Friday, September 20, 2013

Jackson Ski Touring has New Director

It might seem early to you, but XC-skiing is just around the corner! New grooming equipment, trail improvement and a new director of operations will make winter cross country skiing and snowshoeing in our 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.”
 
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.
- See more at: http://www.travpr.com/pr-25743-jackson-ski-touring-foundation.html#sthash.17Kq8lrz.dpuf

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Alternative Energy Summit

September 14th & 15th 2013 Continuing its historic role as a proving and playground for new and evolving technologies, the Mt. Washington Auto Road will be hosting a new “Alt Energy Summit” weekend event on September 14-15, 2013. Given the proliferation of vehicles on the road fueled by alternative sources, this event will bring together examples of what technologies are currently available on the open market, including electric, propane, bio-diesel, compressed natural gas, hybrid electric, as well as inviting entrepreneurs who are developing their own versions of alternative power.

Sunday, September 1, 2013

Muster in the Mountains




This weekend long event is a colonial encampment of reenactors representing various individuals of the French and Indian War, Revolutionary War, and Mountain Man periods from 1750 through 1840. This gathering will take place in the Fields of the Mount Washington Auto Road in beautiful Pinkham Notch of the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Participants will demonstrate the use of appropriate tools, clothing, and firearms for their respective time periods. This event is free and open to the general public from 10am – 4pm  with the hope that the education they receive here may spur them on to consider becoming a future participant.
The Auto Road remains fully open during this event.
Activities will include:
  • 1800 Firearms & Cannon Display & Competition
  • Woods Walk Competition
  • Tomahawk and Knife Throwing
  • Cooking Competition
  • Weaving, Basketmaking, Quill work, Candle Dipping
  • Gunsmithing, Coppersmithing, Blacksmithing
  • Archery, Wood Carving, Century Games and more!

Please, no dogs allowed at this event, thank you.

Sunday, August 25, 2013

Summer is Waning, Leaves They are a-Changing


It has been picture perfect the last two weeks and today is no exception.  Warm, sunny, blue-sky days … cool and very crisp nights, but no frost yet, thank goodness.  My beautiful flowers (and I) are very happy for that!  Summer will officially be with us for another month, but once Labor Day hits we all start to shift gears mentally and anticipate fall … one of the absolute best and most beautiful seasons in our White mountains. How is it possible that Labor Day is NEXT weekend already?  To me it seems like the summer just started. Let’s enjoy the fruits of our labors and take a much-deserved and needed rest from usual duties.  Call to make a reservation while rooms last … they’re filling fast!

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Sunset Soiree on Mount Washington


Consider supporting Mount Washington’s wonderful work in weather observation, research and education by attending their sunset soiree on September 7th!  At this event you can Eat Dessert First … along with a champagne toast at sunset at the summit of Mount Washington! Following this magical start to the evening, guests are transported back to the Glen View Café at the base of the Auto Road where they are served an elegant dinner catered by the Thompson House Eatery. All proceeds go to the Observatory. MWO’s “Sunset Soiree on the Summit”is one of New England’s truly unique fundraising events, combining the rugged beauty of Mount Washington with delectable cuisine and a stunning sunset, all to support a very worthy cause. Time: 4:45-9:00pm; Place: Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center

Cost: $125 per person for Observatory members,$150 per person for non-members.

 

 

 

Sunday, August 11, 2013

Adventure Photography Tours with Ernie Mills

Adventure Photography Tours with Ernie Mills

Picture this…being in just the right spot at just the right time, camera in hand, with one of nature’s most magnificent scenes laid out before you…sound like a photographer’s dream, right? Well, the Mt. Washington Auto Road can now make that dream come true! During our summer season an exclusive series of Guided Photography Tours, led by renowned photographer Ernie Mills, is now being offered on the slopes and summit of the Northeast’s highest Peak as well as other spectacular spots in Pinkham Notch.
Experience the ever changing weather and climactic conditions where every moment reveals a breathtaking and constantly evolving view of the Presidential Range and beyond. Whether you’re a professional photographer who needs fast and certain access to unforgettable images, or an amateur seeking instruction and a helping hand from those who know and love this mountain, these tours have been designed for your enjoyment!

Tours are 3 hours in length and are being offered every Friday. Choose from either a Sunrise, Day time or Sunset tour. Specific appointments on other days of the week are available upon request. The daytime tour typically involves optional hikes into the Alpine Garden about 3 miles round trip from the Auto Road. The Alpine Garden visit may not be suited to all guests due to the medium level of rocky hiking.
Price: 12-17 yrs old $100
18 and up $150
not recommended for children under 12 years old
Box lunches are included from the Glen View Café for daytime and evening tours. Or after your sunrise tour enjoy breakfast in the Glen View Café.
To book your tour call Ernie at (317) 691-7376 or call the Auto Road at (603) 466-3988.
To make your experience more enjoyable you may be more comfortable if you bring the items on the gear/clothing list here.
See Ernie article in the May issue of NH To Do!
Guided Photography trips to the secrets of Mt. Washington – Great article by the Boston Examiner

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Come Celebrate the 60th Anniversary at the Shannon Door

The Shannon Door is an 'institution' in Jackson and now it is celebrating its historic 60th Anniversary Celebration from September 5th through September 15th! Join them -- and us -- on any of these days as they celebrate 60 years of the Mulkern family's operation of New Hampshire's #1 Irish Pub experience. Walk to and from the Lodge to get there (it's just across the street).  Come and get reaquainted with old friends and musicians.  Celebrations include give-aways, door prizes and celebrity bartenders.  Check out their website (www.shannondoor.com) or Facebook page for dates of musicians and celebrity bartenders.  Live entertainment nightly. They hope that every one of their old and new friends will stop by to share a pint, a laugh and a song on this very special occasion.  Bring or send a favorite story of Oak Lee Lodge/ Shannon Door.