NORDIC center
AT WATERVILLE VALLEY RESORT’s adventure center
Welcome to Waterville Valley Resort's Nordic Center, your one-stop destination for all things cross-country skiing! Whether you're a seasoned pro or a curious beginner, our Nordic Center is the cross-country ski hub of the Northeast.
RENTALS & LESSONS
We offer full-service gear rentals including Nordic skis, snowshoes, fat bikes, and pulk sleds. Lessons are available for all ability levels. Our Beginner Packages offer gear rentals, guided instruction, and a trail pass all for one low price! We also offer private, semi-private, and group lessons to enhance your skills and gain professional, on-trail insight. Adaptive lessons are also available to guests to bring the beloved Nordic sport to anyone and everyone!
NORDIC TRAIL SYSTEM
Puchase a trail pass and unlock access to over 70+ km Nordic ski trails groomed for skate and classic skiing! Our trail system is incredibly convenient, with various points of access around Waterville Valley, including Town Square, lodges and hotels, Livermore Trailhead, the Alpine Ski Resort, and more! Traverse deep into the White Mountain National Forest, soak in untouched natural beauty, and bask in awe-inspiring mountain views. Dogs are welcome on select trails. Snowshoeing is welcome on any trail. Fat biking is welcome on select trails.
RETAIL
Our retail store offers expert guidance and an expansive selection of top-tier Nordic ski gear. We stock the latest innovations in skis, boots, poles, outwear, waxing supplies, replacement parts, accessories, and tuning equipment. Walk in with questions, leave with confidence! Our passionate team of Nordic ski enthusiasts is here to guide you every step of the way.
nordic trail PASSES
NORDIC LESSONS
nordic ski RENTALS
snowshoe & fat bikes
PROGRAMS & events
NORDIC PASSES
Access Waterville Valley Resort’s Nordic Trail System with a Trail Pass (day-use) or season pass. Explore 70+km of trails groomed for classic and skate skiing, weaving deep into the White Mountain National Forest .
SEASON PASSES
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Valid everyday of the 2024/25 Season
NO BLACKOUT DATES!
Over 70km of accessible trails
20% off retail purchases (non-sale items) and the Nordic Center
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Nordic ski Sunday-Friday all season except blackout dates. * 2024/25 Blackout dates include: Dec 25, 2024 - Jan 1, 2025, Jan 18-20, 2025, Feb 15-23, 2025.
Over 70km of accessible trails
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Add-On to any Waterville Valley Resort Season Pass!
The Nordic Add-On grants access to all Nordic trails all season.
No blackout dates!
DAY-USE TRAIL PASSES
| NORDIC TRAIL PASSES | AFTERNOON ONLY | FULL DAY | ADD-A-DAY |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADULT (18+) | $23 |
$27 |
$24 |
| TEEN (13-17) | $20 |
$24 |
$21 |
| JUNIOR (6-12)/ SENIOR (65+) | $18 |
$22 |
$19 |
*Afternoon Only Trail Passes are available after 12:15pm.
NORDIC SKI LESSONS
Interested in trying cross-country skiing? Or simply looking to elevate your Nordic skills? Nordic ski lessons are a specialty of Waterville Valley's Nordic Center. Learning happens fast with our experienced instructors. Our development program focusses on building new skills while fostering a passion for the sport! In order to help you get the most from our expansive terrain, our ski school offers a wide range of programs for all ages and disciplines - from skating to classic. Reservations are required for Nordic lessons. To make a reservation, please call 1-2 weeks ahead of time at 603-236-4666.
FIRST-TIMERS
Unleash the winter explorer within you with Nordic (cross-country) skiing! Nordic ski lessons will help you unlock the ultimate winter adventure. With Nordic skiing, you can connect with nature, traverse through stunning snowy landscapes, while getting a full-body workout! Accessible for all ages and fitness levels, Nordic skiing is a low-impact sport that combines cardiovascular endurance, strength, and balance, providing a holistic workout that is both invigorating and effective. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or simply looking for a new challenge, Nordic skiing is a sport that welcomes everyone.
bEGINNER PACKAGEs
Our Nordic Ski Beginner Package includes gear rentals, trail passes, and a lesson with one of our experienced instructors. We have several different types of lessons available for Beginner’s Packages. Please choose from the list below:
PRIVATE - BEGINNER PACKAGE
$95
1-on-1 coaching with a certified instructor.
SEMI-PRIVATE - BEGINNER PACKAGE
$75
Have friends of family who want to learn too? Book a semi-private lesson, so you and your crew can all learn together!
GROUP - BEGINNER PACKAGE
$60
Learn how to cross-country ski in a friendly group setting!
LOOKING FOR JUST A LESSON?
Enhance your skills, learn new tricks, and get professional insights from one of our experienced instructors.
PRIVATE LESSON
$65
1-on-1 training with a certified instructor.
Semi-Private lesson
$45
Have friends or family who want to join the lesson? Book a semi-private lesson!
GROUP LESSON
$35
Perfect for those wanting a Nordic ski lesson in a friendly group setting!
Nordic Adaptive
We offer Adaptive lessons for those athletes interested in Nordic. First timers and more experienced cross country skiers are all welcome! Please call the Adaptive office for more information, 603-236-7219 ext 3175 or e-mail Waterville Valley Adaptive at info@watervilleadaptive.com. Waterville Valley is pleased to bring winter sports to everyone!
NORDIC RENTALS
Reservations are NOT required for Nordic ski (skate & classic) rentals or pulk sled rentals.
NO bag or gear storage is available inside the Adventure Center. Boot storage is provided for rental customers.
Bring your furry friends along with you! Dogs are welcome on select trails: Greeley Path, Deep Woods, and The Connector.
HIT THE TRAILS FASTER - COMPLETE YOUR NORDIC RENTAL WAIVER BEFORE YOUR VISIT!
NORDIC SKI RENTALS
| NORDIC SKI RENTALS | FULL DAY | ADD-A-DAY | DEMO |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADULT (18+) | $28 |
$26 |
$35 |
| TEEN (13-17) | $24 |
$22 |
$35 |
| JUNIOR (6-12)/ SENIOR (65+) | $21 |
$19 |
$35 |
NORDIC SKIS
Skate or Classic Options Available
PULK/CHILD SLEDS
| PULK RENTALS | RENTAL RATES |
|---|---|
| FULL DAY | $22 |
| HALF DAY | $16 |
snowshoeing & fat biking
Many of our nordic skiers, alpine skiers, and non-skier guests can access easy and enjoyable ways to experience the winter landscape of Waterville Valley.
SNOWSHOEING
Easy For All Ages! Snowshoeing requires no special skills. If you can walk it's a cinch. We also have racing snowshoes available if you want to try winter trail running.
Great Exercise! Like hiking and walking, snowshoeing is a low impact activity that people with average fitness levels can enjoy.Runners, cyclists and other active people have found that depending on your pace, the snow conditions and your work-out schedule snowshoeing can be an excellent aerobic activity.
Snowshoe Trips - Since there are no lifts required and you can go virtually anywhere, a snowshoe adventure can be a self-guided, casual, spur of the moment walk in the woods or a daylong trek to a local summit.
All of our Nordic trails are open to snowshoes! No rental reservations are required for snowshoes.
| SNOWSHOE RENTALS | FULL DAY |
|---|---|
| ADULT (18+) | $22 |
| TEEN (13-17) | $20 |
| JUNIOR (6-12)/ SENIOR (65+) | $19 |
FAT BIKING
Go where you can't with your mountain bike! What started as a way for cyclists to ride through the winter, now is a fun, year-round activity on terrain that was once un-rideable (snow, sand, and mixed-condition trails).
The Nordic Center has several trails designated for daily fat bike use, see Nordic Snow Report for open trails. Additional terrain open for fat biking on Sundays and Thursdays after 12:30pm as conditions allow.
Reservations are NOT required. However, to secure your rental, you are welcome to call ahead of time to reserve fat bikes! Please call ahead of time at 603-236-4666.
| FAT BIKE RENTALS | RENTAL RATES |
|---|---|
| FULL DAY | $50 |
| HALF DAY | $40 |
| RENTAL & TICKET | $55 |
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Ride only when you can travel over snow without leaving a rut deeper than one inch.
Only ride on designated trails
Yield to all other users when riding. Skiers don't have brakes but you do!
Ride on the firmest part of the trail.
Do not ride on or in the classic tracks.
Leave room for skiers to pass (Please do not ride side-by-side blocking the full trail).
Allow the trail time to set up after grooming and before riding, if the tire leaves a rut of more than an inch, chose a different activity for the day!
Be an ambassador for the sport: stay polite, educate other riders, discourage bad behavior and follow the rules!
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Wide tires — deep snow coverage may require tires wider than 4 inches.
Tire pressure often be less than 10 PSI.
Sufficient traction that you are able to safely control your bike and ride in a straight line.
For more information, call the Adventure Center at 603-236-4666.
WINTER WALKING
Wondering about wandering through Waterville Valley? Foot traffic packs down the snow, making it incredibly hard for groomers to provide good skiing conditions. Foot traffic also creates hazards for Nordic skiers. Do your part and help keep our Nordic trail system safe and in good condition! Instead of walking along Nordic trails, stick to our designated winter walking routes!
1. VILLAGE TRAIL
Leaves from Town Square and follows the brook. Groomed with foot traffic allowed. At 0.3 miles, take a right to cross two bridges to enter the Mad River Hiking Trail (number 2 on map) or continue straight to go another 0.5 miles to enter the USFS Waterville Valley Campground (number 7 on the map). A loop down to the campground and back is a lovely 2 mile roundtrip with minimal elevation change.
2. MAD RIVER TRAIL
Accessed from Village Trail or from West Branch Road, this is a beautifully scenic 0.85 mile trail that travels along the Mad River. There are some sections of steep steps and one stream crossing on large boulders. It is often icy so traction is recommended. You can connect onto Mike’s Dream after cross the bridge on West Branch Road.
3. CASCADE PATH
Starting at the base of Snow’s Mountain, walk across Cascade Ridge Road to begin this gentle adventure complete with scenic views and bridges. The trail is best known for its rising and winding pattern through the forest. 1.2 miles into your hike, the trail joins with the Lower Snow’s Mountain trail near a small bridge. After 0.2 miles you will come to the first in a series of waterfalls and gorges. The trail splits at the first waterfall, you can hike up either side of the brook.
4. SNOW’S MOUNTAIN TRAIL
This moderate trail meanders in a long, elliptical loop along the ridge of Snow’s Mountain on a rocky footbed. All ungroomed faces of Snow’s Mountain are accessible to foot-traffic without snowshoes, but we ask that you please stay off any packed up hill routes and groomed portions of Beanbender. Offering unique and fantastic views of the cascades and the frozen pools below, Snow’s is wonderful adventure open to travelers.
5. LIVERMORE ROAD TO GREELEY PONDS
Leaving the Livermore Parking Lot requires a short 0.4 mile walk on the groomed trail (please stay to the side). Take a left after crossing the small bridge and you’ll be on Greeley Ponds Trail (marked with a brown USFS sign). The trail is very flat and wide for about 1 mile before it starts to climb away from the river. If you wish to continue, it’s a lovely 7 mile round trip to the first pond and back.
6. HARDY BROOK ROAD
If driving up the access road towards the downhill area, you’ll pass the Town Offices on the right and then just after cross the bridge you’ll see a small pull off on the left with a USFS gate. It is not plowed or maintained so sometimes it requires accessing by foot. You can make a short road traverse by exiting Village Trail at the Town Offices. This old logging road can be easily followed for 1-2 miles before becoming a little rough with encroaching brush.
7. MIKE’S DREAM
This piece of private land along the Mad River is open to the public. The main doubletrack trail is .3 mi and connects West Branch Road to Osceola Rd. There are also mostly unmarked singletrack bike trails on both sides of the wider doubletrack and a small field area near the West Branch Road end that is perfect for a game of fetch with fido.
8. MOUNT TECUMSEH TRAIL
This difficult rocky trail that ascends Mount Tecumseh offers widespread, easterly views before descending down the other side. Beginning at the north end of Waterville Valley Resort, this trail gradually ascends the southern side of Tecumseh Brook for about 15 minutes then crosses the brook and climbs the northern foothills with the ski area slopes on the left and diverges not far from the summit, giving excellent views to the east and descends after High Country.
9. SMARTS BROOK
Smarts Brook trail, located 5 miles down Route 49, accesses a popular and scenic system of shorter loop hikes that is also a popular ungroomed crosscountry skiing area in winter. The Smarts Brook trail passes through the center of these loops and slowly ascends the valley, connecting after 5.1 miles to the Sandwich Mountain trail just below Jennings Peak.
NORDIC PROGRAMS
advanced clinicS
WITH 4-TIME OLYMPIAN KRIS FREEMAN
Learn advanced skate techniques from 4-time Olympian Kris Freeman. Space is limited, pre-registration is required.
Learn to optimize body position for better power, increased cadence, and more complete weight transfer.
Program Dates & Times:
February 25th, 10:00am
OUT OF BOUNDS
Waterville Valley Resort is excited to introduce the Out of Bounds series, an intro to alpine touring as part of our Seasonal Programs. Join us on Friday or Saturday afternoons and learn about the growing sport of Alpine Touring while exploring all that Waterville Valley has to offer. This program is geared towards individuals looking to join a community of skiers and experiencing a ski day adventure while “earning their turns.” During this three session series, you will continue to expand upon your existing ski skills by learning about the basics of alpine touring, aka “uphilling.” You will learn about equipment, gear preparation, uphill movement and travel skills, while exploring the local area, finding secret stashes, and of course, enjoying the descent.
nordic silver streaks
Join the Nordic Streaks program every Wednesday, non-holiday, at 10am at the Nordic Center in Town Square for 2 hours of fabulous Nordic skiing with our professional guide. Participants then can enjoy their own lunch at the Nordic Center, with complimentary coffee and pastries. Nordic Streaks program members are welcome at all Silver Streak après ski, banquets, and other special social events.
Alpine Silver Streaks may drop in to ski with the Nordic Streaks at no extra charge. All participants must either purchase a daily trail ticket or have a Nordic Season Pass.