When Rae and Andy told me they wanted to ski tour for their engagement photos, I immediately thought of Wildcat Mountain Ski Area. With its breathtaking views of Mount Washington and the Presidential Range, I knew it would be the perfect backdrop for their adventure. There’s something magical about incorporating an activity you love into your engagement session—it makes the experience feel authentic, fun, and uniquely yours. If you’ve been thinking about skiing (or another epic adventure) for your engagement photos, keep reading to see how Rae and Andy made their Wildcat Mountain skiing engagement session unforgettable.

Wildcat Mountain Ski Area’s Uphill Policy

One of the best things about Wildcat Mountain is that it allows uphill traffic before and after lift hours—for free! Before 8:30 a.m. and after 4 p.m., you’ll find a dedicated community of skiers making their way up and down the mountain. The uphill route follows Polecat, the longest novice run in New England at 2.75 miles, making it a fantastic way to earn your turns while soaking in the scenery. While Wildcat considers this a green… everyone I’ve skied it with has said it’s more equivalent to a blue run at most other mountains!

For Rae and Andy’s session, we didn’t venture too far up Polecat since we wanted plenty of time for photos with the stunning mountain backdrop. But even with a shorter ascent, the views did not disappoint.

A Woodsy Adventure and a Celebratory Seltzer

Once we skinned up Polecat (skiing uphill with climbing skins on!), we ducked into the woods for some cozy, intimate shots among the trees. The snow was firm enough that we weren’t postholing with every step—until we suddenly were. A few thigh-deep snowdrifts later, we were laughing at the true adventure of winter engagement photos.

After our mini snow trek, Rae and Andy popped open a celebratory seltzer while we took in the views.. Then, it was time to transition back to ski mode and make our way down the mountain.

Ice Coast Skiing at Its Finest

New England skiing is nothing if not unpredictable, and we happened to pick the coldest day after an unusually warm March week—meaning the entire run was pure ice. If you ski in the Northeast, you’re probably all too familiar with the sound of edges scraping over hardpack. Especially if you find yourself at Wildcat Mountain skiing!

An icy descent and fragile camera gear aren’t the best combination, especially when you’re not the most confident skier (hi, it’s me). So, I made the executive decision to become the world’s first “uphill-only” skier—by which I mean I ran down the mountain carrying my skis so I could keep snapping photos of Rae and Andy shredding. The things we do for the shot!

Why You Should Do an Activity You Love for Your Engagement Photos

Your engagement session isn’t just about getting beautiful photos—it’s about capturing a moment in your lives that feels true to you. That’s why incorporating an activity you love can make your photos even more special. Whether it’s skiing, hiking, biking, or just sharing a drink in a scenic spot, choosing an adventure that reflects who you are as a couple makes the experience more meaningful (and way more fun).

For Rae and Andy, ski touring wasn’t just a cool backdrop—it was something they genuinely enjoy doing together. Their session was filled with laughter, movement, and real moments that felt like them. If you’re thinking about an adventure engagement session, don’t be afraid to choose something outside the box. I believe the best photos come from doing what you love!

So, what’s your dream engagement session? Let’s make it happen!