Great Glen To Bretton Woods: Not a Race, An Adventure!

FasterSkier · March 6, 2003

Banknorth Great Glen to Bretton Woods Nordic Adventure
presented by RSN
A Nordic Adventure Around the Northern Half of Mount Washington

Bretton Woods, NH (March 9): The final race of the Banknorth New England Marathon Series, theÂ Banknorth Great Glen to Bretton Woods Nordic Adventure, gets underway this Sunday, March 9th.Â Starting at the Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center, at the base of Mount Washington, beside the Auto Road, this 50 and 25km classical cross-country ski adventure begins at 8:30am for those skiers who wish to race the 50km distance, at 8:40am for those racing the 25km distance, and from 8:45-9am for skiers wishing to tour the course.

This event is billed as an Adventure, not a race, because anything can happen in the shadow of Mount Washington. The Adventure begins at the Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center. After skiing on the Great Glen system, a narrow woods trail brings participants into the White Mountain National Forest. The route joins up with the Dolly Copp ski trail system, continuing on to the Pinkham B Road (closed in winter). From Pinkham B, skiers travel the Presidential Range Rail Trail to the Jefferson Notch Road. The mightiest climb of the event occurs here, as skiers climb to the top of Jefferson Notch, an elevation of 3000 feet. A long descent brings skiers to the Base Road in Bretton Woods.

The final kilometers of the route take place on the Bretton Woods Nordic system. The grand Mount Washington Hotel comes into view as adventurers cross the finish line. An awards party with refreshments provides the final reward to those undertaking the second annual Banknorth Great Glen to Bretton Woods Nordic Adventure!

Skiers may choose the half (25 kilometers) or full (50 kilometers) length option, and participate in timed or non-timed categories. The 25 km option follows the first half of the course, beginning at Great Glen and finishing along the Rail Trail before Jefferson Notch. Shuttle busses will be available for transportation between the 25 km finish, Great Glen, and Bretton Woods. At least 80% of the route will be Piston-Bully groomedÂ The skiers are supported with transportation back to the finish, in this point-to-point event, as well as feed stations along the ski course. The 50km race winners are expected to complete the course in 2:15 to 2 ? hours. Registration, which was limited to 500 skiers, filled over month ago.Â

Skiers who have completed all three Banknorth Marathon races — the Banknorth Craftsbury Marathon, the Banknorth Rangeley Lakes Loppet, and the Banknorth Adventure Race – receive a commemorative medallion.Â For more information on the Great Glen to Bretton Woods Nordic Adventure, go to www.ggtobw.com.Â Complete results can also be found at www.NENSA.net.

– The New England Nordic Ski Association (NENSA) is a non-profit organization, and oversees the US Ski Association’s regional Olympic development programs for cross-country skiing in New England, as well as recreational, educational and competitive programs for NENSA members and their communities.

– Banknorth New England Marathon Series sponsors include: Atomic, Buderus Hydronic Systems, Rossignol, and Swix.

– Support ofÂ NENSA’s year round recreational, competitive and educational programs comes from Title Sponsor, Banknorth Group, parent company of People’s Heritage, Bank of New Hampshire and Banknorth-Vermont.

– For more information on cross-country skiing in New England, for a updated information on all things nordic inNew England, please visit www.NENSA.net