eastman cross country ski center

This was my first time skiing at Eastman. It has very easy access from Route 89. I went on a weekday, and the guy in the shop was very helpful. He gave me guidance on waxes and advice on where to ski. Groomers did a great job with very little snow. The trails are fun, including the "woods" trails--a great mix of "tame" and "wild" with plenty of distance. I skiied classic, but the trails seemed perfectly groomed for skating also. Overall, Eastman takes the sport seriously and provides all the right stuff. They even have a waxing bench--with hot irons, if needed. I look forward to returning and trying more of the "John's Glen" trails.

The Eastman Golf Links are part of the Eastman development in Grantham, NH off Interstate 89 at Exit 13. Take old Route 10 North and turn right on Eastman Road and follow the signs. It's a club for the members, but open to the public as well. The course is in beautiful country, with many elevated tees, and very many changes in elevation. Very lush and well-kept, the course is a pleasure just to see. It can play very long, especially if wet. Mens tees start at 5740 yards, and climb thru 6338 to the tips at 6731. Womens tees are also long at 5499. This can present a problem with some carries for women and men who are not particularly long hitters. However, Eastman does offer some "alternative forward tees" that greatly shorten most par 5s and long par 4s............men or women can take advantage if desired. Frequent uphill shots to blind or semiblind locations deter somewhat from my enjoyment of the course, but that's just a personal preference. The yardage decisions and course handicap selections do not always seem spot on; there are 355 yd par fives, followed by a 376 and 367 yard par fours, for instance. But the course is enjoyable and beautiful, and I would suggest you pick the tee on each hole that most fits your game. Water abounds to challenge errant shots, but most fairways are fairly wide. With the Golf Card International you can play for $50 each including cart, a bargain for this course. It would be even more attractive during fall foliage season.

I have skied at Eastman numerous times and always appreciate the quality of the grooming, even when there is minimal snow cover. The trail system is varied, very scenic, and suitable for both beginners and advanced, classic and skate skiers. I am always amazed that there are so few people on the trails, even on weekends. Perhaps they just don't know how nice these trails are, or that they can rent skis at the cross country center. I also love the trails at Craftsbury in Vermont, but as long as Eastman has snow, there is no need to drive that far.... and it looks like this year the snow is coming !

Disclaimer: I live in Eastman NH and can use the XC ski center as a resident of this resort community. It's also open to the public for a very reasonable charge. I skied there before moving to NH. Absolutely fantastic grooming by bully piston for both classic and skate skiing. Trails vary from easy to challenging with hills. Some in the open on the golf course, but others in the woods and along the lake. Restaurant upstairs from the ski center is also quite good. Skis can be purchased or rented and you can wax your skis.

Although not open every day, the menu is good bistro fare for lunch and dinner, and is open to the public. Located in Eastman just off exit 13 on Route 89, in Grantham, The Bistro offers music and song during the week and on weekends along with a good tavern menu. Call ahead for hours.

Not much skiing this year but the area is so lovely every season of the year. Food and golf available . Close to the interstate, well maintained .One of my favorite places in New England.

Incredibly quiet, gorgeous views, wonderfully groomed WIDE trails for all experience levels. Snow shoeing is permitted, and the trails are wide enough that in most places they are usable for both activities. Trails are in the woods, as well as along the golf course fairways. Distant mountain views. Rental equipment is available, though we had our own. The restaurant was not open when we were there on a weekday afternoon.