New Hampshire cross country skiing areas welcome all comers

You just need to provide the desire, comfortable clothing, and perhaps a snack. New Hampshire cross country skiing venues will provide the snow. Lots of snow. Commercial cross country ski areas offer ski rentals and lessons. At these areas you’ll find groomed trails, many wide enough for skating. Many New Hampshire state parks are open in the winter. Expect to find ungroomed trails in the parks. Wherever you ski there will be forest and meadows, mountains and streams. There is no better way to enjoy winter outdoors.

Featured Listings

Mount Sunapee State Park

Off Route 103 Newbury, NH 03255 Phone: 603-763-5561

The 4,085-acre lake at the park is ideal for family and group outings and for fishing, boating, swimming, and picnicking. The beach has a store, a playground, and a bathhouse. Rentals of canoes and kayaks. A boat launch is available. Open weekends only starting in late May, then daily from late June through early September; then weekends only until late September 24. Call or check Web site for exact opening and closing dates. Admission fee.

Cottage Place on Squam Lake

1132 U.S. Route 3 Holderness, NH 03245 Phone: 603-968-7116 Toll-Free: 877-968-7116 Fax: 603-968-2345

It's the perfect place for a winter landing!!

The Cottage Place on Squam Lake is situated on the shores of pristine Little Squam Lake in Holderness, a perfect location for your vacation or just a few days of peace and nature. Our vacation rentals include seven cottages, one six-bedroom lodge, and eight cottage suites all of which offer year-round access to the lake and surrounding area. We are located within a half-hour of five ski areas, and have direct access to trails for all kinds of winter activities.
During the winter seasons, there's plenty to do in our corner of the Lakes region. You can step outside for some snowshoe hiking, cross-country skiing or a snowmobile ride. If the lake's frozen enough, you can try your hand at some ice fishing, or just enjoy a quiet stroll along the beachfront. Of course, you can also spend your time in the warmth of your room or our lodge if that's your preference.

King Pine Ski Area @ Purity Spring Resort

Route 153 East Madison, NH 03849 Phone: 603-367-8896 Toll-Free: 800-FREE-SKI

Celebrating its 50th season in 2011/12

Complimentary XC Skiing is available midweek at Purity Spring Resort's XC & Snowshoe Reserve for its in-house lodging guests. On weekends, XC skiing is just $9 for adults and $6 for kids. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere and affordability, Purity Spring and King Pine Ski Area have been a tradition for families throughout New England for decades.
Additional amenities at King Pine and Purity Spring Resort include alpine skiing, snowboarding, night skiing, snow tubing, zamboni-prepped ice skating, an indoor pool and fitness center… plus a warm, caring atmosphere that keeps families coming back year after year. To learn more about Purity Spring Resort, follow our link above or call (800) 373-3754.

Franconia Inn

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

An enchanting getaway for all seasons

The Franconia Inn has much to offer guests visiting this incredibly beautiful area. Whether you are seeking the enriching experience of hiking high on mountain peaks, to thrilling kayak adventures, skiing, scenic bike trails, or memorable trips to popular attractions such as Clark's Trading Post, The Cog Railroad and more…you and your family will return home with memories to cherish for a lifetime. Each season has unique possibilities - many from right out our front door. At the end of the day The Inn beckons with relaxed, gourmet dining, an outdoor hot tub, movies, or a nightcap in the Lounge. Whether your interests are antiquing in the area, scenic drives, active sports, family attractions or just sitting by the pool with a good book, we strive to help you make the most of your precious leisure time.

Great Glen Trails

Route 16 at Pinkham Notch Gorham, NH 03581 Phone: 603-466-3988 Fax: 603-466-5225

Outdoor Fun That's Just Right for The Entire Family

At the Great Glen Trails in Pinkham Notch, New Hampshire, we offer adventures in all shapes and sizes - Your adventure is up to you. During the spring and summer you can set out on a hike, run, or bike ride on any of our scenic trails through New Hampshire's White Mountains. Or join us for a guided bird watching tour or a paddling trip on the Androscoggin River. In winter, the cross country skiing and snowshoeing is absolutely glorious. Our trail system of easy and rolling terrain allows skiers of all abilities to find the right level of activity, challenge, and fun. The trails are groomed with both double tracks and a skating lane and run through the forests at the base of Mt. Washington. And the SnowCoach makes everything accessible to all, with or without skis. It's the natural vacation plan for you and your family.

King Pine Ski Area @ Purity Spring Resort

Route 153 East Madison, NH 03849 Phone: 603-367-8896 Toll-Free: 800-FREE-SKI

Celebrating its 50th season in 2011/12

Complimentary XC Skiing is available midweek at Purity Spring Resort's XC & Snowshoe Reserve for its in-house lodging guests. On weekends, XC skiing is just $9 for adults and $6 for kids. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere and affordability, Purity Spring and King Pine Ski Area have been a tradition for families throughout New England for decades.
Additional amenities at King Pine and Purity Spring Resort include alpine skiing, snowboarding, night skiing, snow tubing, zamboni-prepped ice skating, an indoor pool and fitness center… plus a warm, caring atmosphere that keeps families coming back year after year. To learn more about Purity Spring Resort, follow our link above or call (800) 373-3754.

Omni Mount Washington Resort

Route 302 Bretton Woods, NH 03575 Phone: 603-278-1000 Toll-Free: 800-843-6664

Stay here. Ski free.

It seems like winter was made for Mount Washington Resort. The largest ski area in New Hampshire, Bretton Woods boasts some of the best conditions and weather in the region. Over 101 trails and glades for Alpine skiing and a 100-kilometer trail network for Nordic skiing make for endless fun for beginners and experts alike. Enjoy a wide array of other activities including ice skating, dog sledding, snowshoeing, ice climbing and Canopy Tour, an exhilarating year-round adventure. Come to Mount Washington Resort this winter for great excitement and memories to treasure. And when you do, our “Stay Here, Ski Free” offer delivers the perfect winter getaway at a true New England value.
Visit our website or call 866.257.6946 for more information.
Informational Listings Courtesy of VisitNewEngland.com
Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee Great North Woods Merrimack Valley
Monadnock Seacoast White Mountains
Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee top of listings

Cardigan State Park

Off Route 118 Orange, NH Phone: 603-547-3373

This park sits on the western slope of Mount Cardigan, offering sweeping scenery. A scenic road leads to the picnic area. Trails offer visitors hiking in warmer weather, and cross-country skiing in the winter.

Pillsbury State Park

Route 31 Washington, NH Phone: 603-863-2860

This wooded park offers canoeing on May Pond, fishing areas in both the pond and nearby streams, hiking trails into nearby mountains, and a picnic area. Wintertime activities available include snowmobile trails and cross-country skiing. There is a public campsite available. Pets are allowed.
Great North Woods top of listings

Connecticut Lakes State Forest

Route 3 Pittsburg, NH Phone: 603-538-6965

Visitors will enjoy fishing, hunting, boating, paddling, and hiking. In the winter, there are cross-country ski trails available. This state forest includes the Deer Mountain Campground operated by the New Hampshire Division of Parks and REcreation. Deer Mountain Campground is just five minutes south of the Canadian border and 13 miles from Lake Francis. It is adjacent to the stretch of Route 3 north of Pittsburg, referred to as Moose Alley, which makes it a prime location for moose viewing. The 25-site primitive campground includes 22 sites available by reservation only, and three for first-come/first-served campers. Each site has a fireplace, picnic table, flat area for a tent, and a parking space. The campground is open for reservable stays from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend. First-come/first-served camping with limited facilities is available starting in mid-May, 2009, weather permitting. Information: www.nhdfl.org or www.nhstateparks.org/

Moose Brook State Park

Off U.S. Route 2 Gorham, NH Phone: 603-466-3860

Popular with fisherman because of its numerous ponds and streams, this park also offers hiking trails, mountain climbing in the Crescent Mountain range, mountain bike trails and lake swimming. Cross-country ski trails are open in the winter. There is a public campsite available.

Nansen Ski Club at Milan Hill State Park

427 Milan Hill Road Milan, NH

Established in 1872, this non-profit ski club is one of the first organized ski clubs in America. The Nansen Ski Club is dedicated to providing a healthy outdoor experience for children, youth, and adults, are always welcome. The trail network is open to skiing and snowshoeing. The trail system at Milan Hill is best described as a challenging ski with high quality, limited quantity (8.5 km). Animals are welcome but must be leashed and under control. All waste must be cleaned from the trails as required by State Park Rules. The park is open to all allowable uses. E-mail: info@skinansen.com

Nash Stream

Off Route 110 to Emerson Road to nash Stream Road Odell, NH Phone: 603-788-4157

More than just one stream, this is actually 40,000 acres of undeveloped land. It's available for public use for hiking, fishing, paddling, hunting, snowmobiling, ATV riding, and cross-country skiing. Camping is not permitted. Information: www.nhdfl.org.
Merrimack Valley top of listings

Bear Brook State Park

Off Route 28 Allenstown, NH 03275 Phone: 603-485-9874

This park is set on 9,600 acres, amid lakes, hills and forest. Visitors will find hiking trails, play areas, archery ranges, a nature center, and museums dedicated to camping, snowmobiling and the Civilian Conservation Corps. There are hunting areas, fishing in streams and ponds, mountain biking trails, nature programs, boating, a beach and canoeing. Wintertime offers cross-country ski trails, snowmobile trails, and dog-sledding. A public campsite is available.

Pawtuckaway State Park

128 Mountain Road Nottingham, NH 03290 Phone: 603-895-3031

This park features a beach, changing facilities, swimming, boating, canoeing, hiking trails, fishing, mountain biking, and a picnic area. In the winter, snowmobile and cross-country ski trails are open. A public campground is also available.
Monadnock top of listings

Fox State Forest

309 Center Road Hillsborough, NH Phone: 603-464-3453

This forest features over 20 miles of trails for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.

Greenfield State Park

Route 136 Greenfield, NH 03047 Phone: 603-547-3497

A 401 acre park on Otter Lake offering a beach, swimming, picnic areas, canoeing, fishing, and hiking trails. Wintertime activities include cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. A public campground is available.

Monadnock State Park

Route 124 Jaffrey, NH 03452 Phone: 603-532-8862

Home to Mount Monadnock, which rises over 3100 feet, this park is among the most popular in New England with hikers and mountain climbers. There are over 40 miles of trails and a spectacular view of New Hampshire, Vermont and Massachusetts at the mountain's summit. Visitors will also enjoy the winter-time cross-country ski trails, and a public camping area is available all year long. The park also has a store.

Wapack National Wildlife Refuge

Route 101 Peterborough, NH

This preserve offers ample opportunity for wildlife observation, particularly of migrating hawks. Hiking trails lead past forested land, a bog, a swamp and a rock cliff. These trails are available in the winter for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing as well. Camping and open fires are not permitted.

Windblown Cross Country

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

You'll find 40 km of exciting trails with fantastic views. Snowshoe trails have been expanded.

Woodbound Inn Cross Country

62 Woodbound Road Rindge, NH 03461 Phone: 603-532-8341 Fax: 603-532-8341, ext. 213

Enjoy twenty kilometers of beautiful ski trails, lighted skating pond and sledding hill. Breathtaking views of Mount Monadnock.
Seacoast top of listings

Odiorne Point State Park

Route 1A Rye, NH Phone: 603-436-7406

The site of the first European settlement in New Hampshire, founded in 1623. During World War II, it was home to Fort Dearborn, a U.S. Army Base. Today, the park offers a look back at the history and a view of the area's nature through panels set throughout the park. In addition, visitors will enjoy canoeing, walking trails, a bike path and picnic areas. In the winter, cross-country ski trails are available. The park is also home to the Seacoast Science Center, which holds events throughout the year.
White Mountains top of listings

Bear Notch Ski Touring Center

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

Amenities/Attractions: Cross country skiing and snowshoeing over 70 km of groomed trails and backcountry. Trails traverse pristine waterfalls, riverside views, picturesque open meadows and trailside picnic tables.

Bretton Woods Cross Country

Route 302 Bretton Woods, NH 03575 Phone: 603-278-3320 Fax: 603-278-3337

100 km of groomed classic and skate trails plus snowshoeing and even biathalon.

Eastman Cross Country Center

Grantham, NH 03753 Phone: 603-863-4500 Fax: 603-863-4714

Cross country skiing and snowshoeing on 36 km of groomed trails and 6 km backcountry.

Franconia Notch State Park

Route 93 Franconia, NH 03580 Phone: 603-823-8800

Perhaps the most interesting of New Hampshire's state parks, Franconia Notch offers some incredible natural experiences. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain climbing up Cannon Mountain and Mount Liberty, fishing, canoeing, boating, and picnicking. Winter activities offered include cross-country ski trails, alpine skiing and snowmobile trails. Trails include a portion of the Appalachian Trail, and lead to spectacular sites. Historic site of The Old Man of the Mountain, a natural phenomenon created by a series of granite ledges jutting from a cliff face 1,200 feet in the air, which collapsed in 2003. The Flume is a 800 foot gorge with high granite walls, which support a variety of mountain flora in the warmer months. The Basin is a glacial pothole over 20 feet wide, formed at the base of a waterfall by the onslaught of the rushing water. Sightseers will enjoy a ride on the park's Aerial Tramway to the top of Cannon Mountain, where the view is spectacular. A public campground is also available.

Jackson Ski Touring Foundation

153 Main Street Jackson, NH 03846

Cross country skiing and snowshoeing on the most extensive and oldest (since 1888) trail system in the Eastern U.S. 93 km groomed and 61 km backcountry trails. Magnificent vistas of the Presidential Range, wide-open fields, and the Ellis River.

Moose Brook State Park

Off U.S. Route 2 Gorham, NH Phone: 603-466-3860

Popular with fisherman because of its numerous ponds and streams, this park also offers hiking trails, mountain climbing in the Crescent Mountain range, mountain bike trails and lake swimming. Cross-country ski trails are open in the winter. There is a public campsite available.

Mt. Washington Valley Ski Touring & Snowshoe Center

Routes 16 & 302 Intervale, NH 03845 Phone: 603-356-9920

Cross country skiing and snowshoeing 65 km of groomed and 5 km backcountry trails. Trails connect the towns of Intervale, Kearsarge and North Conway offering views of the Saco River and Mt. Washington.

Nordic Center at Waterville Valley

Town Square Waterville Valley, NH 03215 Phone: 603-236-4666 Fax: 603-236-4174

Ski or snowshoe 73 km of trails in the heart of the White Mountain National Forest and over 35 km in the backcountry.