If you’re looking for a new adventure close to home, the Mount Washington Valley area of New Hampshire might be just the ticket. My wife and I recently spent a weekend with friends enjoying both Nordic skiing at the Jackson Ski Touring Foundation and alpine skiing at Wildcat Ski Resort. We were there in less than three hours from the Midcoast, making it as easy to reach as a lot of our favorites in Maine.

The January thaw was here with temps into the 40’s and concern that conditions would be less than ideal proved unfounded. The snow was firm and fast which provided for easy skiing and rapid descents. 

It had been a number of years since we had skied at a real touring center as we generally do back-country skiing to include Sadie the dog. 

However, there is something to be said about perfectly set tracks. The day was enjoyed thoroughly. The trail we chose was adjacent to the Ellis River for much of its 7.7 km length providing nice water views as we skied. We spent half a day skiing covering over 15 km and arrived back at the cozy lodge tired, hungry and happy. 

The Jackson Ski Touring Foundation is a community based nonprofit, which is chartered to maintain trails in and around the village of Jackson, N.H. They manage 150 km of trails that are considered by many to be the finest cross-country ski trails in the eastern U.S. 

The foundation operates under a Special-Use Permit with the White Mountain National Forest, the cooperation of 82 private landowners and the town of Jackson. 

In fact, Jackson is geared around cross-country and snowshoeing rather than as a sideline to alpine skiing. 

Trail passes for adults (age 18 and over): $21, 65-plus: $15, juniors (ages 10-17): $10 children (under 10): free.

Snowshoe ticket: $10 a day 

So pack up the family and enjoy the beauty of Jackson, N.H. It’s inexpensive, healthy family entertainment. See you out there.