On Nov 6 and 7, 2024, 4th-grade students from SAU 9 and Northeast Woodland Charter School will take a special journey through New Hampshire’s rich skiing heritage as they board the Conway Scenic Railroad for an educational adventure to North Conway. The students will participate in a re-enactment of the historic 1939 arrival of Austrian ski master Hannes Schneider, who played a pivotal role in shaping the region’s skiing culture and economy.
The field trip is designed to complement the students’ New Hampshire local history curriculum. During the scenic train ride, they will enjoy a live reenactment by local personalities, depicting Schneider’s arrival to teach skiing at Cranmore Mountain. After arriving at North Conway’s Schouler Park, the students will be welcomed by a ceremonial ski pole archway, replicating the formal greeting given to the Schneider family 85 years ago.
Following the ceremony, students will rotate through three immersive learning stations at the New England Ski Museum, the North Conway Community Center, and the North Conway Country Club. These hands-on activities will introduce students to the museum’s historical collection, STEM concepts related to skiing, and an opportunity to meet local Olympians and winter sports leaders.
In the weeks following their field trip, students will collaborate to create presentations and exhibits showcasing what they have learned. These will be displayed during a community-wide Showcase Event on Dec 4, 2024, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at Mountainside Elementary School in Conway, NH.
The New England Ski Museum invites the entire community to join in the celebration of this historic re-enactment by participating in the ski pole archway at 10:00 AM in Schouler Park on both Nov 6 and 7. Community members are encouraged to bring ski poles and join in honoring New Hampshire’s skiing legacy.