Gunstock Nordic, NH – 2026
Oct 27 — Grooming & Snowmaking Workshops
5pm — Social & Evening Activities
Oct 28 — Sessions & Vendor Expo
The CCSAA 2026 Fall Conference heads to Gunstock Nordic Center in beautiful Gilford, New Hampshire, for two days of learning, networking, and hands-on experiences designed specifically for the cross country ski industry.
Day one takes participants out into the field with immersive snowmaking and grooming workshops, followed by an evening of networking and social events. Day two brings the industry together for thought-provoking presentations, interactive breakout sessions, and a vibrant vendor expo showcasing the latest products, equipment, and innovations.
The Fall Conference is one of the premier opportunities each year for owners, operators, managers, and suppliers from across North America to connect, exchange ideas, and learn from one another. From practical takeaways and live equipment demonstrations to conversations with industry leaders and peers, attendees leave inspired, informed, and equipped with new ideas to bring back to their operations. As always, networking remains at the heart of the conference, creating lasting relationships and exceptional value.
Nestled in the heart of New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, Gunstock Nordic provides the perfect setting for this year’s gathering. Combined with the convenience of nearby lodging at the Fireside Inn & Suites, attendees can spend less time traveling and more time learning, sharing ideas, and enjoying everything the conference has to offer.
The primary benefit of the CCSAA conference is having time to talk with other industry professionals! The information gleaned from the presentations is fantastic, but secondary to having time to focus on detailed discussions with folks that are doing the same thing I am every day.
Book Lodging & Dinner
Fireside Inn & Suites – $135 + Tax
Please call 603-293-7526
Buffet Dinner – Details comming soon.
Following Tuesday Happy Hour, join the group for dinner at Gunstock Mountain Resort and let the networking continue. You must make a reservation in advance as there is limited seating. Details coming soon.
Day 1 - Tue
Snowmaking and Grooming Workshop
1:30pm – Gunstock Shop Tour – Details to Come
Location: Gunstock, NH
2:30pm – Snowmaking Workshop – We’ll start with a behind-the-scenes tour of the snowmaking operation, including the pumphouse, pond, gun storage, and a look at how Nordic snowmaking integrates with Gunstock’s larger alpine system.
We’ll discuss efficiencies in blowing, moving, and spreading piles of snow, including the use of a manure spreader and a custom dump body designed for a groomer or loader. It’s a practical look at how machine-made snow can be moved efficiently and strategically across the trail system.
We’ll finish with a discussion of summer grooming and trail preparation for low-snow conditions, including trail implements and techniques that can make a significant difference once winter arrives. Come ready to ask questions and share ideas with other operators.
Location: TBD
3:30pm – Grooming Workshop – We’ll take the grooming workshop out on the trails for a hands-on look at Nordic grooming techniques for New England conditions. Participants will break into smaller groups based on the groomer you are interested in (Prinoth/PB/Snow Rabbit), creating plenty of opportunity for discussion, demonstration, and questions.
The workshop will focus on the techniques operators use to get the most out of changing snow conditions, including blading, tilling, track setting, trail shaping, intersections, and managing thin or challenging snowpack. Operators will share approaches for adapting grooming techniques throughout the season and making the most of the equipment available.
This is designed to be an interactive session, so come ready to ask questions, share what works at your area, and learn from other groomers from across the region.
Location: TBD
All workshops are designed to be interactive, encouraging participants to ask questions and share insights for a more collaborative learning experience.
Please dress appropriately for the conditions, and be sure to check the agenda for the complete schedule and any last minute changes.
5pm – Happy Hour at Gunstock Mt Resort – Details Coming soon
Location: Gilford, NH
6:30pm – Dinner – Following Happy Hour, join the group for dinner at Gunstock Mountin Resort. Details coming soon.
Day 2 - Wed
Indoor Sessions & Vendor Expo
Location: Gunstock Mountain Resort, Gilford, NH
Day 2 will be comprised of indoor sessions with relevant content for all ski areas and Nordic clubs and will also include a vendor expo, and silent auction. A few highlights include:
8-9:30am – Registration and Continental Breakfast
Session #1 – Mount Washington Observatory – Mount Washington Regional Mesonet system. How important is monitoring and understanding the complex NE weather patterns and their impact on the broader New England region?
Session #2 – The New Consumer, Holiday Spending and the Winter Outlook – Kelly Davis will share compelling look at the evolving outdoor consumer and the trends transforming the cross-country ski market.
Session #3 – Panel Discussion (choose one to attend)
Panel #1 – Competition Venues and Homologation 101 – Is there value for your ski area?
Panel #2 – Snow Farming – Tricks and Techniques – Join this lively discussion and share best practices
Social Break
CCSAA Update – Matt Sabasteanski, Pineland Farms, ME, CCSAA Board Chair
Lunch & Silent Auction
Session #4 – Discussion Groups – (choose one to attend)
Group #1 – Hard surface and ice Renovation/Tilling
Group #2 – Leveraging staff resources: Is your groomer also a ski instructor?
Group #3 – A New POS System
Group #4 – Revenue Diversification: Special Events, Venue Rental and More
Final Goodbyes.
The Conference Begins!
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Event Highlights
Book Lodging & Dinner
Fireside Inn & Suites – $135 + Tax
Please call 603-293-7526
Buffet Dinner – Details comming soon.
Following Tuesday Happy Hour, join the group for dinner at Gunstock Mountain Resort and let the networking continue. You must make a reservation in advance as there is limited seating. Details coming soon.
Social Events, Dinner and Networking
For years, Conference attendees have agreed that time spent together on the trails, over lunch or at a social event is one of the most important elements of the Conferences. Please join us at 5 pm after the Snowmaking and Grooming Workshops for Happy Hour.
Following Happy Hour, there will be an optional buffet dinner at the Gunstock Mountain Resort for all interested. Details on reserving a spot will be coming shortly.
It will not only be great fun but will allow attendees to have that time over a drink build those critical relationships. Details to come.
Silent Auction
We will again have a silent auction as part of the Fall Conference. If you have an item or service, please contact Reese for information on getting it listed.
Please remember to bid high and often as your silent auction dollars help CCSAA continue to work for you, the members.
