Seven Ski Slopes and Inns in New England

Seven suggestions for a cozy ski and stay experience in New England:

Pats Peak, Henniker, New Hampshire

The lighted slope means you don’t have to come in out of the cold when the sun goes down. 710-foot vertical, 22 trails. 888-728-7732, 603-428-3245; patspeak.com

On the mountain you may meet instructor Phil Ryan, who helps Kate Bartlet run the unpretentious Henniker House, nestled on a Main Street corner in the village. “I want people to feel as though they’re coming to their favorite aunt’s house,” Kate says. 10 Ramsdell Rd., Henniker. 866-428-3198; hennikerhouse.com

King Pine, East Madison, New Hampshire

In addition to plenty of downhill trails, the mountain boasts cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and skating. 350-foot vertical, 17 trails. 800-373-3754, 603-367-8896; kingpine.com

Apres-ski, head down the mountain to Snowvillage Inn, which combines rustic accommodations and an idyllic view of Mount Washington with hearty country cooking. 136 Stewart Rd., Snowville. 603-447-2818; snowvillageinn.com

Mount Abram, greenwood/Locke Mills, Maine

Just down the road from bustling Sunday River, Mount Abram offers a slower-paced alternative for families who like their elbow room. A slew of intermediate slopes and the mountain’s tubing park (longest in Maine, with two trails) will keep your kids busy. 1,030-foot vertical, 44 trails. 207-875-5000; skimtabram.com

In the evening, head into Bethel and relax at The Chapman Inn. The breakfast there, prepared by chef/co-owner Fred Nolte, will leave you stoked for all the runs that await. 1 Mill Hill Rd., Bethel. 877-359-1498, 207-824-2657; chapmaninn.com

Ragged Mountain, Danbury, New Hampshire

While you’re enjoying the mountain’s more challenging trails, leave your children at one of New Hampshire’s best ski schools (complete with “magic carpet” lifts and a skiing moose mascot). 1,250-foot vertical, 55 trails. 603-768-3600; ragged-mt.com

Remember to bring your ski pass to The Maria Atwood Inn in Franklin for a 10-percent discount. It’s a little bit of a drive, but the specialty scones are worth the trip.

71 Hill Rd., Franklin. 877-467-5476, 603-934-3666; atwoodinn.com

Shawnee Peak, Bridgton, Maine

This intermediate mountain has the added boast of being the first in Maine entirely powered by wind. 1,300-foot vertical, 44 trails. 207-647-8444; shawneepeak.com

Ecoconscious skiers should stay at Noble House. The organic breakfast (featuring fresh bread and locally grown fruits and veggies) is the perfect start to a long day on the slopes. 81 Highland Rd., Bridgton. 888-237-4880, 207-647-3733; noblehousebb.com

Butternut Basin, Great Barrington, Massachusetts

What it lacks in thrills it makes up for in family memories. This easy mountain offers a homey atmosphere and a selection of skiing classes, making it a great place for youngsters. 1,000-foot vertical, 22 trails. 413-528-2000; skibutternut.com

For a B&B with a distinctively European flare, stay at The Wainwright Inn. Don’t ask what’s in the famous pancakes — it’s a secret. 518 S. Main St., Great Barrington. 413-528-2062; wainwrightinn.com

Black Mountain, Jackson, New Hampshire

A family-run business since 1935, Black Mountain’s mix of reasonable prices and quality trails has stood the test of time: “All the big boys come and go. We stay the same.” 1,100-foot vertical, 40 trails. 800-698-4490, 603-383-4490; blackmt.com

At nearby Jackson House, you can loosen your muscles in a hot tub with a view of the stars in the heated solarium. 7 Meserve Hill Rd., Jackson. 800-338-1268, 603-383-4226; jacksonhousenh.com