JACKSON, N.H. – The White Mountain National Forest and Jackson Ski Touring Foundation invite the public to a free guided cross-country ski tour on Saturday, April 2, from 9 a.m. to noon.

People are invited to enjoy the trails and mountain scenery with Joe Gill, Forest Service winter sports specialist, while learning about skiing in the national forest and how the agency and ski industry work together to offer a variety of experiences to the public. Participants should be at the experienced beginner level at a minimum. The tour will begin at Jackson Ski Touring Center on Route 16A in the village of Jackson at 9 a.m.

Participants are advised to come dressed for the weather and to bring skis, snacks and water. People may check conditions before leaving home by calling the ski center at (603) 383-9355 or visiting www.jacksonxc.com. An evening program follows and is also free and open to the public.

Jeff Leich will present “The History of Skiing” at 7:30 p.m. at the Mount Washington Observatory’s Mount Washington Center, across from Eastern Slope Inn on Route 16 in North Conway. Leich, the executive director of the New England Ski Museum, will highlight the history of ski trails in New Hampshire, going back to the era of the Civilian Conservation Corps.

These programs are part of a series of walks and talks sponsored by the USDA Forest Service during 2005 in honor of the agency’s 100th anniversary. Each month spotlights a different part of the forest with a focus on the history, partnerships and management of the White Mountain National Forest.

In addition to monthly events, the White Mountain National Forest will host a Forest Festival on Aug. 25 at the base of the Mount Washington Auto Road. The day-long celebration will include activities, booths and tours. More information may be obtained by calling the U.S. Forest Service at (603) 528-8721, extension 0, or (603) 528-8722 for TTY.