Caite Zeliff to join Mt. Washington Backcountry Ski Festival

Caite Zeliff is returning to the Mt. Washington Valley for the Backcountry Festival.

Caite Zeliff grew up learning how to ski in the Mt. Washington Valley. She was one of those kids going a bit too fast down the hill at Cranmore Mountain.

Now the 29-year-old is returning to the area as the featured guest of the Mt. Washington Backcountry Ski Festival.

It’s quite a role for a New Hampshire native-turned-world-class skier who learned how to handle the snow with the Eastern Slope Ski Club’s after-school program.

“Who knew learning to ski at Cranmore with ESSC would set in motion a life of my wildest dreams?” Zeliff said.

The Mt. Washington Backcountry Ski Festival runs Feb. 8-11 and brings together outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy exploring the vast terrain of the White Mountains.

Zeliff, who skied at the University of New Hampshire, is returning to talk about her career. After a serious back injury in 2021, she is now a fixture in ski films.

“The love of skiing that was fostered while growing up in Mt. Washington Valley gave me direction in my life that I am forever grateful for,” Zeliff said.

“Getting the opportunity to come back and share my experiences with the community where it all began is such an honor, and I am really looking forward to the Backcountry Festival!”

Zeliff will deliver the keynote address for the festival on Saturday during the High George Jamboree at the Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center in Fryeburg, Maine.