Jackson, New Hampshire is in the heart of a prime region for winter recreation, especially cross country skiing. Whether you are a beginner looking for green runs or a seasoned veteran looking for black, Jackson has many to choose from. Trails vary in length and terrain. Some trails are free while some may charge a trail fee. Lessons, clinics, races and rentals are all a part of the extensive Jackson Ski Touring program.
Fee Trails
The Ellis River Trail is 4.7 miles long featuring a warming cabin less than a mile from the Green Hill Road trailhead. This route, although longer than many, features easy terrain that rolls along for a longer workout. You will find ways to make it longer via loops that go off the trail. Dependent on snow conditions, you might need to veer off on High Water to connect to Route 16.
The Eagle Mountain Fields trail, in the upper village area of Jackson, is an easy two-mile route offering endless views of Carter Notch. Terrain varies from rolling to flat through the Wildcat River Valley.
Doublehead Ski Trail is one of the most difficult ski trails despite its short length. Within one mile there is 1,575 feet of elevation change. The trail is a mountaineering trail that heads up Doublehead Mountain.
The trails at Great Glen offer backcountry experiences along with trails for both beginner and advanced classic and skate skiers. The Aquaduct Loop is a backcountry trail that rolls with plenty of opportunities to lengthen or shorten your ski experience. Dugway Trace is a shorter loop but the most difficult trail you can find at Great Glen. It is sure to get your heart rate up and your legs screaming.
Free Trails
The Bog Brook Trail is a free blue-rated wilderness trail for experienced skiers. It runs from Carter Notch Road and Perkins Notch and hits the Wild River trail with around 700 feet in elevation change.
Polecat Trail is a blue-rated alpine ski trail that is a little over three miles long. Skiers love this trail as it connects the base to the summit. This trail climbs around 2,000 feet.
Rentals and Lessons
Both classic and skate ski rentals are available for adults and children for half day, full day or multiple days at the Jackson Ski Touring Center. Poles and boots are included in the rental price. Both touring skis and performance skis are available.
The Jackson X-C Ski School has packaged, group and private lessons for classic and skate skiers of all abilities. Group lessons are for skiers 10 and older. The school can also customize lessons for groups and families. Packages include rental, trail pass and lesson and are available individually or in packages of four at a discounted rate.
Groups and Programs
The Easy Sliders are a group of beginners that meet for instruction and practice once a week.
The Friday Gliders are a social classic ski group that ski for two hours on Fridays and then meet for refreshments afterward.
The Junior Development Program focuses on bringing youth into the sport of cross country skiing in both classic and skate form.
Programs throughout the season are offered in areas such as technique and waxing. One of the most popular programs is the Enjoying the Downhills Clinic, which focuses on taking advantage of downhills instead of being timid of them.
Races
Since the 1930s, Jackson has been a hotbed for cross country ski racing, holding the U.S. Ski Team Tryouts in 1986, the NCAA Championships in 1985, 1995 and 2007, and the World Nordic Championships for the Disabled in 1990.
Throughout the Nordic season, you can find high school and collegiate races along with citizens and masters racing. Ski-a-thons for various causes, races and ski programs for individuals with disabilities and the annual White Mountain Classic 30k are all standards on the calendar.
Member Comments