Contact Us

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PO Box 2101
South Hamilton, MA 01982
USA

Help us bring groomed cross-country skiing to the Hamilton area.

The North Shore Nordic Association, a 501C3 tax exempt non-profit charitable organization formed by local residents with the goal of acquiring and operating ski grooming equipment on some of our local trails. The NSNA will work with local land stewards to groom a classical and skate ski lane on several existing trails including Patton Park, portions of the Discover Hamilton Trail, Appleton Farms and Grassrides, Bradley Palmer State Park and hopefully Sagamore Hill.

 

The NSNA is seeking funding from multiple sources to acquire an 84” Groomer and a special utility snowmobile to tow the groomer. Additionally we seek to acquire a trailer, operating insurance, fuel, signage, trail maps and signs. Please consider making a donation in any amount on our website www.nsnordic.org. All donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law. WE need to raise a total of approximately $25,000 to get the operation up and running for the winter of 2015-2016. Subsequent years will only require funds to operate and maintain our equipment and pay for fuel and insurance. The NSNA will be an entirely volunteer run operation and we are seeking anyone interested in helping out in any way.

 

Once we are operational all ski trail use will be free of charge and supported by donations. NSNA will issue donor cards, as a token of appreciation to those making a donation of at least $100.

 

NSNA is also seeking to partner with corporate sponsors to fund a portion of our capital campaign.

 

 

How to Start Skiing

How to Start Skiing North Shore Massachusetts

HOW TO START CROSS COUNTRY SKIING

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Cross country skiing is one of the most rewarding and healthiest forms of exercise. Unfortunately, here in the Massachusetts, there is a lack of information and resources for people who'd like to get started. The North Shore Nordic Association is out to fix that.

On this page, you'll find the three things you need to get started: 1. How to rent skis  2. Where & when to ski  3. How to find lessons

 

1. How to rent or buy Cross Country Skis ON THE NORTH SHORE 

The first step to getting started is finding the right gear, which might seem daunting at first. However, if you live on or near the North Shore, you're in luck! Sports Stop Wenham is located only five minutes from our trail network and offers rentals for just $22. Head over to the Sports Stop and talk to any of their highly qualified staff - they'll know exactly what you need and will have you set up in under five minutes. 

2. Where and when to ski on the North Shore

The NSNA maintains a large network of groomed cross country ski trails in the Hamilton/Wenham area. Here is a map of our trail network and parking places.  Typically, we only groom trails if there are four to six inches of snow on the ground. 

If there is not enough snow to ski here on the North Shore, there are numerous ski touring centers in New Hampshire and Maine. Some of our favorites include Jackson, Bear Notch, Pineland Farms, Bethel Inn and Waterville Valley. If you need a ride, head over to our NSNA forum and check out the carpool category. 

3. HOW TO FIND LESSONS  

For certified instructors in the Boston area, head down to the Weston Ski Track in Weston, MA.  The Track makes their own snow and offers lessons at a reasonable rate all winter long. Most ski touring centers in New Hampshire and Maine offer lessons as well, including   Jackson, Bear Notch, Pineland Farms, Bethel Inn and Waterville Valley. 

If you can't make it to Weston or New Hampshire, check out the "Learn to Ski" section of our NSNA forum. Members of our community are more than happy to answer questions.  

 

With the right gear, lessons and conditions, cross country skiing is relatively easy activity to pick up, and you won't find a better way to get outside in the winter.  All it takes is five minutes in a rental shop and one lesson and you're on your way. If you have any questions, let us know, we'd be happy to help.