Concord: Cross Country Ski Capital of NH
Cross-country skiing around Concord New Hampshire is a great way to beat the winter blues, as the ski offerings in and around the State Capital abound! There are plenty of choices for outdoor fun in the snow and the price is right – it’s free! Groomed ski trails for both skate skiing and classic cross-country skiing are available, and on a sunny winter day there is no better way to enjoy the natural beauty that New Hampshire has to offer. So, if you are not familiar with the ski trails, here are a few suggestions.
White Farm (Concord) offers excellent groomed trails for both the competitive skate skier and the more laid-back ski tourist. Trails are mostly flat and excellent for beginners. There are also some nice trails in the woods along the Turkey River for those interested in exploring nature more deeply. You can access the White Farm trail system from Memorial Field on South Fruit Street or the State Surplus Supply buildings on Clinton Street just beyond the intersection of Langley Parkway.
Beaver Meadow Golf Course (Concord) also offers groomed trails on the “oldest municipal golf course in New Hampshire”. Again, there is plenty of free parking. You can stay on flat terrain but for the more adventurous there are some modest hills for a bit of a thrill.
St. Paul’s School (Concord) has an excellent trail system that is groomed regularly for their cross-country ski team. The ski experience here is truly “over the river and through the woods”. The scenic beauty is right out of a Currier and Ives portrait with meandering wooded trails, bubbling brooks and the unspoiled natural beauty of Turkey Pond.
If you don’t mind breaking trail and are looking for a truly bucolic skiing experience, venture out to
Canterbury Shaker Village (Canterbury). These are not groomed trails but chances are you will be able to find some ski tracks that you can follow that were put down by prior skiers. The views are spectacular, and there are some big hills to give some thrills going down and get your cardio workout going up.
Cross-country skiing around Concord New Hampshire is a great way to beat the winter blues, as the ski offerings in and around the State Capital abound!
