White Mountains

It’s hard not to wax poetic when you talk about the cross-country skiing at the Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center. It’s the combination of the striking White Mountains vistas, the knowledgeable staff, the superior equipment available and, of course, the quality of the trails. You can rent classic or skate skis in confidence, knowing new equipment is available every season. Groomed terrain is accessible right from the comfortable base lodge, with its lockers, showers, a wax room and a fireplace. No road crossings, just, well-marked terrain for all abilities. There’s a learn-to-ski package that includes a lesson, trail pass and equipment rental. Or, take semi-private ski lessons for ages 5 and above. The center’s Outfitters Shop is known for being one of the best Nordic ski shops around.

Snow comes early and often in the Androscoggin Valley, NH region, making it ideal for cross-country skiers and snowshoeing enthusiasts. Imagine skiing or snowshoeing over groomed trails, or striking off into fresh powder, noting tracks of deer, foxes and rabbits along the way. The Bretton Woods Nordic Ski Center offers classical and skate skiing, a warming cabin and ski and snowshoe rentals. Jackson XC features fun snowshoeing and cross-country trails. And you can glide or trek over 45 kilometers of trails through riverside hayfields and mountainside spruce trees at the Mt. Washington Valley Ski Touring & Snowshoe Foundation. After a day of playing in this winter wonderland, cozy up to cocoa by a roaring fire at a restaurant, then sleep soundly in one of many welcoming lodging accommodations.

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.