By Alyssa Floyd and Willow Strother
Bringing together skiers from all across the state, the Sandwich public trail system is a great way to experience nature, improve fitness, and have fun with friends and family in a beautiful setting. Located in the Sandwich fairgrounds, they are easily accessible and free to anyone who wishes to use them.
The Inter-Lakes High School and Middle School Nordic Teams practice here daily, coached by Steve Olafsen and Lynne Hart, respectively. Sandwich resident and business owner Steve Olafsen has been coaching the ILHS team for twenty years —since his daughters were on the team. He is beloved by his team and was named 2016 NHNCA Coach of the Year. He also coaches the ILHS Cross-Country running team in the Fall. When asked about the use of trails, Coach Olafsen said “[The trails are] being used more and more… Some are back country classic only, and others like [the Sandwich Fairgrounds trail] are maintained for racing.”
The Inter-Lakes High School and Middle School Nordic Teams practice here daily, coached by Steve Olafsen and Lynne Hart, respectively. Sandwich resident and business owner Steve Olafsen has been coaching the ILHS team for twenty years —since his daughters were on the team. He is beloved by his team and was named 2016 NHNCA Coach of the Year. He also coaches the ILHS Cross-Country running team in the Fall. When asked about the use of trails, Coach Olafsen said “[The trails are] being used more and more… Some are back country classic only, and others like [the Sandwich Fairgrounds trail] are maintained for racing.”
Over the past few years, several Nordic skiing races have been held in Sandwich. Three years ago, the NHIAA series race (the largest Nordic skiing race in New Hampshire) was conducted on the Sandwich Fairgrounds trail with 800 skiers in attendance. For the past seventeen years, the NHIAA Middle School Nordic Skiing Championships has also been held in Sandwich. Throughout the winter, there are several Citizens races and high school competitions hosted on these trails.
For questions or more information, contact Ole Anderson, Sandwich Parks and Recreation Department, 603.284.6473, [email protected]
For questions or more information, contact Ole Anderson, Sandwich Parks and Recreation Department, 603.284.6473, [email protected]