Dawn’s Fireside Journal 12/22/25

Christmas in Waterville Valley feels like stepping into a snow globe. Soft lights glowing against the fresh snow, evergreen boughs heavy with winter magic and the mountains humming with holiday cheer.

By day, the valley sparkles with skiers carving gentle lines down the sunlit trails, laughter drifting up from the lifts as families and friends share first runs and favorite traditions. The village is dressed for the season with twinkling lights, wreath lined walkways and the scent of pine and cocoa lingering in the crisp mountain air.

As the sun dips behind the peaks, the celebration shifts uphill. Après ski parties high on the mountain bring warmth and energy to winter evenings with crackling fires, live music and the glow from inside spills out onto the snow-covered deck of Freestyle Lounge. Boots stomp, glasses clink and the stories of the days best runs are shared while the valley lights begin to twinkle below.

And at the heart of it all for us is Black Bear Lodge, offering the perfect Christmas retreat. Returning from the slopes to the comfort of the lodge feels especially magical this time of year. Snow dusted walkways, the quiet hush that only a valley in winter brings. Evenings invite you to slow down: cozy sweaters, warm drinks and the simple joy of being together after a day in the snow!

There is still time to make that last-minute reservation with us for the holidays!

From all of us here at Black Bear Lodge, Happy Holidays!