In the 1930s and early 1940s, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) worked on countless outdoors projects. With alpine skiing still in its infancy in the 1930s, the CCC cut numerous trails throughout New England. Now, Granite Backcountry helps with the maintenance of four CCC trails in and around Mt. Washington Valley!

DOUBLEHEAD Ski Trail

LOCATION: Jackson, NH
DISTANCE: 1.8 Miles

VERTICAL DROP: 1,573’
ELEVATION: Starting: 1,480’—Ending: 3,053’

Jackson is a quintessential New England ski town and Doublehead adds to its lore. Cut in 1934 by the CCC, the run is generally mellow other than a steeper section near the top. At the top of the ski trail is a cabin managed by the White Mountain National Forest and can be rented on a daily basis to access early morning powder skiing. In 2017, GBA re-routed the bottom half-mile of the ski trail to connect to the newly developed WMNF parking lot off Dundee Road, a stone’s throw from Black Mountain just down the road.

Black Mountain Ski Trail

LOCATION: Jackson, NH
DISTANCE: 1.5 Miles
VERTICAL DROP: 1,527’
ELEVATION: Starting: 1220’— Ending: 2747’

Suitable skiing for all abilities, Black Mountain is similar to Doublehead in difficulty (moderate) and contains a cabin near the top that can be rented from the White Mountain National Forest. The ski trail was cut in 1934 by the CCC and retains its original charm from that era. A wonderful tour for entry level and intermediates, be wary of two- way traffic. The parking area is off Carter Notch Road, past the Eagle Mountain House.

John Sherburne Ski Trail

LOCATION: Pinkham Notch, NH
DISTANCE: 2.4 Miles from Pinkham Notch

VERTICAL DROP: 1,918’
ELEVATION: Starting: 2,032’—Ending: 3,950’

The “Sherbie” is likely the most-highly traveled trail in GBA’s portfolio, it is an excellent training ground for bigger glade or alpine adventures or it may simply be used as an exciting exit from the high alpine environment. With a nearly 2,000 foot vertical drop and many fall-line twists and turns, you’ll feel those legs burning from wherever you’ve come. Note: Use the Tuckerman Ravine Trail for all uphill travel and the Sherbie for all downhill travel. No skiing on the Tuckerman Ravine Trail.

Gulf of Slides Ski Trail

LOCATION: Pinkham Notch, NH
DISTANCE: 2.5 Miles
VERTICAL DROP: 1,868’
ELEVATION: Starting: 2,032’— Ending: 3,900’

Often overlooked by the masses headed into Tuckerman Ravine, “GOST” is a historic ski trail developed in 1935
by Charles Proctor and cut by the Civilian Conservation Corps. GOST is a fun run with numerous double fall line characteristics, which is the trail’s defining feature. Watch out for uphill traffic as you descend, quick maneuvers may be in order for both parties. Come equipped with avalanche gear as the top of the run crosses several avalanche run-outs from the alpine environment just above the trail.