Located on the east side of Pinkham Notch in New Hampshire, Wildcat Mountain is a ski resort that features over 2,000 feet of vertical drop and good spring skiing conditions that can last into May. Skiers can find this ski area on New Hampshire Highway 16 just north of the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center. With a base elevation of over 2,000 feet, Wildcat Mountain often has fresh snow when other White Mountain resorts are receiving mixed precipitation.
For The Experts
Expert skiers will be happy to know that expert runs can be found on all parts of the mountain, including several areas where advanced skiers can test their skill in steep, wooded glades. From the summit, black diamond skiers can attempt to negotiate the mogul covered runs of Topcat and Lift Lion that pass right underneath the main chair lift. A total of 30 percent of Wildcat trails are rated as expert, but that number may increase as the resort is in the process of adding several expert wooded areas.
Enjoyable Skiing for Novices
One of Wildcat's attributes is the stunning scenery and several long, winding beginning and intermediate trails that slowly take a novice skier from top to bottom. Beginners will enjoy the Polecat trail, which covers three miles on its downward traverse, while intermediate skiers will enjoy taking the Wildcat trail which follows the southern boundary of the ski resort. And for those who are not accustomed to long runs, there are several lifts that only take skiers to the midpoint of the mountain.
Learn To Ski
First time skiers should not be intimidated by Wildcat's overall size, for the ski school that operates from the base of the mountain is specially designed for ski instruction. Special learning packages for beginners will help initiate new skiers to the joy of big mountain skiing. For once the basics are acquired, a trip to the top of Wildcat's scenic green coded trails will be the next step.
Snowboarding at Wildcat
At Wildcat Mountain snowboarders can use the same trails that skiers use to negotiate the 2,000 feet of elevation change from top to bottom. Also available at this mountain are snowboard rentals and lessons. Wildcat lacks the terrain parks that are specially designed for riders, but it does offer skiing through a U.S. National Forest wilderness area that is unmarred by residential development. In fact, the Appalachian Trail crosses the summit of the mountain, not to far from the top of the highest chair lift.
Summer at Wildcat
Summer and autumn visitors to the Mount Washington area of the White Mountain National Forest can still ride to the top of Wildcat Mountain to hike, picnic or just enjoy the expansive mountain panorama. For these persons two options exist for an assisted summit voyage. The first choice is the conventional enclosed gondola car, which can gently transport as many as four persons to the top of the lift. And then for the more adventuresome outdoorsman, the Ziprider will take you to the top in a high-speed voyage intended to resemble flying.
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