Jackson XC
Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing
(603) 383-9355 or (800) 927-6697
153 Main Street, PO Box 216, Jackson NH 03846
Jackson XC, on Rte. 16A in Jackson, NH, is a bucket list entry for Nordic skiers. It has more than 100 km of cross country ski trails suitable for all ability levels that included dedicated snowshoe trails. This is the quintessential Nordic or xc skiing experience with the covered bridge, white steepled church, brookside trails, and the accompanying New England village with all of the trappings. Many of the trails lead right to the door of local inns, shops, and restaurants.
The Jackson XC is a non-profit organization chartered to provide and maintain xc ski trails in and about the village of Jackson. Country inns are spaced throughout the region. The base lodge is located at the Wentworth Resort. Jackson XC has a warming hut open every day and serving hot cocoa on the weekend located 3 km from the center on the gentle Ellis River Trail. On weekends, take the kids to the Cocoa Cabin and watch them ski around the Anklebiters Loop. Try the rustic narrow marked snowshoe-only trail from the center to reach the Cocoa Cabin.
Grooming JacksonXC at sunrise
For first timers, the Ellis River Trail may be the choice. It is 3 km of rolling terrain on the west bank of the Ellis River on a gentle trail out and back to the Jackson XC center. This is a popular trail, so expect to see other skiers, particularly as you approach the village.
Intermediate xc skiers can do the The Wave, which is 2 km of one-way fun downhill that gathers speed behind the Eagle Mountain Fields.
Jackson XC has a $21 trail pass and Juniors (10-17) are $10 and over 65 is $17. Late afternoon discount starts at 1:30 PM but you can get a "Go Ahead" pass for $31 that includes the next full day trail pass, too.
Recreational xc ski equipment is available to rent for $20 (half day at 1:15 PM for $10). Performance equipment skate or classic ski package is $25 (half day is $17). Rental snowshoes are $15 (half day is $12).
Private lessons are $40 for one person and $25 for additional skiers. The Super Saver package for lesson, rental and trail pass is $65 (after 1:15 PM - $35). Super Saver Plus package is the same as above PLUS a afternoon lesson at 1:30 to improve technique and downhill control $60 for adult, $50 for junior (10-17), $57 for aged 65+ and $47 for child. The Get 3 and Go gives you 3 lessons, 3 rentals, 3 trail passes and after the third lesson the recipient receives a season pass for the remainder of the season for $199 (worth $385 at retail).
Inside the Jackson XC you'll find rentals and a service shop with plus a retail selection for clothing, and accessories with experts able to fit and mount skis, do repairs, and hot boxing. Discounted midweek trail passes are available to guests, who stay in selected hotels, lodges, and inns in town. Jackson XC is open daily 8:00 AM-4:00 PM.
Lodging in town and right on the trails at the Inn at Ellis River.