Home | Conditions | Weather | Photos | Calendar | Rates | Lodging | Snowshoeing | Rentals | Lessons | Directions

 
   

   Jackson, New Hampshire

The #1 Cross-Country Ski Area in the

Eastern United States!

JSTF Adopt-A-Trail Program

List of available trails

Adopt-A-Trail Application

 

Q. Why is JSTF starting its Adopt-A-Trail Program?

A. JSTF’s trail system is quite vast for a cross country ski area in North America.  The Foundation has members who wish to help maintain trails.  To make maximum productive use of the fall trail crew, the Foundation is starting a program of coordinated, committed volunteers to assist the overall preparation of the trails for the winter ski season.

 

Q. Why is the Adopt-A-Trail program so important?
A. JSTF-maintained trails rely on the commitment of volunteer maintainers and adopters. Adopters perform essential basic maintenance tasks of cleaning drainage, clearing brush, clearing blowdowns and maintaining signs to promote the longevity and health of the trail. Adopters also serve as an early warning system; when serious problems are developing, the adopter alerts trails staff and corrective action can be taken before a problem snowballs.

Adopters perform an essential role: Not only do they maintain trails, they become the “eyes in the woods” for the staff of the Foundation so that the overall trail preparation becomes more efficient and effective.

 

Q. Adopter Profile?

A. Participants adopt trails for a variety of reasons. Some adopt as a way of "paying back" for good experiences they've had on the trails.  Some adopt a trail for a new and different type of challenge. Some enjoy interacting with other volunteers. Others discover trail work is an excellent way to stay physically fit. More significantly, adopters achieve a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction in maintaining an historic ski trail and by participating, become part of the history of the Jackson Ski Touring Foundation and the nordic culture of Jackson. 

Adopters perform an essential role: Not only do they maintain trails, they become the eyes in the woods for the staff of the Foundation so that the overall trail preparation becomes more efficient and effective.

 

Q. What commitment levels are available?

A. The commitment levels include:

 

Green Circle level – Minimal physical work.  Walking, running, or hiking the trails to assess overall work requirements for the Foundation's trail crew.  Reporting what is found to the Foundation’s staff.

 

Blue Square level – clear minor debris, sign maintenance, drainage maintenance.  Helps prepare trail for winter, independent of the Foundation’s trail crew.  Assesses overall status of the trail and reports same to the Foundation’s staff.  Work that requires power tools is done by the Foundation’s fall trail crew.

 

Black Diamond level – operate power tools to clear brush and blowdowns.  Full trail responsibility in preparation of trail for the winter including brushing, clearing of blowdowns and sign maintenance.

 

Bridges and other heavy construction will be performed by JSTF Trail Crew.

 

Q. Who adopts trails?
A. Adopters may consist of individuals, families, or groups (e.g. clubs, camps, scouts, and others). 

 

Q. May I adopt a section of a long trail?

A. Yes.  The staff will help you select a proper amount of trail.  It is better to adopt a shorter section and do a good job rather than a whole trail which can be daunting.  2 km is a good amount.  Green level adopters can take on more trail load than Blue or Black level adopters.

 

Q. Can a trail have more than one adopter?

A. Qualified Yes.  We will fit you in if we see a hole in the maintenance coverage of a particular trail.

 

Q. What are the rewards

A.

  • The satisfaction of being a special part of the Jackson Ski Touring Foundation and contributing above and beyond the membership dues

  • A Special Adopter’s pin

  • A JSTF Trail Adopter Baseball Hat awarded at the February Club Potluck Dinner

Q. Are there pre-requisites to become a trail adopter?

A. Attend a 1-2 hr trail orientation session for Green Circle or Blue Square levels.  Black Diamond Level requires knowledge of and extra training sessions with power tools. 

After successfully completing this training, adopters can begin work on their trail. A general familiarity with skiing on the trail you would like to adopt is also helpful.  Adopters must be 18 years or older. 

 

Q. When are the orientation sessions?

A. The first orientation session is planned for September 9 and another is planned for September 23.  Both sessions will start at 9:00 a.m.  Other times may be available by appointment.

 

Q. How can I become a trail adopter?
A. If you would like to adopt a JSTF trail, please check the list of available trails, review the responsibilities of adopters, fill out and return the Adopt-A-Trail Application, or contact the Jackson Ski Touring Foundation Volunteer Coordinator at 603-383-9355 or by email at trails@jacksonxc.org.

ADOPT-A-TRAIL Responsibilities

Taking on the stewardship of a trail is a privilege, and it is important that the adopter take the responsibilities of maintaining the trail seriously. That’s why we provide the lists below. But remember that you don’t have to go it alone. We highly recommend that you involve your family, friends, and other groups in your trail work. Yet, as the adopter of the trail, you will be responsible for the quality of the work performed, as well as for the safety of your group.

Remember, too, that if a major problem arises, it is essential that you contact the Jackson Ski Touring Foundation 603-383-9355.  Major construction projects are performed by the JSTF Trail Crew.

Adopters’ Responsibilities

  • Sign and submit the Adopter Agreement, which will be sent to you upon acceptance into the program. (Minimum two-year commitment.)

  • Attend a Trails Maintenance Skills Session prior to working on your trail.

  • Perform these necessary tasks per schedule below depending upon the needs of the trail.

  • Submit a written work report form to the staff after each work visit to your trail.

  • Work closely with the staff and maintain open lines of communication.

  • Perform all work to protect the environment, natural resources, and the recreational experience of skiers.

  • Act in the spirit of partnership and as a JSTF ambassador to the public.

Adopter Tips
 To keep your trail in the best possible condition for skier use and trail longevity, we request that you do the following:

 Green:

May 1 to May 31

  • Walk trail to clean up any trash
  • Assess maintenance needs of the trail and report to JSTF

September 1 to September 30

  • Walk the trail to note blowdowns and bridge and trail condition and report to JSTF

November 15 to 30

  • Walk the trail to note blowdowns and bridge and trail condition and any unusual issues and report to JSTF
  • Be sure that the trail is well marked by noting the conditions of the signs.  Make suggestions as to additional sign needs.

Blue

May 1 to May 31

  • Walk trail trip to clean up any trash
  • Assess maintenance needs of the trail and report to JSTF

September 1 to October 30

  • Clear trail of small debris
  • Clean drainages
  • Clear any overgrown brush off trail between September 1st and October 30th.  Note blowdowns and bridge and trail condition and report to JSTF
  • Standardize width and height of trail

November 15 to 30

  • Last minute trail walk to note blowdowns and bridge and trail condition and any unusual issues and report to JSTF
  • Inspect drainages make sure that they are clean, so as to prevent erosion and maintain the health of your trail. 
  • Be sure that the trail is well marked by noting the conditions of the signs.  Make suggestions as to additional sign needs.
  •  
  • Communicate any need for help to the staff.

Black

May 1 to May 31

  • Walk trail trip to clean up any trash
  • Assess maintenance needs of the trail and report to JSTF

September 1 to October 30

  • Clear trail of small debris
  • Clean drainages
  • Clear any overgrown brush off trail between September 1st and October 30th.  Note blowdowns and bridge and trail condition and report to JSTF

November 15 to 30

  • Walk the trail to note blowdowns and bridge and trail condition and any unusual issues and report to JSTF
  • Make an initial trip in late spring to clean all drainages and clean up any trash.
  • Clear any last minute overgrown brush off trail before November 15th.  
  • Clear Blowdowns
  • Standardize width and height of trail
  • Make sure drainages are always clean, so as to prevent erosion and maintain the health of your trail.  
  • Be sure that the trail is well marked by noting the conditions of the signs.  Make suggestions as to additional sign needs.  Install signs where necessary.
  • Communicate any need for help to the staff.

Training Sessions

Programs are free of charge for trail adopters

 

Green Level Session:

Observation and documentation

·    Erosion controls

·    Blowdowns

·    Brush levels

·    Signs

·    Standardization of trail corridor

·    Bridge and culvert condition

 

Blue Maintenance Skills Sessions: 
 Learn the nuts and bolts of trail maintenance: drainage, clearing, brushing, and sign maintenance.

 

Basic Chainsaw and Brushcutter Training 
 Learn how to use and maintain chainsaws and brushcutters during this intensive workshop.  The emphasis of this workshop is to enhance your knowledge of safe chainsaw use, identification and mitigation of hazards, and gain practical experience using chainsaws, power pole saws and brushcutters.  This workshop is for both the occasional firewood cutter as well as those using a chainsaw to perform trail work.  It is recommended that participants bring their own saw and personal protective equipment (PPE), but chainsaws and PPE will be provided for those who do not have them.  Lunch is provided both days.  Participants should bring necessary clothing to be outdoors all day in inclement weather.  Sturdy leather boots are also required.

 

 Please Note:  Much of this information is adapted from the AMC Adopt-A-Trail Program.  Many thanks for their guidance.

 

Top
 

 

  

1-800-927-6697

 


Jackson Ski Touring Foundation
 A not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization

"Building and preserving the heritage of Nordic skiing"

Celebrating 35 years of providing skiing

 

153 Main St.

PO Box 216

Jackson, NH  03846 

(603) 383-9355
Lodging Information

1-800-927-6697
 

Base Lodge open 7 days a week,
8a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Site Updated 03/19/2008