cross country skiing and snowshoeing in Central and Southern New Hampshire

Here is a listing of excellent groomed locations to ski and snowshoe in central and southern New Hampshire.

The Nordic Center at Waterville Valley (603-236-4666, www.waterville.com) has 76 km of trails, which are wide and well-groomed and tracked for skating and classic skiing through the White Mountain National Forest. Situated in an enchanted tucked away valley. This cross-country center and the trail system is considered one of the best that partners with an alpine ski resort in North America by Nordic aficionados. It is a featured aspect of the Waterville resort area. Click here for a full page of info about Waterville Valley.

Rentals and lessons are available at Waterville Valley, as are guided cross-country and snowshoe tours for all levels and ages. The upper trail network stays open late in the springtime. Cross-country trail fees are included as part of the Winter Unlimited lodging package. Snow Mountain peak offers beautiful views and sunsets. Walk around in the village from inns and condos to shops, restaurants, indoor ice skating, sleigh rides and a sports center that houses a fitness spa, indoor tennis and a swimming pool. CCSAA member

Gunstock Mountain Resort Cross Country and Snowshoe Center is in Gilford, NH. The 50 km of groomed trails includes 38 km of skate skiing. Lessons and xc ski, snowshoe, and fat bike equipment rentals are available. Snowshoe summit hikes are offered under the stars on Saturday evenings at 6:30 PM. Rustic lodge with wood stove. Cabins for camping out on trails that accommodate up to a family of five. Gunstock features a money-back guarantee and the alpine ski area that is associated with it includes a tubing operation. CCSAA member

Dartmouth Cross-Country Ski Center, located at Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH maintains 25 km of groomed trails for classic and skate skiing in 3 areas at Oak Hill/Storrs Pond, Garipay Field and the Dartmouth Golf Course. Trail tickets to these trails can be purchased in the DOC House near Occum Pond, which is on Rope Ferry Road or at the Oak Hill Ticket Booth and Warming Hut, which is located in the Oak Hill parking lot.

Eastman Cross Country Center in Grantham, NH is convenient to Route 89 (Exit 13). Situated on a golf course, Eastman has 36 km of groomed trails with 16 km of skate skiing and it is a Rossignol XC demo center. There are lessons and xc ski and snowshoe equipment rentals available. Destinations include the Troll House and John's Glen Hut. Great events planned all winter. CCSAA member

Nordic Skier Wolfeboro XC is a XC ski trail network on the eastern shore of Lake Winnipesaukee in Wolfeboro, NH. There are 30 km of groomed trails for classic and skate skiing and 35 km of snowshoe trails. Skiers that are under 12 years old or older than 74 years old can ski for free on the trails. CCSAA member