Dedicated trails, close in but a world away
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When the snow is new and deep, Bostonians can cross-country ski wherever there is a path through the woods. But how often are conditions pristine? With heavy use, local areas can turn dangerous within days or even hours.
The following are dedicated and interesting courses within two hours of Boston.
One of the most attractive groomed courses around. During the week, guests can use the microwave in the fireplaced lodge to heat their lunch. Owned and operated by the same family for 33 years.
Pluses: Ski and snowshoe rentals; accurate, up-to-date condition reports on the Web and e-mailed to a client list; 25 miles of trails, which vary in difficulty.
Minuses: Skiers share the road with snowshoers, which makes for dings in the tracks.
Routes 123 and 124, Ipswich, N.H. www.windblownxc.com. 603-878-2869. Weekends $15 adult, $13 senior, $10 ages 8-17.
Owned by a public electric utility with a plain-vanilla lodge set up with picnic tables. On weekends and school vacations, skiers can buy hot dogs, chili, and hot drinks from a food stand outside, then eat inside.
Pluses: Ski and snowshoe rentals; dedicated showshoe trails; 25 miles of trails of varying difficulty; trailside snack shop.
Minuses: Web info and phone contact is hit or miss.
99 Millers Falls Road, Northfield (visitors center). www.firstlightpower.com/northfield.800-859-2960. $12 adult, $9 senior,$5 ages 8-14.
Nordic tracks rest in the shadow of an alpine ski area. The tracks are so well maintained that occasionally a staffer goes out to fill in dings.
Pluses: Rentals; 40 miles of trails; varying difficulty.
Minuses: Cafes tend to be crowded; not all tracks groomed all the time.
1 Ski Area Road, Waterville Valley, N.H. www.waterville.com. 800-468-2553. $16 adult, $12 senior and ages 6-12.
The closest tracked ski area with woods and dale.
Pluses: Ski and snowshoe rentals; 10 miles of groomed track in varied terrain; night skiing.
Minuses: Overused and undergroomed; no food service.
1018 Lowell St., Carlisle. 978-369-7486. www.greatbrookski.com $12 adult weekend, holiday; $7 senior, 7-12; free 6 and under.
Nine miles of track on a golf course. Rentals, tracked paths, and lessons.
Pluses: 1.2 miles of night or day skiing; lodge and cafe.
Minuses: Flat.
200 Park Road, Weston. 781-891-6575. ski-paddle.com. $13 adult, $7 ages 6-12, free 2-5.
Susan Sabin can be reached at at susabin@aol.com.
