Fred Bailey

We have an action packed weekend ahead! Senior and Masters will be gathering for the annual White Mountain Classic/1 Day Club & State Championships at JacksonXC. Juniors, Canadians, and Pro Skiers will be at Mount Van Hoevenberg for the Lake Placid SuperTour/Eastern Cup. If you’re interested in something non-competitive, the Tour de Stowe might be a great option for an outing with family and/or friends! Click on the blue links below for more details.

White Mountain Classic

The word on the street is the skiing is getting really nice at JacksonXC – just in time for the White Mountain Classic! A long time favorite of Master skiers, this event doubles as the NENSA 1 Day Club and State Championships – this is the first year both categories are being contested. All age groups, Senior through M12+ can contribute to State and Club scores. The key to success is wide diversity, so gather as many club teammates and in-state ski friends to boost your scores this year. This event is part of the NENSA Zak Cup and Club Cup Series and the first event in the NENSA Marathon Series. In addition to great scenery and trails, this event offers a great post race meal and extended opportunities for camaraderie.

Tour de Stowe

Join us for a fabulous tour on some of Stowe’s best Nordic trails.  The Tour de Stowe is a non-competitive classic technique ski tour taking place on the gorgeous trails of the Trapp Family Lodge and Stowe Mtn Resort cross-country centers.  This is a reimagining of the Stowe Mini-Marathon that some may remember from 20 years ago and this event is intended to be a fun challenge for all ages. Be sure to check out the vendor Expo, the food stop, and the acres ski festivities at the Trapps Bierhall. This event is part of NENSA’s Community Tours and Event Series.

Lake Placid SuperTour/Eastern Cup

Eastern Cup skiing resumes at Mount Van Hoevenberg this weekend! Skiers from all over the Northeast and Eastern Canada will gather to test themselves on the new World Cup trails. The weekend is an all classic skiing affair, with lots of Sprint heats for juniors on Saturday in addition to the Open rounds, as well as Mass Start action on Sunday. REGISTRATION CLOSES WEDNESDAY EVENING. Be sure to check out the event schedule for more details.

The good news is the Geschmossel is happening. Due to low snow conditions and washouts from the previous rain storms we are on limited terrain – the course is about 10-11km long. The format is still classic, but it is now INTERVAL START. Conditions are improving, though rock skis are recommended. Thanks for your patience as we figure out the best way to host this event. Looking forward to seeing everyone at the event tomorrow!

Online registration is open until 5pm today. There will be day of race registration from 7:30-9:30am tomorrow.

Live Timing Link
Results Link

This year’s Gunstock Freestyle was a great collaboration between the Gunstock Nordic Association and the Holderness School. Lacking enough natural or machine-made snow at Gunstock, the event was moved to the Holderness School who provided a groomed 1.4km machine-made loop. Skiers at the event were rewarded with several inches of new fluffy snow – which is a good recipe for lots of smiles. It also made for slow driving and soft skiing conditions. Several of the racers noted that the snow made it tough, but it was a really fun race.

The participants had to do either five loops for the 7km race or 3 laps for the 4km race. Many of them remarked that it was a really fun course, with lots of rolling terrain and fun woods sections! Parents and spectators could see about half of the course from the stadium area. The skiers came from all over New Hampshire and a few beyond that, with the largest contingents coming from Gunstock, Ford Sayre, Holderness and Plymouth programs. Many of them were so excited to be on snow and quite of few spent extra time skiing before heading home. A big thanks to the Gunstock Nordic Association and the Holderness School for pulling off a great event!

Results
Rankings
Staff Photos

Carter’s XC Ski Center hosted the first of their Moonlit guided tour for this season. This is the second event in NENSA’s Community Tours & Event Series. The tour was led by Jes Carter, a second generation touring center operator and 7th generation steward of the property. The group enjoyed learning about the Carter’s connection to the land, how they came to operate the touring center, along with great colorful stories. Participants also enjoyed the wooded trails at night – looking for animal tracks and marveling at the dark shapes of giant conifers. The tour reached the bank of the Androscoggin River, who’s black and glassy surface flowed quietly by.

One of the best experiences of the Moonlit Tour was how quiet the woods are at night. No cars or planes could be heard, just the muffle of the powdered snow and light breeze through the trees. It was a great change of pace from our busy lives and an easy way to disconnect from our electronic devices for a couple hours. Even better was the opportunity to share this experience with other skiing enthusiasts! After the guided tour there were delicious locally made pastries and cookies. Carter’s XC Ski will be hosting a second Moonlit Guided Tour on February 10th. If you’re headed to Bethel for the Flying Moose Race, this Tour is great entertainment the evening before. For more details HERE.

In fits and spurts, winter is making its way to New England. While coastal areas may have the bulk of the new snow, some did fall in the mountains which should see far greater amounts during this week’s storm. With many skiers getting in classic skiing today on fresh snow, it’s the perfect time to look to this weekend’s offerings. Whether you’re a coach looking for excellent technique advice, a racer looking to partake in one of the region’s favorite long-running events, or wanting a guided low key ski adventure, there’s something for you. Gather your family or friends and enjoy the long weekend’s activities! Click on the blue links below for more details.

The 48th Annual Geschmossel Classic Ski Race – 1/15/2024

The Geschmossel is in its 48th year!  This has long been on the NENSA calendar and a favorite of master skiers. This Popular race is a mass start classic on the undulating trails of the Bretton Woods Nordic Center. The long loop and scenery of the venue are spectacular. This event is part of the NENSA Zak Cup and Club Cup Series.

XC Ski and Snacks Tour – 1/15/2024

XC Ski & Snacks Tour hosted by JacksonXC is a casual group event for individuals, friends and families who want to have a little fun on snow and ski to the Cocoa Cabin together. There will be guides to lead groups and help with “break out groups” along the way as skiers’ settle into their own comfortable pace. The turn-around goal is the Cocoa Cabin, making for a 5km round trip.  There will be one “extra credit” group who can ski an 8km (3km extra) round trip for skiers who reach the Cocoa Cabin ahead of schedule.  We will have marshmallows to roast along with cocoa at the Cabin (of course); and each skier will get a carry-your-own snack pack at check-in. Plus we are working on some toasting treats to enjoy at the firepit upon return to the Touring Center.

Nordic Team Solutions – Virtual Technique Talk – Coach Opportunity – 1/11/2024

NENSA and Andrew Newell of Nordic Team Solutions are excited to provide NENSA coaches with a virtual technique talk as we head into the heart of winter. This is a cool opportunity to learn from 4x Olympian, BSF Pro Team head coach and NTS business owner about technique review. The talk includes: “How do you talk to your athletes about technique?  Internal versus external cues.  How to analyze video and what to look for.” This continuing education opportunity is free to all current NENSA members.

The Silver Fox Trot – rescheduled

The Silver Fox Trot has been rescheduled from 1/13/2024 to 2/3/2024, with the event taking place at the newly renovated Oak Hill Trails in Hanover, NH.