Where To Skate, Ski And Sled In And Around Portsmouth

Feeling inspired by the excitement of the Winter Games? You don’t have to travel far to get in on the seasonal spirit. Around Portsmouth, you’ll find places where families can lace up skates, enjoy indoor winter fun, or plan easy day trips to nearby skiing, tubing or sledding spots. Whether you’re looking to stay close to home or head out for a weekend adventure, these ideas can help you make the most of the season. Just be sure to double-check hours, weather conditions and reservation details before heading out.

⛸️ Ice Skating & Indoor Winter Fun

Dover Ice Arena

Address: 110 Portland Ave, Dover, NH 03820

Phone: (603) 516-6060

Details: Dover Ice Arena maintains a steady schedule of public skate sessions alongside lessons and organized hockey throughout the winter season. It’s about a 20 to 25-minute drive from Portsmouth and is one of the closest dependable options for indoor ice skating.

The Rinks at Exeter

Address: 40 Industrial Dr, Exeter, NH 03833

Phone: (603) 775-7423

Details: This indoor arena supports regular public skating hours along with figure skating and hockey programming during the winter months. It’s about a 20 to 25-minute drive from Portsmouth and works well as a reliable second ice option.

🎿 Skiing, Snowboarding & Tubing — Day Trips

Gunstock Mountain Resort

Address: 719 Cherry Valley Rd, Gilford, NH 03249

Phone: (603) 293-4341

Details: Gunstock features downhill skiing, snowboarding, and a large snow tubing complex, with snowmaking helping extend the season. It’s about a 1 hour 15-minute drive from Portsmouth, making it a solid full-day winter trip.

Pats Peak Ski Area

Address: 686 Flanders Rd, Henniker, NH 03242

Phone: (603) 428-3245

Details: Pats Peak operates lift-served skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing with a relaxed, approachable layout and consistent snowmaking. It’s about a 1 hour 25-minute drive from Portsmouth and suits a straightforward winter day trip.

☃️ Outdoor Play & Sledding Spots

Winter in Portsmouth brings cold coastal air and periodic snowfall, and when snow settles, small hills and open park space take on a quiet, wintry feel. While the city is relatively flat, a few local areas still lend themselves to casual sledding and winter walks once conditions line up.

Portsmouth spots to consider:

• South Mill Pond Park becomes a practical in-town option after snowfall, with small natural slopes and open green space that work for light sledding and winter wandering. Its central location makes it easy to stop by when snow sticks without planning a longer outing. (Source: City of Portsmouth, NH)

Further outdoors:

• Stratham Hill Park — For broader hills and more consistent sledding terrain, Stratham Hill Park offers long open slopes that are popular after snowstorms. It’s about a 25 to 30-minute drive from Portsmouth and provides a more expansive sledding experience while still being a public park.

Bundle up, stay safe and have fun wherever winter takes you!

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