For some, there's no better feeling than summiting a mountain on-foot after a long hike. For others, their worst nightmare is spending hours on the trail to reach the top, only to have to make the return trip back down to where they started. But just because you don't like hiking doesn't mean you have to miss out on the spectacular views from the tops of New Hampshire's ski areas. 

Ziplining

Thrills are a certainty when you sign up for a zipline tour. At many of our ski areas, you'll be transported to the top and zoom back down to the base area by way of the zipline, taking it all in as you fly through the air. Mount Sunapee and Gunstock both utilize their chairlift, while Bretton Woods takes you for a ride in a vehicle.

Yoga

For a more relaxing time at the summit, you can enjoy mountaintop yoga classes at Mount Sunapee Resort, Loon Mountain Resort, and Gunstock Mountain Resort throughout the summer. You have the option to hike to the top for these classes, but the chairlift is also a great way to get into a calm mindset before your session. Loon also has a class on North Peak that allows you to take the chairlift and then do a short hike to the final destination for the class.

Mountain Biking

Sure, mountain biking is more about the downhill pursuits than the views before you get going, but many ski areas offer lift-serviced terrain that will give you fantastic scenery before and during your descent. Lift-serviced mountain biking can be found at Waterville Valley Resort, Mount Sunapee and Bretton Woods.

Eating

Whether it’s Sunday Brunch at the Meister Hut at Cranmore or an ice-cold beer from the highest taps in New Hampshire at Cannon Mountain’s Café 4080, you can take in the views and refuel at a number of summit eateries in New Hampshire.