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Far more than a lovely place to stay, The BALSAMS Grand Resort and Hotel is a gracious home away from home. Surrounded by the tranquility and natural beauty of the rugged New Hampshire mountains, The BALSAMS provides an environment that is at once uncomplicated, yet sophisticated in every way. Awaiting guests is the full BALSAMS experience, where inviting accommodations, the famous breakfast buffet, exquisite five-course dining, mountain bike and boat rentals, golf greens fees and live entertainment are a part of each visit.
 

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Special Events | Nordic Blog


Skiing - Nordic Special Events

Mud Pond Luncheon Tour

Despite its name, Mud Pond is an amazingly beautiful place.  It is the most popular destination for cross country skiers in the winter and mountain bikers in the summer.  Gliding along beginner level trails from the resort, you'll find yourself enjoying the quietude available out in nature while at the same time enjoying the conversations that come up as we ski at a leisurely pace to our destination.  Our hot meal prepared by our culinary experts will arrive at lunch time and a warm fire will be burning outside of the heated shelter.  After eating, and probably playing in the snow for a  little while, we can either ski directly back to the resort or branch out onto the network for the afternoon.  This is a great opportunity to enjoy a rare treat.  Offered only once a month (or by previously made arrangements for groups/families).  The Mud Pond Luncheon Tour is designed for competent skiers and is not considered a lesson, though technique advice is always available to those who want it.  This year we will offer The Tour on the following dates:
-Saturday, January 16th
-Tuesday, February 9th
-Tuesday, March 16th (cancelled--sorry for any inconvenience)
     **Dates subject to change.  Contact Jonathon if you plan on being at The BALSAMS on any of  these dates and want to reserve a spot.

Full Moon Snowshoe Hikes

There is just something special about being out under a full moon.  We know that you feel it, and we do too, this is why our Moonlit Snowshoe Tours are so popular.  Come along on a guided hike after dinner and enjoy this rare and beautiful occassion.  Full moons occur in 2010 on the following dates:
-Thursday, December 31st (New Years Eve!)
- Saturday, January 30th
-Sunday, February 28th

We watch the weather and housecounts to determine which day works best (sometimes the day before or the day after are better nights) and we offer the experience that will serve our guests best, sometimes going for multiple nights around a full moon.

Hikes are generally about one hour, which is enough under a clear winter night in Dixville Notch!  Hot tea and Cocoa are available for participants after the hike in The Tavern (or other drinks as well).

February 27, 2010  The Great North Woods 30K Classic Race & Tour

GNW 30K Results: http://www.thebalsams.com/img/uploads/Image/file/2010 30 km sort final.xls

For many years it has been widely whispered that The BALSAMS Nordic trails are the ideal place to host a large scale ski race.  The trails are wide, well groomed, beautiful, extensive, and offer a great deal of variety over the 8,000+ acres of terrain that they traverse.  Well, in 2010 the whispers can subside and the cheers can begin.  Not only will the resort play host to The Great North Woods 30K Classic, but immediately following the departure of the racers, tourers will be invited to take to the trails as, after a six year hiatus, The BALSAMS is bringing back the idea of the Feastiville!  The Feastiville concept was designed to combine two of The BALSAMS best commodities--Nordic skiing and Culinary excellence.  The name "Feastiville" will be dropped, but the best of what remains returns.  There will be a 5K or 10K touring option,which you can determine while you are on course and don't need to decide ahead of time. Of course there will also be Gourmet Food on course--you won't be timed, so savor every bite and leisurely enjoy this special offering. 

 

Event Details

*Saturday, February 27th at 11:00 a.m. (Tour departs at 11:05 a.m.)
*Registration DOR 8:30-10:30am at the Coashaukee Club House
*Entry is FREE for those who book a room for Friday, February 26th OR Saturday, February 27th--rooms starting at $149.00++ per person**.  All others can register at skireg.com.
*Prizes to top male and female finishers:  Junior/Senior; Master 1/ Master 2; Master 3 and older.  Also, awards for other participants
*Classic only--no skating, please.
*Entry Schedule:  $40 before 1/20; $50 between 1/20 and 2/20; $60 up until the day of race/tour.  Price includes food and drink on course, prizes for top finishers, awards for all participants, trail fee for the entire day, post race/tour ceremony (with more food), and a great memory.

**Includes breakfast, dinner, food on course, evening entertainment, two days of skiing, hotel amenities, race/tour fee, and something to brag about to your friends who wish that they came and stayed with us.  Add it all up and it is a great value!

More information available by contacting Jonathon at the Nordic Center.

Race Map File:
http://www.thebalsams.com/img/uploads/Image/file/race map.JPG

Balsams Weather:
http://www.weather.com/outlook/recreation/golf/tenday/1033619:5

TOKO Wax Suggestions:
Great_North_Woods.pdf

 

The Balsams "Great North Woods 30K Classic & Tour" XC Ski Race . . .
A Culinary Delight? - Download pdf

Article by David Shedd for easternslopes.com