BEAR NOTCH NORDIC CENTER XC SKI

Snow day at Waterville Valley Nordic Center! Nor’easter be damned! We six intrepid adventurers met up at Waterville Valley! We switched the location from Bear Notch to Waterville Valley to minimize travelling in slick road conditions. It was snowing throughout the day with temperatures hovering around 10 degrees. It was windy at the start at the Town Square but once we skied into the woods, we were comfortable.  

The snow piled onto the trees during the day where we found ourselves skiing into a winter wonderland!  Very few people on the trails braving the elements. We had it all to ourselves. Who could ask for more! The trails were wide, beautiful, and well groomed.

Everyone was an intermediate skier that allowed us plenty of flexibility. We estimated we skied about 16 kilometers/10 miles. We skied Swan’s Way to access the North End, had lunch at Bob’s Lookout and then skied onto Moose Run/Wicked Easy. We then retraced our route to return back to the Nordic Center.  We then went up the Olympic podium at Town Square to retrieve our medals!

After the ski, everyone returned back to our house to warm up by the fireplace with Jim and Rob staying over for a hardy chicken parmesan dinner prepared by Jon! A fantastic time was had by all!  

Bear Notch Ski Touring Center in Bartlett, New Hampshire, is the best kept secret in the White Mountains! From the 200-year-old farmhouse base lodge, we’ll embark on an unforgettable winter adventure on more than 60 kilometers of meticulously groomed trails into the surrounding mountains. There is something for every skier, from beginner to expert. The trails vary from gentle wooded traverses to difficult mountain descents. Spectacular riverside views, pristine waterfalls and picturesque flat meadows await!  

Bear Notch Ski Touring Center is also exceptionally well situated in its “own snow belt.” The staff and owners work hard to provide the most welcoming beautiful groomed trails anywhere. We’ll spend the morning on the beginner trails along the scenic Saco River, have lunch in the warming cabin [soups, fresh homemade bread and hot drinks available for purchase] and then spend the afternoon exploring the intermediate trails.   

If you need to rent XC Ski equipment please arrive a half hour early so by the time we arrive at the main lodge for 10:30 AM, you are ready to GO! If this is your first time cross-country skiing, we highly recommend you sign up for a beginner class and we’ll then pick you up at the main lodge once you are finished.

Don't forget to wear warm layers [NO COTTON OR BLUE JEANS], gloves, warm hat, rain/wind shell, water, lunch, snacks, pack and anything else you would bring for a cross-country ski adventure. We will be having lunch on the trail. 

The trail fee is $20. Contact us if you have any questions. 

Click Here For More Information about the Bear Notch Ski Touring Center.

Après Hiking Dinner:  Everyone is welcome to join us back at our house in Waterville Valley if you provide us proof of vaccination to relax beside our fireplace with views of the Sandwich Mountain/Mad River [BYOB and bring snacks] followed by one of Jon's delicious dinners. We ask $10 per person to help pay for our food costs. Showers are available so bring a change of clothing to make your visit with us more comfortable. Please note that our house is a 90 minute drive from Jackson.

Lodging Option: Bunk beds are available at our house [with Wi Fi] near Waterville Valley, NH for Friday and/or Saturday night if you provide us proof of vaccination. Its $25 for Friday night and $35 for Saturday that includes dinner [$60 for the weekend]. Coffee/bagels each morning and linen/blankets/towels are provided. Space is limited so email ASAP to reserve a bunk! Please note that our house is a 90 minute drive from Jackson.