Opening Weekend Guide
The wait is over. Winter is here, and Waterville Valley is ready to celebrate! Following Thanksgiving, we’re kicking off the 2025/26 ski season with a full weekend of fun on and off the slopes. From the first chairlift rides of the season to festive fun in Town Square, there’s no better way to welcome winter than right here in the Valley.
Alpine advent all weekend long!
This winter, Waterville Valley’s Town Square will transform into an authentic Holiday Market with the magic of Alpine Advent: a brand-new holiday tradition inspired by the European-inspired Christmas markets! From November 28 through December 31, visitors can stroll among twinkling lights and rustic wooden chalets filled with the sights, scents, and sounds of the season! Experience Old World holiday traditions set against the breathtaking backdrop of New Hampshire's White Mountains.
Be sure to stop in town after hitting the slopes to experience the first weekend of Alpine Advent!
Friday, November 28th: 4:00pm-8:00pm
Saturday, November 29th: 12:00pm-8:00pm
Sunday, November 30th: 12:00pm-6:00pm
Saturday, November 29th
8am: Kick off the 2025/26 winter season with us! There’s nothing better than hearing that first bell ring, signaling the start of a magical time here in Waterville. With cold temperatures ahead, our snow guns will be blazing, chairs will be spinning, and you will feel a palpable buzz in the air for the fun that’s in store!
10am: After getting your first laps of the winter in early, make your way to the Schwendi Hutte and enjoy a hearty breakfast paired with incredible mountain views. Fuel up early with a made-to-order breakfast sandwich and a fresh cinnamon roll, and beat the lunch crowds! After warming up and filling up, get some more runs in, or head into town and start the festivities!
12pm: Support a great cause and head to Town Square for the 13th Annual Cold Turkey Plunge—benefiting Waterville Valley Adaptive Sports. As always, your efforts will be rewarded with an official Plunge Shirt, and other incentives and goodies! Prizes will be awarded for the most funds raised (team & individual) and the best costume (team & individual). Costumes are encouraged but optional. Having fun is not optional, it is required!
Looking to support the cause? Register or donate here, or you can register in town starting at 11:30am!
3:30pm: Following the Cold Turkey Plunge, Santa will arrive in Town Square bearing gifts and candy for each child who comes to visit. Parents are welcome to take photos of their children with Santa.
7pm: A Tree Lighting Ceremony and Fireworks Show, starting at 7pm sharp will follow Santa’s visit! Enjoy the winter ambiance of Town Square, explore cozy shops, and watch the night sky come to life with a dazzling firework display!
As the lifts start spinning and the holiday lights are lit, Waterville Valley truly comes alive. From the excitement on the slopes to the opening weekend of the Alpine Advent Holiday Market, there’s something for everyone in Waterville Valley. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back!