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Tag: jackson ski touring

  • Jackson Ski Touring Announces New Leadership

    Breanne Torrey (Photo: Jackson Ski Touring)
    Breanne Torrey (Photo: Jackson Ski Touring Foundation)

    JACKSON, NH – For the first time in nearly four decades, Jackson Ski Touring Foundation has a new leader. Breanne Torrey, who has been with the organization for six years and has held the positions of Head of Ski Patrol and Director of Operations, has been named the Foundation’s new Executive Director. She is the first woman in this role and follows former Executive Director Thom Perkins, who retired in the spring of 2014 after 38 years with the organization.

    Torrey, one of only a handful of women in an executive role in the ski industry, began her work as Executive Director in May of this year. In addition to her six years of hands on experience in Jackson, she worked with the National Forest Service for five years and earned a B.S. degree in National Parks, Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Management from the University of Maine, Orono. She recently obtained medical certification through, and became a member of, the prestigious National Ski Patrol system (NSP). Through her efforts, the Jackson Ski Touring Center is now the first standalone NSP certified cross country center in the state of New Hampshire. She is also the top candidate to become the NH Regional Nordic Advisor for the National Ski Patrol System.

    “I look forward to making my mark in the industry,” said Torrey. “I am grateful for the tremendous work of past directors and am committed to maintaining the high standards set by them. I am also looking forward to continuing our tradition of attracting families and elite athletes alike to the Jackson Ski Touring Center.”

    In addition to Torrey’s appointment, Jackson Ski Touring Foundation is excited to announce new appointments in the Foundation’s leadership.

    Dave Kinsman was hired as Transition Coordinator to assist with the leadership transition between Torrey and Perkins. Kinsman, founder of Downeast Bicycle Specialists, had worked for the last 10 years as Rental Shop Manager at Jackson Ski Touring. The Rental Shop will now be managed by Mardi Freeman.

    Raetha Stoddard, who has been with Jackson Ski Touring for the last four years in the role of office manager, has been promoted to Director of Public Relations. Stoddard has experience in the areas community outreach, event planning, fundraising and business partnership programming from her background as co-founder of the Ossipee Valley Music Festival and the Drylongso Coffeehouse Music Series.

    Yet another familiar face will be assuming a new title. Andy Inkell, who has been in charge of grooming for nearly 20 years, has been named Head of Field Operations. Inkell was chosen based on his expertise in exceptional trail grooming and decades of dedication to the Jackson Ski Touring Foundation.

    “The future of the Jackson Ski Touring Foundation is in very capable hands. We are extremely fortunate to have such highly qualified, energetic and experienced individuals in our leadership positions,” said Kevin Killourie, Jackson Ski Touring Foundation Board President. “Each of these individuals has a true passion for the outdoors, our organization and the local community. Look for great things to happen at Jackson Ski Touring this season and beyond. Our future is very bright.”

  • Thom Perkins Retires from Jackson Ski Touring Foundation

    (Press release)

    Jackson, NH: After leading the Jackson Ski Touring Foundation (JSTF) for 38 years, Thom Perkins has announced his retirement from the organization.

    As its Executive Director since 1976, Perkins has been instrumental in transforming the small village of Jackson, NH into one of the nation’s premier cross country skiing and snowshoeing venues.  Passionate about the sport of cross country skiing, Perkins developed the existing trail system from a modest number of trails to the present far-reaching network of 150 kilometers, all the while setting the standard for grooming of cross country ski trails.

    An active member of the cross country skiing community and the 2010 winner of SkiNH’s Al Merrill Award for outstanding contributions to cross country skiing, Perkins provided training opportunities to skiers ranging from school children, college teams, Paralympic and Junior National competitors to Olympic level athletes.

    Perkins is a Board Member Emeritus of the international trade association of cross country ski areas – CCSAA.  He was the recipient of the North American Ski Journalist Association Lifetime Achievement Award and was named one of 25 Nordic Heroes in the United States in a feature article in Cross Country Skier Magazine.  Perkins represented New Hampshire’s cross country ski industry as a member of the Board of SkiNH, the trade association for the state’s Alpine and Nordic areas.

    During his tenure, Perkins nourished the unique circumstances under which JSTF was founded. With almost all Foundation trails located on private, government or town owned land, Perkins was a steward for private land owners and a hero to cross country ski enthusiasts, working tirelessly to provide skiing and economic benefits to the region.  He proposed legislation enacted in 2013, which increases protection from liability for landowners who permit use of their land for recreational purposes.

    “We as a community recognize the tremendous strides Thom has made over the decades to position the Jackson Ski Touring Foundation as one of the most recognized cross country skiing and snowshoeing facilities in the United States. Thom’s name is synonymous with the Foundation and cross country skiing in New England,” said Kevin Killourie, President of JSTF.

    The Foundation is pleased to announce that Breanne Torrey, Director of Operations, has been promoted to Acting Director of the JSTF. Torrey has worked at the Foundation for the past 5 seasons in many capacities including Director of Ski Patrol.  She received her BS from the University of Maine in National Parks, Outdoor Recreation, and Tourism.

    “Brea’s education, 5 years of experience at Jackson Ski Touring and her background make her well-poised to step into the role of Acting Director,” noted Sam Harding, Vice President of JSTF.

    As part of the transition, respected local businessman and avid outdoor enthusiast Dave Kinsman has been named Transition Coordinator to assist Brea. A resident of Fryeburg, Maine, Dave has been an active and contributing member of the JSTF community for many years and is a past rental shop manager.

    The Jackson Ski Touring Foundation is a community based not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, chartered to maintain trails in and around the charming village of Jackson, NH. The Foundation maintains 150 km of varied and breathtaking cross country ski and snowshoe trails. The Foundation operates under a Special-Use Permit with the White Mountain National Forest, and with the cooperation of 82 private landowners, and the village of Jackson. More information about the Foundation and its offerings can be found on the web at www.jacksonxc.org.

  • Jackson Ski Touring Opens for the Season with Miles of Trails & Plenty of Snow

    The Jackson Ski Touring Center is open!
    The Jackson Ski Touring Center is open!

    (Press release)

    JACKSON, NH – Snow has fallen and the town with the most cross country ski trails in the Eastern United States awaits skiers and snowshoers of all abilities at Jackson Ski Touring Center. As an added treat this year, hot chocolate drizzled waffles will be available at the Ellis River Waffle Cabin on the famous Ellis River Trail.

    Jackson has already received a foot and a half of snow in December. Equipped with a brand new Piston Bully and other top of the line equipment, the staff has been hard at work grooming the trails to perfection. For the latest snow conditions and information, guests can call 1-800-XC-SNOWS or visit www.jacksonxc.org.

    On Saturdays, Sundays and holiday periods starting in January, hot waffles drizzled with chocolate will be offered in the Ellis River Waffle Hut. Starting December 26, hot chocolate, cold beverages and other refreshments will be available. This is also where children can enjoy the Anklebiter course and receive a chocolate medal coin for their efforts.

    Spending a day at the Jackson Ski Touring Center is affordable for families, couples and groups. Children under 10 always ski free at Jackson and pulk rentals are available so young children can be towed behind a skier. Day passes start at $21 for adults, $10 for juniors (10-17) and $17 for adults over 65. Snowshoe tickets are just $10. The Rental Shop is open daily with packages starting at $16 for adults and $12 for children. Snowshoe tours are available at the center as well.

    Jackson Ski Touring also has a first class ski school with lessons for children and adults. Lesson packages are also available. Visit www.jacksonxc.org/lessons for more information.  Day-care is available for cross country and snowshoe families at nearby Black Mountain.

    The Jackson Ski Touring Foundation is a community based not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, chartered to maintain trails in and around the charming Village of Jackson, NH.  The “Foundation” maintains 150 km of varied and breathtaking cross country ski and snowshoe trails 2 hours north of Boston.  Foundation trails connect with A.M.C. trails in Pinkham Notch and White Mountain National Forest backcountry adventure trails.  The Foundation operates under a Special-Use Permit with the White Mountain National Forest, and with the cooperation of 75 private landowners, and the Village of Jackson.  More information about the Foundation and its offerings can be found on the web at www.jacksonxc.org.

  • Jackson Ski Touring Extends Holiday Invite

    Jackson Ski Touring
    Jackson Ski Touring is open in Jackson, N.H.

    Families Invited to Ski, Stay and Celebrate at Jackson Ski Touring this Holiday Season

    JACKSON, NH – Jackson Ski Touring makes holiday vacation planning easy with great offerings for kids and families. Special packages and programs will make for affordable winter fun set in picturesque Jackson, NH.  With the recent snowfall, Jackson Ski Touring is now open for skiing and snowshoeing daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    New for this year, Jackson XC will be offering special group ski lessons for children. Children ages four to nine can take a one-hour young skiers lesson for just $18, available at 10:45 a.m. on weekends and holidays.

    After they learn the basics, they can take advantage of the 300’ Anklebiter course and the expanded Story Land Element Garden which is located just outside the Touring Center base lodge. Free snowshoe rentals are also available for young children up to age seven so they can accompany their parents on snowshoe treks. As an added convenience for young families, nearby Black Mountain Ski Area offers day care services to Jackson Ski Touring guests.

    Adult group lessons start at $18/person for ages 10 and up and can be customized for families and groups. Or, upgrade to a Group Lesson Plus for $33/person and get an additional afternoon lesson. Additional packages and options are available. Visit www.jacksonxc.org/lessons for more information.

    The Rental Shop is open daily providing affordable equipment rental packages for adults and children. Pulks can be rented in one or two seat options so parents can safely tow children behind them while they ski.

    Daily ski rates are $21 for adults, $10 for juniors (ages 10-17) or $10 for snowshoe trails.  Children under 10 always ski free.

    While stopping for a warm-up break, families can enjoy hot waffles drizzled with chocolate at the new Ellis River Waffle Cabin during weekends and holiday periods (projected grand opening date December 26). Or, families can warm-up in front of a roaring fire after skiing with a hot chocolate and marshmallows in the Center’s cozy base lodge.

    After a full day of skiing, families can relax at one of Jackson’s many dining or lodging establishments. Several ski and stay packages are offered at discount rates, such as the Family Ski Adventure package at the Christmas Farm Inn and Spa. Visit www.jacksonxc.org/skiandstay for more information.

    For the latest snow conditions and information, call 1-800-XC-SNOWS.

    The Jackson Ski Touring Foundation is a community based not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, chartered to maintain trails in and around the charming Village of Jackson, NH.  The “Foundation” maintains 150 km of varied and breathtaking cross country ski and snowshoe trails 2 hours north of Boston.  Foundation trails connect with A.M.C. trails in Pinkham Notch and White Mountain National Forest backcountry adventure trails. The Foundation operates under a Special-Use Permit with the White Mountain National Forest, and with the cooperation of 75 private landowners, and the Village of Jackson.  More information about the Foundation and its offerings can be found on the web at www.jacksonxc.org.