Our First Family Ski Trip: A Low-Stress and Fun Adventure
As a family that loves to explore new experiences, we recently embarked on our first-ever ski trip! While my husband is an experienced skier, I am not, and our two sons, ages 3.5 and 7, had never been on skis before. We chose Gunstock Mountain in New Hampshire as our destination, and it turned out to be the perfect introduction to skiing for our family.
Why Gunstock Mountain?
Gunstock isn’t the fanciest ski destination, but it’s incredibly family-friendly and welcoming. From the moment we arrived, I appreciated the laid-back atmosphere. There was no sense of snobbery or impatience with beginners, which helped calm my nerves. The staff were kind and accommodating, and the operation felt well-organized and efficient.
One of my biggest concerns as a non-skier was accidentally breaking some kind of ski etiquette. Thankfully, I never felt out of place—even in my snow boots as I roamed around taking photos! Gunstock’s approachability made it easy for us to relax and focus on enjoying our trip.
It was also much more affordable compared to some of the high-end resorts out west, where private lessons can run as high as $1,500 per day. Gunstock’s affordability, combined with its warm and welcoming vibe, made it an ideal choice for our novice family.
The Week Between Christmas and New Year’s
We visited during the busy holiday week, which can often feel overwhelming at ski resorts. At Gunstock, while it was bustling, it wasn’t chaotic. The atmosphere remained family-friendly and manageable, even for us first-timers.
Gear and Rentals
Before our trip, we purchased some essentials for the kids: helmets, goggles, ski mittens, and neck gaiters (they already had snow suits). For skis and boots, we opted to rent instead of buying—a practical choice since we weren’t sure how much they’d enjoy skiing.
Ski School and Lessons
Gunstock offers a ski school from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM for kids ages 4 and up. The program accommodates all skill levels, from complete beginners to intermediate skiers. I appreciated how they grouped children by ability, ensuring that our 7-year-old didn’t feel out of place. He started with a half-day lesson the first day and progressed to a full day on the second.
Our 3.5-year-old was too young for ski school but had a private lesson and skied with my husband. We followed a 2:1 "lodge-to-ski" ratio, which worked perfectly for his age and energy level.
For the Non-Skier
While my husband and kids hit the slopes, I enjoyed a relaxing day in the lodge. Gunstock has a cozy food court and two bars, as well as a restaurant and bar that opens at 11:00 AM. I claimed a table, read a book, did some online shopping, and met the family for lunch. It was a surprisingly peaceful way to spend the day.
Next time, I’ll bring some snacks for the kids (trail mix, Gatorade, etc.) to keep them energized on the slopes.
Other Features
Tubing Hill: We didn’t try it this time, but it’s on our list for our next trip.
Snowmaking: Gunstock’s snowmaking capabilities are a big plus during seasons when natural snow might be unreliable.
Nearby Attractions: We also visited Funspot, an indoor arcade near Gunstock, which was a big hit with the kids.
Travel and Accommodation
We drove from NYC to Gunstock, which was easy and convenient. Alternatively, I’d recommend flying into Gunstock. Having a car in the area was helpful for grocery runs and other errands. While we stayed at my in-laws’ house 45 minutes away, there are plenty of rental options nearby.
Final Thoughts
Gunstock Mountain might not offer the luxurious amenities of a high-end ski resort—no spa here—but it was the perfect, low-stress introduction to skiing for our family. We left with great memories and are already looking forward to our next visit.
Packing/Shopping List
Snow Gear: Coat, snow pants, ski mittens, neck gaiter
Base Layers: To wear under ski gear
Ski Socks
Skis, Boots, Helmet, Goggles (rent if needed)
Snacks: Trail mix, Gatorade, etc.
Entertainment for Younger Kids: iPad with headphones for lodge time
Gunstock made our first ski trip an incredible experience. If you’re looking for a welcoming, budget-friendly spot to introduce your family to skiing, I can’t recommend it enough!