Nordic skiers can give thanks for an early opening of the cross-country season, thanks to recent snowfall at Bretton Woods touring center.

A total of 20 km are currently open, with 10.3 km groomed for classical and skating.

Bretton Woods, New Hampshire's biggest ski resort, is located near the base of Mount Washington, the loftiest peak in the northeast. Here are a couple of pix taken on Sunday.

Crossing the Ammonoosuc River with Mount Washington in the background. Bretton Woods Nordic Ski Center opened this past weekend, with 20 km open, 10.3 km groomed for classical and skate.
PHOTO COURTESY BRETTON WOODS RESORT

The famous 1903 Mount Washington Hotel is the centerpiece of Bretton Woods ski touring center.
PHOTO COURTESY BRETTON WOODS RESORT

Spokeswoman Irene Donnell reports that cross-country buffs from Maine, Vermont and Massachusetts have arrived for their first tracks of the season.

This is the first official opening of a nordic center in New England for the 07-08 season, although some friends in Aroostook report that they've been messing around on a few inches of snow for the past week.

Brettons Woods' nearby alpine ski area has been open since Nov. 10 and currently reports 11 (of 101) trails from three chairlifts.

For that, give thanks to Bretton Woods' army of snowmakers.

E-mail this entry to a friend