- Taking a break in the sun on the 2010 Weeklong Tour North
2011 Tour and Event Schedule
Download the complete 2011 Winter Tour and Event Schedule here (pdf).
This includes all day tours, multi-day tours, and special events for Winter 2011.
*Please note there are two incorrect dates listed for tours in the PDF version, but are listed correctly on the website. The MLK Multi-day Tour dates are Jan 15-17. Section 23 of the Central VT Weeklong Tour is Feb 5.
All tour participants must read the following information before signing up for a tour.
Tour Leaders have additional forms and guidelines. Please visit this page for details.
To organize your own tour, view new tours scheduled at the last minute, and for changes to scheduled tours visit the CTA web forum.
Historic Ramble in Cottonbrook (Stowe) – Intermediate
Sunday, January 2
This ski is long, about 10 miles, but gradual, doing a loop up into Cottonbrook Valley mostly on snowmobile trail, before cutting over behind the Waterbury Reservoir and into Little River State Park. This tour will go by many old house sites and a few cemeteries. There are some ups and downs, none very steep. Bring lunch.
Contact: Debbie and Steve Page, 802-878-6529 or debbiewolfpage@gmail.com
Harriman Dam to Route 9 (Section 2 - Wilmington) - Easy/Intermediate
Saturday, January 8
This tour is 10 miles of fairly flat and easy skiing. The first 8 miles is wilderness with no bailout points. Our pace will accommodate the slowest skier in the group.
Contact: Sam Bartlett, 413-624-0192 or sam@bart-tech.com (Put CTA in subject line to get past filters)
Rt 17 to Camel's Hump Road (Section 19 - Waitsfield) – Advanced
Saturday, January 8
This 10 mile outing will take us up over Huntington Gap and through the western portion of Camel's Hump State Park. This is a strenuous trip with significant climbs and descents. Climbing skins are required. Trip leader reserves the right to revise the travel plan based on conditions.
Contact: Paul Demers, 802-660-0971 or pdemers@vmec.org
3rd Annual Ladies Nordic Ski Expo - Trapp Family Lodge, Stowe
Saturday, January, 8
For details and how to register click here.
Greendale Loop Excursion (Weston) – Easy Intermediate
Sunday, January 9
This is a 4 mile tour of 3-4 hours on a southern portion of the Trail with a long but gradual uphill climb and a very rewarding downhill.
Contact: Shelley Lutz, 802-775-4867 before 6 pm or sylutz@vermontel.net
Nordic Downhill & Telemark Improvement Clinic at Pico Peak
Sunday, January 9: 12:30 – 4 PM
This clinic will focus on improving your skill going downhill safely in the backcountry. An introduction to telemark turns will also be given. For more advanced skiers, instruction will refine your tele-turns and enhance your backcountry enjoyment. John Tidd, a PSIA (Professional Ski Institute of America)certified telemark instructor, will lead the clinic with help from other competent tele-skiers. Participants should bring skis with metal edges, some side cut and three pin or NNBC bindings plus sturdy boots or telemark gear. There will be a lift fee of $10 per person valid only on the beginner area. Rentals available. Pre-registration is necessary.
For information on equipment and to register, contact:
Bob Jordan, 802-869-2784 or bobjord@earthlink.net
or Betsy Gaiser, 802-763-2288 or betsymg@valley.net
Outdoor and Winter Photography Workshop – Trapp Family Lodge, Stowe
Friday, January 14 to Sunday, January 16
For details and how to register click here.
Three Day MLK Weekend Tour in Central Vermont
Sections 13, 14 & 12 – Tin Shanty to Route 73 (Brandon Gap)
Saturday, January 15 to Monday, January, 17
This event is on intermediate to advanced intermediate terrain. Participants may sign up for as many days as they wish.
For details and how to sign up see the MDT page.
Trapp Family Lodge to Stowe – Easy Intermediate
Sunday, January 16 at 10:00 AM
In conjunction with the first winter of grooming the Stowe Recreation Path and a new "Stowe Tour de Snow", this is a 3 mile pre-event ski from Trapps to Topnotch. There is one steep downhill. From the Rec Path at Topnotch you can join the official "Stowe Tour de Snow" and ski into town (6 more miles) with special events along the way. For more details on the Tour de Snow check the events calendar for this date at: www.gostowe.com BC equipment not recommended.
Contact: Arnie Ziegel, 802 253 4231 or a.ziegel@att.net
Burnt Mt – Old Plymouth Rd Loop (Plymouth) – Advanced Intermediate
Saturday, January 22
The trail over Burnt Mt. may be the most beautiful backcountry ski on the CT in southern VT. It has lovely views to the east through hardwood trees and then a very nice downhill run with an opportunity for many turns. If conditions are good, we will climb back up for more turns. An ability to make telemark turns will enable skiers to enjoy the tour more. The loop is 6-7 miles and eliminates the usual car shuttle.
Contact: Bob Jordan & Paul Burgess, 802-869-2784 or bobjord@earthlink.net
Beaver Meadow Loop (Morristown) – Intermediate
Saturday, January 22
This tour is 5-6 miles with an elevation gain of 820 feet. Our route is a loop from Beaver Meadow parking lot gradually up to a meadow where a rustic Long Trail shelter will be a nice snack break. We will ski out via the Burling Camp trail. Tail gate potluck at the end of the tour, conditions permitting.
Contact: Kim Dunkley and Scott Meyer, 802-635-2418
3rd Annual Get Out and Backcountry Ski Festival (Bolton Nordic Center)
Sunday, January 23
For details and how to register click here.
Kendall Farm Road to South Road (Section 6 – Winhall) – Intermediate
Sunday, January 23
Join us on this 9 mile tour on the “The Golden Spike” section of the CT which was completed in the fall of 2008 and made the CT a trail that really runs the length of Vermont. The route is primarily backcountry through the GMNF with an early exit option about halfway.
Contact: Dagny St. John & Donna Dearborn, 802-297-2331 or dagnystjohn@gmail.com
Weeklong Tour in Central Vermont
Sections 17 to 23 & 12 – Bridges Trail to Edson Hill Manor, Tin Shanty to Rte 4
Saturday, January 29 to Sunday February 6
This tour is for advanced or very strong intermediate skiers. Participants may sign up for as many days as they wish.
For details and how to sign up see the MDT page.
Sterling Forest Tour (Stowe) – Easy Intermediate
Saturday, January 29
An easy intermediate ski of 4 to 5 miles in the Sterling Forest section of Stowe. We'll see some of the new bridge work done last summer by the CTA and Stowe Mountain Biking Club, and ski up towards the Edson Hill trail system. Possibility of hitting a local pizza place in town afterwards. Contact: Cindy Gray, 802-244-6265 or crwgray@comcast.net
Braintree Mountain (near Randolph) - Advanced
Saturday, January 29
This 5-6 mile tour will take us to the highest peak in the Braintree Mountain Range, the easternmost ridgeline of the Green Mountains, where we can enjoy panoramic views of VT and NH. This private trail system starts at 1500 feet and ascends to 3030 feet. Depending upon snow conditions, the trail either traverses the ridgeline to the north descending 2000 feet to West Braintree or to the south returning to the point of departure. The tour may require breaking deep snow on the ascent and will provide the challenge of some steep descents. Climbing skins are encouraged.
Contact: Paul Kendall, 802-728-3726 or pkendallb@gmail.com
Hazen’s Notch (West Side) to Jay Pass – Advanced Intermediate
Sunday, January 30
This 6.5 mile tour offers a variety of terrain from nearly level groomed snowmobile trail and logging roads to steep, narrow and twisting trail. The ridge below Buchanan Mountain offers fine views of Jay Peak to the north and Burnt Mountain to the south.
Contact: Sam Nelson, 802-524-0358 or samnelson@surfglobal.net
Section 16 - Widow’s Clearing to The Bridges Trail (Ripton) – Easy Intermediate
Saturday, February 5
This 8-mile tour is over rolling terrain and passes through the groomed trails of Rikert Ski Touring Center.
Contact: Jim Peters, grnmtngonzo@yahoo.com
Mt. Mansfield Backcountry: Skiing Through Time (Stowe) – Advanced
Saturday, February 5
This ski tour is in the legendary Ranch Valley, the birthplace of Mt. Mansfield skiing. Starting from Stowe XC Center on the first ski trail on Mt. Mansfield, the tour follows the ungroomed Overland Trail, and climbs to the spectacular Devil's Dishpan rocky cleft (where adventurous skiers can ski through a crack in the cliff!). After following the Underhill Trail the tour descends back to the Touring Center. Join trip leader and guidebook (Best Backcountry Skiing in the Northeast) author David Goodman who will share the rich ski history of Mt. Mansfield. Copies of David's book will be available to buy after the tour. Trail fee. Metal-edged BC skis and climbing skins required.
Contact: David Goodman, david@dgoodman.net
Harriman Dam to Route 100 (Readsboro) - Easy
Sunday, February 6
This is a delightful, easy 3-mile tour on a slightly downhill backcountry railroad grade along the Deerfield River. A short, steep section in the first half-mile is easily walked by novices. Our pace will accommodate the slowest skier in the group.
Contact: Sam Bartlett, 413-624-0192 or sam@bart-tech.com (Put CTA in subject line to get past filters)
Lowell Village to Hazen’s Notch – Intermediate
Sunday, February 6
This approximately 13 mile tour follows the Catamount Trail from Lowell to Hazen’s Notch, returning on the same route. After starting with a short tricky downhill section, the trail crosses the Missisquoi River, climbs then traverses fields, forests, and many streams, often following logging roads. Route 58 is unplowed, shared with snowmobiles and leads to Hazen’s Notch. Several CTA bridges benefit the route. A long car shuttle is avoided by returning the same way. Leader may shorten the route based on skiers and conditions.
Contact: Jan Rozendaal, 802-862-2735 or Rozendaal@comcast.net
Three Day Valentines Weekend Tour in Northern Vermont
Sections 24, 25 & 26 – Edson Hill Manor to Wiley Brook
Saturday, February 12 to Monday, February 14
This tour requires intermediate ability with some long sections. Participants may sign up for as many days as they wish.
For details and how to sign up see the MDT page.
Section 11 – Tin Shanty to Ninevah Four Corners (Plymouth) – Advanced Intermediate
Saturday, February 12
This will be the inaugural tour including the 2+ miles rerouted this past summer off the snowmobile trail. The 11 mile ski is mostly intermediate but includes 2 climbs that can be challenging in deep powder or hardpack conditions. Almost all of this section is now on a beautiful ungroomed wilderness trail with some views to the east through the trees, especially from Burnt Mt. and Roundtop. Midway there is a nice downhill where turns can be had in good snow conditions. Climbing skins are recommended.
Contact: Bill Michels, bill.michels@gmail.com or 917-207-2731
Reading the Winter Landscape: Natural Communities, Culture, and Literary Influences (Ripton) – Easy Intermediate
Saturday, February 12
Join Middlebury College students, alumni and faculty for a day of exploration and learning on the Catamount Trail. We will have hands-on activities and discuss the geological, biological, and cultural impacts that have shaped the landscape with an emphasis on the role winter plays in shaping the landscape. Our route will start at Rikert touring center, visit the Robert Frost cabin and then head north to explore the Catamount trail and other adjacent trails. We will loop back and finish at Rikert. The tour is relatively short (5-6 miles) and suitable for both new and experienced skiers. No touring center fee.
Contact: Bill Hegman, (802 434-4759), bhegman@middlebury.edu
or Phebe Meyers, pmeyers@middlebury.edu
Ponds and Beyond Tour (Section 5, Stratton Mtn) – Easy and Intermediate
Sunday, February 13
We will ski in 2 miles to beautifully isolated Stratton Pond from N Brookwood Rd. on a mostly flat trail, then backtrack and head north to Little Pond--even less frequented--on similar terrain. Those who then wish to descend the steeper Pony Hill, while the rest will return via the flatter route. About 6 miles either way.
Contact: Andrew Harper, 802-824-3139 or ap_harper@hotmail.com
Camel's Hump Challenge 2011 (Huntington) This is not a CTA event.
Sunday, February 13 (rain date Sunday, February 20)
The Camel's Hump Challenge is a high country traverse around the perimeter of Camel's Hump. Though not a race, it does require long-distance cross-country Nordic skiing in a remote wilderness environment.
Details: www.camelshumpchallenge.com
Weeklong Tour in Southern Vermont
Sections 1 - 8 – Massachusetts Border to Greendale Road
Saturday, February 19 to Sunday February 27
This tour is for intermediate skiers. Participants may sign up for as many days as they wish.
For details and how to sign up see the MDT page.
Tour of the Ranch Valley (Stowe) – Advanced
Saturday, February 19
Stowe’s Ranch Valley is the birthplace of Vermont skiing. The first downhill race trail was cut here in the 1930’s. Today, the Ranch Valley is home to open mixed hardwood forests, rocky drainages, and excellent backcountry ski touring. This Tour will circle the valley on primarily ungroomed trails, climbing to about 2800 feet, then gradually descending back to the valley floor. This is a challenging, day long tour. Metal edges and kicker skins are recommended. Trail fee.
Contact: Dirk Anderson, 802-595-5436
Romance Mountain Loop Tour (Ripton & Goshen) – Advanced Intermediate
Saturday, February 19
One of the best 30 km loops in the State! Starting from Rt. 125, the tour follows the Catamount Trail to the Blueberry Hill touring center. Refuel, eat soup and the best chocolate chip cookies (bring $ for trail pass, soup, and cookies). Then a long climb up the shoulder of Romance Mtn on the highest groomed nordic trail in the State. Descend to Brooks Rd and return to the cars on the VAST trail. Wide BC skis not recommended.
Contact: Andrew McIntosh, 802-388-8376 or andymac@together.net
Women's Backcountry Tour at Bolton – Intermediate
Sunday, February 20
Join Emily and Kristyn for a ladies’ backcountry adventure! Strap on your backcountry skis and enjoy a tour through the Bolton backcountry at a moderate pace. The tour begins with a moderate climb to Bryant cabin, then weaves through the backcountry trails, venturing onto the Catamount Trail in search of some fresh powder. If you enjoy playing on your skis in the woods, breathing in the fresh mountain air and being with like minded women; this tour is for you! Metal edged skis, a boot with substantial ankle support, kicker skins and sturdy metal poles are highly recommended. Trail fee.
Contact: Emily Steers, 802-598-7165 or emilys@skirack.com
Sky-Top Tour (Stowe) – Advanced
Monday, February 21
An advanced ski trip of about 12 miles. After an initial ski on Mount Mansfield TC trails, we climb steeply for about 2000 vertical feet on both groomed and informal backcountry trails to the Sky-Top Trail. We continue across Sky Top (ungroomed backcountry trail) for about 3 miles, all the time around 3000', usually in very good snow. We then descend steeply on other backcountry trails for about 3 additional miles. At this point we reach the Mount Mansfield groomed trails again, and ski about 3 more miles back to the touring center. Trail fee. Climbing skins required.
Contact: Rich or Sheri Larsen, 802-878-6828 or larsen007@aol.com
Mad River Valley Tour - Easy
Saturday, February 26 at 1 PM
West Hill House to Mad River Barn. This is an easy, afternoon tour of about 3 hours on rolling and scenic terrain.
Contact: Lauren and Geoff Slater, 802-496-6793 or laurens@madriver.com
6th Annual Deerfield Valley Marathon - Intermediate
Saturday, March 5
For strong intermediate skiers, this 35-mile backcountry ski tour runs from near the headwaters of the Deerfield River to the Massachusetts border. The first 8 miles are usually brutal trail breaking, the next 8 may be easy downhill glides or brutal trail breaking, the next 11 are mostly flat and easy, and the last 8 are all flat and easy, if you have any energy left. We will start early. Open only to folks who are reasonably sure they can do the entire length, but there will be bail out options.
Contact: Sam Bartlett, 413-624-0192 or sam@bart-tech.com (Put CTA in subject line to get past filters)
Section 20 – Camels Hump Rd to Duxbury Rd (Huntington) – Intermediate
Saturday March 5
The 7.8 mile route starts on rolling terrain with some moderate slopes and sudden dips. It then joins the groomed trails of the Camel’s Hump Skiers’ Association where you can catch a view of the Adirondacks. Returning to ungroomed terrain, the tour passes through glades, reaches the height of land, and finishes with a long downhill run on the Honey Hollow Trail. The descent includes several short, steep descents and narrow chutes.
Contact: Peter Cottrell, 802-879-0755 or pcottrel@myfairpoint.net
or Andy Strauss, 802-660-9373 or arstrauss@yahoo.com
White Face Mountain Adventure (Johnson) – Intermediate
Saturday, March 5
This tour is about 5 miles with some climbing and wonderful downhills. (Skins are helpful.) The route follows the VAST Trail, old logging roads and includes a section of the Long Trail with glades where turns can be had, conditions permitting. Depending on snow depth we could explore the north side of Whiteface Mt
Contact: Kim Dunkley and Scott Meyer, 802-635-2418
6th Annual Tour de Blueberry Hill
Sunday, March 6
Celebrate the fortieth anniversary of the Blueberry Hill Nordic Center with a fun ski day for the whole family. Guided tours for all ages and abilities start with tours for families and beginners at 10:00 and 12:00. Advanced tours begin at 10:00 with a thrilling ski over Romance Mountain. As in the past, Blueberry Hill's homemade soup and cookies will be waiting by the woodstove for post-tour fun. A $15 donation includes trail pass, reduced-price rental equipment, and all of the above. Children with parents are free, including equipment rental.
For more information or to volunteer, contact: Rick and Jody Biddle, 802-785-4508 or jodyatsea@yahoo.com
Telemark Tour – Marsh Billings Nat’l Park (Woodstock) – Strong Intermediate
Sunday, March 6
Marsh-Billings is Vermont’s only National Park and home to the "lost" alpine slopes of Mt. Tom ski area plus countless ungroomed glades linked by Woodstock Ski Touring Center trails. It is a great place for turns with a variety of pitches, some having as many as 25 turns. Skiers should have skis that can accommodate BOTH touring and turning, possess skills to ski in control in tree-filled terrain and absolutely relish skiing downhill. The tour is dependent on decent snow depth and limited to 8 skiers. Trail fee. CTA members (with coupon) get half price.
Contact: Lynn Fisher, 802-672-5280 or fisher.lynn@gmail.com
Chittenden Brook Recreation Area – Intermediate
Saturday, March 12: TOUR CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER
The 6.5 mile route climbs steadily along beautiful Chittenden Brook before becoming steeper to the height of land. It then descends to a rolling logging road, and follows the unplowed access road back to the start. BC equipment recommended.
Contact: Craig Hadden, 802-234-5218 or jhadden@sover.net
Pemi Overnight Traverse - Advanced
Saturday, March 12 to Sunday, March 13
This 2 day 21 mile tour goes through the Pemigewasset Wilderness of the White Mountain National Forest, with an overnight stay at AMC’s Zealand Falls Hut. (#23 in Best Backcountry Skiing in the Northeast by David Goodman.) Skiers must carry overnight gear and a share of the food. Limited to 9. Fee for lodging. Registration deadline February 5. Register with Pete Lane, pete.lane@comcast.net or (774) 249-9649.
4th Annual Catamount Trail Challenge (Stowe)
Trapp to Bolton - Backcountry Race and Tour
Sunday, March 13
Take the Catamount Challenge and tour or race from Trapp Family Lodge to the Bolton Valley Nordic Center. The 17 km route is 70% backcountry with a 2420 ft vertical climb from Nebraska Notch to the highest point on the Catamount Trail. This event is only for very experienced skiers in good physical condition. The entry fee of $50 for CTA members and $60 for non-members includes a post race banquet, raffle, awards and a CTA 8th Edition Guidebook. The combination race and tour will be limited to 100 people.
To Register: Download the form or call the CTA office at 802-864-5794.
2011 American Cancer Society Relay For Life NordicStyle
March 19, 6pm - March 20, 6am, (overnight)
Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Vermont
The American Cancer Society Relay For Life NordicStyle is the only winter Relay in the world! It is a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. At Relay For Life NordicStyle, teams of people camp out in the cold and take turns walking, skiing or snowshoeing around a groomed trail at Trapp Family Lodge Nordic Center. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Because cancer never sleeps, Relay is an overnight event. To register for a team, join an existing team, donate or volunteer, visit: www.relayforlife.org/nordicstylevt