Skiers can take advantage of a number of packages offered through the www.jacksonxc.org/skiandstay website.

(TRAVPR.COM) USA - September 19th, 2013 - JACKSON, NH – New grooming equipment, trail improvement and a new director of operations will make winter cross country skiing and snowshoeing in the quintessential village of Jackson, NH, even more spectacular. 

“We are really looking forward to another great season,” said Jackson Ski Touring Foundation’s Executive Director Thom Perkins. “Upgrading our grooming equipment and trail improvements, along with Breanne’s promotion to Director of Operations, are examples of our commitment to providing an extraordinary experience for skiers and snowshoers coming to Jackson and our vision for the future.”

Skiers can take advantage of a number of packages offered through the www.jacksonxc.org/skiandstay website. Packages range from Ski and Stay to Snowshoe and Stay; romantic to athletic. All are in place to offer skiers a high value while saving money.  Season passes to the trails are on sale now at a preseason discount. Adults are only $115, juniors range from $20 – $40 depending on age and children under 10 are always free.

The Foundation is upgrading the fleet of snow grooming tractors with a brand new $185,000 state-of-the-art Kassborher PB 100 grooming vehicle and by also purchasing a new grooming implement to supplement their early season grooming fleet.  The Jackson Ski Touring Foundation has the largest trail system in the east and is known for the quality of its world-class grooming.  The new PB 100 incorporates the latest in grooming technology and is much anticipated by Jackson’s veteran grooming staff.

“The Foundation has over the years spent hundreds of thousands of dollars preparing the surface of the trails to be able to groom with the first snow of the season.  Skiers can be assured that with this new equipment the Ski Touring Foundation’s crew will be able to provide even better skiing,” Perkins continued.

Trail improvements continue to be made on a prioritized schedule. The parking lot at East Pasture Loop has already been expanded and resurfaced to improve access to these trails.  Additionally, a new aluminum bridge will link the Woodchuck Fields and the Wildcat Valley Fields/Eagle Mountain Fields, two beginner trail sections, to ensure an important season-long connection. 

This season will see an expansion of the Storyland Element Garden at the Touring Center which is designed for young children.  A kid-friendly terrain garden will be added to the offering. 

On Saturdays, Sundays and during holiday periods, hot chocolate covered waffles will be available in the Ellis River Warming Cabin. This log cabin is located 3km from the Jackson Ski Touring Foundation office along the Ellis River Trail. In addition to waffles, hot chocolate, water and other refreshments will be available. The cabin is heated and there is a picnic bench and chairs for skiers and snowshoers to use to take a warm up break. 

Also located at the Cabin is the Anklebiter children’s race course – a 300-foot race course where children get timed and are given a gold chocolate coin as a reward. 

Breanne Torrey, who has worked at the Foundation since 2009 and most recently held the position of Head of Patrol, has been promoted to Director of Operations. In this role and under Perkins’ tutelage, she will oversee all office staff, the rental shop, ski school and trail operations departments as well as patrol.  She fills a newly created staffing position to allow Perkins to concentrate on long-term goals of the Jackson Ski Touring Foundation.

The Foundation continues to partner with the White Mountain National Forest and 76 private landowners to offer great cross country skiing and snowshoe trails throughout Jackson. 

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.

###