CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch said today that New Hampshire’s skiing and snowmobiling season is in full swing this weekend, with some snowmobile trails in northern New Hampshire opening and mountains across the state opening additional ski trails. .

“New Hampshire has so much to offer year-round, but we are world renowned for our exceptional skiing and snowmobiling during the winter. The snow is here and New Hampshire is ready to help you enjoy your favorite winter sports,” Gov. Lynch said.

This weekend, Gov. Lynch and Dr. Susan Lynch will help celebrate Gunstock Mountain ski area’s 70th anniversary and kick off its ski season. In 1937, then-Gov. Francis Murphy was the first-ever passenger to ride the new chairlift at Gunstock. To commemorate the 70th anniversary of the ski area, Gov. Lynch and Dr. Lynch will be one of first ones up the chairlift on Saturday and will ski down the mountain. Gunstock plans to officially open for the season on Friday.

At state-owned Cannon Mountain in Franconia, six lifts and 37 trails are currently open. Cannon, which Ski magazine named one of the “Seven Great Places to Ski with Your Kids” in its November 2007 issue, will open its Tuckerbrook Family Area this weekend. Tuckerbrook is a safe, 21-acre playground for beginners, kids and families that is serviced by its own quad lift.

Also on Saturday, snowmobile trails in northern parts of New Hampshire will be opened for riding. Trail systems around Pittsburg, Diamond Pond, and Jericho Mountain State Park are ready for early riding. Trails will not be groomed until the weekend of Dec. 15. Some trail connections to services may not be available yet, however there are several hundred miles of trails with adequate snow cover and are ready for riding.

For more information about trails, please visit the state Bureau of Trails, please call 603-271-3254 or visit www.nhtrails.org.

For the latest ski conditions, promotional packages and information on other winter activities in New Hampshire, visit the Travel and Tourism Web site at www.visitnh.gov. And for more information on winter hiking and other outdoor activities at New Hampshire State Parks, go to www.nhstateparks.org.