Ribbon Cutting Planned for $500,000, 3-3/4 Mile Expansion of
Jackson (N.H.) Ski Touring Center
10 a.m., Monday, Nov. 14, 2016, Rocky Branch Trailhead Parking Area,
Rt. 16, Pinkham Notch
When it comes to cross country skiing, too much groomed terrain is never enough. The northeast’s largest cross country ski center, the Jackson Ski Touring Center in Jackson, N.H., eight miles from North Conway, will celebrate the most extensive expansion in its 44-year history. The nonprofit facility will host a ribbon cutting on Monday, Nov. 14, at the Rocky Branch trailhead parking area, Route 16, Pinkham Notch.
The newly expanded 154 km (96-mi.) facility has added four new trails totaling six km (3.75 miles); and eight new trail bridges. Funds for the expansion were raised during a two-year capital campaign.
Presiding at the ribbon cutting will be Shelly Grail Braudis, Winter Sports Team Leader, U.S. Forest Service, on whose land the new trails and bridges are located; Kevin Killourie, president of the Jackson Ski Touring Foundation board; Breanne Torrey, Jackson XC executive director; and Gillian Kellogg, widow of former Jackson XC board member Charles Kellogg, the 1965 U.S. Biathlon National Champion and 1968 Olympic Winter Games Cross Country competitor.
The $500,000 expansion, the largest in the northeast this season, and one of the largest in the U.S., includes:
Ellis River trail – .4 km (.25 mile)
Hall trail – .8 km (.5 mile)
Keeney trail – 4 km (2.5 mi.)
Kellogg trail (named for Olympian Charles Kellogg – .8 km (.5 mile)
Two new bridges, 16- and 22-ft. long, on Hall trail
Four new bridges ranging from 20- to 35-ft. on Keeney trail
Two replacement bridges: the 60-ft. Meserve Brook bridge, and 35-ft. Spruce Brook bridge
The trails have been prepared with a conservation mix of hardy grass and hay and are ready for the first significant snowfall.
“Thousands of New Englanders are inspired by winter to get outdoors for fun, fitness and fresh air. Snow has already fallen on our new trails and bridges, leading us to be optimistic about a Dec. 10 to 15 opening, although we have been known in the past to open Thanksgiving week. If that happens, we’ll be really thankful for sure,” said Breanne Torrey, executive director.
