Jackson Ski Touring Continues a Longstanding Tradition with January Events

The Jackson Ski Touring Center’s event calendar is full of events this month for both skiers and spectators, from Ski NH’s Learn to Ski Week and the Collegiate Invitational Criterium and UNH Winter Carnival Races to the White Mountain Classic 30K citizen marathon.

There is a long tradition of recreational and ski competitions in Jackson dating back to the 1930s when they were organized by the Jackson Ski and Outing Club. Notable past events include the U.S. Ski Team tryouts in 1986, the World Nordic Championships for the Disabled in 1990, the U.S.S.A.’s Junior Olympics in 2000 and the NCAA National Championships in 1984, 1995 and 2007.

First time skiers can take advantage of Ski NH’s Learn to Ski Week from Jan. 11-18 with specials on lessons, rentals and trail passes. This is the perfect opportunity for anyone to learn to ski. Participants must register and schedule through Ski NH by calling (603) 745-9396.

On Jan. 11, groups will take to the trails for the Collegiate Invitational Criterium, competing on a 1.4 km sprint course. Races start at 10:00 a.m.  At noon, there will be a Coaches and Alumni 1.5 km Fun Race.

The UNH Winter Carnival Races will take place on Jan. 24 and 25 beginning with the men’s 10 km classic race at 10:00 a.m., followed by the women’s 5 km classic technique race at 11:30 a.m.  Saturday’s races feature mass start free technique races starting at 9:30 a.m.  Spectators can take one of the frequent shuttle buses to watch the athletes ski through an international course on the Eagle Fields. Lunch is available in the Eagle’s Landing Pub in the Eagle Mountain House.

The following day, on Jan. 26 at 9:30 a.m., citizen and expert skiers will compete in the 10^th Annual White Mountain Classic 30k. This is one of the 2014 TD Bank Marathon Citizen Series and one of the prestigious one day Club Championship events.

More information about these and other upcoming events at Jackson Ski Touring Center is available at www.jacksonxc.org/event-calendar.

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 2 hours north of Boston.  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.