Proctor is the recent beneficiary of a $250,000 grant to build upon the already extensive Nordic trail system surrounding the Proctor Ski Area.  This exciting initiative, while focused on Nordic skiing, will serve as a multi-use facility for many outdoor pursuits.

The enhancements, designed by legendary trail designer John Morton of Morton Trails in Thetford, Vermont, include the widening of existing trails to meet the standards established by FIS, the international governing body for skiing, and the creation of new trail sections to connect the race loops so that the course can now host championship-level competitions.

In addition, the new courses will feature full snowmaking on over 2.5 kilometers of trails, making Proctor the only FIS homologated Nordic course at any high school in New England featuring full snowmaking.

While improvements to the Nordic trails are the focus of the enhancements, the multi-use focus of Proctor’s woodland management program will ensure that many people will benefit from the improvements, including hikers, mountain bikers, and runners.

Coordinating the efforts of all the contractors involved has been critical to ensure that environmental impacts are minimal. Through the efforts of Proctor Ski Area manager Garry George and Proctor Woodlands manager David Pilla, minor logging has been completed. Trail grading to ensure proper elevation gains on the course by Sandy Eneguess Tractor Service of Peterborough, welding of snowmaking pipes by Hewitt’s Welding of Laconia, and snowmaking installation by Snow Economics of Natick, Massachusetts, will continue throughout the fall in preparation for the Nordic season this winter.

The Proctor Ski Area will now be among the very best comprehensive ski facilities in the Northeast and will continue to serve Proctor, Andover, and the greater ski community of New England.