Gunstock Cooper Mountain Loop and Rock Loop

Date:	03-26-2023
Location:	Gilford, NH
Distance:	3.3 mi
Elevation Gain:	189′
Total Time:	2 hr 5 min
Parking:	10+ cars
Difficultly Rating:	Green, Blue

First weekend back in New Hampshire after a nice Caribbean Cruise to the Bahamas. I’m not going to lie, I missed the snow but it was nice to sit back and enjoy cruise life for a few days.

It’s the end of March and there is still a good snow base in most of the Lakes Region and White Mountains, but it is disappearing quickly with warm weather and rain in the forecast.

Thin coverage on the Alpine Adventure Path

Before the snow leaves, I wanted to get one more classic track in. I decided I’d visit Gunstock Nordic Center. In Gilford, New Hampshire.

I got a late start and didn’t get to the XC Center until noon time. My planned route was Cobble Mountain Loop and the Rocky Loop. I purchased my $26 pass then started on the Ariel Adventure Path. The trail was thin but skiable. I turned on Lakeside Trail and snow was very thin, lots of mud and water.

Had to walk my skis through this muddy section.

I crossed the street the trail merged with Cooper Mountain Loop trail. This was a large mud fest, and the skies came off for about 100 yards.

Cooper Mountain Loop was tracked in most areas. There were some ups and downs that were fun.

I arrived at the Rocky\ Loop noticed it was not tracked. Only a few people had gone down and there was a lot of nice fresh snow.

This trail has a bit of a drop down to the lake and I decided to sidestep down about halfway before skiing the rest down.

I went around the loop and stopped at a few viewpoints for some pictures. Areas that were in the sun were thin and muddy.

I continued around the loop and climbed up the hill back to the CML trail. I was impressed with how well my skis climb up hills even in steeper terrain.

The trail was very pretty and in good condition as I moved down the CML trail. I passed the Cobble Crown trail and a picnic area.

I arrived at the junction to Oliver and Longbow and noticed the CML trail went down a steep and short incline with a 90-degree turn. So again, I side stepped down this section.

I wanted to ski this trail because it went along the Poorfarm Brook. The brook was flowing nicely. This is a scenic section of the trail.

I climbed up to the Oliver trail and headed back toward the lot. On the way there was a warming cabin. I skied out to the road and took the skis off.

I really enjoyed this loop. I’ve wanted to do it for a while, and it did not disappoint. This was the second time I’ve skied Gunstock and have been impressed both times. I’m still amazed that we are still skiing in March, but I fear that it may be gone soon.