These six Nordic centers located in New Hampshire’s white mountains offer a variety of terrain , cross country ski school opportunities and expertise in ski fitting suited to all ages and abilities.

Many first time skiers believe that if you can walk, you can cross country ski. Well that is only slightly true. You can obtain rental equipment and head out on the trails and manage to shuffle across the snow. It is no wonder that few choose to subject themselves to this ‘fun’ for very long.

Whether you are planning to cross country ski for the first time ever, the first time this season or are interested in fine tuning your basic skills, you’ll find experienced instructors anxious to teach you the FUNdamentals you will need to enjoy your days on the trails for years to come.

Each of these cross country ski centers offers affordable Learn-to-Ski Packages which include properly fitted equipment rentals, a trail pass for the day and a lesson covering the basics … balance, diagonal stride, turning, stopping, uphill climbing, and downhill control. Lessons are available for adults and children and generally last for an hour or hour and a half. Novice skiers have an opportunity to freshen up on their basic skills while trying out the latest in equipment. You will also find instructors ready to teach new techniques such as skate skiing, telemark or backcountry skiing to those who have mastered the basics. These Nordic centers also offer retail shops where you’ll find great values on expertly fitted equipment as well as clothing and accessories to keep you comfortable all day on the trails.

To schedule your lesson, contact these Nordic centers directly:

Bear Notch Ski Touring Center - 603-374-2277
Bretton Woods Nordic Center - 603-278-3320
Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center - 603-466-2333
Jackson Ski Touring Foundation - 603-383-9355
King Pine Ski Area - 603-367-8896
Mt. Washington Valley Ski Touring & Snowshoe Foundation - 603-356-9920

Avoid cabin fever by getting out and enjoying winter. Tour ski trails that wind through the White Mountain National Forest offering sunny open vistas and woodland terrain. Travel along trails spotted with inns and stop for lunch or a hot chocolate by a crackling fire. Enjoy picture-perfect views of Mt. Washington and the Presidential Ridge or ski over the river and through the woods . Use these basic skills to enjoy guided full moon tours, stargazing tours led by an amateur astronomer and animal tracking tours guided by a naturalist.

With the right equipment and correct fundamentals, you can enjoy a day on cross country skis like you’ve been dreaming about. Once you’ve successfully maneuvered your first hill, explored areas you’ve never been before and experienced the quiet of the woods and the pure delight of snowflakes falling on your nose, you’ll be looking forward to your next day on the trails.