Eight outfitters rent snowmobiles or run snowmobile tours in New Hampshire, in Lincoln and Woodstock, Bartlett, Bretton Woods and Littleton, Gorham, and Pittsburg (one of them, Out Back Kayak, we couldn't confirm for this winter). Guided rides start at $90 for an hour, and two hours costs $125 to $219 per driver. Bring a driver's license: most shops let 16-year-olds drive on a guided tour. Rental sleds come registered for the state's 7,000 miles of trails.
Key takeaways
- Closest to Plymouth, Campton and Waterville Valley: SledVentures in Lincoln. Its two-hour Bog Pond or Franconia Notch tour is $219 for one driver or $289 for two people on one sled (rates posted November 2026).
- Cheapest first ride: Northern Extremes in Bartlett has a one-hour guided ride up Bear Notch Road for $90 midweek.
- Longest days and multi-day trips: Pittsburg, in the Great North Woods. Lopstick rents a sled for a full day at $260.
- Ages: Most outfitters want drivers to be 16 with a full license on a guided tour, and Northern Extremes wants 21 for self-guided rentals. Passengers usually have to be 5 or older.
- Your own sled: It must carry a New Hampshire registration ($131 to $161 for non-residents in 2026–27). New Hampshire has no reciprocity with other states.
- Speed limit: 45 mph on trails with no posted limit, and 10 mph near bob houses, at junctions and when passing a groomer (NH OHRV and snowmobile digest).
Downhill skiing has its own guide: for vertical, lifts and 2026/27 passes, see our ski resorts in New Hampshire comparison. This page starts with snowmobiling and then covers the rest of a New Hampshire winter: snow tubing, cross-country skiing, ice skating, ice fishing and sleigh rides. For summer and fall, see our list of things to do in the White Mountains.
In this article
- Where can you rent a snowmobile in New Hampshire?
- Snow tubing in New Hampshire
- Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing
- Ice skating
- Ice fishing in NH
- Sleigh rides
- Winter events worth planning around
- What winter means if you own here
- Frequently asked questions
- Sources
Where can you rent a snowmobile in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire Fish and Game doesn't rent machines, but it publishes a list of OHRV and snowmobile rental agents, last updated September 3, 2026. The table combines that list with the outfitters' own websites, which we checked in November 2026. Only businesses that currently advertise snowmobile rentals or tours are included.
| Outfitter | Town (region) | Guided or self-guided | Posted starting price | Youngest driver |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SledVentures | Lincoln (Western White Mountains) | Guided | $139 (1 hr) | 16 with a license |
| Out Back Kayak | North Woodstock (Western White Mountains) | Guided (unconfirmed for 2026–27) | Call | Call |
| Northern Extremes | Bartlett (Mount Washington Valley) | Both | $90 (1 hr, midweek) | 16 guided, 21 self-guided |
| Northern Extremes | Bretton Woods (Carroll) | Both | $125 (2 hr, midweek) | 16 guided, 21 self-guided |
| Hammer Down Adventures at the Snowyard | Littleton (North Country) | Guided | Call | Call |
| Northeast ATV Rentals | Gorham (Androscoggin Valley) | Self-guided | Online booking | 21 with a license |
| Lopstick | Pittsburg (Great North Woods) | Self-guided | $170 (half day) | Bring a license |
| Bear Rock Adventures | Pittsburg (Great North Woods) | Self-guided rentals | Online booking | Call |
| Tall Timber Lodge | Pittsburg (Great North Woods) | Rentals for lodge guests and others | Call | Call |
Prices are per sled with one driver, before tax, gratuity and any damage waiver. "Call" means the outfitter doesn't publish that detail online.
Snowmobiling in Lincoln, NH
Lincoln is the closest place to rent a snowmobile from Campton, Plymouth and Waterville Valley. It sits on the trails that run through Franconia Notch and over Bog Pond into the White Mountain National Forest.
SledVentures, at 514 US Route 3 across from Whale's Tale Waterpark (I-93 Exit 33), runs guided tours on Ski-Doo 600 and 900 ACE sleds every day that conditions allow. Helmets, jackets, pants, boots, gloves and gas are included, and there's some children's gear, first come, first served. Its posted rates in November 2026:
| SledVentures tour | Length | Driver alone | Driver + passenger |
|---|---|---|---|
| End of Day Beginner (by request, 3+ sleds) | About 1 hr | $139 | $199 |
| White Mountain Adventure | About 1.5 hr | $179 | $249 |
| Early Bird First Tracks (Bog Pond or Franconia Notch) | About 1 hr 45 min | $199 | $269 |
| Bog Pond or Franconia Notch | About 2 hr | $219 | $289 |
| White Mountain Expedition (intermediate, single riders) | About 3 hr | $359 | Not offered |
A 5% non-refundable reservation fee is already built into those rates, and SledVentures' guidelines add a 3% special-use fee to every transaction. Cancellations need 72 hours' notice. Drivers must be at least 16 and bring a full driver's license (a learner's permit doesn't count; international licenses are accepted), and a credit card stays on file. Drivers can't switch partway through a tour on a double sled. The site doesn't spell out a minimum passenger age, so ask when you book. SledVentures asks riders not to book Christmas or New Year's week until it has actually opened for the season.
Out Back Kayak at 809 Daniel Webster Highway (Route 3) in North Woodstock is on Fish and Game's September 2026 rental-agent list and has run guided snowmobile and ATV tours in the White Mountains since 1995 (White Mountains Attractions). Its web domain was parked and listed for sale when we checked on November 3, 2026, so we couldn't confirm it is running snowmobile tours this winter. Call 603-348-7990 before you plan around it.
Volunteer snowmobile clubs maintain the trails around Lincoln and Campton; the NHSA's trail map shows which club grooms which trail. Ice Castles and the Lincoln Woods Trail are a few minutes from SledVentures, so it's easy to fill the rest of the day. See our guide to things to do in Lincoln NH.
Snowmobiling in Bartlett and North Conway
Bartlett is the main snowmobiling base for anyone staying in North Conway. Northern Extremes, at 1328 US Route 302 in Bartlett, about 3 miles north of Attitash (603-374-6000), runs tours and self-guided rentals on the Bear Notch Road trail system. Bear Notch Road is a scenic road the rest of the year. In winter it's closed to cars, and the road plus Meadow Brook Trail become a 50-mile interconnected trail system in the White Mountain National Forest, with overlooks of Mount Washington, the Presidential Range and Mount Chocorua. Its fleet is Ski-Doo Grand Touring four-stroke sleds, and guided rates include the sled, helmet, gas and guide. A 6% Forest Use Fee and an optional damage waiver ($10 to $30 per sled) are added to guided tours.
| Northern Extremes, Bartlett | Midweek, driver alone / two-up | Weekends and vacation weeks |
|---|---|---|
| One-hour guided jaunt | $90 / $130 | Midweek only |
| Two-hour guided scenic tour (first-timers, about 20 mph) | $125 / $170 | $145 / $190 |
| Two-hour self-guided rental | $125 / $170 | $145 / $190 |
| Three-hour self-guided rental | $155 / $200 | $185 / $230 |
| Four-hour self-guided rental | $185 / $230 | $215 / $260 |
The self-guided rentals add a collision damage waiver ($25 to $30); without it, Northern Extremes holds a $1,500 security deposit per sled. Weekend rates apply on Christmas week, New Year's week and February vacation week. If North Conway appeals as a winter base, our North Conway, NH guide covers the village, and North Conway real estate shows what's for sale. Bartlett itself has its own homes for sale in Bartlett page.
Bretton Woods, Twin Mountain and Littleton
Northern Extremes runs a second base at Bretton Woods, at 2267 US Route 302 (in the Bretton Woods Market & Deli lot), which it puts 30 minutes north of Lincoln. Tours from there go to Jefferson Notch, Cherry Mountain and the Presidential Rail Trail, and they include a four-hour lunch tour and a four-hour Mount Washington tour for advanced riders. Self-guided rentals cost the same as in Bartlett, plus a seven-hour single for $300 midweek or $350 on weekends (Northern Extremes Bretton Woods rentals).
Farther west, Hammer Down Adventures at the Snowyard (167 Industrial Park Road, Littleton, 603-444-7694) runs guided snowmobile tours in winter, a few minutes from downtown Littleton (Littleton Area Chamber).
Gorham, Berlin and the Androscoggin Valley
North of the notches, Northeast ATV Rentals (447 Main Street in Gorham on Fish and Game's list, 800-458-1838) rents self-guided sleds through its Northeast Snowmobile Rentals site, which lists a Gorham base at 325 Main Street, open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. once the trails open. Drivers must be 21 with a valid license, and passengers at least 5 and 48 inches tall. Plan to arrive 60 minutes early for orientation and paperwork, and bring a credit card (Northeast ATV Rentals). From Gorham, riders head north through Berlin, past Jericho Mountain State Park, toward Jefferson, Lancaster and eventually Pittsburg. That's the usual route for a multi-day snowmobile trip in New Hampshire.
Snowmobiling in Pittsburg and the Great North Woods
Pittsburg, at the top of the state around the Connecticut Lakes, is where New Hampshire riders go for the longest season and the longest days on the trail. It's roughly two and a half hours north of Campton, so treat it as an overnight, not a day trip.
- Lopstick rents late-model Ski-Doo sleds from Recreation at Lopstick, 545 Beach Road. A half day (8 a.m. to noon or 1 to 5 p.m.) is $170 for a single sled or $180 for a two-up, and a full day is $260 or $270. The trail map and helmets are included. Deposits are refunded with seven days' notice (Lopstick rental rates). Lopstick also rents cabins, so it works as a base for a multi-day trip.
- Bear Rock Adventures, at 2638 North Main Street, rents Polaris Indy Adventure 650 and Prostar S4 sleds and has lodges, cabins and an outdoor-gear store on 100 acres (Bear Rock Adventures).
- Tall Timber Lodge on Back Lake, a sporting camp since 1946, rents snowmobiles and sells a "Snowmobile Escape" lodging package (Tall Timber Lodge).
How much does it cost to rent a snowmobile in NH?
In November 2026, posted New Hampshire snowmobile rates ran from $90 for a one-hour guided ride (Northern Extremes, midweek) to $359 for a three-hour expedition (SledVentures). Most first-timers pick a two-hour tour, which costs $125 to $219 for one driver and $170 to $289 for two people on one sled.
| Ride | Low posted price | High posted price |
|---|---|---|
| About 1 hour, guided | $90 (Northern Extremes, midweek) | $139 (SledVentures) |
| About 2 hours, guided, one driver | $125 (Northern Extremes, midweek) | $219 (SledVentures) |
| About 2 hours, two-up sled | $170 (Northern Extremes, midweek) | $289 (SledVentures) |
| Half day, self-guided | $170 (Lopstick, 4 hours) | $215 (Northern Extremes, 4 hours, weekend) |
| Full day, self-guided | $260 (Lopstick) | $350 (Northern Extremes Bretton Woods, 7 hours, weekend) |
What adds to the bill:
- Weekend and vacation-week premiums, about $20 to $30 per sled at Northern Extremes.
- Damage waivers on self-guided rentals ($25 to $35); skip it and Northern Extremes holds a $1,500 deposit per sled.
- Forest Use Fee, 6% on Northern Extremes' guided tours.
- Booking fees (SledVentures' 3% special-use fee).
- Clothing. SledVentures includes the full suit. Northern Extremes rents jackets, pants and boots but not gloves.
- A tip for the guide, which outfitters say is appreciated.
Snowmobile vacation packages in New Hampshire
Most snowmobile vacation packages in New Hampshire are lodging discounts tied to one outfitter, not all-inclusive trips.
- Lincoln: SledVentures' Sled & Stay partners are InnSeason Resorts Pollard Brook, Riverbank Motel and Cabins, the Quality Inn, RiverWalk Resort at Loon, Parker's Motel and the Woodwards Inn. Book with one of them and you get a promo code for discounted tours.
- Bartlett and Intervale: Northern Extremes' lodging packages give 10% off a guided tour with a two-night stay at The Aurora Inn in Bartlett or the New England Inn in Intervale.
- Pittsburg: Lopstick, Bear Rock and Tall Timber all rent sleds and lodging in the same place, which is the simplest multi-day trip in the state.
If you'd rather own the base camp, our short-term rental analysis runs the numbers on a ski-and-sled rental property in Lincoln or Waterville Valley, and our vacation rental management team can run it for you.
Guided snowmobile tour or self-guided rental?
On a guided tour you ride behind a guide at the group's pace, on routes the guide picks. Most first-timers and every under-21 driver end up here. A self-guided rental gives you the sled, a helmet and a map, and you ride on your own. Northern Extremes requires at least five previous rides and a two-sled minimum for self-guided rentals, and it says more accidents happen on self-guided rides than on guided tours. Its first-timer tours are kept to about 20 mph.
NH snowmobile rental rules: age, license and what to bring
The outfitter's rules are usually stricter than state law, so they're the ones that decide whether your teenager can drive.
| Outfitter | Driver on a guided tour | Self-guided renter | Passengers |
|---|---|---|---|
| SledVentures, Lincoln | 16+ with a full license (parent along under 18) | Guided only | Ask |
| Northern Extremes, Bartlett and Bretton Woods | 21+ with a license (or the NH online OHRV course certificate). Ages 16 to 20 need a parent or guardian on the tour plus a license or OHRV certificate; a 16+ learner's permit holder can drive a single sled after the online course. | 21+ with a full US or international license and 5+ prior rides | 5+ (10+ on rides over 2 hours) |
| Lopstick, Pittsburg | Not applicable | Bring your license | Ask |
What to bring: a driver's license (not a permit), a credit card for the deposit or damage hold, and warm layers. Wear insulated waterproof boots, ski or snow pants and a winter jacket. Northern Extremes won't take riders in jeans, sweatpants or sneakers, and it rents jackets, pants and boots but not gloves.
Under state rules, anyone who rides off their own property needs a safety certificate from age 12, or a driver's license from 16. Here's how the state's age rules break down:
| Operator age | Must be with a licensed adult over 18 | May cross public roads | License or safety certificate needed off own property |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 12 | Yes | No | Can't be certified (11-year-olds can take the class) |
| 12 or 13 | Yes | Yes | Safety certificate |
| 14 or 15 | No | Yes | Safety certificate |
| 16 and over | No | Yes | Safety certificate or driver's license |
Riders under 18 must wear a helmet and eye protection. Rules can change between seasons, so confirm with NH Fish and Game before a family trip.
New Hampshire snowmobile laws every rider should know
These are the rules that catch out first-time and out-of-state riders, from the current NH OHRV and snowmobile digest (updated April 13, 2026):
| Where you're riding | Snowmobile speed limit |
|---|---|
| Trails with no posted limit | 45 mph |
| Trail connectors, and at night on Back Lake in Pittsburg | 35 mph |
| Approved roads open to snowmobiles | 20 mph |
| Within 150 feet of a bob house or fishing hole, at trail junctions, in parking lots, on bridges posted open to snowmobiles and when passing a groomer | 10 mph |
- Drinking: It's illegal to ride with a blood alcohol concentration above 0.08%, or above 0.02% if you're under 21. Penalties match a motor-vehicle DWI, and refusing a test costs you your driver's license.
- Suspended licenses: You can't ride while your driver's license is suspended or revoked in any state or Canadian province.
- Stay on the trail: Ride only on trails signed for snowmobiles, or on land where the owner has given you permission. About 70% of New Hampshire is privately owned, and the state's slogan is "No respect = no trails" (NH State Parks).
When is snowmobile season in New Hampshire?
There's no fixed opening date. Trails open when the local club has enough snow and frozen ground to groom. Rental outfitters usually start in mid-to-late December, once the trails are open, and SledVentures asks riders not to book Christmas or New Year's week until it's running. In a typical winter, riding runs into March. The high Bear Notch system in Bartlett and the North Country around Pittsburg usually hold snow longest. NH State Parks posts trail-condition reports once the season starts (it says to check back in November or December 2026), and registrations run May 1 to April 30.
NH snowmobile trails: how big is the network?
New Hampshire has about 7,000 miles of snowmobile trails, according to NH State Parks. Volunteer clubs affiliated with the New Hampshire Snowmobile Association groom them (NH State Parks lists 88), and the Bureau of Trails returns most registration money to those clubs through its Grant-in-Aid program (NH State Parks; New Hampshire Bulletin). Numbered corridor trails link the towns, and local club trails branch off them. The NHSA's statewide interactive trail map is free online, and its phone app costs $4.99 a season. NHSA doesn't sell a paper map, though many clubs sell paper maps of their local trails. There are no extra trail-pass fees in New Hampshire, because your registration pays for the trails.
NH snowmobile registration for residents and non-residents
Rental sleds come registered. If you bring your own sled, it must be registered in New Hampshire, even if it's already registered in another state. NH has no reciprocity with other states, because each state's trails are funded by its own registrations. For the 2026–27 year, NH Fish and Game lists:
| Registration (May 1, 2026 to April 30, 2027) | With NHSA club voucher | Without |
|---|---|---|
| Resident | $121 | $151 |
| Non-resident | $131 | $161 |
Each fee includes a $2 transaction fee (NH Fish and Game). Joining an NHSA club before you register saves $30. The owner must be 18 or older and show a driver's license or photo ID. You can register online, at Fish and Game in Concord, or at a registration agent. The online snowmobile safety course earns a combined NH OHRV and snowmobile certificate.
Snow tubing in New Hampshire
Snow tubing is the easiest winter activity for a mixed group. There's no lesson, and in most places no lift ticket. Here's where to go snow tubing in NH and the White Mountains, starting closest to us.
- Waterville Valley Clubhouse. The Waterville Valley tubing hill has several dedicated lanes. It's walk-up only, with no lift. The resort says it's open Thursday through Sunday, weather permitting; check its site for holiday and vacation-week hours. You can grab a bite at the Clubhouse, and there are fire rings on the patio. Hard-shell ski boots aren't allowed on the hill.
- Ice Castles, North Woodstock. For snow tubing near Lincoln or Woodstock, NH, Ice Castles on Clark Farm Road has a groomed tubing hill next to the ice caverns. Sleigh rides are on a separate ticket. Everything depends on the weather, so check its status page the day you go.
- Gunstock, Gilford. Gunstock's snow tubing is a multi-lane hill served by a magic-carpet lift. Sessions last two hours at $40 for all ages (as posted in November 2026). Riders must be at least 42 inches tall, and anyone under 14 must ride with a participating adult. Weekend, holiday and Saturday-evening sessions sell out, so buy ahead.
- Cranmore, North Conway. Cranmore's tubing park runs lift-served two-hour sessions. Arctic Lights night tubing runs from dusk to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights and during holiday weeks, late December to mid-March. For 2026–27 it's $49 for ages 6 and up. Ages 3 to 5 pay $15 and ride a double tube with an adult. Children under 3 can't ride.
A note on Loon. Loon Mountain announced that snow tubing would not open for the 2024/25 season, and Loon's current winter-activities page doesn't list tubing. If you're staying in Lincoln, Ice Castles is the nearby option.
Which is best depends on the group. Gunstock and Cranmore have lifts and night sessions, which matter with small children. Waterville Valley is the low-key, no-reservation choice.
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing
- Waterville Valley Nordic Center in Town Square grooms 70+ km for classic and skate skiing, out into the national forest. You can snowshoe on any Nordic trail, and fat bikes have their own designated trails. Dogs are welcome on the Greeley Path, Deep Woods and The Connector.
- Bretton Woods Nordic Center at the Omni Mount Washington Resort has more than 80 km of maintained trails below Mount Washington.
- Jackson XC is a nonprofit network of more than 100 km that you can ski right out of Jackson village, with dedicated snowshoe trails. Our guide to Jackson Falls and Jackson NH covers the village.
For a free snowshoe hike, the Lincoln Woods Trail off the Kancamagus Highway, 5 miles east of I-93 Exit 32, follows an old logging-railroad grade beside the East Branch of the Pemigewasset. It's flat and wide, so it suits first-time snowshoers and skiers. Our guide to hiking near Waterville Valley covers more trails that make good snowshoe outings once there's a base.
Ice skating
- Waterville Valley Ice Arena. This indoor arena next to Town Square runs public skating and stick-and-puck year-round, with rental skates and sharpening.
- Ice skating in Jackson, NH. Nestlenook Farm at 66 Dinsmore Road has outdoor skating. Call ahead (603-383-7101) for ice conditions.
- North Conway ice skating. The outdoor rink at Schouler Park was temporarily closed for 2025/26, so check before you go. The indoor Ham Arena in Conway runs public skating, and the covered Tohko Dome at King Pine and Purity Spring Resort in East Madison is another option.
- Ice skating in Laconia, NH. The indoor Merrill Fay Arena is on Route 107. Laconia also has outdoor rinks at Memorial Park and Leavitt Park, plus one on Opechee Cove that opens only when the lake ice is at least 12 inches thick (Weirs Beach visitor guide).
Ice fishing in NH
Ice fishing in New Hampshire takes a fishing license (required from age 16). NH Fish and Game allows up to six devices (tip-ups or jig lines) per angler on most waters. Lakes managed for lake trout, including Winnipesaukee, Winnisquam, Newfound and Big and Little Squam, are limited to two, and their lake-trout ice season runs January 1 to March 31. NH-Maine border waters have a five-line limit. Bob houses must be off the ice by April 1 (NHPR). If you ride a snowmobile to your spot, the speed limit within 150 feet of a bob house or fishing hole is 10 mph.
Ice fishing Winnipesaukee and the Meredith Rotary fishing derby
The biggest NH ice fishing derby is the Great Meredith Rotary Ice Fishing Derby, based in Meredith on Lake Winnipesaukee. The 47th derby ran February 7–8, 2026 (derby site, December 2025). The Meredith Rotary Club has set the 48th for February 13–14, 2027, with more than $80,000 in prizes and a $15,000 first prize. Proceeds go to Meredith, Sandwich, Center Harbor and Moultonborough. Entrants can fish any public fresh water in New Hampshire and bring the catch to the Meredith weigh-in, so the derby runs even when Winnipesaukee's ice is poor.
At Alton Bay, the only FAA-approved ice runway in the lower 48 opens once the ice reaches 12 inches. In 2026 it opened January 31.
Sleigh rides
- Nestlenook Farm, Jackson. Horse-drawn sleigh rides at 66 Dinsmore Road (603-383-7101) (North Conway sleigh ride guide).
- Bretton Woods. The resort lists sleigh rides among its winter activities (603-389-2121).
- Ice Castles, North Woodstock. Sleigh rides are an add-on ticket and the closest option to Lincoln.
Winter events worth planning around
- Meredith Rotary Ice Fishing Derby, February 13–14, 2027.
- Waterville Valley Winter Lights. Town Square is lit through the winter, and the tubing hill and ice arena are open at night (Waterville Valley night guide).
- Ice Castles, North Woodstock, which usually opens around January and runs into late February or early March, weather permitting.
- The Alton Bay ice runway, when the ice allows, usually from late January.
What winter means if you own here
If a winter weekend has you looking at listings, check these things first. They're different in winter.
Access and plowing. Waterville Valley is reached by NH Route 49 from I-93 Exit 28 in Campton, a plowed state highway. Many homes in the hills around Campton, Thornton and Lincoln sit on private roads, which town crews don't plow. On those, a road association or a private contract handles it. Ask who plows the road and the driveway, what it costs, and how steep the driveway is in February. With a condo, plowing is usually part of the association fee. Our page on Waterville Valley condos lists the complexes in the valley.
Ski-season rentals. Winter weekends and February vacation week bring the highest rental demand in Lincoln and Waterville Valley. Check that the property and any HOA allow short-term rentals. The Lincoln NH Airbnb investment guide covers that market in detail.
Where the trails are. If snowmobiling is the point, look for a property near a corridor trail or a club trail you can legally reach. Remember that trails cross private land by permission, which can change. If Nordic skiing or skating is the point, Waterville Valley's Town Square puts the Nordic Center, ice arena and tubing hill within a short walk of homes in Waterville Valley.
Lincoln puts SledVentures, Ice Castles and the Lincoln Woods Trail within a few miles of each other. Browse homes for sale in Lincoln and Woodstock, or the combined Lincoln-Woodstock real estate page, and read our guide to Lincoln condos near Loon Mountain. Our home base, Campton, sits between the two at Exit 28, with Plymouth and Thornton right alongside. For a sled-out-the-door camp in the North Country, see homes for sale in Pittsburg.
For the rest of the year, our Waterville Valley four-seasons guide and things to do in New Hampshire cover the other three seasons. When you're ready to look at a winter place, talk to our team.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I rent a snowmobile in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire's snowmobile rental outfitters are SledVentures in Lincoln, Out Back Kayak in North Woodstock (unconfirmed for this winter, so call), Northern Extremes in Bartlett and Bretton Woods, Hammer Down Adventures at the Snowyard in Littleton, Northeast ATV Rentals in Gorham, and Lopstick, Bear Rock Adventures and Tall Timber Lodge in Pittsburg. SledVentures in Lincoln is the closest to Plymouth, Campton and Waterville Valley.
Are there guided winter snowmobile tours in NH?
Yes. SledVentures in Lincoln runs guided tours only, from one to three hours, including the two-hour Bog Pond or Franconia Notch tour. Northern Extremes runs guided tours from one hour to a four-hour Mount Washington tour out of Bartlett and Bretton Woods. Hammer Down Adventures runs guided tours from Littleton.
How much does it cost to rent a snowmobile in NH?
In November 2026, posted rates ran from $90 for a one-hour guided ride midweek at Northern Extremes in Bartlett to $359 for SledVentures' three-hour expedition. A two-hour tour costs $125 to $219 for one driver, or $170 to $289 for two people on one sled. A full day in Pittsburg starts at $260 at Lopstick.
Do you need a license to rent a snowmobile in NH?
Yes. Rental outfitters require a valid driver's license (a learner's permit isn't accepted for self-guided rides), and SledVentures and Northern Extremes accept international licenses. The rental sled is already registered, so you don't need your own NH registration. Northern Extremes requires self-guided renters to be 21 with at least five previous rides.
How old do you have to be to drive a snowmobile in NH?
Most rental outfitters require drivers to be 16 with a driver's license for a guided tour, and Northern Extremes requires 21 for a self-guided rental. Under state law, riders under 12 must be with a licensed adult and can't cross public roads. From 12 to 15 they need a safety certificate off their own property, and 12- and 13-year-olds must still ride with an adult.
Do non-residents need to register a snowmobile in New Hampshire?
Yes, if they bring their own sled. New Hampshire has no reciprocity with other states, so an out-of-state sled needs an NH registration: $131 with an NHSA club voucher or $161 without, for May 1, 2026 to April 30, 2027. Rented sleds are registered by the outfitter.
Are there snowmobile vacation packages in New Hampshire?
Yes, mostly lodging-plus-discount deals. SledVentures gives tour discounts to guests of six Lincoln lodgings, including RiverWalk Resort at Loon and the Best Western Woodwards. Northern Extremes gives 10% off a guided tour with a two-night stay at The Aurora Inn or the New England Inn. In Pittsburg, Lopstick, Bear Rock and Tall Timber rent both sleds and lodging.
What are the best things to do in New Hampshire in the winter besides skiing?
Snowmobiling, snow tubing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, ice skating, ice fishing and sleigh rides. In our area, Waterville Valley has a Nordic center, tubing hill and indoor ice arena around one town square, and Lincoln adds snowmobile tours, Ice Castles and the flat Lincoln Woods Trail.
Sources
- NH Fish and Game — OHRV/snowmobile rental agents, updated September 3, 2026 (archived)
- NH State Parks — Snowmobiling
- New Hampshire Bulletin — Maintaining New Hampshire's 7,000 miles of snowmobile trails
- NH OHRV and snowmobile digest — Laws and rules and license and age restrictions
- NH Fish and Game — OHRV and snowmobile registration fees
- NH Snowmobile Association — Registration, trail map and safety
- SledVentures — Rates, guidelines and Sled & Stay
- Northern Extremes — Bartlett tours, Bartlett rentals, Bretton Woods rentals, FAQs and lodging packages
- Lopstick — Rental experience
- Northeast ATV Rentals and Northeast Snowmobile Rentals, Bear Rock Adventures, Tall Timber Lodge, Hammer Down Adventures
- NH Fish and Game — License requirements, ice fishing and the NH Freshwater Fishing Digest, ice fishing
- Gunstock — Snow tubing and Cranmore — Tubing park
- Waterville Valley Resort — Winter activities and Nordic Center
- Bretton Woods — Nordic Center
- Ice Castles New Hampshire and Loon Mountain — Winter activities
- Great Meredith Rotary Fishing Derby and derby rules
- NHPR — Bob houses must be off the ice by April 1
- NorthConwayNH.com — Ice skating and sleigh rides
- Town of Lincoln — Lincoln Woods Trail (archived)
- General Aviation News — Alton Bay ice runway opens for the season (2026)