New Hampshire cross country skiing areas welcome all comers

New Hampshire > State > Winter Activities > Cross Country Skiing & Snowshoeing

New Hampshire has a large variety of places to do cross-country (Nordic) skiing. Some are connected to big downhill (Alpine) ski areas and many more operate as cross country touring centers that specialize in that form of skiing alone. Most places that welcome cross-country skiers also offer snowshoeing, along with snowshoe rentals and lessons. New Hampshire Parks & Recreations offers a bunch of helpful snowshoeing resources.

A few touring and Nordic centers allow skiers bringing their dog companions. At least one Nordic ski center can set you up with a skijoring harness to ski while being pulled by dogs. A good overall source of information on cross-country skiing in New Hampshire is Ski NH Cross Country Skiing.

Waterville Valley-credit-NH Division of Travel and Tourism Development

Great Glen Trails

Route 16 at Pinkham Notch Gorham, NH, 03581 Phone: 603-466-3988

When the snow starts, the fun begins on this center’s network of skiing, snowshoeing trails

At the Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center, skiing is believing: You can rest assured there is a cross-country skiing or snowshoeing trail perfect for you. The center boasts over 45 kilometers of trails, both groomed and back-country, for beginners and advanced lovers of the sports. An evening snowshoe tour is led by an Appalachian Mountain Club naturalist, and there’s also a guided snowshoe tour for ages 8 and up. World-class instructors in the ski school as well as top-flight rental equipment means you’ll be provided all the skills and gear you need. Get a day pass for the trails at the base lodge or ask about season passes. In the Base Lodge, there’s a wax room with five waxing stations for skiers.

Franconia Inn

1172 Easton Road Franconia, NH, 03580 Phone: 603-823-5542 Toll-Free: 800-473-5299

Cross-country skiing is superb, and scenic, at this classic country inn

A classic country inn set in a picturesque mountain valley, the Franconia Inn is a winter paradise for cross-country skiers. The inn maintains a network of trails totaling over 25 beautiful miles. The extensive X-C trail system begins right outside the inn’s doors and takes skiers on woodsy trails over brooks and across meadows with stunning riverside views. Most of the trails are single-track in width, which provides skiers with an intimate feeling with the forest. At the Franconia Village X-C Ski & Outdoor Recreation Center, you can rent skis, boots, poles and children’s equipment (as well as snowshoes, tubes and ice skates, when you’re in the mood for more winter adventures).

Mt. Washington Valley Ski Touring & Snowshoe Center

279 Route 16-302 Intervale, NH, 03845 Phone: 603-356-9920

45km of riverside, wooded and village trails for cross country skiing and snowshoeing

Trails travel though hayfields, spruce and hemlock forests, and hills, More than half of the network is rated easy. Trail are groomed for classic and skate styles of Nordic skiing and for snowshoeing. These trails connect Intervale, Kearsarge, and North Conway Village. Skiers and snowshoers can enjoy views of the Saco River and Mount Washington.
The facility now offers opportunities for fat biking, or fat tire biking, so named because of the wider tires, which allow travel across snow. Fat tire bikes are allowed to use ungroomed trails and the bike trail in Whitaker Woods anytime. Two nearby bike shops, both a short ride from the trails, offer rentals for $30 a day. The Northern part of the trail network includes easy trails from the Touring Center toward the inns along Route 16A in Intervale or along the Saco River toward North Conway. The Central section includes easy trails from Inns near the Scenic Vista. Travel into North Conway through Whitaker Woods or head north along the Saco River. The Village section of the network includes the trails through Whitaker Woods in North Conway. People may ski with their dogs only in Whitaker Woods. Day memberships are $7 to $15, depending on skier age and time of week.

Town of Bethlehem

White Mountains town an ideal location for alpine, Nordic skiing enthusiasts

Tucked into the White Mountains, it’s not surprising that Bethlehem, N.H., offers some of the best skiing in New England. In fact, you could say that Bethlehem is smack dab in the middle of many ski mountains. Cannon Mountain and Bretton Woods are less than 15 minutes away, and Attitash, Loon Mountain, Waterville Valley and Wildcat Mountain can be reached in under an hour. But the area is also a dream landscape for Nordic skiers, with many community trails converting to cross-country trails in the winter. There are several trail loops in Bretzfelder Park, The Rocks Estate and the Franconia Inn – and the Ammonoosuc Rail Trail along the Ammonoosuc River is a winter wonderland for skiers. Don’t forget to head into town for coffee or cocoa, or a beer at the local brewery.

White Mountain Nordic

Six Cross-Country Skiing Centers in the White Mountains , NH Phone:

Great cross-country skiing, for beginners to experts, offered at six Nordic centers

Six White Mountain Nordic Centers in New Hampshire offer more than 400 kilometers of exciting cross-country ski trails, winding through the 750,000-acre White Mountain National Forest and through classic New England cross-country villages. Over 280 kilometers of groomed trails are tracked for classical skiing; over 270 kilometers are groomed for skate skiing. Trails include gentle terrain perfect for beginners, and there’s unlimited back-country skiing. A friendly, knowledgeable staff is on hand to advise you on the best trails and equipment, based on your experience, and lessons and cross-country ski equipment rentals and lessons are available for everyone from novices to experienced skiers. Learn-to-ski packages are also offered. Lodging and dining options dot the trails.

Monadnock State Park

116 Poole Road Jaffrey, NH, 03452 Phone: 603-532-8862

Hiking on Mount Monadnock; camping; cross country skiing; open year-round

Monadnock State Park is thousands of acres of protected lands around 3,165-foot-tall Mount Monadnock. The park and mountain are famous for their extensive hiking opportunities. Cross-country skiing is done in winter. Note that pets are not allowed in the park.
Cross country ski trails map.
See full listing for Mount Mondanock State Park.

Windblown Cross Country

1180 Turnpike Road (Rte. 124/123) New Ipswich, NH, 03071 Phone: 603-878-2869

Variety of trails with big mountain views for Nordic skiing and snowshoeing; base lodge; overnight hut; rentals and lessons

This Nordic skiing and snowshoeing center is the high mountains entering the Monadnock Region. Forty kilometers of trails that accommodate all ability levels. Continuous grooming; rentals of ski and snowshoeing equipment, lessons on weekends. A base lodge offers restrooms, wood-heated lounge, healthy food or bring-your-own-lunch. The lodge and trails are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. when the snow conditions permit.

A Warming Hut cabin is open to all skiers during the day and may be rented overnight by up to 15 people. Overnight users ski or snowshoe in a half a mile, packing in their food and sleeping gear. Trails fees are $10 to $15 depending on age of skier and days of the week. Snowshoeing is $10 a day. Center accepts cash or checks; no credit cards or debit cards. An ATM is provided in the Ski Shop.

Purity Spring XC & Snowshoe Reserve

Eaton Road / Route 153 Madison, NH Phone: 603-367-8896

22 km of trails for all abilities for XC skiing and snowshoeing; Purity Spring Resort provides all comfort needs

The Purity Spring XC and Snowshoe Reserve features a scenic trail network that wind through forests surrounding Purity Lake and twist through tall pines in the adjacent New Hampshire Audubon Sanctuary. 15 km’s of our trail network are tracked and skate groomed allowing classic and skate skiing options. Nordic ski and snowshoe rentals are available at the King Pine Rental Shop and lessons are available. The Nordic trails interconnect with Purity Spring Resort lodging, ice skating, fireworks, sleigh rides, and seasonal events and dining at Traditions Restaurant and Pub.

Pine Hill XC Ski Club

Park at: 220 Mountain Road, 0.5 mile east from junction with Shaker Road New London, NH Phone: 603-381-8685

Private club welcomes day skiers; 15 miles of trails for classic skiing; rentals from nearby but offsite ski shop; lessons

Pine Hill Ski Club was created to maintain cross country ski trails in New London, Sutton, and Wilmot. Skiing is on 15 miles of trails groomed for classic track Nordic skiing. Most ski trails are in rolling terrain that most beginners and intermediate skiers can do. Two trails for advanced skiers. Dogs are welcome.

Non-members of the club may use the trails for a daily trail fee donation of $12. Robb's Hut will be open on Saturdays or Sundays, 11 a.m. to 2 pm., as a destination to rest and eat.

Gunstock Cross Country & Snowshoe Center - Gilford, NH

Gunstock Cross Country and Snowshoe Center

Route 11A Gilford, NH, 03429 Phone: 603-293-4341

The Nordic Center at Gunstock has extensive trails for skate skiing and classic track skiing as well as single-track snowshoe trail in the woods. Lots of lessons and program for beginner skiers. Mountain Magic program for beginner skiers includes a group lesson, trail pass, and rental equipment. Trails for skijoring -- hands-free skiing harnessed to your dog -- and skijoring lessons are available. Various tours include Snowshoe Tours at Gunstock Snowshoe Park, Saturday Night Ridge Tour for snowshoeing, Nature Tour walk in the woods, Adventure Tours, and custom tours. The Nordic Center is full stocked with new cross-country skiing equipment for sale or rent. Trail passes by season and by the day allow access to cross country and snowshoe trails.

Nordic Center at Waterville Valley

Town Square Waterville Valley, NH, 03215 Phone: 603-236-4666

70 km of trails for all abilities for XC skiing and snowshoeing; village provides all comfort needs

The White Mountain National Forest is the setting from 70 kilometers of trails groomed daily for classic track and ski skate styles. Trails for all skill levels depart from Nordic Center in Town Square.

The Nordic Center offer a large variety of rental and retail gear for cross country skiing and showshoeing, child trailer sleds known as pulks, repairs, waxing, and tuning. Open daily, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. The Village offers lots of places to eat, shop, and enjoy ice skating, fireworks, sleigh rides, and seasonal events.

Granite Gorge Cross Country

341 Route 9 Keene-Roxbury, NH, 03431 Phone: 603-358-5000

Nordic area next to downhill ski mountain; weekend night skiing; snowshoeing

This cross-country ski area is adjacent to a downhill (Alpine ski mountain) situated in a cold hollow, Fourteen kilometers of groomed trails allow for classic and skate skiing. A one kilometer lighted loop is covered with manmade snow open for skiing on weekend nights. Snowshoeing is offered on wooded trails.

Low fees for full- and half-day skiing are $7 to $10, depending on age. Snowshoe trail fees including equipment are $8, and free for young children, Lessons and equipment rentals are available. Hours: Wednesday-Thursday, noon to 4:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m..

Bear Notch Ski Touring Center

Route 302 Bartlett, NH, 03812 Phone: 603-374-2277

65 km of trails for Nordic (XC) skiing and snowshoeing with views of the White Mountains

An old farmhouse is the base for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Sixty-five kilometers of groomed trails in the White Mountains at a location between Bretton Woods and North Conway. Ski or snowshoe among beautiful views, past waterfalls, across meadows and over tough hills. Lessons for all abilities. Lots of equipment for rent or sale, and demonstrations. Day passes are $17 for adults, $12 for seniors over age 60, and free for youth with an adult.

Dartmouth Cross Country Ski Center

Dartmouth Outing Club House, Oscom Pond and Oak Hill Hanover, NH, 03755 Phone: 603-643-6534

Outdoor sports center adjacent to pond offers 26 km of groomed trails for XC skiing and snowshoeing; ice skating; rentals & lessons

This Nordic ski center offers 26 kilometers of groomed cross country ski trails on Oak Hill and Garipay Field. The center has two facilities: at the Dartmouth Outing Club House off Hilton Field Road on Occom Pond (where visitors can rent equipment rentals for skiing and skating), and at Oak Hill (to get to Oak Hill, travel north on Route 10 past Hanover Country Club, turn right at the Co-op gas station, then take a sharp left after the road turns to dirt).
Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at DOC House and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Oak Hill); weekend, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at both locations. Hours may depend on snow conditions so call ahead. For information on telemark, winter mountaineering, and other winter sports, call 603-646-2428.

Bretton Woods Nordic Center at the Mount Washington Resort

Route 302 Bretton Woods, NH, 03575 Phone: 603-278-3322

100 km of trails adjacent to Mount Washington Resort for XC skiing and snowshoeing; ice skating; rentals; lessons

On the grounds of the historic Mount Washington Hotel and the White Mountain National Forest, the Bretton Woods Nordic Center is on the grounds of the Mount Washington Hotel and is among the biggest cross country areas in the East, with a 100-kilometer trail network. Ice skating is available.

Trails cross terrain that includes fields, hard wood forests, past ponds and streams. Groomed for classical track Nordic skiing and skate skiing or snowshoeing. Some trails are part of the Mount Stickney system. Warming cabins may be found on some trails. Nordic racing program.

Trails passes for a day are $7 to $14; chairlift ride to Mountain Road Trail is $10; on Wednesdays except holidays, two may ski for the price of one. Also available are Learn to Cross Country Ski packages, including passes, rentals and lessons.

Eastman Cross Country Center

6 Club House Lane Grantham, NH, 03753 Phone: 603-863-4500

Community sports group welcomes guests on 12 trails for XC skiing and snowshoeing; ice skating offered

The community recreational organization welcomes non-members for Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating on days passes. 12 trails, from easy to difficult. Lessons and ski clinics are conducted by professional instructors. Lessons on weekend. Equipment rentals are available, and the Ski Shop has wax and other items to meet the needs of skiers. Ice skating is free. Adults, $16; youth, $10.

Nansen Ski Club at Milan Hill State Park

427 Milan Hill Road Milan, NH, 03588 Phone:

12 km of challenging trails for Nordic skiing and snowshoeing at outdoor sports club

This network of about 12 kilometers of challenging groomed trails is operated by a club as a non-profit. This is hilly skiing. Grooming is done by volunteers, but there is no sweep of trails at the end of each day. Prepare for wind chill at the top of the hill

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