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 New Hampshire.

Cross Country Skiing at Waterville Valley - Photo 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.

Cross Country Skiing - Androscoggin Valley Chamber - Berlin, NH

Androscoggin Valley Chamber of Commerce

961 Main Street Berlin, NH, 03570 Phone: 603-228-0836

Time to get out your skis and snowshoes? Then it’s time to visit this vibrant valley

If winter is a time for you to celebrate and get out your cross-country skis or snowshoes, then you need to head to the Androscoggin Valley, where folks share that feeling. Head out onto miles of perfectly groomed trails, or strike off the beaten path into fresh powder for an exhilarating backcountry experience. Immerse yourself in nature (look for tracks of deer, foxes, rabbits and other creatures) and in fresh air. You have plenty of places to choose from, offering a variety of terrains for every age and skill level. Check out the amazing views (and welcoming warming hut) at Milan Hill State Park, meandering paths through fields and forest at Bretton Woods Nordic Ski Center and groomed trails and well-marked backcountry trails at Great Glen Trails.

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.

America's Stonehenge

105 Haverhill Road Salem, NH, 03079 Phone: 603-893-8300

No mystery here: The snowshoeing is great for all ages at America’s Stonehenge

There may be a mystery about who built America’s Stonehenge, an outdoor history museum of stone structures and astronomical alignments. But there’s no doubt about the fact that the daytime snowshoeing at the site is a great time for people of all ages and abilities. Trails wind through 105 acres of peaceful woodlands wildlife habitats. Bring your own snowshoes or rent them (first come, first served). Sleds are recommended for really young visitors unable to wear snowshoes. Candlelight snowshoeing, in January and February, is a romantic (and mysterious!) experience. Planning to visit Stonehenge’s maze of manmade chambers, walls and ceremonial meeting places while you’re there? Check out the 11-minute video on the website and download the app for a self-guided audio tour.

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Visit White Mountain Nordic - A collection of six cross-country skiing centers in New Hampshire's White Mountains - Over 400km of nordic skiing!

Franconia Inn

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

Step out the door and onto this inn’s network of trails for skiing, snowshoeing

You don’t need to go far to enjoy cross-country skiing when you stay at the cozy Franconia Inn. The Franconia Village XC trails are practically at your doorstep, offering 65 km of breathtaking scenic vistas from groomed and ungroomed terrain. The trails, for beginners to experts, weave between trees, through fields, and over rivers. Many have mountain views; one takes you right into town. Or, you can snowshoe using an extensive network of trails including a serene trek through the forest. All equipment is available for rental in their ski shop. Come back to the inn to relax in the hot tub, sit by the fire, or dine on award-winning cuisine in the inn’s restaurant or pub. Ask about Sunday Fundays, with late Sunday checkouts to get you more time on the trails.

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.

Nansen Ski Club at Milan Hill State Park

427 Milan Hill Road Milan, NH, 03588 Phone: 603-787-3097

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

Windblown Cross Country

1180 Turnpike Road - NH Routes 123 &124 New Ipswich, NH, 03071 Phone: 603-878-2869

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 9am to 5pm when 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.

Nordic Center at Waterville Valley

33 Village Road Waterville Valley, NH, 03215 Phone: 603-236-4666

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 snowshoeing, child trailer sleds known as pulks, repairs, waxing, and tuning. The Village offers lots of places to eat, shop, and enjoy ice skating, fireworks, sleigh rides, and seasonal events.

Pine Hill Ski Club

220 Mountain Road New London, NH, 03257 Phone: 603-381-8685

Pine Hill Ski Club was created to maintain cross country ski trails in New London, Sutton, and Wilmot. Skiing is on almost 20 kilometers 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.

Monadnock State Park

169 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. - XC Ski Trail Map (PDF)

Eastman Cross Country Center

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

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.

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.

Bear Notch Ski Touring Center

1573 US Route 302 Bartlett, NH, 03812 Phone: 603-374-2277

An old farmhouse is the base for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. 65 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.

Purity Spring Cross Country Skiing & Snowshoeing - Madison, NH

Purity Spring XC & Snowshoe Reserve

1251 Eaton Road - NH Route 153 Madison, NH, 03849 Phone: 603-367-8896

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. 20km of trails 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's lodging, ice skating, fireworks, sleigh rides, and seasonal events and dining at Traditions Restaurant and Pub.

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