The snow keeps falling but the March temperatures are warming in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. It’s the perfect time for a late winter weekend getaway to cross country ski or snowshoe through the fields and forests and enjoy the mountain scenery. The Jackson Ski Touring Foundation, just steps from the Inn at Ellis River, has the largest trail system in the East. It’s over 150 km of trails span 60 square miles and three river valleys. Trails vary from easy to challenging and offer views of the Presidential Range of the White Mountains, including Mount Washington. Jackson Ski Touring trails connect with Appalachian Mountain Club trails to the north in Pinkham Notch and with the White Mountain National Forest backcountry trails.
The Ellis River Trail is a favorite among our guests. The Trail begins across the Ellis River from the Inn. The 7.7 km trail offers a gentle ski north through the rolling terrain and forests along the West Bank of the river. A heated cabin is found 1.5 km from the beginning of the trail, where you can pause to warm up, and on Saturdays and Sundays, take a break to enjoy waffles and hot chocolate. There are several one-way loops along the trail for variety, such as the easy 1.0 km Riverbank Loop that follows river’s edge and rejoins the Ellis River Trail just south of the warming cabin.
So make plans for a skiing or snowshoeing vacation in New Hampshire this month. The Inn at Ellis River offers midweek and weekend xc ski packages, plus a guided snowshoe nature trails package. The trail conditions are great in Jackson ~ as of March 11, there is a 26-40 inch base, with 3 inches of fresh snow last night, and more predicted for tomorrow!
If this is your first cross country skiing adventure, Jackson offers a Super Saver Package that includes assistance with fitting your rental equipment, one hour of instruction at their Learning Center, and suggestions for the trails you will enjoy the most.
Jackson Ski Touring Foundation’s quote of the week: “We make fun of winter.”