Many ski areas provide chairlift rides throughout the summer

(TRAVPR.COM) USA - July 26th, 2016 - You may have seen many summits in the winter, covered in white and packed with skiers. But many New Hampshire ski areas have their chairlifts open during the summer months to give guests a different – and much greener – view from the top.

Bretton Woods offers free scenic lift rides on their Bethlehem Express Quad chairlift, which also serves their Latitude 44° Restaurant. Guests can hike down or make it a round trip. The lift operates daily from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. through September 5. The restaurant opens at 11 a.m. and closes one hour prior to the lift.

The Aerial Tramway at Cannon Mountain brings visitors to its 4,080-foot summit in less than 10 minutes. The view at the top includes mountains from four states and Canada on a clear day. Also located at the summit are walking paths, a 360° observation deck, café, bar and restrooms. The Tramway is open daily from 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. through October 16. Round-trip rides are $17 for ages 13+; $14 for children 6-12 and free for children 5 and under (with an adult). One way rides are also available for hikers.

The Express Quad at Cranmore Mountain Resort takes guests to the mountain summit to experience views of North Conway and Mount Washington. While there, the Meister Hut is open for lunch and there are areas to walk around before taking the trip back down. Single ticket rides are $13.

Gunstock Mountain Resort takes visitors on a relaxing 15-minute ride to the summit via their Panorama High Speed Quad to take in views of Lake Winnipesaukee, Mount Washington and several mountain ranges. Access designated hiking trails or bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on the deck of the Panorama Pub (open seasonally). Lift rides are available daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (except for August 4-6 due to SoulFest).

Loon Mountain has New Hampshire’s longest scenic gondola skyride to the 2,733-foot summit of Loon Peak with views of the White Mountains. While at the summit, guests can climb the observation tower, access a short nature trail or explore glacial caves (weather permitting). The Summit Café is also available for lunch and passes can be purchased to include just a skyride or a skyride and lunch in the café. The gondola is open daily from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. through August 28 and on weekends from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. through October 10 per the Adventure Center schedule.

Mount Sunapee gives visitors a view of Lake Sunapee and the surrounding scenery via their Summit chairlift. Sky rides are now available every weekend through Labor Day weekend from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Rides are $8 for adults (19+), $6 for children ages 6-18 and seniors (65+), and free for children 3-5. One way trip rides are available on the Summit chairlift as well one-way uphill trips only on the South Peak Clipper Ship Quad for $5.

Snow’s Mountain chairlift at Waterville Valley Resort, located past the tennis courts on Boulder Road, provides relaxing scenic chairlift rides and a way for mountain bikers and hikers to access nearby trails. The lift is open daily from 10 a.m. through 4:45 p.m. through September 5. Round trip rides are $10 for adults and teens and $8 for juniors and seniors.

For more information on all the other great events and activities at ski areas around New Hampshire this summer, visit www.SkiNH.com.

Ski NH is the statewide association representing 34 alpine and cross country resorts in New Hampshire. For more information on ski areas, vacation planning, and updated winter events at Ski NH resorts, call Ski NH at 603.745.9396 or visit the Ski NH website at www.SkiNH.com. For statewide travel info, visit www.VisitNH.gov.

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