Ski Touring Center Trails – Please read! Very important!
When you enter the trail system of a cross-country ski center, please check in at the center. Skiing the Catamount Trail does not exempt you from paying a trail fee at the center. Each center has its own policy; some will allow you to ski free, others may charge a fee. Bring along your CTA membership card/coupon to get a discount if you have to pay a fee. Whatever the policy, please oblige with the center’s wishes. Also note that most touring centers do not allow dogs on their trails, so plan your trip accordingly if bringing a canine friend along.
Snowshoe Etiquette on the Catamount Trail
The Catamount Trail Association recognizes the popularity and importance of snowshoeing in Vermont and welcomes snowshoeing on the Catamount Trail. Snowshoers should be aware that their tracks can be very difficult for people to ski through and should take the following precautions to insure a positive experience for all that use the trail.
- Snowshoers should travel in single file -- creating only one snowshoe track.
- Snowshoers should keep to one side of the trail, allowing the other side the trail for ski travel. This is especially important on hills where folks skiing downhill need the widest possible amount of untracked trail in which to make turns, slow down, or stop.
- Whenever possible, snowshoers should avoid stepping on ski tracks.
- Where the CT crosses cross-country ski center trails, all users of the trail are asked to abide by the rules and customs of the center.
Snowmobile Trails
The Catamount Trail uses many snowmobile trails through the generosity of the Vermont Association of Snow Travelers (VAST). Skiers should step off the trail to allow snowmobiles to pass. VAST membership dues pay for the maintenance of these trails. If you will be regularly skiing sections of the Catamount Trail that use parts of the VAST trails, you might consider supporting the maintenance of these segments by joining VAST. Contact VAST at: P.O. Box 839, Montpelier, VT, 05601, 802-229-0005
Following these simple guidelines will insure that everyone has the best possible experience on the Catamount Trail... ENJOY!