JACKSON SKI TOURING FOUNDATION

Jackson, New Hampshire is among the most famous and oldest Nordic ski destinations in North America. At 145mi/230km north of Boston, it’s a classic, pristine New England village deeply committed to cross-country skiing since the inception of the Jackson Ski Touring Foundation (JSTF) in 1972.

In fact, this community-based non-profit is a winter business- and recreation-catalyst for hundreds of local residents, from ski instructors to restaurateurs, from innkeepers to “the plow guys”.

When JSTF was created, the founders hoped that loving use of the land would maintain the region’s beauty and character. It’s worked amazingly well.

This is New England skiing at its finest as trails wind through hardwood stands and meadows, along and over rivers, through covered bridges, with a white church steeple in the background.

The area is ideal for the whole gamut of Nordic enthusiasts, with gentle riverside routes as well as uphill grunts

(which convert to downhill thrills!). There’s wide-ranging terrain with state-of-the-art grooming, from golf courses to remote forested paths. Elevations are as low as 740 feet and as high as 2,500 feet, but the terrain is especially suited for folks with beginner to intermediate skills.

You’ll find up to 100 kilometres of groomed trails. Surfaces are so smooth that almost half of all trails need only a six-inch snowpack to open. Grooming is complemented by another 15 kilometres of backcountry adventure trails, along with 15km of dedicated snowshoe trails, while pets are welcome on 10km of trail.

The overall length of the network changes occasionally, since around 75 owners contribute their land during winter. The region sees over 30,000 visits each winter, with many return skiers who can’t resist the trails and the charm of the community.

Depending on your location, you can get wonderful views of the Presidential Range, including Mt. Washington, New Hampshire’s highest point.

Jackson offers a most unique and memorable winter experience with a short section that includes a tunnel and 295-foot covered bridge. Sail under a state highway on your way to miles of forested trails!

Enjoy a variety of JSTF events, including the Jackson Jaunt 10km Classic on Jan. 1, part of the NENSA/Zak Cup series. Stretch your legs with friends and family at the Freeman Frost White Mountain, a new 30km event taking place on Jan. 21. Another popular favourite is the Freestyle 25km Long Haul Loppet on March 11.

There are plenty of other winter activities to enjoy as well, including snowshoeing, alpine skiing, ice skating, sleigh rides and even power shopping in nearby North Conway.

Jackson has excellent and wide-ranging daily instruction anything from group beginner lessons that include downhill control, to tailored private and semi-private lessons, to guided tours based out of a top-notch rental, retail shop with apparel and accessories. Specialty clinics (one day and multi-day) are popular at the JacksonXC Ski School. Check your calendar in advance as their special programs often fill up quickly.

One of Jackson’s special delights is the variety of accommodations with 15 trailside inns and hotels ready to welcome you. Enjoy a restful sleep and hearty breakfast, then head out the door, put on your skis and take off! Similarly, you can stop for coffee or a meal along the trails. -JW

NEW HAMPSHIRE, U.S.A.

ACCOMMODATION

Many inns and hotels in Jackson Village and Mt. Washington Valley

AMENITIES

Rentals, apparel, accesories, comfortable touring center with fireplace, showers

DINING

Many eateries, pubs and inns in Jackson Village, 8 trailside options, Cocoa Cabin on Ellis River Trail

XC SKIING

• 100km trail

• Lessons

• Warming cabin

• Sit-ski access for disabled skiers (with advance notice)

• Training for disabled skier guides

• Waxing demos

• Equipment rentals

• Designated petfriendly trails

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES

• Purpose-built snowshoe trails

• Dog skijoring harness rentals (size limits apply)

ATTRACTIONS

• Jackson Jaunt 10km

• Freeman Frost White Mountain 30km

• Long Hall Loppet 20km

GETTING THERE

Nearest airports:

• Portland, Maine (PWM) 70mi/112km

• Manchester, NH (MHT) 113mi/181km

Jackson Ski Touring Foundation

153 Main Street Jackson, NH 03846

603-383-9355 info@jacksonxc.org www.jacksonxc.org

Trail Fees

Full day: Adult $24, Junior $10, Seniors $20, Under 10 Free Room Rates $$

CALIFORNIA, U.S.A.

Accommodation

Many great hotel and B&B options in nearby Truckee, local thirdparty rental options as well

Amenities

Snowmaking system, premier rental/demo fleet & cross-country ski retail headquarters, stunning views of the Sierras

DINING

Alder Creek Café offers breakfast and lunch, The Lodge Restaurant & Pub offers fine dining

XC SKIING

• November to April

• Over 100km of cross-country ski and snowshoe trails 79 trails in total

• 4 warming huts

• Base elevation at 6,650 feet

• Highest trail at 7,729 feet

• Professional instruction Guides

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES

Small ski/ride liftserved area, downhill skiing, snowplay and tubing options

ATTRACTIONS

Lake Tahoe the largest freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada and the largest alpine lake in North America, as well as Lake Tahoe Nevada State Parks

Getting There

Nearest airport:

• Reno-Tahoe Int’l Airport (RNO) 45 miles away

• 3.5 hours from San Francisco