The community of Lebanon, New Hampshire, has plenty to look forward to this winter, as the local ski area, Storrs Hill, will offer free skiing for the upcoming 2025-2026 season. Located two and a half hours northwest of Boston and tucked away in the heart of New Hampshire, a visit to this community-run ski area is a great way to get on snow without breaking the bank. This is the second consecutive season that Storrs Hill will offer skiing for free.
A generous donation by the Jack and Dorothy Byrne foundation has made skiing for free possible at Storrs Hill possible over last season and this season. The foundation aims to support non-profit organizations in the Upper Valley area of New Hampshire. In addition to the donation, land grants by the Tomapo Farm and the City of Lebanon also helped Storrs Hill to bring its second season of free skiing stoke.
Storrs Hill is operated by the non-profit organization Lebanon Outing Club, and the area is maintained by volunteers. In their first season where the skiing was free, the area saw roughly 2,500 skiers and snowboarders on the hill—about four times the usual number, according to Valley News. Prior to last season, tickets were typically between $10 and $15 for adults.
On top of the no-cost skiing, Storrs Hill offers reasonably priced lessons, ski jumping competitions with its 50-meter Heistad Hill jump, and alpine racing competitions. The ski area also has night skiing. Storrs Hill first opened in 1923 as the first public ski resort in the eastern United States and the second-oldest ski area in the country overall. It was originally created for a high school club but increased in popularity over the years after building a lodge and a ski jump. The hill nearly closed due to lack of funding in 1986, but a Storrs Hill local donated a large amount of money to keep the resort running.
- Related: The 5 Oldest Ski Areas in the U.S.
The ski area will offer free access to the public for skiing on Fridays from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is projected to open on December 26, 2025.
With its community-oriented ethos and rich history, a trip to Storrs Hill is a great option for New Englanders who want a hassle-free skiing experience. Thanks to the generosity of the Jack and Dorothy Byrne Foundation, as well as the hard work of the hill’s volunteer employees, Storrs Hill can share the winter happiness with everyone.
Quick Facts and Stats:
- Vertical Drop: 300’
- Trails: 7: 1 Green, 4 Blue, 1 Black (The Glades), 1 Double Black (Terrain Park)
- Acres: 20
- Ski Jumps: 50 Meter “Heistad Hill”
- Terrain Park: Yes
- Lift: Poma Platter, 1,500’
- Uphill Capacity: 600/hour
- Snowmaking: Yes; 4 state-of-the art Demaclenko fan guns, 1 Demac Stick
- Grooming: Always; 2 groomers (incl. one winch cat)
- Night Skiing: Since 1939! Upper and Lower Founders Way (main slope) – 10 acres
- Annual Skier Visits: >5,000
