Looking for a summer break? Head to these NH ski resorts

It’s summer, and just like you pack away your ski gear and pull out your summer threads, some of the great New Hampshire ski areas do pretty much the same.

Tucked away are the snow cats and snow fences, and the winter white coat is replaced with a blanket of green. What’s more: there’s a ton of great things to do.

You can find the perfect escape for whatever ambiance you’re looking for – even all of them at once. Consider these New Hampshire hills for some summer fun that may not involve the ocean, but is just as refreshing and beautiful.

Active: You want to run, jump, careen downhill and soar above it all? You’ve got choices. At Cranmore Mountain Resort (https://www.cranmore.com) in the heart of North Conway, you’ll find  all kinds of thrills like a seated zip line ride, mountain coaster, lift-serviced downhill mountain biking (lessons if you’re new), chairlift rides and more. Beginning June 30, they stay open until 8 p.m., meaning you can take in the alpenglow of a summer dusk.

A Cranmore bonus: It’s smack in the middle of North Conway, where you’ll find tons of dining, shopping and other fun things to do.

At Gunstock Mountain Resort in Gilford (https://www.gunstock.com), you can find feed your need for thrills on their amazing zip line tour that takes you from peak to peak; an exhilarating 1.6 miles of zipping that makes it one of the longest in America.

Then there is their Treetop Adventure that challenges you to get up high and play – literally – at the tree tops. There’s a mountain coaster too if all that’s not enough.

There are hiking trails and a cool Wetlands Boardwalk that serves as an accessible meander through nature with educational components.

Gunstock also boasts a lovely 250-site campground, tucked away in the trees at their base, where you can hunt, fish and more.

A Gunstock bonus: the incredible views of Lake Winnipesaukee and the Presidential Mountain Range. If you’re more mellow, you can take a chairlift ride to take it all in as well.

Quiet: Bretton Woods Resort (https://www.brettonwoods.com) in northern New Hampshire offers breathtaking views of Mount Washington. And without a city or big town nearby, you’ll see the stars well at night and hear little if any traffic during the day). But they do add a little spice to their tranquil mix.

In the Canopy Tour, guests are guided through a network of platforms high up in the ancient hemlock trees connected by nine zip lines, two sky bridges and three rappels. You’ll feel the thrill of action while embracing the quiet of nature. It’s a perfect blend.

For a more mellow time, take their gondola up the mountain for views, hiking and even dining in a mountaintop setting.

They also offer guided mountain bike tours, golf, a spa and for the truly adventurous: rock climbing lessons.

Wildcat Mountain In Jackson offers a true chance to serenely savor the summer mountains: Their scenic chairlift rides take you up top for what may be the most dramatic views of Mount Washington out there. You can hike down or ride back down, and without the buzz of crowds of bikers or zip liners, you’ll have a truly peaceful experience. They’ll even supply you with maps to help you hike to waterfalls.

Quaint: Quaint may seem an odd word to use for a spot as dramatic and challenging for skiing as Cannon Mountain (https://www.cannonmt.com) but come summer, it’s the epitome of New Hampshire quaint.

You can ride their tram to the top for views of gorges, mountain ranges and lakes. You can hop out and hike, or hike from the base to special spots like Flume Gorge and Artisan’s Bluff. You’ll find lots of company (it’s a popular spot), with old school simple summer mountain fun. Pack a picnic.

A Cannon bonus: The New Hampshire Ski Museum – always worth a visit – sits at its base.

Little Black Mountain Ski Area (https://www.blackmt.com) in Jackson offers summer horseback riding. If you’re 10 and older you can ride up the ski area trails and back down. Younger kids ride ponies at the base. Add to it all by grabbing a picnic lunch to go at the J-Town Deli and go splash in Jackson Falls.

There are so many more choices in all those categories, and many that combine them all. Your best spot for a listing of what’s out there is www.skinh.com.