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Winter Ecology, Natural History and Cross Country Skiing in Crawford Notch with AMC

Program Number: 20965RJ
Start and End Dates:
3/3/2013 - 3/8/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: Bretton Woods,
Price starting at: $690.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Winter Sports; Science & Nature; Natural History; Health & Fitness
Meals: 15; 5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners    
Meal Options: Gluten Free; Low Fat; Low Salt; Vegetarian    

Carved into New Hampshire’s White Mountains by the moving waters of the Saco River, Crawford Notch is an impressive gorge that is teeming with wildlife, steeped in beauty and history, and is a paradise for skiing enthusiasts. With seasoned Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) professionals, learn or improve your techniques as you practice Nordic (cross-country) skiing along snowy trails, and hear about the history of this beloved sport in the region. Gain a deeper appreciation for the animals, plants and ecology of Crawford Notch during informative lectures and field trips, and enjoy evenings of stargazing and snowshoeing along idyllic trails.




Highlights

• Join AMC naturalists as they share their first-hand knowledge of the ecology, animals and plants of the region.
• Learn about the history of skiing during a field trip to the New England Ski Museum.
• Meet local past champions and an Olympian to hear about their experiences as Nordic skiers.



Activity Particulars

For beginner and intermediate skiers.




Date Specific Information

3-3-2013

Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



Coordinated by Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC).




Bretton Woods

TO BE WRITTEN
Accommodations
Four-season lodge and conference center, offering “green” lodging and backdoor access to outdoor activities.
Meals and Lodgings
   Appalachian Mountain Club--Highland Center Lodge
  Crawford Notch 5 nights
 Appalachian Mountain Club--Highland Center Lodge
Type: Lodge
  Description: AMC's Highland Center at Crawford Notch, a four-season lodge and outdoor education center, offers "green" lodging as well as a broad range of accommodations and walk-on programs, along with backdoor access to a variety of outdoor activities. The Highland Center Lodge was built on the basis of the AMC “Green Promise” — a commitment to sustainable and environmentally-friendly building practices. The entire lodge features earth tones to blend in to the New Hampshire landscape. 60% of the windows face south, utilizing the sun’s energy. The lodge itself is built on a skeleton of local, recycled steel. Native plants were replanted in the landscape design and are utilized as educational tools in warmer months. Inside the lodge are environmentally-friendly carpets, glues, and paints, along with low-flow composting toilets. The imposing but cozy living room area overlooks White Mountains National Forest, and offers several soft couches, and a large stone fireplace that becomes the centerpiece of guest socials and board games. Lodge accommodations are simple, clean and comfortable, with eco-friendly low-flow toilets, faucets, and showerheads, down comforters, comfy leather chairs, and carpeting made from recycled plastics. Rooms range in size from double with a queen bed and private bath to family rooms with a queen and two bunk beds down to dorm style rooms with a shared bath. It's rewarding to know that the lodge furnishings were donated by the New England outdoors legend L.L. Bean. Crawford Notch State Park has nearly 6,000 acres of land available for hiking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and more. Waterfalls and beautiful mountain views dot the park.
  Contact info: Route 302
Bretton Woods, NH 03575 USA
phone: 603-278-4453
web: www.outdoors.org/lodging/whitemountains/highland/
  Room amenities: There is no television in the rooms
  Facility amenities: Free Wi-Fi throughout facility
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: $69-$91per person Dinner and Breakfast are included in the rates, taxes additional. Rates are per person.
  Check in time: 3:00 PM
  Additional nights after: $69-$91per person Dinner and Breakfast are included in the rates, taxes additional. Rates are per person.
  Check out time: 11:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
3:00 PM You will be staying at Appalachian Mountain Club--Highland Center Lodge that night.
  End of Program:
11:00 AM You will be staying at Appalachian Mountain Club--Highland Center Lodge the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
  Parking availability:
Participants must provide their own transportation to the Lodge. The main entrance accessible by driving through parking lot and following it around small red building to the circular driveway for unloading. Parking is back in the main lot.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Crawford Notch
  Nearest city or town:  Bretton Woods, NH
  Nearest highway: 93
  Nearest airport:  Portland Maine
  From End of Program
  Location: Crawford Notch
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Portland International Jetport

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Car Rentals
Alamo
phone: 207-775-0855
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

varies by vehicle choice
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

2.5 
 

Distance:

 

96 miles
 

Portland International Jetport

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Car Rentals
Enterprise
phone: 207-615-0030

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

varies by vehicle choice
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

2.5 
 

Distance:

 

96 miles
 

Portland International Jetport

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Car Rentals
Hertz
phone: 207-774-4544

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

varies by vehicle choice
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

2.5 
 

Distance:

 

96
 

Portland International Jetport

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Car Rentals
National
phone: 207-773-0036

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

varies by vehicle choice
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

2.5 
 

Distance:

 

96
 

Portland International Jetport

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Car Rentals
AVIS/Budget
phone: 207-874-7501

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

varies by vehicle choice
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

2.5 
 

Distance:

 

96 miles
 
Driving Directions
  Boston/Southern NH 1. Take Interstate 93 North to Route 3 North (Exit 35). 2. Take Route 3 North to Route 302 East (near Twin Mountain). 3. Take Route 302 East approximately 10 miles to the Highland Center, located roadside right on Route 302. From Boston, 160 miles, about three hours
  Montreal 1. Take Autoroute 10 East to Autoroute 55 South (north of Magog). 2. Take Autoroute 55 South to Interstate 91 South (at US/Canada line). 3. Take Interstate 91 South to Route 105 East (by Derby, Vt.). 4. Take Route 105 East to Route 3 South (in North Stratford, N.H.). 5. Take Route 3 South to Route 302 East to (near Twin Mountain). 6. Take Route 302 East, located roadside right on Route 302. From Montreal, 190 miles, about four hours
  NYC/Hartford, CT/Western MA 1. Take Interstate 95 North (Connecticut Turnpike) to Interstate 91 North (by New Haven, Conn.). 2. Take Interstate 91 North to Route 302 East (Exit 17 in Vermont). 3. Take Route 302 East to the Highland Center, located roadside right on Route 302, just before the Crawford Depot. From NYC, 358 miles, about seven hours
  On Google Maps Please type Highland Center, bretton woods, nh
  Portland Maine Take Route 302 West to Crawford Notch, located roadside left on Route 302 From Portland, Maine, 80 miles, about two hours
  Seacoast of NH 1. Take Spaulding Turnpike North to Route 16 North. 2. Take Route 16 to Route 302 West (in Glen). 3. Take Route 302 West approximately 21 miles to the Highland Center, located roadside left on Route 302. From Portsmouth, NH, 102 miles, about two hours
Equipment Requirements: Participants will need to supply their own Nordic skiing equipment: skis, boots, poles, etc. For activities outside of Nordic skiing the Highland Center has a fully equipped L.L.Bean Gear Room to supply equipment such as: snow-shoes, winter hiking boots, trekking poles, backpacks and some outerwear. Use of this room is complimentary.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Arrival & Check-in, Registration, Welcome Reception & Opening Dinner, Orientation
(Sunday, March 3)
   
 Afternoon: ARRIVAL & CHECK-IN: Highland Center Lodge, Crawford Notch, NH. Check-in is available from 2:00pm, though rooms may be open earlier.

After you have your room assignment, come over to the Road Scholar desk in the lobby to pick up your arrival packet containing your name tag, updated schedule, and other important information we'll review during orientation.

WELCOME RECEPTION: 5:00-6:00pm in our private meeting room with fresh fruit platter, mix of cheeses & crackers, ice water and lemonade; beer and wine available for purchase.

 Dinner: Dinner begins at 6:00pm and typically includes fresh-baked bread, soup, salad, a delicious entrée (vegetarian option available with advance request), and homemade dessert.
 Evening: ORIENTATION: After dinner, we will have an informative overview of the program including a review of the updated daily schedule, responsibilities, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, your gear, and answer any questions you may have.

Please be aware that program activities and scheduled times could change due to weather and other local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible.

You are about to embark on a new Road Scholar learning adventure in association with the Appalachian Mountain Club designed for Beginner-to-Intermediate levels of Nordic skiing ability. Led by an AMC expert, you will have daily ski instruction on different techniques to help develop Nordic (cross country) skills, and go cross country skiing with an AMC naturalist to learn first hand about the winter ecology and natural history of Crawford Notch.
   
Accommodations: Appalachian Mountain Club--Highland Center Lodge
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Expert-led Ski Clinic, Cross Country Ski Local Trails, Ski Wax and Tuning Demonstration
(Monday, March 4)
   
 Breakfast: Available from 6:30am. Enjoy a tasty buffet family style in the dining room. Buffet includes eggs, pancakes and waffles, bacon and sausage, home fries, and home baked items. There will also be yogurt, fruits, and cereals. Coffee, tea, juices, and ice water is also included.

After breakfast, pick up your packed lunch for the trail (according to the form you submitted last night). These lunches include sandwiches (ham, turkey, vegetarian, and tuna) using only the finest ingredients, fruits, vegetables, cheese, trail mix and health bar.

 Morning: SKI CLINIC: At 8:00am, we will gather in the Living Room of the Highland Center Lodge and head outside for instruction by expert AMC staff. Learn different techniques to develop Nordic (cross country) skills.

FIELD TRIP: After the clinic, we will depart for a field trip along Nordic trails of the Bretton Woods to put your skills into practice and learn about the natural history Crawford Notch and its winter environment. Our study will focus on the world of winter ecology by examining birds, plants, trees, mammals, and their response to low light, low temperatures, and blankets of snow.

 Lunch: Lunch will be on the trail where we will continue our discussions on winter flora and fauna in the White Mountain National Forest with AMC Naturalists.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP CONTINUES: In addition to our study of winter ecology and natural history, you will gain some knowledge of local human history at various stages during the program. Crawford Notch is full of history including a Grand Hotel that served guests at the turn of the century -- where the Highland Center stands today -- home and painting studio for a White Mountain School painter, and numerous other fascinating people.

At around 3:30-4:00pm, we will ski back to Highland Center Lodge for some "down" time before dinner.

 Dinner: Dinner, served family style, begins at 6:00pm and typically includes fresh-baked bread, soup, salad, two delicious entrées (vegetarian and non), and homemade dessert.
 Evening: EVENING PROGRAM: Learn about ski waxing and tuning in a hands-on demonstration for a thorough understanding of cross country ski maintenance from the representative of a leading manufacturer of ski maintenance equipment.
   
Accommodations: Appalachian Mountain Club--Highland Center Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Ski Clinic, Cross Country Ski Local Trails, New England Ski Museum, Evening Perspectives on Nature
(Tuesday, March 5)
   
 Breakfast: Available from 6:30am. Enjoy a tasty buffet family style in the dining room and take in the views from the expansive windows of the mountains that form Crawford Notch.
 Morning: SKI CLINIC: At 8:00am, we will gather in the Living Room of the Highland Center Lodge and head outside for instruction by expert AMC staff. Learn and further develop techniques for Nordic (cross country) skiing.

FIELD TRIP: After the clinic, we will explore the Bretton Woods trail system on skis and learn from the AMC naturalist about animals and plants participants you may encounter on the trails. As you know by now, this is not an ordinary cross country skiing program. It is enriched by the knowledge of AMC experts combined with a wonderful opportunity to experience winter life outdoors in the White Mountains.

 Lunch: Lunch will be in the Highland Center Lodge "Greenery" where you may choose any two of these three selections: soup, salad, sandwich and chips. You’ll also have a hot beverage and your choice of a cookie or fruit.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: We will depart the Highland Center at 2:00pm via AMC vans for a field trip to New England Ski Museum, next to Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, Franconia Notch State Park. Museum staff will take you through this special facility that collects, conserves, and exhibits elements of ski history such as ski equipment, clothing, art, and ephemera; photographic records, films, and historic documents of skiing; a reference library of ski literature including books and periodicals; memorabilia of the 10th Mountain Division; an oral history library of notable skiers; and exhibitions about the history of skiing and its importance to social and economic development.
 Dinner: Dinner begins at 6:00pm and typically includes fresh-baked bread, soup, salad, two delicious entrées (vegetarian and non), and homemade dessert. Chef Matt's preferred cooking style is to slow roast meats and prepare tasty and nutritious vegetarian meals that provide a perfect end to a day on the trails.
 Evening: EVENING ACTIVITY: Get a different view of nature as we explore the landscape of Crawford Notch -- lit by moonlight or aided by headlamps -- on snowshoes or skis with AMC Naturalists. (Snowshoes from the Highland Center L.L. Bean Gear Room are available for your complimentary use.)
   
Accommodations: Appalachian Mountain Club--Highland Center Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Ski Clinic, White Mountain National Forest Cross Country Ski Trails, Evening Program on Winter Ecology
(Wednesday, March 6)
   
 Breakfast: Available from 6:30am. Enjoy a tasty buffet family style in the dining room while you revel in stories and take part in conversation with your fellow participants while you fuel up for the day's activities.

After breakfast, pick up your packed lunch for the trail (according to the form you submitted last night).

 Morning: SKI CLINIC: At 8:00am, we will gather in the Living Room of the Highland Center Lodge and head outside for instruction by expert AMC staff. Learn and further develop techniques for Nordic (cross country) skiing.

FIELD TRIP: After the clinic, we will continue our exploration on skis along the local trail system, gaining knowledge from the AMC naturalist and marveling at the peacefulness of snowy woods in winter.

 Lunch: Have lunch on the trail, continuing the conversations and learning with the AMC Naturalists.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP CONTINUES: In addition to our study of winter ecology and natural history or flora and fauna, you will gain some knowledge of local human history at various stages during the program.

At around 3:30-4:00pm, we will ski back to Highland Center Lodge for some "down" time before dinner.

 Dinner: Dinner begins at 6:00pm and typically includes fresh-baked bread, soup, salad, a delicious entrée (vegetarian option available with advance request), and homemade dessert.
 Evening: EVENING PROGRAM: Learn more about winter ecology with a local biologist.
   
Accommodations: Appalachian Mountain Club--Highland Center Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Ski Clinic Focusing on Back-country Ski Techniques, White Mountain National Forest Ski Trails, Evening Program with local US Nordic Ski Team Olympian
(Thursday, March 7)

Note: Evening program with local US Nordic Ski Team Olympian
   
 Breakfast: Available from 6:30am. Enjoy a tasty buffet family style in the dining room. During breakfast take in the exquisite photography that adorns the walls of the dining room.

After breakfast, pick up your packed lunch for the trail (according to the form you submitted last night).

 Morning: SKI CLINIC: At 8:00am, we will gather in the living room and head outside for instruction by expert AMC staff, this morning with a focus on back-country ski techniques.

FIELD TRIP: After the clinic, we will explore along White Mountain National Forest Ski Trails led by the AMC naturalist. The 100-kilometer (62 mile) trail network crosses open fields, meanders through woods of spruce and fir, passes beaver ponds and mountain streams, and traverses open hardwood stands.

 Lunch: Lunch will be at a convenient location along the trail where we be able to comfortably eat and enjoy the surroundings.
 Afternoon: FREE AFTERNOON: Take advantage of the L.L. Bean Gear Room with complimentary use of snow shoes and winter hiking gear to do some exploring on your own. Or simply relax and feel your connection with this beautiful area.
 Dinner: Dinner begins at 6:00pm and typically includes fresh-baked bread, soup, salad, two delicious entrées (vegetarian and non), and homemade dessert. Served family style, the meal is a wonderful way to round out a peaceful evening.
 Evening: EVENING PROGRAM: Meet and hear from a local U.S. Nordic Ski Team Olympian. Learn about this elite sport; the experience of competing in the Olympics; and how these athletes achieve their dreams.
   
Accommodations: Appalachian Mountain Club--Highland Center Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Group Ski with AMC Instructors and Naturalists
(Friday, March 8)
   
 Breakfast: Available from 6:30am. Enjoy a tasty buffet family style in the dining room. While eating take a moment to observe the green and recycled building materials used to make the Highland Center Lodge. The massive posts and beams are recycled from a dismantled pier in the Pacific Northwest. These are just one example of the AMC's commitment to sustainability and how the environment is considered throughout its operations.
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: Enjoy a final group ski session with AMC instructors and naturalists where we tie-in many of the skills we learned. The field trip will conclude by approximately 11:00am.
 Lunch: Pick up your final trail lunch you may enjoy on site or take with you.

The program concludes with lunch. We hope you have enjoyed this exciting new program and will return for other rewarding Road Scholar learning adventures in the future. Best wishes for all your journeys!
   
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Crawford Notch Appalachian Mountain Club
Complimentary gear available from AMC L.L. Bean Gear Room in the Highland Center Lodge. Also massages are available for additional charges. Please inquire at the Front Desk. Massage prices vary depending on the type and duration of massage.
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


Nature Guide to Northern Forest


Author: Peter J. Marchand


Description: Part field guide, part natural history narrative, The Nature Guide to the Northern Forest will help you identify and understand the complex influences that shape the flora and fauna of the forests of northern New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine. Readable and enlightening, this book explores topics such as people's influence on the wild, adaptation of species at high elevations, the turning of the seasons, and climate change. Includes full-color photographs to help readers identify plants and animals.





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