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Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing
at Jackson Ski Touring Foundation
153 Main Street, PO Box 216, Jackson NH 03846
Jackson
Ski Touring Foundation (603-383-9355 or 800-927-6697; www.jacksonxc.org),
on Rte. 16A in Jackson, NH, is a Mecca for Nordic skiers. It has more
than 154 km of cross country ski trails (87 km are groomed), suitable
for all ability levels. This is the quintessential xc skiing experience
with the covered bridge, white steepled church, brookside trails, and
the accompanying New England village with all of the trappings.
The Jackson Ski Touring Foundation is a non-profit organization chartered to provide and maintain xc ski trails in and about the village of Jackson. Country inns are spaced throughout the region. The base lodge is located on the village loop. Jackson Ski Touring Center has a new snack shack known as the Ellis River Cantina, which is only 3 km from the center on the gentle Ellis River Trail. On weekends, take the kids to the Cocoa Cabana and watch them ski around the Anklebiters Loop around a bonfire. Try the rustic narrow marked snowshoe trail from the center to reach the Cocoa Cabana.
For first timers, the Ellis River Trail may be the choice. It is 7.7 km of rolling terrain on the west bank of the Ellis River on a gentle trail back to Jackson. This is a popular trail, so expect to see other skiers, particularly as you approach the village.
Intermediate xc skiers can take the shuttle to the top of The Wave, which is 2 km of one-way fun downhill thrills to the Eagle Mountain Fields. The Wildcat Valley Trail is 17.8 km and is rated most difficult for xc downhill aficionados. This is one of the great experiences when covered in new snow and powder. Go to Wildcat Mountain and take the trail from the summit. This trail has tight steep spots, wooded glades and a 3,240-foot altitude differential back to Jackson Village.
Jackson
Ski Touring has a $17trail pass and Juniors (10-15) are $8 and over
65 pays $12. Late afternoon discount starts at 2 PM but you can get
a "Go Ahead" pass for $25 that includes the next full day
trail pass, too.
Recreational xc ski equipment is available to rent for $16 (half day at 2 Pm for $10). Performance equipment such as Atomic World Cup skate or classic ski package is $25 (half day is $14). Rental snowshoes are $12 (half day is $10). Group lessons are $16 and private lessons are $35. The Super Saver package for lesson, rental and trail pass is $39.
Inside the Jackson Ski Touring Center you'll find a complete retail store with equipment, clothing and accessories. Free midweek trail passes are available to guests, who stay in selected hotels, lodges, and inns in town. Daily 8:00 AM-5:00 PM.
A variety of local accommodations in the area click Eagle Mountain House, Christmas Farm Inn, Lodge at Jackson Village, or in North Conway the Spruce Moose Lodge
Directions from the south take I 93 to exit 23, Rte 114, Rte 104E, Rte 25E, Rte 16N; from Portland, Maine take Rte 22W, Rte 114, Rte 25, Rte 113N, Rte 302W, Rte 16N. CCSAA member