people do ride on the frozen lake itself, ice conditions vary and extreme caution is required — vehicles fall through the ice on Winnipesaukee nearly every winter.
5. The Great Meredith Rotary Ice Fishing Derby
Held annually on a weekend in early February (February 7–8, 2026), this is one of New England’s premier ice fishing competitions and one of the Lakes Region’s biggest winter events. Thousands of anglers compete for prizes across multiple species categories. Even if you’re not fishing, the derby brings a festive atmosphere to the lake — bob house villages, community energy, and family-friendly activities on and off the ice. The event raises funds for local Rotary charities. Registration and details at the Meredith Rotary website.
6. New England Pond Hockey Classic
Held on the frozen surface of Lake Winnipesaukee in Meredith in late January or early February (January 30–February 1, 2026), this tournament brings hundreds of teams together to play hockey the way it started — outdoors on natural ice. Even spectators enjoy it: watching hockey games against a backdrop of the frozen lake and surrounding mountains is a quintessential New England winter experience. The event draws teams from across the Northeast and has become one of the most celebrated pond hockey tournaments in the country.
7. Alton Bay Ice Runway
When ice conditions allow, Alton Bay on the southern end of Lake Winnipesaukee becomes one of the only FAA-approved ice runways in the continental United States. Small planes land and take off from the frozen lake surface — a genuinely unusual sight. The runway reopened in 2025 after being closed since 2022 due to insufficient ice. It typically operates from January through March when ice reaches at least 12 inches thick. There’s no admission — just show up at Alton Bay and watch. Pilots can call 603-271-7398 for current conditions. This is one of the most unique winter experiences in all of New England.
8. Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing
Mount Major (1,786 feet) in Alton is the most popular winter hike in the area — a moderate 3.6-mile round trip that rewards you with panoramic views of the frozen lake stretching from Meredith to Alton. Micro-spikes or crampons are essential in winter; the trail can be icy and steep near the summit. Other winter-accessible trails include paths in the Belknap Range and at Castle in the Clouds (the estate’s hiking trails are open in winter even when the house is closed). Snowshoeing is popular on trails throughout the region — several outfitters rent snowshoes, and some inns include free snowshoe use with your stay.
9. Winter Carnival and Lake Winnipesaukee Towns
The Lake Winnipesaukee Winter Carnival runs across multiple towns in February, with events in Wolfeboro, Alton Bay, and Meredith. Activities include ice skating, snowshoeing workshops, sleigh rides, bonfires, snowmobile races, ice sculpture displays, and animal tracking walks. Wolfeboro’s events use the Abenaki Ski Area and Pop Whalen Ice Arena; Alton Bay holds its own carnival with bonfires and ice fishing contests; Meredith offers horse-drawn sled rides and frozen-falls photography at the mill.
Beyond the carnival, the lakeside towns are worth visiting in winter for their own sake. Wolfeboro — which calls itself “The Oldest Summer Resort in America” — is quieter in winter but its bookshops, cafés, and the Wright Museum of World War II (a museum in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, focused on the American home-front experience during WWII) remain open. Meredith‘s shops and restaurants along the bay are open year-round, and the frozen views from the village are striking. The League of NH Craftsmen gallery in Meredith sells handmade pottery, jewelry, metalwork, and woven goods from New Hampshire artisans.
Nearby: Ice Castles
A short drive from Lake Winnipesaukee in North Woodstock (about 45 minutes from Meredith), the Ice Castles are a major seasonal attraction — enormous structures built from icicles by professional ice artists, illuminated with colored LED lights at night. The experience includes tunnels, slides, fountains, and towering ice formations. The 2025–2026 season opened January 23, 2026. Tickets are timed-entry and sell out quickly, especially for evening visits — buy in advance at icecastles.com.
Practical Tips
Lake Winnipesaukee is in central New Hampshire, roughly 90 minutes north of Boston. The lake sits at about 504 feet elevation, but surrounding mountains reach 2,000+ feet, creating significant snowfall. Winter temperatures regularly drop below 0°F in January and February. Dress in layers, bring hand warmers, and carry traction devices (micro-spikes) if you plan to hike. The lake typically freezes by mid-January, but freeze-up timing varies by year — check local conditions before planning ice-dependent activities. Many summer attractions (mailboat cruises, Weirs Beach amusements, the scenic railroad, Castle in the Clouds house tours) are closed in winter.
For more on the region, see interesting facts about New Hampshire, and for nearby summer activities check the best swimming holes in New Hampshire guide.
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