f you’re visiting the Monadnock Region during the winter months, you owe it to yourself to venture outside. And, for many here in the Region, that can only mean one thing: skiing.
Whether you’re a cross-country skier who enjoys the quiet solitude of wooded trails, or a snowboarder who likes to push the envelope on the way down the mountain, we have something for you!
Cross Country Skiing & Snowshoeing
If you simply want to get out and enjoy the quiet of the woods, cross-country skiing (or snowshoeing) may be right for you. Inexpensive, and relatively easy to learn, cross-country skiing is also a great way to stay in shape. With the right winter gear, you don’t even have to worry about the temperature.
Here in the Monadnock Region, we’ve got miles and miles of hiking trails that double for skiing or snowshoeing. Most of the New Hampshire State Parks allow year-round access to their trails.
However, if you’re looking for a more refined experience, we have several local businesses and Inns that offer groomed trails, and equipment rentals to enhance your experience. And afterward, a meal, or some hot cocoa, to round it all out.
The Inn at East Hill Farm, located in Troy, offers 10 km of nicely groomed trails, varying in difficulty. The Inn is actually a combination working farm and family resort. With 65-rooms and amenities including an indoor swimming pool, you can stay there and ski right out your door. They also welcome visitors wishing to use their trails, lessons (by appointment) and equipment rentals.
The cross-country trails leave right from the Inn and meander through woods and fields with spectacular views of Mt. Monadnock along the way. And, if you’re interested in a more sedate event, they also offer sleigh rides (with reservations).
Another popular cross-country skiing destination is the Woodbound Inn, Rindge. Originally built in 1819 as a farmhouse, the Woodbound is a four-season resort with 44 guest rooms. The Inn features 16 km of groomed trails, plus access to their golf course area. Trails are equally divided between beginner, intermediate and advanced skill levels. Skiers can also ski to the Cathedral of the Pines, or venture out onto Lake Contoocook. Snowshoers are welcome on the multi-use trails as well as the golf course itself. Trails are open to guests as well as visitors. Equipment rentals are available.
In addition to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, visitors to the Woodbound enjoy access to their skating pond and a sledding hill. The Woodbound also offers dining and a full bar for your after-skiing enjoyment.
If you’re looking for a slightly more organized skiing experience, you’ll like Windblown Cross Country Ski Area, located in New Ipswich. The Windblown is a full service area with 25-miles of wooded trails and state-of-the-art grooming. They have a base lodge with restaurant and offer rentals and lessons.
Crotched Mountain Resort, a luxury resort offering condo and room rentals, also opens their trails to skiers and snowshoers in the winter. Visitors can enjoy 8 km of groomed trails, and the admission is free! While you’re there, you might want to take a look at their condos for rent. They offer many amenities and are priced similarly to hotel rooms.
Finally, there’s Granite Gorge, Roxbury. With 12 km of groomed cross-country trails, Granite Gorge offers an experience for all skill levels. The Gorge is “home turf” to Keene High School and Monadnock Regional School teams. They also offer tubing and downhill skiing. See downhill skiing at right.
Downhill Skiing, Snowboarding & More
Crotched Mountain's Love Terrain Park
Granite Gorge, Roxbury has been resurrected for skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, tubing and snowshoeing. With 17 trails for downhill skiing and snowboarding, skiers have a good selection of difficulty levels. The “Bunny Buster” trail with a surface lift is a great opportunity for beginning skiers. Those not wishing to take on the rigors of skiing can enjoy the Gorge’s tubing runs. With four chutes and 300-feet of runs, tubing is a great family activity. The “wondercarpet” lift carries you and your tube to the top of the run in less than three minutes.
Downhill skiers and snowboarders will enjoy Granite Gorge’s “pinnacle express” double chairlift that services all trails and offers mid-station unloading. The Gorge also offers snowmaking and night skiing. They are open Tuesday through Sunday.
Perhaps the best downhill skiing experience in the Monadnock Region can be found at Crotched Mountain Ski & Ride Area, Bennington. The summit has an elevation of 2,066 feet and offers 900-feet of vertical drop, with five lifts covering 17-trails. The lifts (three quads, one double and a carpet) can accommodate 8,000 skiers per hour. And with their state-of-the-art snowmaking, the terrain is nearly always perfect for skiing. The mountain is open seven days a week, including their “midnight madness” most Fridays and Saturdays. The Crotched Mountain lodge is a 40,000 square-foot area with cafeteria.
Snowmobiling
There are over 6,830 miles of snowmobile trails in the state of New Hampshire. And the Monadnock Region has its fair share. Below are a few places to consider. For more information, check with the New Hampshire Snowmobile Association.
Fox State Forest
1175 Center Road, Hillsborough
(603) 464-3453
This forest features over 20 miles of trails for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.
Greenfield State Park
Route 136, Greenfield • (603) 547-3497
A 401 acre park on Otter Lake offering a beach, swimming, picnic areas, canoeing, fishing, and hiking trails. Wintertime activities include cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. A public campground is available.
Pisgah State Park
Off Route 63, Chesterfield • (603) 239-8153
13,500 acres of undeveloped wilderness offers visitors a chance to explore New Hampshire’s outdoors. Wintertime offers cross-country ski trails and snowmobile trails.
