North Conway, N.H., June 10, 2025 — Nearly 400 snowsports operators and industry suppliers gathered at Cranmore Mountain Resort from June 3 to 5 for Ski NH’s Annual Conference and Trade Show, marking the close of the 2024–25 winter season.
During the event, Ski NH reported strong participation across New Hampshire’s winter sports. Alpine skiing led the way with 2.22 million skier visits, a 3 percent increase from last season. Cross-country skiing visits rose 14 percent to 99,498, despite challenging weather conditions. Snow tubing visits also grew by 3 percent to 103,883. Overall, winter visits totaled approximately 2.42 million, up 3 percent year-over-year and 6 percent above the 10-year average.
“These numbers highlight the continued enthusiasm for winter recreation in New Hampshire,” said Ski NH President Jessyca Keeler. “They also show the industry’s resilience in adapting to changing weather, making the 2024–25 season a positive one.”
The conference featured educational sessions focused on a variety of topics, including the state’s new tourism campaign and addressing mental health and burnout within the ski industry. Popular roundtable discussions allowed ski area staff to exchange ideas and experiences.
Katie Smith of Waterville Valley led a session encouraging participants to build peer networks by connecting with professionals outside their resorts who use similar systems and reporting styles. Workshops throughout the event covered snowmaking, food and beverage sustainability, ski school operations, tubing, ski patrol, finance, and accounting. Attendees also brainstormed future shared professional development programs, emphasizing collaboration as a key benefit of the conference.
The annual awards dinner recognized industry leaders for their dedication to New Hampshire’s ski community. The Peabody family received the Lifetime Achievement Award for their lasting legacy at Cannon Mountain and their contributions to the state’s ski culture.
Loon Mountain Resort’s Andrew Noyes was honored with the H.H. “Bill” Whitney Award, recognizing his 40 years of leadership as he prepares for retirement. Sue Wemyss earned the Al Merrill Award for her significant contributions to Nordic skiing in the state.
Emerging professionals Brantly Ludington of Cranmore Mountain Resort and Ana Yacoubian of Loon Mountain Resort received the Next Gen Award for their innovation and impact.
Senator Tim Lang, R-N.H., was presented with the Chandler McLane Government Service Award for his legislative support of ski and tourism industries.
The Media of the Year Award went to Allen Lessels for his work promoting skiing through The Boston Globe and other New England publications.
The Ski NH Annual Conference continues to serve as a vital forum for sharing knowledge and celebrating the achievements that drive New Hampshire’s winter sports forward.