As with all outdoor recreation, you should be familiar with the sport that you are about to undertake. Read current information and consult with your favorite sporting goods store.
When you are ready to head out, be sure to have up-to-date maps and information on the area. There are many books available from your favorite bookstore. The Internet also can provide a lot of information. Below are a few of our favorite resources.
| Books | |
| AMC White Mountain Guide, 26th Ed., ISBN 1-878239-65-1 | |
| Great trail descriptions and excellent pull-out maps of the White Mountain trails | |
| AMC Southern New Hampshire Trail Guide, ISBN 1-878239-73-2 | |
| Again, great trail descriptions and pull-out maps | |
| Mountain Biking New Hampshire's State Parks and Forests, ISBN 0-9637077-3-6 | |
| Don't let the name fool you; it is a good reference for skiing too | |
Maps |
|
| DeLorme New Hampshire Atlas and Gazetteer, ISBN 0-89933-242-0 | |
| Probably the easiest to find and use, covers the whole state | |
| USGS Topo maps (United State Geological Service topographical) | |
| http://topomaps.usgs.gov// or | |
| Earth Science Information Center U.S. Geological Survey 507 National Center Reston, Virginia 20192 USA | |
| Links to other sites | |
| http://www.wx.com | |
| Weather for the area where you are going | |
| http://www.xcski.org | |
| National snow conditions and resort information | |
| http://www.skinh.com | |
| NH ski areas; look for the XC link | |