The excavators and trail crew are out in the woods preparing the trails for New Hampshire’s newest cross-country ski area.

For now, the metallic clank of machine against rock pierces the air, but will soon be replaced by the whoosh of energetic skiers pulsing through the forest on 16-foot wide snowy pathways.

Set not far from where Bode Miller made his legendary turns at Franconia’s Cannon Mountain and using buildings that were once part of New England ski area design trendsetter Sel Hannah’s rolling farmland, Ski Hearth Farm in bucolic Sugar Hill is scheduled to open in late December.

Nestled against a backdrop of majestic Lafayette Ridge in the western White Mountains, the family-owned enterprise plans about a 23-kilometer network in low river valley fields and adjacent wooded hills with another five kilometers of trails strictly for snowshoeing.

The trails are designed by the internationally-respected Morton Trails, led by two-time Olympian John Morton. He’s developed trails throughout Northern New England, the Midwest, the Rockies, Alaska, and South Korea.

The network will place an emphasis on grooming for both skate and classic ski techniques. It is based on a two-system approach where races can be held on one section while recreational skiers use the other.

A specially-designed teaching area easily accessed from the base is in the works for newcomers learning cross-country skiing.

An organic farm in summer and fall, Ski Hearth Farm is owned by Davis Mangold, a 13-year U.S. Navy veteran and fervent cross-country skier.

In all, some $750,00 is being invested in start-up costs that include trail design and building, base facility modifications, rental fleet, grooming operations, and equipment.

“This area is perfect for those wishing to try cross-country skiing, as well as experienced skiers out for a fun day of skiing. We have a friendly staff, a cozy base facility, brand new rental fleet, and expert instruction. Skiers will find daily grooming on the trails with a perfect mix of terrain and distance,” Mangold said in a statement. “Easy access by car plus a full range [of] lodging options for skiers and snowshoers, as well as the historic nature of the farm and Sugar Hill, make this a perfect location.”

The farm has historic roots within the ski industry. Sel Hannah was a leading influence on the development of the ski industry and founded Sno-Engineering, a world-wide leader in the mountain resort industry. In 1939, the Hannahs opened the farm for ski guests. Several items offered to them on the menu were raised on the farm, providing a local meal.

Sugar Hill is the site of the first organized ski school in the United States. In 1929, Austrian-born Sig Buchmayr set up shop on a hillside not far from Ski Hearth Farm. The school was the catalyst for the sport of skiing in America.

“We want to continue that tradition of offering our skiers taking a break from the trails the opportunity to sample locally-sourced foods and the products of our organic farm,” Mangold said.
Ski Hearth Farm is partnering with local lodging establishments including the Sugar Hill Inn for Ski and Stay packages. The Sugar Hill Inn offers free ski or snowshoe tickets to those staying for two nights. Sugar Hill Inn is located only one-and-a-half miles from the ski center.

Adult trail passes will be $20 with a ski lesson, rental, and pass package available for $45.

Ski Hearth Farm is scheduled to open daily for the season, weather permitting, on December 26 and stay open through March 31.

Image courtesy of Ski Hearth Farm