JGS Ski Programming FAQ 2026

JGS Ski FAQs 2026 

What do you mean…skiing? 

Living in the heart of NH ski country has real advantages for our students. Fueled by parent and community volunteers, local ski resorts and ski clubs support and promote several opportunities for our children to learn to ski.

“Ski” is a general term and means at least two different types of sports for our students.

Alpine = downhill skiing, snowboarding/riding  

Nordic = cross-country skiing (Classic and Freestyle/Skate styles)

Which grades ski? 

Alpine: grades 1-6 participate in the ESSC program. (Ks stay at JGS and “rule the school.” Plans may differ for the 2026 season. More information to come.)

Nordic: all students may participate in the after school program. All students are required to participate in the PE program.

What days can students ski? ~ all dates weather permitting!

Mondays- Nordic (cross-country).  During PE, class during the Nordic season.

Thursdays- Nordic.  After school program w/ Jackson Grammar (JGS)  early January to snow melt.

Fridays- Alpine (downhill).  During school hours with ESSC at Black Mountain Ski Area; 1st- 6th grade only.  January - March, with a March “Snow Day” when we ski all day.

Does my student have to ski? 

Monday (Nordic) and Friday (Alpine) are required school curricular events during school hours. 

Thursday After-School Programs are voluntary sign ups. Thursday is a school-run program, similar to the soccer program. 

My kid is an absolute beginner! 

JGS Physical Education, the ESSC program, and our Thursday after school Nordic program are set up to teach students how to ski and build their skills. ***Kindergartners and brand-new-cross-country first graders need a 1-on-1 adult (parent, guardian, designated adult) to ski with them during the after school program on Thursdays.

How do I sign my skier up? Can I volunteer? 

Mondays- PE Nordic. We’ll ski in PE class.  No sign up needed. Volunteers welcome, contact s_rossparent@sau9.org. 

Thursdays- After School Nordic.  Sign up form for student skiers and adult volunteers!

Fridays- Alpine, during school.  Sign up through ESSC - this online registration came via the school. If you have not completed it please do so ASAP or call Susan to schedule a time to come in and work on it together.  (https://easternslopeskiclub.org/junior-programs/)   

Can we rent skis? 

For Nordic skis, JacksonXC has low-cost/free skis for Jackson Grammar School students. The rental shop at JacksonXC offers these dates and times to avoid the holiday rush for parents to bring their skier, with the rental form, to be fitted for cross-country gear: 

Call JacksonXC at 603-383-9355 to ensure there’s a rental staffer there to help.

If you can not make any of those dates, please call the center at 603-383-9355 to set up an appointment. Please respect JacksonXC’s request that you visit for rentals at the times listed. Do not expect to get seasonal rentals during the holiday vacation rush.

For Alpine skis, ESSC offers low-cost rentals for the season. This option is available on the registration form.  (https://easternslopeskiclub.org/junior-programs/) Students renting skis will be transported by JGS bus with staff chaperones to the ESSC ski locker at Cranmore in early December to get their rentals. 

Where do I drop off skis? 

SKIS ARE NOT PERMITTED ON THE SCHOOL BUS

Monday- Nordic skis may be dropped off in marked buckets in front of the Whitney Center by 8:30am.

Thursday-Nordic skis may be dropped off in marked buckets in front of the Whitney Center by 10 AM and we’ll get them to JacksonXC.

Friday- Alpine skis may be dropped off in marked buckets in front of the Whitney Center by 8:30am and we’ll get them to Black Mountain.

How does my skier get to the skiing? 

Mondays - It’s part of PE.  JGS will help them cross the street to their instructor and ski trails.

Thursdays - After School Nordic will run like the soccer program, so “boot coaches” and walking coaches are needed! These volunteers will walk students to JacksonXC. 

Fridays - Students will take a school bus with a chaperone to Black Mountain. Staff and vols will meet them there.

Where and when do I pick up my skier?

Mondays- Normal end-of-school-day dismissal time at JGS.  Please take skis home with you or make arrangements with Miss Susan to keep them at JGS.

Thursdays- Outside of JacksonXC Lodge (ski rental entrance) at 4:30 PM.  Please check out your child with the JGS staffer with the clipboard and take skis home with you.

Fridays- Students will be able to take the bus from Black to their regular stops. Skis will follow and be available for pick up at JGS until 4 PM and won’t be available over the weekend.

Who do I contact if my skier is not skiing today?

Mondays- PE Nordic.  Please contact JGS (603-383-6861, Ms. Susan.) 

Thursdays- After School Nordic.  Please contact JGS (603-383-6861, Ms. Susan) by 10am.   

Fridays- Alpine, during school.  If your student is not skiing due to absence or early dismissal, please let Ms. Susan know (603-383-6861.)

Who else could I contact about volunteering and questions? 

Nordic:  Kathy Byrne - JGS After School Coordinator - k_byrne@sau9.org

Alpine:  Bernie Auth - JGS ESSC Coordinator - jgs.essc@gmail.com

More info on the JGS website!

Want MORE Nordic Skiing? 

Check out JacksonXC at https://www.jacksonxc.org/youth-instruction-programs