If you’re into backcountry skiing, the Granite Backcountry Alliance should be on your radar. Since 2016, the backcountry ski organization has created over 40,000 vertical feet of terrain and maintains numerous Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) trails.
This fall, they’re working on numerous projects that are sculpting trails at lost ski areas across New England. These projects will be happening at Burnt Meadow in Maine, Page Hill in New Hampshire, and an undisclosed location.
For more information about these projects, Granite Backcountry Alliance’s official press release is below.
GRANITE BACKCOUNTRY REVITALIZES HISTORIC SKI AREAS IN NH AND ME
Nonprofit trail alliance will enhance backcountry access to public trails this fall
Conway, New Hampshire; October 10, 2023: Granite Backcountry Alliance (GBA), a nonprofit organization developing backcountry skiing terrain in New Hampshire and western Maine, has announced its 2023 glade tour, which will focus on revitalizing two defunct downhill areas, Burnt Meadow Mountain (Brownfield, ME), and Page Hill (Tamworth, NH). Dubbed “Backcountry to the Future,” the fall glade season will add 5,000 vertical feet to the GBA glade network known as Graniteland, with terrain varying from wide logging roads to tight tree turns. A third special project is soon to be announced to add to the autumn lineup.
Graniteland currently consists of 15 locations across 12 communities in New Hampshire and western Maine with 50,000 vertical feet of terrain. This includes 11 glade ranches created by GBA volunteers and 4 historic CCC trails maintained by the Alliance. Volunteers have dedicated over 30,000 hours of work to Graniteland since 2016. This year, GBA also introduced a revamped model for organizing glade work, giving more autonomy to local leaders and community members to spearhead maintenance across glade ranches.
“We’re thrilled to partner with local landowners and recreation groups to revitalize terrain in Brownfield and Tamworth, enhancing access to below-tree line backcountry skiing opportunities in northern New England,” said Tyler Ray, GBA Founder and Granite Chief. “The beauty of this glade season is merging the old school, ski-from-the-heart mentality with the passion of a new user group. We’re bringing life back to these beloved ski areas through a sustainable model of low-maintenance, human-powered recreating that is centered around conservation and stewardship. It’s a win-win for local communities and for our members who are stoked for new adventures.”
The GBA glade tour kicks off Saturday, October 14, at Burnt Meadow Mountain in Brownfield, ME. Located on the northern slope of the 1,575-foot north peak just an hour from Portland, Burnt Meadow Mountain ski area operated from 1971 to 1982, an effort by the town to overcome an economic depression that had been reeling since a devastating fire in 1947. The property is now managed by the Burnt Meadow Sno Club, which is partnering with GBA to create a shared human-powered and motorized oasis for winter recreation and spur economic development.
The glade season will continue at Page Hill in Tamworth, NH, on November 11. Page Hill Slope operated as an alpine ski area from the 1930s through the 1960s, serving as the hub of Tamworth’s local ski industry. Now home to the Public House on Page Hill, a charming farm-to-table restaurant and event venue, Page Hill is once again becoming a sought-out destination just two hours from Boston. The glade ranch will offer terrain with 350 vertical feet to descend, an approachable option for intermediate and more advanced skiers alike with stunning views of the Sandwich Dome, Mt. Whiteface, Mt. Passaconaway, Mt. Paugus, and Mt. Chocorua.
More information about GBA, the events schedule, membership, glading, current ski glades, and projects all can be found at www.granitebc.org.
ABOUT GRANITE BACKCOUNTRY ALLIANCE
Granite Backcountry Alliance (GBA) seeks to enhance wintertime outdoor recreation across New Hampshire and western Maine by developing its network of low-impact human-powered backcountry skiing known as Graniteland. Since 2016, GBA has developed over 40,000 vertical feet of terrain and maintained an additional 10,000 vertical feet of historic ski trails through more than 30,000 hours of volunteer work. Collaborating with local partners such as Upper Saco Valley Land Trust, White Mountain National Forest, the Frackleton Family, and the White Mountain Reflection Center, GBA has generated terrain supply to meet the surging demand of backcountry skiing, the fastest-growing segment in the ski industry.
Image Credits: Scott Martin Photography (Featured Image), Granite Backcountry Alliance, Skimap.org
