Cross-country skiing in North Conway offers a world-class experience with six unique ski areas within a 30-minute drive. This comprehensive guide covers the best cross-country ski areas, trail details, lessons, and rental options in the North Conway region.
What are the Best Cross-Country Ski Areas Near North Conway?
- Great Glen Trails Nordic Center:
- Location: Pinkham Notch, Gorham, NH 03581
- Features: 45 km of groomed trails, snowshoeing, and an ol’ fashioned snowtubing park
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Unique Attribute: Offers a 9-passenger Mt. Washington Snowcoach and a top-notch beginner Nordic ski school with world-class instructors.
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Purity Spring XC & Snowshoe Reserve:
- Location: 1251 Eaton Road, East Madison, NH 03849
- Features: 20 km of tracked and skate-groomed trails through forests and tall pines
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Unique Attribute: Trails wind through the Hoyt/Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary.
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Mt. Washington Valley Ski Touring & Snowshoe Center:
- Location: 279 Rt. 16/302, Intervale, NH 03845
- Features: 45 km network of groomed trails connecting North Conway Village and Intervale
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Unique Attribute: Offers scenic views of the Saco River and surrounding woods.
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White Mountain Nordic Group:
- Location: Multiple locations within 30 minutes of North Conway
- Features: Over 400 km of trails across six Nordic Centers
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Unique Attribute: Offers a Gold Season Pass for access to all six areas for $399.
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Bear Notch Ski Touring Center:
- Location: 1573 US-302, Bartlett, NH 03812
- Features: 65 km of groomed skate and classic trails
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Unique Attribute: Accessible from the woods behind Attitash Mountain Village Resort.
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Bretton Woods Nordic Center:
- Location: Route 302, Bretton Woods, NH 03575
- Features: Over 100 km of maintained trails
- Unique Attribute: One of the largest cross-country ski areas on the East Coast.
How Many Kilometers of Cross-Country Ski Trails are Available in the North Conway Area?
The North Conway area offers over 400 km of trails for cross-country skiing. These trails cater to all ability levels, from gentle terrain for beginners to more challenging routes for experienced skiers. The trails are groomed for both classical and skate skiing, and some areas also offer backcountry skiing and other winter activities like fatbiking and skijoring.
What Cross-Country Skiing Lessons are Available in North Conway?
Cross-country skiing lessons are available at various ski centers in the North Conway area, including:
- Private Lessons: Available at ski centers like Great Glen Trails and Bretton Woods Nordic Center.
- Group Lessons: Offered at ski centers like Mt. Washington Valley Ski Touring & Snowshoe Center and Jackson Ski Touring.
- Lesson Duration: Typically range from 1-2 hours, depending on the ski center and the type of lesson.
- Skill Levels: Lessons cater to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced skiers.
- Lesson Costs: Generally range from $20 to $50 per person for a group lesson, and $50 to $100 per person for a private lesson.
What Cross-Country Skiing Equipment Rental Options are Available in North Conway?
Cross-country skiing equipment rentals are available at various ski centers in the North Conway area, including:
- Types of Equipment: Cross-country skis, snowshoes, and fatbikes are available for rent.
- Rental Rates: Rental rates generally range from $10 to $30 per day for cross-country skis and $20 to $40 per day for snowshoes.
- Packages and Deals: Some ski centers offer package deals that include equipment rentals, lessons, and trail access, such as the “Learn to Ski” package at Great Glen Trails.
Reference:
- https://northconwaynh.com/cross-country-skiing/
- https://attitashmtvillage.com/things-to-do-winter/nordic/
- https://easternslopeinn.com/things-to-do-winter/nordic/
- https://wmnordic.com
- https://stonehurstmanor.com/in-the-area/ski-areas.html