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.

 

 

FAQ

FAQ

general

What is special about groomed trails?

  • Makes learning to ski easier for all ages

  • Helps to compact deep snow

  • Creates tracks to guide skis

  • Creates a flat ski lane for skate skiing

  • Creates that wonderful "corduroy"

  • Loosens up hardpack and ice

  • Patches up ruts and impact depressions

  • Helps snow cover last longer

 

Where can I rent or buy skis?

 

How can I help? 

  • Donate.

  • Inquire as to whether your employer has a grant-matching program.

  • Spread the word about us on social media, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram .

  • Volunteer for one of our open positions.

 

Are you a registered non-profit? Are my donations tax-deductible?

The North Shore Nordic Association of Hamilton, MA is a 501C3 tax exempt non-profit charitable organization. Your donations are tax-deductible. Donate here.

 

Learn to Cross Country Ski with CANSI instructor Keith Nicol. 

What is the difference between classic cross country and skate skiing? 

"Classical skiing is the original style of cross-country skiing. In this style the arms and legs move parallel to the direction of travel and with the same tempo as walking or running.

Classical skiing depends on the kicking and gliding with parallel skis to move forward on a trail.

Skate skiing is a newer method of cross-country skiing and uses lateral movements that are familiar to inline, roller and ice skaters. The arms work together with the legs to help achieve forward momentum" (Williams, Carlesa: About.com: An Introduction to Skate Skiing).

trail use

Who can use the trails?

Cross country skiers, skate skiers, and snowshoers. If you are snowshoeing, please walk along the edge of the skate track. Respect the groomed trails - if you are sinking in and creating ruts and holes, please choose an un-groomed trail to hike on. 

 

How much does it cost to use the trails?

The trails are free, but donations help us offset the cost of grooming and are appreciated. Donate here.

 

When are the trails open? 

Sunrise to sunset. 

 

Where will the groomed trails be located?

The majority of trails will be located at Appleton Farms and Grass Rides. Check the maps section of our website for details.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for up to date grooming reports.

 

Will bikes be allowed on the trails? 

On groomed trails, please follow the International Mountain Biking guidelines:

  • Bike tires must be a minimum of 3-1/2" wide

  • Bike tires must have a maximum tire pressure of 19 psi

  • Bikes must be able to ride on the groomed trail surface without creating a rut

 

Will dogs be allowed on the trails?

We love dogs, and we love skiing with dogs. That said, we follow Appleton Farms’ rules for dogs: most of the Appleton property is a working farm and is thus off-limits to dogs. The Grassrides area is dog-friendly, and is accessed from the Highland Street parking lot. We often groom some of the trails in the dog area, but the site gets a lot of walking traffic so the trails are often heavily impacted. The fields by the parking lot are often the best places to ski with your dog. Our map and the signage on-site both indicate dog-friendly areas.  

Where can I find a trail map? 

Map are available at trail heads, inside the dairy store, and in the maps section of our website.

  

How deep must the snow be before it can be groomed?

Snow must be 6 inches deep on close-cut grass surfaces before we can groom. It must be deeper than that where the underlying vegetation is tall, and still deeper in wooded areas.

 

How often will the trails be groomed? 

After a substantial snowfall and on an as-needed basis to rehabilitate the snow surface. Please recognize that this is an entirely volunteer effort, and we will do our best to groom all the trails we have access to. However, at times this may not be possible. Please check our grooming updates page for up to date details.