A Winter Escape to Hermit Lake

There's something magical about winter in New Hampshire's Lakes Region. The snow blankets everything in white, the lakes freeze solid enough to walk on, and the mountains offer some of the best skiing in New England. Our Hermit Lake property in Sanbornton sits right in the middle of it all—a cozy retreat where you can spend your days on the slopes or the ice, and your evenings by the fire.

The Property: Your Winter Basecamp

Our lakefront home on Hermit Lake transforms in winter. The 220-acre lake freezes over, usually by mid-January, creating a winter playground right outside your door. The property sits on a half-acre private waterfront lot, giving you direct access to the frozen lake for ice fishing, skating, and snowshoeing.

Inside, the cabin is designed for winter comfort. The wood-burning fireplace becomes the heart of the home—there's nothing quite like warming up by a real fire after a day in the cold. The open floor plan means the warmth reaches every corner, and the large windows let you watch the snow fall while you're cozy inside.

The game room gives everyone something to do on those snowy evenings. Challenge the family to pool, air hockey, or board games while the fire crackles in the background. It's the kind of place where you'll want to stay in as much as go out.

Ice Fishing on Hermit Lake

Hermit Lake is a hidden gem for ice fishing. The 220-acre lake supports healthy populations of largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, and various panfish. Because it's smaller and more intimate than the larger lakes in the region, you'll often have the ice to yourself—just you, your tip-ups, and the quiet of a New Hampshire winter.

Ice Fishing Basics

If you've never ice fished before, Hermit Lake is a great place to learn. The basics are simple:

Equipment You'll Need:

• Ice auger (hand-powered is fine for a few holes)
• Tip-ups or jigging rods
• Bait (shiners work well for pickerel, worms for panfish)
• A bucket to sit on
• Warm layers—lots of them

Safety First: Always check ice thickness before venturing out. You need at least 4 inches of clear ice for walking, 5-7 inches for snowmobiles, and 8-12 inches for cars (though we don't recommend driving on Hermit Lake). The ice typically reaches safe thickness by mid-January, but conditions vary year to year. Check with locals or the NH Fish and Game department for current conditions.

What You Might Catch:

• Chain Pickerel: The most common catch through the ice. They're aggressive and fun to catch.
• Yellow Perch: Great eating and often found in schools.
• Largemouth Bass: Less active in winter but still catchable.
• Sunfish: Perfect for beginners—they bite readily.

The New Hampshire ice fishing season for most species runs from January 1 through March 31 for lake trout waters. Remember: salmon may never be taken through the ice in New Hampshire.

Skiing at Gunstock Mountain

Gunstock Mountain Resort is just 15 minutes from the property, making it the perfect home base for a ski vacation. The resort offers 227 skiable acres across 49 trails, with terrain for everyone from first-timers to experts.

What Makes Gunstock Special

Gunstock isn't the biggest mountain in New Hampshire, but it has something the larger resorts don't: views of Lake Winnipesaukee from the summit. On a clear day, you can see the entire lake spread out below you, with the White Mountains in the distance. It's genuinely stunning.

The mountain also offers night skiing until 9 PM, which means you can ski after dinner or get in extra runs after a late start. The trails are well-lit and groomed, and the crowds thin out significantly after dark.

Trail Breakdown

Current Conditions

Gunstock typically opens in early December and runs through late March or early April, depending on conditions. The resort has extensive snowmaking capabilities covering most of the mountain, so even in lean snow years, conditions are usually good.

Lift Ticket Prices (2025-2026):

• Adult (18-64): $109-$129 depending on day
• Youth (6-17): $89-$99
• Senior (65+): $89-$99
• Night skiing (4-9 PM): $59

Beyond Downhill

Gunstock also has a Nordic Center with groomed cross-country ski trails. If you prefer a quieter experience in the woods, this is a great option. The trails wind through the forest with views of the surrounding mountains.

More Winter Activities

Snowshoeing

You don't need to go far to snowshoe—you can strap on snowshoes right at the property and explore the woods around Hermit Lake. For more structured trails, try:

• Castle in the Clouds: The Brook Walk features seven waterfalls along a half-mile trail. In winter, the frozen waterfalls are spectacular.
• Gunstock Nordic Center: Offers snowshoe rentals and trails.
• Profile Falls: A short drive away, this 40-foot waterfall is beautiful when partially frozen.

Ice Skating

When conditions are right, Hermit Lake offers natural ice skating. There's something special about skating on a frozen lake surrounded by snow-covered trees. The town of Sanbornton also maintains a skating area at the town beach.

Snowmobiling

The Lakes Region has an extensive network of snowmobile trails. The Belknap Range Trail Riders maintain trails in the area, connecting to the statewide Corridor trail system. You can rent snowmobiles in Laconia or Meredith.

Winter Hiking

For those who want to stay active, winter hiking offers a different perspective on familiar trails. The Belknap Range, visible from the property, has several peaks accessible in winter with proper gear (microspikes or snowshoes, depending on conditions).

Warming Up: Indoor Activities

Hermit Woods Winery

Just 10 minutes away in Meredith, Hermit Woods Winery offers tastings in a cozy barn setting. They specialize in fruit wines and meads made from local ingredients. The tasting room has a fireplace and a relaxed atmosphere—perfect for a winter afternoon.

Funspot

The world's largest arcade is 20 minutes away in Weirs Beach. With over 600 games spanning from classic pinball to modern video games, it's a great rainy (or snowy) day activity for families.

Local Dining

After a day in the cold, you'll want a hearty meal. Some favorites:

• Hart's Turkey Farm (Meredith): A Lakes Region institution serving turkey dinners year-round.
• Giuseppe's Pizzeria (Meredith): Excellent Italian food in a casual setting.
• The Common Man (Ashland): Upscale comfort food in a historic building.
• Lago (Meredith): Italian cuisine with lake views.

What to Pack for a Winter Visit

Winter in New Hampshire requires preparation. Here's what we recommend:

Clothing:

• Insulated, waterproof boots
• Multiple layers (base layer, insulating layer, outer shell)
• Warm hat, gloves, and neck gaiter
• Hand and toe warmers
• Sunglasses (the snow glare is real)

For Ice Fishing:

• Ice cleats for walking on slippery ice
• A sled to haul your gear
• A portable shelter if you plan to fish for hours
• Hot drinks in a thermos

For Skiing:

• Ski gear (or rent at Gunstock)
• Helmet
• Goggles
• Sunscreen (yes, even in winter)

The Magic of Winter

There's a reason people keep coming back to New Hampshire in winter. The pace slows down. The crowds disappear. The landscape transforms into something out of a snow globe.

At our Hermit Lake property, you get the best of both worlds: adventure during the day and comfort at night. Ski Gunstock in the morning, try ice fishing in the afternoon, and end the day by the fire with a glass of wine from Hermit Woods. Wake up to snow-covered trees and a frozen lake, make breakfast in the full kitchen, and do it all again.

Winter here isn't something to endure—it's something to embrace.

What Our Guests Say

Don't just take our word for it. Here's what guests have said about their stays at our Hermit Lake property:

"Beautiful to be there in the wintertime. It will be a trip we remember forever." — Laura, Newington, NH

"Maxwell's beautiful home was the perfect spot to slow down and relax with our family and friends. The swim dock, kayaks, canoe, and paddle boat were perfect on the quiet lake. A great patio to watch the sun set and a fire to gather in the evenings. The interior was clean and cozy, with plenty of space to wind down." — Anna, Walpole, MA

"The house and the lake were beautiful. My family had a great time. It was so quiet and peaceful. Was equipped with everything you would need. Kids loved fishing from the kayaks. Maxwell responded quickly to all our needs. Hope to book again someday." — Jon, Group Trip

"Wonderful cabin on a serene lake loaded with fish. Exactly as good as it looks in the photos. Would definitely come back." — Robert, Andover, MA

"Loved our weekend stay. Nice, new dishes, pots & pans with all good quality accessories and recently remodeled. Loved the game room and homey atmosphere!! We would definitely go back!!" — Nancy, Ellington, CT

"Maxwell was an exceptional host, and their place was spotless, cozy & stylish. The house and the view was exactly as described, plus the ultra-comfy beds made our stay extra special. We'd love to return and highly recommend this place to anyone visiting Hermit Lake." — Musab O., Miami, FL

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Ready for your winter escape? Book our Hermit Lake property [blocked] and experience the magic of a New Hampshire winter.