The scoop: In 1998, skiing was deemed New Hampshire’s official state sport, but long before that, the Granite State had a storied past in snowsports. Such notable firsts included sending a skier to the Olympics on the first U.S. Nordic ski team in 1924, installing the first overhead rope tow in 1936, hosting the first ever World Cup in 1967, and welcoming home the first U.S. Olympic medalist in downhill skiing in 1960. The list goes on, but this year, Ski New Hampshire and Governor Chris Sununu add to this history with the inaugural Granite State Ski Cup, a legislative event aimed to highlight the importance of winter tourism in the state, as well as to promote skiing and snowboarding in New Hampshire.

Who’s invited?: All members of the NH legislature, executive councilors, NH federal delegation, aides and staffers, along with all Ski NH member resorts and other state governors and legislators. The event is not open to the general public.

For media: Members of the media are invited to cover the event and attend the awards luncheon (lunch will be provided).
Please contact Karolyn Castaldo, Communications and Marketing Manager for Ski New Hampshire, ahead of time.

The details: On the heels of Ski New Hampshire Weekend (Jan. 27-28), the Granite State Ski Cup will be held on Jan. 28-29 at Cranmore Mountain Resort in North Conway, NH. There will be a reception Jan. 28 for participants spending the evening in the area. There will be a dual slalom race on Jan. 29, followed by an awards luncheon. Alternative activities will be skiing and riding separate from the race, ski or snowboard lessons, Nordic skiing options around the area, a snowmaking tour, a tour of the new Kearsarge Brook Condominiums, and limited snow groomer rides.

Soundbites: “New Hampshire’s rich skiing heritage is certainly something to celebrate, but today, it’s important to note that winter tourism is also a major contributor to the state’s economy. Through the Granite State Ski Cup, we aim to invite our legislators to experience our ski areas, and the ski town that was voted number 1 in the country by USA Today readers in 2017. It is our hope that this event will be hosted at ski areas around the state in the future.” – Jessyca Keeler, Executive Director of Ski New Hampshire.

Links: Ski NH website, Ski NH weekend, Cranmore Mountain Resort, Kearsarge Brook Condominiums, Red Jacket Mountain View Resort.

Media contact: Karolyn Castaldo, karolyn@skinh.com, 603.745.9396 x 205