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Norsk Cross Country Ski Center
LINK TO OLD NORSK XC SKI WEBSITE, PHOTO, INFORMATION
Norsk was a Cross Country Ski or Ski Touring Center that operated for 29 years, with a shop in New London, New Hampshire and trails within the towns of New London, Sutton, and Wilmot. The area fell into disrepair and closed briefly in 1999, only to be re-opened by Maureen and John Chiarella who believed it was a vital community asset. They managed to rebuild the ailing business, and operated it for 5 years. The business seemed to do well when weather permitted registering increases in per day skier visits and revenue. It achieved some of the highest marks in the industry for trail design, grooming, customer service, etc. The area seemed poised for a strong future, but a couple of poor snow winters, a decline in days of operation, a 2002 stretch of outlandish cold for January and February, and the added expenses and time spent trying to over come these woes became too difficult to justify keeping Norsk open where and as it was. Plans were formulated and put into motion that could keep Norsk viable, but as a non-profit entitiy. The ambitions, ill informed actions, and callous attitude of a few made those plans untenable.
Norsk closed its doors in the spring of 2004. The Chiarellas have since been working with Dexter's Inn of Stagecoach Road in Sunapee, New Hampshire to create what may be the most unique Ski Touring Center in New England. This classic skiing only area is owned by the Inn, and overseen by the Chiarellas. No rent, not much yearly overhead, and trails that are open all year long address many of the problems that plagued the old Norsk. The area is designed to be intimate, and family oriented. The future for Nordic Skiing in the Lake Sunapee Region looks bright.