The Lincoln-Woodstock Chamber of Commerce For Immediate Release Contact: Sharon 603-745-6621 ext. 201 2002 Winter Forest Treks Nordic Skiing and Snowshoeing in Lincoln-Woodstock The moderate paces of snowshoeing and cross-country skiing provide the best way to see the woods, fields, and rime-frosted ridges of the winter landscape, and New Hampshire's Lincoln-Woodstock region–amid the stunning scenery of the White Mountain National Forest–offers some of the most spectacular trekking in New England. Whether you choose cross-country skiing on groomed trails or opt to snowshoe into the back woods, the region offers breathtaking trails for all ability levels and numerous options for equipment rentals, lessons, and guided or self-guided outings. Imagine: The peaks of the Presidentials are cloaked in fresh snow. The long views through the quiet winter forest are exhilarating. You spot tracks of moose, snowshoe hare, and red fox. The air is clear and cold, but as you trek through hardwoods to another sweeping vista, you are warm. The Lincoln-Woodstock area straddles Interstate 93, the main north-south thoroughfare of New Hampshire. Just inside the White Mountain National Forest, it is an easy reach from points south, offering visitors a winter sports getaway in some of the most spectacular scenery in the East. More than 50 lodging choices include several types of packages with accommodations that range from classic country inns, to fullyequipped condominiums, to full-service resorts. "If you can walk you can snowshoe," is an old proverb that still holds true– particularly with today's high-tech, durable snowshoes that are designed for a variety of terrain and snow conditions. Cross-country skiing (also called Nordic skiing) is equally easy to learn, and with your body weight distributed over the surface of long, straight skis, you can skim along on top of deep snow. Two rental outfitters in LincolnWoodstock offer visitors the chance to try snowshoeing or Nordic skiing with experienced guides. North Country Adventures offers half-day snowshoe tours that include lunch from the Sunny Day Diner, rental, transport, and guided instruction for $39.95. Out Back Kayak rents snowshoes and Nordic skis for $15/hour and also offers guided tours. The Great American Ski Renting Co., Rodgers Ski Outlet, and Village Ski and Snowboard (all in Lincoln) also offer equipment rentals. The Lincoln Woods Trail, just outside Lincoln on the Kancamagus Highway, is a haven for snowshoers and Nordic skiers. Sheltered by a canopy of trees, the trail leads to Black Pond, Franconia Falls, and the Pemigewasset Wilderness. Experienced trekkers can head off into the backwoods to explore trails leading to other stunning vistas. The Mountain Wanderer Map and Bookstore in Lincoln sells White Mountains maps and guidebooks, and proprietor Steve Smith is happy to offer trail advice to visitors. "The Flume Trail has an excellent snowshoe loop and is also great for cross country. Lincoln-Woodstock is a great place for these sports." The Innisfree Bookshop in Lincoln is also an excellent place to find maps and guides. Loon Mountain Resort in Lincoln offers 35 km of meticulously groomed trails that wind along the Pemigewasset River with loops for all abilities. Snowshoers can explore Loon's network of both alpine and cross-country trails. Rentals, lessons and workshops, and trail passes are available at Loon's Adventure Center. Imagine gliding on Nordic skis across an open field bathed in the light of a full moon. This romantic guided tour is offered at the Bretton Woods Nordic Ski Area, one of the largest cross-country areas in the East. Bretton Woods' 100 km groomed-trail network meanders through glades of spruce and fir, over open fields past beaver ponds and mountain streams, and offers breathtaking views of the Presidential Range. The trail system is designed for all ability levels and features a machine-made track for traditional Nordic skiers, as well as a skate lane for both skate skiers and snowshoers. This year Bretton Woods opened its all-new Nordic Ski Center that includes locker rooms, a rental shop, and dining area with a cozy fireplace. If you're in the mood for traditional New England hospitality, choose a snowshoe or Nordic Ski & Stay package at a historic country inn. The Sunset Hill House in Sugar Hill, with spectacular views of both the White and Green Mountains offers a Friday or Saturday night package that includes a 4-course gourmet dinner, fresh country breakfast, trail pass, and equipment rental for $99 pp/do. The inn's 30 km of groomed and natural trails skirt along a ridge through 70 acres of woods to the Franconia iron mines. Franconia Inn's 105 km of interconnected trails on National Forest land and Franconia Notch State Park offer spectacular scenery and loops for all ability levels. The inn's cross-country ski escape includes two nights lodging, gourmet dinners each evening, a trail pass, and Nordic ski or snowshoe rentals from $145 pp/do. The Nordic Centers at both inns also offer lessons for beginners. Feel free to use this information to craft a story about Nordic skiing and snowshoeing in this beautiful region. If you have questions, need photos, want help planning a trip, or need more information please call the Lincoln-Woodstock Chamber of Commerce at 603-745-6621 or visit www.lincolnwoodstock.com. Lincoln-Woodstock Chamber of Commerce PO Box 358 Lincoln NH 03251 Phone: 603-745-6621 ext. 201 Fax: 603-745-4908 www.lincolnwoodstock.com Information on lodging (including online reservations), dining, shopping, and area attractions. LODGING www.lincolnwoodstock.com/lodging.html More than 50 lodging choices in the Lincoln-Woodstock area, including resorts, hotels, motels, inns, and condo rentals. Online reservation service, steals & deals, and special packages, including several Ski & Stay packages. NORDIC SKI AREAS Loon Mountain Location: Rt.112, Lincoln Phone: 603-745-8111 Lodging: 800-227-4191 Web: www.loonmtn.com E-mail: info@loonmtn.com Total Kilometers: 35 km Tracked: 25 km Skate Groomed: 25 km Trails are pristine, uncrowded, and meticulously groomed and tracked. Loon offers a Novice Special that includes a one-hour lesson, rentals, and an all-day trail pass for $49. Call for ski/snowshoe & stay packages. Sunset Hill Nordic Center Location: 231 Sunset Hill Road, Sugar Hill Phone: 603-823-7244 Lodging: 603-823-7244 Web: www.sunsethillhouse.com E-mail: innkeeper@sunsethillhouse.com Total Kilometers: 25 km Tracked: 25 km Backcountry: 25+ km Views of 5 mountain ranges on historic groomed trails. Ski/snowshoe & Stay packages start from $59 pp/do midweek. Franconia Village Cross Country Ski Center Location: Rt. 116, Franconia Phone: 800-473-5299 Lodging: 800-473-5299 Web: www.franconiainn.com E-mail: info@franconiainn.com Total Kilometers: 105 km Tracked: 65 km Backcountry: 40 km Trails meander through magnificent National Forest land, with some following Coppermine Brook to the spectacular Bridal Veil Falls. Ski/snowshoe & stay packages available at Franconia Inn. Bretton Woods Cross Country Location: Rt. 302, Bretton Woods Phone: 603-278-3322 Fax: 603-278-3337 Web: www.brettonwoods.com E-mail: nordic@brettonwoods.com Total Kilometers: 100 km Tracked: 95 km Skate Groomed: 90 km Located on the grounds of the historic Mount Washington Hotel, 65% of the extensive trail network is in the White Mountain National Forest. Rentals, lessons, and themed tours offered. Further information on Nordic Skiing: Ski NH PO Box 10 N. Woodstock, NH 03262 800-887-5464 Web: www.skinh.com; E-mail: info@skinh.com Additional Area Ski/Snowshoe and Stay Packages: Alpine Village Resort Main Street, North Woodstock 800-684-3543 www.alpinevillageresort.com Indian Head Resort Route 3, Lincoln 800-343-8000 www.indianheadresort.com On-site groomed cross-country trails that connect to the Franconia Notch Bike Trail and the Corridor 11 Trail (watch for snowmobiles). Cross-country Ski & Stay packages include breakfast and dinner; from $54 pp/do midweek. Nordic Inn Resort Route 112, Lincoln 800-536-1038 www.nordicinnresort.com Nordic Inn Too! Route 112, Lincoln 888-883-2305 www.nordicinn.com SKI AND SNOWSHOE TOURS AND RENTALS North Country Adventures Linwood Plaza, Lincoln 603-745-8600 www.e-northcountryadventures.com Snowshoe tours include rental, transport, lunch, & guided instruction for $39.95 Out Back Kayak Main Street, North Woodstock 800-529-2577 www.outbackkayak.com Rentals and guided tour packages for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Great American Ski Renting Co. Main Street, Lincoln 603-745-6444 www.skidemo.com Rodgers Ski Outlet Route 112, Lincoln 603-745-8347 Village Ski & Snowboard Rental Main Street, Lincoln 603-745-8852 www.villageskiandsport.com TRAIL MAPS AND GUIDES Innisfree Bookshop The Mill, Lincoln 603-745-6107 Mountain Wanderer Map & Book Store Route 112, Lincoln 800-745-2707 www.mountainwanderer.com TRAIL INFORMATION White Mountain National Forest 603-447-5448 (Saco Ranger District, Conway) www.fs.fed.us/r9/white/recreation/skiing Lincoln Woods Cross-Country Ski System is located on the Kancamagus Highway (Rt.112) just outside the center of Lincoln. National Forest information, a warming fire, and hot beverages are available at the Visitor Center. 12 km of maintained trails include the Lincoln Woods Trail and Pine Island Trails (easiest), and the more difficult Pemi East Side Road, Black Pond, and Franconia Falls Trails. There are numerous other trails throughout the White Mountain National Forest. Franconia Notch State Park www.franconianotchstatepark.com MILEAGES to Lincoln-Woodstock 2 - hours from Boston 4 hours from Providence, Rhode Island 3 1/2 hours from Montreal 2 1/2 hours from Portland, Maine 6 1/2 hours from New York City Lincoln-Woodstock is known as one of the most accessible four-season family vacation destinations in the Northeast, located right off Interstate 93 at exit 32. Lincoln-Woodstock offers a variety of activities including recreation, attractions, and nightlife. Year ‘round the area offers tax-free shopping at dozens of unique stores, superb dining, an extensive selection of lodging and a full calendar of special events - 30 -