KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

PLAN YOUR TRIP WITH EASE

PARKING & RESORT SHUTTLE

Free parking is available in lots 1-9.

Parking Lot Shuttles operate on weekends & holidays. These shuttles make several stops throughout our parking lots, so you don’t have to lug all your gear up to the base area.

Secure a wicked good parking spot by purchasing a Preferred Parking Pass, which provides ski-in/ski-out access from the Lower Meadows Lift. Day Passes and Season Passes are available.

At the end of the day, you have the option of skiing or snowboarding down from the base area to any of our designated parking lots (1-9) on our new parking lot ski trails - check your trail map for specific locations and routes.

If you’re staying in the town of Waterville Valley, you can take the free Resort Shuttle up to the base area.

BASE LODGE BAG POLICY

Space in the Base Lodge is limited, especially on busy ski days. To make sure that all guests have enough room to sit, eat, and rest - we ask that everyone remain from leaving personal items unattended in the Base Lodge.

Bags, equipment, and all personal belongings must be stored in 1 of 3 places:

  • Lockers or Bag Check

  • Free Outdoor Bag Drop, located on the 2nd floor of the Base Lodge

  • Within Vehicles

Any unattended personal items left behind in the Base Lodge will be removed.

LIFT TICKETS

You’ll need to purchase a lift ticket or a Season Pass in order to access Waterville Valley Resort’s chairlifts & trails. Lock in your tickets early! You can save up to 40% off the window price by purchasing in advance!

LIFT TICKET PLACEMENT - Please wear your lift ticket on the outside of your jacket! Stop by the Ticket Office for a zip-tie.

Kids Ski Free* at Waterville Valley Resort, click here for more information!

*Exclusions apply, click here for more information.

LESSONS - LEARN FROM THE BEST

Waterville Valley Resort prides itself on providing the highest quality ski & ride instruction in the Northeast.Whether you’re new to snowsports or you just want to progress your skills, our ski school will help you become a better skier or rider. We are devoted to training & advancing instructors, as our Ski School has one of the highest certification-per-instructor ratings in the country.  

For little shredders, check out our Kids Kamp Ski School! Waterville Valley’s Kids Kamp is a day-long ski school program for kids ages 4-12. Simply drop your kids off in the morning, and pick ‘em up at the end of the day! The daily program includes a 2-hour morning lesson, lunch & snacks provided by Waterville Valley Resort, and a 2-hour afternoon lesson. Enhance your child’s on-snow skills while you get in some well-deserved solo turns! 

childcare

Every now and then, we need some alone time - parents especially. Enjoy a child-free day on the mountain and take advantage of our full-service childcare facility, conveniently located in the Base Lodge. Healthy, nut-free lunch and snacks are included with childcare. Parents will be asked to select a lunch option at check-in. PLEASE NOTE: Childcare spaces are limited and subject to availability. Please plan and reserve in advance. No walk-ins. 

SKI & snowboard RENTALS

If you need to rent equipment, Top Dog Rental Shop has got you covered! Conveniently located at the Base Area, Top Dog Rentals is the perfect place to gear-up for a day on the mountain. We recommend making advance reservations online to ensure availability. Whether you’re skiing or snowboarding, our rental technicians will help you find the right equipment. Once you’re out on the snow, if anything needs adjusting or simply doesn’t feel right, just come back into the rental shop and we’ll fix it for you! For high-end demos, we recommend checking out our on-mountain retailer, Sport Thoma.

SNOW DAY GROOMING

Waterville Valley Resort grooms the entire mountain every day, with two shifts of grooming operators. However, on a powder day things run a little differently. We’re skiers and riders too, and we love powder just as much as you do. We want every level of skier/rider to enjoy the conditions. After a storm, we groom out the green circle trails 100%. Blue square trails will have one half of the trail groomed out, while the other half of the trail will be left untouched for powder hounds. Black diamond trails will also be left untouched, with 100% powder.

REMOTE WORK - SLOPESIDE SPACES

Most major cell service providers are available at the base area. Free wi-fi is available at the Base Area and most on-mountain dining facilities. For those in need of a quieter oasis, Slopeside Spaces are available for daily rentals. Day suites are located in the Administration building (directly adjacent to the Base Lodge), come with ski-in/ski-out access, and provide a private, intimate, quiet place for guests to relax, work or simply gather with family & friends. There are various Day Suites available, accommodating anywhere from 1 person to 20 people.

TIPS & TRICKS FOR THE FIRST TIME SKIER/RIDER

If this is your first time heading to the White Mountains for an adventure? Congratulations!  You've made an awesome choice. We want you to be prepared for your trip, so here are some tips for your first time in Waterville Valley

WHAT TO PACK:

  • Mittens or gloves and liners

  • Sunscreen and lip balm -  In the higher elevations of the mountain environment, the sun's rays are less filtered. Snow also reflects sun rays, making them even more intense. You can get severely sunburned very quickly. Wind will burn your skin, too.

  • Hand and toe warmers - Hand and toe warmers will help you stay warm longer. On bitterly cold days put these in your gloves and on the tops of your toes to maximize your skiing and riding.

  • Neck gaiter or face mask - On those cold and windy days you’ll benefit from wearing a neck gaiter or face mask. These will not only keep you warm, but they’ll protect your face from frostbite and windburn.

  • Wool socks - Wool helps wick moisture. Regular cotton socks will make your feet go cold quickly and put you at risk of frostbite. Keep your feet warm by wearing a nice pair of wool socks.

  • Water & snacks - Sun, wind, perspiration, and altitude rob your body of fluids and the cold burns calories quick. Replenish your body with water and snacks. If you forget water and snacks, we will also have some for sale in the Base Lodge.

  • Goggles and/or sunglasses - Infrared and ultraviolet rays can be extremely harmful to your eyes, especially at higher altitudes. Good quality sunglasses are an important investment. Wind, blowing snow, cold, and fog can also be very uncomfortable to your eyes. Goggles are every bit as important as sunglasses. Always take both with you, even if the day seems perfect. Remember, weather changes rapidly in the mountains. It's easy to be caught unprepared.

DRESS IN LAYERS
Wearing layers keeps you warmer and lets you adjust clothing as the day gets warmer or colder. You can add or remove layers to remain comfortable. The two most important layers are the one closest to your skin and the one on the outside. The best underwear is absorbent and "wicks" perspiration away from your skin. The outermost layer, including pants, should be wind and water-resistant. Clothes such as jeans or sweatpants absorb water, making you wet and cold. You can lose tremendous amounts of body heat through the top of your head. Wear, or carry, a hat at all times. If you don’t have all the gear, check out one of our partner’s Arrive. Rent all the gear you need for a fraction of the price and have it delivered right to your door or destination.

WEAR A HELMET - IT'S A SMART IDEA: Many snowsports enthusiasts wear helmets. The best ones are light, comfortable, warm, and allow you to see and hear clearly. If you use one, you not only provide yourself added protection, you never have to worry about hats. Use a helmet that is specifically designed for snowsports. Rentals are available at Top Dog Rental shops.

UNDERSTAND YOUR FITNESS & ABILITY LEVEL: Snow sports are for everyone - regardless of age, body type, and fitness level. But it's important to work within your own fitness and ability level. Pace yourself, don't venture too far from resting places and shelter, and don't overdo it. We want you to challenge yourself to get better, but do so safely. Consider taking a lesson to help yourself progress to the next level of skiing and riding.

GO WITH THE FLOW: Always be aware of your surroundings.

  • If you come to a trail merge, look uphill and yield to any downhill traffic just as you would when merging onto the highway.

  • The skier or rider in front of you always has the right of way.

  • If you need to pass someone, make sure you’re giving them space to still complete their turns.

  • The mountain has no speed limit, but be respectful of your speed in learning areas and in popular beginning areas.

KEEP YOUR EQUIPMENT TUNED
Just like a car, your skis and board need regular maintenance for optimal performance. Sharp edges and a nice coat of wax can dramatically improve your experience on the snow. If you don’t know how to tune your gear yourself, drop off your skis/board at Sport Thoma and they’ll take care of all your tuning needs.

ARRIVE EARLY
The early bird catches the worm, and the early skier/rider gets first tracks. Parking is easier first thing in the morning and you’ll be treated to untouched corduroy snow or untracked powder on a snow day.

EAT WHEN OTHERS SKI, SKI WHEN OTHERS EAT
The lunchtime hours are busy in the Base Lodge. There are longer lines for food and less seating available. Eat early or eat late. Go in for lunch around 11am and then enjoy the slopes while everyone else is eating. Or work up an appetite by waiting until 1pm for lunch.