Bethel and the surrounding Western Mountains of Maine are a haven for Nordic skiers, and Gould Academy has a long, rich history of developing Nordic skiers by focusing on the long-term goals of the student-athlete through technique work and year-round training.

On-campus Gould boasts a 40-kilometer trail system at Pine Hill, our race venue, with access to an additional 500 kilometers of some of the best skiing in the east just an hour away! Direct access to groomed terrain is quite literally on our doorsteps, and our students and coaches make the most of it with practices five days a week.

Year-round training is tailored to the individual. Other endurance sports opportunities in the offseason include cross-country running, road cycling, or mountain biking, which can be supplemented with other physical conditioning like roller skiing and strength training at our Farnsworth Field House weight room, with the help of a coach/athletic trainer’s expertise.

Nordic skiers compete within NEPSAC, with regional competitions against other boarding and high schools, and have access to national-level events.