For the first time in nearly four decades, Jackson Ski Touring Foundation has a new leader. Breanne Torrey, who has been with the organization for six years and has held the positions of Head of Ski Patrol and Director of Operations, has been named the Foundation’s new Executive Director. She is the first woman in this role and follows former Executive Director Thom Perkins, who retired in the spring of 2014 after 38 years with the organization.
“The future of the Jackson Ski Touring Foundation is in very capable hands. We are extremely fortunate to have Breanne Torrey as our new Executive Director,” said Kevin Killourie, Jackson Ski Touring Foundation Board President. “She has a true passion for the outdoors, our organization and the local community. Look for great things to happen at Jackson Ski Touring. Our future is very bright.”
In addition to Torrey’s appointment, Andy Inkell, who has been in charge of grooming for nearly 20 years, has been named Head of Field Operations. After serving the Foundation as Office Manager for four years, Raetha Stoddard has been named Director of Public Relations. In this new role, she will also continue to handle office management duties.
In addition to this new leadership, Jackson Ski Touring Center is now a National Ski Patrol (NSP) Facility. “The NSP System is the largest and most respected winter sports rescue group in the country and is known around the globe,” said Torrey. “This is a big endorsement that only a few other U.S. institutions have earned, including the American Red Cross, the YMCA and the Boy Scouts.” The new affiliation means guests have highly trained rescue personnel available to assist them if needed.
Additional programs will also be offered this year: Jackson Ski Touring is partnering with the American Heart Association (AHA) for a “Ski Your Heart Strong” Fundraiser. To participate, skiers will set a goal based on the number of hours they will ski and raise pledges for the AHA. Registration includes a free day pass and a “Ski Your Heart Strong at JXC” t-shirt. A kickoff GO RED event will be held on January 17, 2015.
Due to growing interest in snowshoeing, private snowshoe tours will be offered. Guests can explore the more than 45-mile snowshoe trail system with a local naturalist. Tours are geared toward guest needs and last about two hours. Advance reservation is needed with a minimum of two guests.
A new Friday Sliders group for beginners will be added to the schedule. This group gives novice skiers a chance to ski with a member of the ski school, learn about the terrain and gain new techniques while enjoying the company of other skiers. The beloved Friday Gliders group will also continue to meet to ski and socialize.
For more news and announcements, visit www.jacksonxc.org.
The Jackson Ski Touring Foundation is a community based not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, chartered to maintain trails in and around the charming Village of Jackson, NH. The “Foundation” maintains 150 km of varied and breathtaking cross country ski and snowshoe trails. Foundation trails connect with A.M.C. trails in Pinkham Notch and White Mountain National Forest backcountry adventure trails. The Foundation operates under a Special-Use Permit with the White Mountain National Forest, and with the cooperation of 75 private landowners, and the Village of Jackson. More information about the Foundation and its offerings can be found on the web at www.jacksonxc.org.
