Interested in Protecting the Trail on Your Land?

The Catamount Trail provides a unique opportunity for the public to access, explore, and appreciate the winter landscape of Vermont. Skiers encounter unbroken wilderness conditions as well as tracked and groomed trails at the eleven cross-country ski centers the Trail connects -- often times witnessing some of the most awe-inspiring scenery in the Northeast.

The terrain varies from challenging mountain climbs and descents to many miles of gentle terrain through fields and wooded glades. The Trail provides a place for people to reconnect with a part of their humanity that finds healing and spiritual solace in the natural outdoors, while promoting better health and fitness.

The only way we can ensure Vermonters and visitors to the state will be able to continue to experience the wonders that the Catamount Trail provides access to is by permanently protecting the trail.

While obtaining verbal or written permission is a necessary and suitable start, CTA is interested in securing the Catamount Trail route permanently through the procurement of trail access easements. In some instances, the CTA may have an interest in protecting an important conservation resource or scenic values by acquiring fee interest in land or assisting a conservation partner to do so.

Some questions you may have:

Will the Trail affect my privacy?
No. We encourage you to be involved in planning the Trail and to let us know when changes are needed to accommodate your changing land uses. We plan the Trail so that people won't ski by your house or farm building. We are conscientious about maintaining adequate signage, and have found that most skiers naturally stay on the trail as long as they are pointed in the right direction with clear signs.

Who deals with problems on the Trail?
We do. It is inevitable that a mid-winter storm may cause a tree to blow down, or that a trail marker will come loose from its nail. The CTA Trail Chiefs, who usually live locally, fix these problems. If you learn of a problem on the Trail, you can help us by notifying the CTA office at 864-5794 or your local trail chief.

If a Landowner grants a trail easement to CTA do they give up any of their property rights?
You can still do whatever you want with your land except build a structure or place other developments within the protected trail corridor. You are free to sell, log, farm and subdivide your land as you see fit as long as steps are taken to ensure skiers can cross the land on a safe, high-quality trail. CTA works with landowners to design easements that are compatible with individual land management goals.

Additional information for landowners: Please click here to download a document that answers additional questions about CTA and its Trail Protection Program.