Get Outside This Winter For Some Cross Country Skiing

Pine Hill Ski Club has many well-maintained trails

November 30, 2020 • Saved under Outdoors
By Susie Lowe-Stockwell
The Eliassen family (Megan Eliassen, Wyatt Oswald, Scottie Eliassen, Heather Eliassen, and Piper Oswald) enjoyed cross country skiing last year on the trails at the Pine Hill Ski Club in New London. Photo: Midge Eliassen

If you’re looking for a wonderful way to enjoy winter and get some beneficial exercise, consider cross country skiing at Pine Hill Ski club.  Located on Mountain Road off Shaker Street in New London, this beautiful trail system is managed totally by volunteers who maintain over 20 kilometers of tracked  and groomed trails. 

 

Thanks to the generosity of 12 landowners, including the Town of New London and the New London Conservation Commission, the Club has operated since 2007 with its goal to provide a quality nordic ski experience for all ages.

 John and Nancy Schlosser ran Norsk Cross Country Ski Center from the Lake Sunapee Country Club from the mid 1970s until relocating under the name Pine Hill Ski Club in 2007. Operating as a not-for-profit charitable organization recognized by the State of New Hampshire, the Club relies on the talents, skills, and enthusiasm of volunteers to manage everything from publicity, trail maintenance, and grooming to ski lessons. 

 

Pending conditions, the Schlossers will offer lessons for members starting on Saturday, January 2.  All funds from season and day passes cover expenses like insurance, gas and service for grooming machines, publicity, and ski equipment. 

 

Member Season Passes are $99 until December 31, and $130 as of January 1, 2021.  Adult Day passes are $15, age 11-17 are $5, and age 10 and under ski free with an accompanying adult. Season Passes are available from the PineHillSkiClub.com.  Purchase day passes on the honor system from the trailhead.  Pending COVID restrictions, volunteer greeters will assist you from the trailhead on weekends and holiday periods.

 No matter what your skill level, the health benefits of cross country skiing include a full-body workout to burn lots of calories and improve cardiovascular endurance, gain a higher level of physical fitness, relieve stress, and improve body functionality and endurance.  It is a way to connect with nature.

 

At Pine Hill Ski Club, we believe in this time of COVID that cross country skiing is the natural social distancing sport!  This is the perfect answer to bringing family and close friends together, safely.

 COVID has had a tremendous impact on the ski industry.  Pine Hill Ski Club is asking all skiers to wear masks while in the parking lot and at the trailhead and also if you come upon a few skiers who have stopped on the trail, etc.  You do not need to wear a mask while skiing.  

Unfortunately, due to safety concerns, the Club is not able to provide its loaner skis, poles, and boots this year.  If you are in need of rental equipment, check out Nordic Skater in Newbury.  

We are also disappointed to not offer free ski lessons to area elementary schools in New London and Sutton due to the virus.  The Club hopes to resume these activities next season. 

When enough snow flies, the volunteer groomers will hit the trails. Enjoy skiing through the beautiful wooded trails and count how many handcrafted moose you spot — there are usually one or two new moose every year! 

The trails are open 9 AM to dusk, seven days a week, depending on conditions. Check PineHillSkiClub.com during the season for trail conditions and events.