CTA Newsletter V31-02 Spring 2015

Printed on recycled paper with soy-based ink

Inside This IssueRemembering Margo Krasnoff ........... 2

VTBC Update .......................................3

On The Trail ..........................................4

Ski Cub’s Year In Review .....................5

Volunteer Spotlight .............................5

Habits ...................................................7

Business Supporter Thank You ...........7

Donor Thank You .................................8

Recap: Winter Events ........................ 10

Trail Chief Wanted: Section 12 ............12

Estate Planning ...................................12

Catamount Trail Lodging Members ...12

Trail Fund & Sojourn Special Offer .... 14

Summer Volunteer Opportunities .... 14

New End-T0-Enders ............................15

2015 A Historic Year for Thru-Skiers on the Catamount TrailBy Andy Wood

VOLUME XXXI NUMBER 2 Spring 2015

Explore • Ski • Share • Celebrate • Repeat

continued on pg 6

Every winter is exciting at the CTA, but a special buzz was in the air this year as we tracked the progress of several thru-skiers on the Catamount Trail. Nearly 80 skiers have completed the entire Catamount Trail, but few of them undertook the journey in one go as a “thru-ski”. While some thru-skiers camp along the trail, others opt to overnight at local inns. No matter how they choose to spend their nights, thru-skiers endure a host of challenges along the way. This winter we got to catch up with these adventuresome skiers.

Sam Brakeley completed his solo thru-ski in 17 days, spending all but one night camped along the trail. Sam was impressed with the hospitality he encountered. “I stopped at Edson Hill and Carl the manager made me feel right at home in spite of my dirt and grime. Made me coffee and brought out some muffins.”

Zac Edwards spent most nights camping along the trail with a rotating crew of friends. Zac writes: “In a fast paced, goal-oriented world, it can be difficult to slow down and focus on what matters. So too it is with this expedition. Winter travel is tough; conditions are always in flux, there are always goals that must be met, and you quite literally have to keep moving and stay busy to survive.”

Bob Ordemann, also solo, thru skied from inn to inn. He writes: “I’m so glad I decided to take this trip. The challenge, the wilderness skiing, seeing winter wildlife/tracks, traveling inn to inn, meeting so many interesting people,

overcoming some adversity, and not knowing what trail conditions I would face on a given day…all added to the enjoyment of the trip.”

Sue Johnston, completed her trek in

Zac Edwards and his partner Emma near the halfway point of the Catamount Trail.

Catamount Trail News • Spring 20152

The Catamount Trail News is published by the Catamount Trail Association, a member-supported, non-profit organization dedicated to developing, maintaining, and protecting the 300-mile Catamount Trail and promoting backcountry skiing in Vermont.

CTA Board of DirectorsTony Amenta, Waitsfiled

Moira Durnin Anderson, StoweJill Aspinall, Montpelier

Alan Binnick, WilmingtonPaul Demers, South Burlington

Steve Fernandes, RutlandLynn Fisher, Bridgewater

Karen Heinzmann, Thetford CenterNed Houston, Waterbury

Trina Hosmer, StowePete Lane, Marlboro, MA

Rich Larsen, Essex JunctionJay Macejowski, SpringfieldAngus McCusker, Rochester

Bill Michels, PlymouthEd Miller, Stowe

Tyler Miller, Burlington Brian Mohr, Moretown

Michael O’Leary, Plainfield, NHAmy Otten, Colchester

Jason Wyman, Burlington

CTA StaffAmy Kelsey, Executive Director

Greg Maino, Communications DirectorMatt Larson, Business ManagerAndy Wood, Americorps Member

CTA Office1 Mill Street • Suite 350Burlington, VT 05401

[email protected]

The Catamount Trail News is published as a benefit for CTA members. The Catamount Trail Association encourages interested parties to submit manuscripts, photos, and illustrations for publication in the Newsletter. The opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the CTA. The CTA reserves the right to refuse materials and advertising deemed inappropriate for publication.

In Memory of Margo Krasnoff(Portions of this appeared in the Valley News, January 20, 2015)

Margo J. Krasnoff, passed away unexpectedly at her home in Meriden, NH on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2015.

Margo loved to spend time outdoors and many of her friends were people she met on the trail. Adventure travel was her favorite vacation—cycling, hiking, or backcountry skiing. She was accomplished at all of these. She fell in love with the White Mountains while she was an undergraduate at Dartmouth. She hiked all of New Hampshire’s four thousand footers and completed the Catamount Trail in 2013. The CTA was fortunate to cross paths with Margo when she decided to become an end-to ender. She was a healthy, vibrant, fun-loving member of the CTA, and a caring and compassionate group member on CTA sponsored tours. As a medical professional at Dartmouth, she would occasionally provide help to fellow skiers on the trail.

Margo served on the faculty at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and the Geisel School of Medicine as well as at SUNY Buffalo. Most recently, she served at Dartmouth as an associate professor of medicine. She was committed to the highest quality, compassionate medical care. She was admired for her inclusive style of leadership and was a role model for young physicians.

Margo was also passionate about global health and health equity issues. She volunteered in Belize educating healthcare workers, in Mexico, and in Nepal. She made several trips to Honduras and later led groups of Dartmouth undergraduate and medical students on service trips to Nicaragua. Margo was committed to working collaboratively and respectfully in the local communities and with every patient she encountered.

In recognition of Margo’s passion for healthy living, contributions in her memory can be made to support an annual lecture given in her honor on the topic of nutrition and health. Contributions can be sent to DHMC c/o Michele Clark, 1 Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH 03756.

Friend of the Trail, Margo Krasnof f... She will be missed.

Proudly Supporting The Catamount Trail From

End-To-End!

Our Trail Fund Campaign is underway! Please consider giving. Your contribution would directly

support trail maintenance projects this summer and fall!

www.catamounttrail.org/donate

Donate Today!

w w w. c a t a m o u n t t r a i l . o r g 3

Vermont Backcountry Alliance makes the most of a Snowy WinterBy Amy Kelsey

Week after week of snow and cold created lots of opportunity for fresh tracks in Vermont’s mountains this past winter. The Vermont Backcountry Alliance (VTBC), CTA’s program focused on sustainable backcountry skiing and riding beyond the Catamount Trail, could not have asked for a better season to test-run some new backcountry events.

CTA offered a number of “skin up/ski down” tours, including a handful focused on splitboarding. We took part in the Vermont Split Fest, and offered shuttle support (in the form of a school bus) on Section 22 between Bolton and Nebraska Valley. Winter 2015 demonstrated that the demand for these activities, and support for it, comes from all across New England, and from CTA members new and old.

In addition to our efforts to provide a more varied slate of winter events and tours for the backcountry skiing and riding community, the CTA continues to work closely with Rochester Area Sports Trails Alliance (RASTA), a CTA pilot-chapter, to define and implement a chapter structure. The CTA envisions a future with multiple chapters across the state, each playing a role in developing and maintaining sustainable backcountry zones in their own backyard.

As we work to lay a strong and sustainable foundation for the VTBC, and keep you informed about related developments, we are equally invested in maintaining, improving, and protecting the Catamount Trail, a unique recreational resource that will remain at the heart of all we do. Please read on for a few updates concerning the VTBC.

Backcountry EthicsThe VTBC finalized short and long versions of our new Vermont Backcountry Ethics. The Ethics have been endorsed by numerous state and federal partners, including the Green Mountain Club, Green Mountain National Forest, Vermont Forest Parks & Recreation, Leave No Trace, and the Winter Wildlands Alliance. Trailhead signs that display the short version are in production and will be posted at relevant trailheads, Nordic & alpine ski areas, shops and other venues during the weeks and months ahead. Visit www.catamounttrail.org/ski-the-ct/trail-etiquette to view the principles.

RASTA – CTA Pilot Chapter Final approval for RASTA’s proposed backcountry skiing and riding zones on Green Mountain National Forest lands in Rochester, VT are pending. A decision and announcement is anticipated soon, and we’ll be sure to share the news when it is out. This project will serve as a model for future projects on public lands in the state of Vermont, and likely throughout New England. The proposed zone is just a short ski from Section 14 of the Catamount Trail near

Brandon Gap.

The Braintree Mountain glade RASTA developed last fall enjoyed a busy season. The local land managers are encouraged by the process and expressed a willingness to create additional glades in the future. RASTA is currently working with the town of Braintree to make improvements to the parking area and to maintain adequate and user-respected access.

T-Bar FilmsThis fall, T-Bar Films will release a short film chronicling the efforts of the VTBC. The film aims to tell the VTBC story, and help the organization gain some publicity and support to continue its work. We’re excited to see this great promotional project develop, and to watch and share what Tyler Wilkinson-Ray and the T-Bar team come up with next fall. Thanks Tyler!

Early season dawn patroll ing at Bolton Valley by headlamp... What an awesome season we had!

Photo: Greg Maino


On The TrailBy Amy Kelsey

It was late January, snow was lightly falling, and temperatures hovered in the single digits. With excellent conditions on the Catamount Trail, we started the climb to Huntington Gap on Section 18. About four hours and six miles in, as we began our descent towards Trapp Road, the trail disappeared. The young saplings adjacent to the trail were completely bent over, laden with snow. Whole portions of trees had snapped off and fallen into or across the trail. For a half-mile we ducked branches, climbed under and around larger obstacles, and were occasionally speared by underbrush. Despite dozens of volunteers thoroughly clearing the section in the fall, and again during an emergency session in late December, the storm damage made passage incredibly difficult.

After that late December snowstorm, our Trail Chiefs and volunteers came to the rescue, contributing over 500 hours of labor to reclaim the trail for the winter. Their efforts made most of the trail passable for the season, but there is still recovery work to be done.

Here’s a brief list of some of trail projects we have on the docket for the rest of 2015:

» Section 3: Tread work to improve rocky areas and gully crossings

» Section 12: Relocation (0.5 miles) to avoid deep gullies left by Tropical Storm Irene

» Section 14: Waterbar, tread, and ditching repairs to stabilize the trail and prevent erosion

» Section 15: Benching at stream crossings, and numerous culvert repairs

» Section 16: Benching along sidehills » Section 18: Brushing and tread work, including

improvements to stream crossings. » Section 19: December 2014 storm damage clean-up » Section 20: Drainage and trail tread improvements » Section 26: December 2014 storm damage clean-up » Section 31: Replace decking on 70’ bridge, build small

bridges to improve gully crossings Zac Edwards ready for a break af ter busting through snow laden limbs during his thru ski of the Catamount Trail this winter.

In addition to maintenance and improvements on the Catamount Trail, we are striving to implement a trial backcountry ski project on Green Mountain National Forest (GMNF) land in Rochester, VT. The CTA, VTBC, Rochester Area Sports Trails Alliance (RASTA), and the GMNF are joining forces to create and manage the first gladed skiing and riding zones on public lands. As part of this work, one of our priorities is the development of sound management practices for down-mountain backcountry trails. In the future, these new policies and procedures should allow the creation of additional backcountry zones throughout Vermont.

Last, but certainly not least, we continue to protect sections of the Catamount Trail, and are currently working with two landowners to acquire new easements. The two easements together will protect an additional mile of trail between Sugarbush and Bolton.

Winter By The NumbersNumber of Day Tours: 37Number of Multi-Day Tours: 4Average # Skiers per day on Day Tours: 6Average # Skiers per day on Multi-Day Tours: 19Single-Day Tour Participation: Up 14%Multi-Day Tour Participation: Up 21%Special Events Participation: Up 248%Overall Participation: Up 44%

Thank you for participating at our events, joining us on tours, and making this season one to remember. We’re already making plans to build on this abundance of energy next season!


2015 was a year of growth for the Catamount Ski Cubs Program. Our learn-to-ski program served 139 youth from three Vermont counties and tallied 1,070 hours of skiing. Provided at no cost to participants since 2011, the Ski Cubs program teaches cross country skiing as a means to empower Vermont youth to live healthy, active lifestyles.

Ski Cubs continued to run school and youth group programs at Sleepy Hollow Inn Ski & Bike Center and Bolton Valley Nordic Center. Our new outreach initiative, the Ski Cubs Incubator Program, helped develop a community-run youth ski program in Bennington, VT. Overall youth hours increased nearly 50% from 2014 to

Ski Cubs... A Year Of Growth and fun! By Andy Wood

Our Saturday Ski Cubs participants celebrate their f inal day at Bolton Valley.

Ski Cubs in Bennington, VT enjoying a very good snow year.

Volunteer Spotlight!Dorothy Wallace-Senft has been instrumental in helping the Ski Cubs program grow during 2015. Dorothy got in touch with us last fall wanting to start a Ski Cubs program in Bennington, Vermont. Dorothy had been involved in the Nordic skiing world for many years, and she traces her original inspiration to a youth program she participated in as a student. Dorothy led the charge to launch youth ski programs at two local elementary schools and contributed a huge amount of time and effort to make it happen. Starting a new program is a lot of work, and thanks to Dorothy 78 kids had the chance to try out cross-country skiing for the first time. Dorothy also shared her skills as an instructor at the 2015 Ladies Nordic Ski Expo.

Thank you for your dedication, Dorothy!

2015, thanks in part to a surge of volunteer participation during the 2015 season

Thanks to our new initiative and strong relationships with community partners, the Ski Cubs program is poised for success in future years. Check out our website and blog to learn more about the Ski Cubs program and how to get involved. Have questions? Email [email protected].


Getting into the groove... kick... glide... kick...

March. She writes: “In December I turned 49 and decided that this -- my 50th -- year I would attempt to traverse the length of Vermont in 5 different ways. The Catamount Trail would be the first, the most logistically complicated, the longest in terms of duration, and the most physically challenging…”

Ron Schnell is out on the CT this spring trying to get the whole thing done before the snow melts. Ron’s a retired US Army Sergeant who was injured while serving in Afghanistan and is doing the journey as a form of physical and mental therapy. We wish him the best of luck in his journey.

Why the upsurge in thru-skiers? It’s hard to say exactly. As we write this newsletter, it’s late March and the snowpack remains several feet deep in many parts of the Green Mountains. Good snow may have drawn folks to the Catamount Trail. Increased awareness of resources like the Catamount Trail may have also contributed. More skiers are seeking the experience offered by backcountry trails. Each of these thru-skiers had different motivations. While they all skied the same corridor, the Catamount Trail took each person on their own unique and memorable journey.

OverheardZac Edwards wrapped up his journey and the lasting benefits it will provide him in life with the following words:

So ends the journey. Tomorrow we will eat waffles and head to Philadelphia. We will sort out gear and money and return to our lives. Our metabolisms will slow to normal. We will feel cold when we step outside. My slightly frostbitten pinky toe will heal, as will Chris’s knee pain. We will tell our friends and family about the adventure, but it will be difficult to explain. We will use electronics and sleep in beds. We will file our taxes and begin work again. The world will move forward while memories of Vermont fade back and details become difficult to recall. This does not mean they are gone. The strength we gained persevering in deep snow, the beauty we witnessed, and the knowledge of our ability to accomplish seemingly impossible tasks will continue to thrive in our souls long after the snow melts.

May we draw on these experiences for years to come. May others follow in our footsteps. May food fill us up someday.

continued from cover


Blueberry Hill Inn and Touring CenterBolton Valley Nordic Center

Bolton Valley ResortCabot Creamery

Camels Hump Nordic CenterCity SportsConcept2

Craftsbury Outdoor CenterDarn Tough Vermont

Dinse/Knapp/McAndrewEarls Cyclery & Fitness

Edson Hill ManorEssex Agency

Hinesburg Public HouseHoka One One

Jamieson InsuranceJulbo USA

Keurig Green MountainLocal Motion

Mad River GlenMansfield Nordic Center

Merchants BankMorgan Stanley

Mountain Top Inn & ResortThe North Face Store @ KL Sport

Nathan SportNational Life GroupNedde Real Estate

Northeast Delta DentalNutty Steph’s

Onion River SportsOutdoor Gear Exchange

Outdoor ResearchPepsi Beverages CompanyRed Hen Baking Company

RedstoneRikert Nordic Center

RossignolSalomon

Shelburne VineyardsSilverwear Jewelry Design

SkiRackSleepy Hollow Inn, Ski & Bike Center

Small Dog ElectronicsSmugglers’ Notch

Sojourn Bicycle ToursSterling College

Stowe Mountain ResortStowe TodaySugarbush

The Alpine ShopTopnotch Resort & Spa

Trapp Family LodgeUmiak Outfitters

Vermont Pain ReliefVermont Peanut Butter Company

Vermont Smoke & CureVoile

Thank You Business Supporters!Here at the Catamount Trail Association we pride ourselves on putting on some of the best ski and outdoor related events in the area. And, as much as we’d like to say we did it on our own... We can’t. The businesses below all go out of their way to support the CTA and our events and they play a huge role in our success. Please support our supporters by purchasing their products and shopping in their stores!

In order to have something stick and become routine, you must make an effort to make it habit. The more you practice, the easier it becomes. This is the same with ski touring, the more you go the easier it gets. This winter I forced myself to create a more frequent habit of ski touring. After popping my right hip out in December, I rested up for a few weeks and then began to tour regularly with a small group of women on Monday nights. If you create consistency that people can rely on, it makes creating habits, like ski touring, easier.

With ski touring there are now so many different areas and possibilities to explore that the options are almost endless. From checking out a new zone in the backcountry, to zipping up and down resort ski trails before and after hours, these are the habits we want to be creating, doing, and dreaming up. From dawn patrols to the late night uphill boogies, the trick is to go and practice where you feel the most comfortable and make it habit. Skiing is skiing no matter where it happens. It is the act of getting up and out the door that’s most important and trust me–there are far worse habits to have than a chronic ski touring routine.

For me it is less about the exercise, although this is a bonus, and more about the social aspects when with a group, and taking time to step back and reflect on life when going solo. I think a lot while I tour, and there are many conversations being told and stories being written in my head. I am a firm believer in taking time every week to go out and reflect in nature. To me there is nothing more calming than standing in the middle of the woods by myself, even if only for a moment, looking around and enjoying how lucky I am to have found skiing and all of the beautiful people and places that come with it.

With warm temperatures in the forecast, our skin-up/ski-down options are going to become more limited. But for every broken habit, promise and goal from this past winter we have a whole summer to dream up news ones to fantasize about. New lines to scope, summits to tackle, and drainages to explore.

- See you on the uphill

HabitsBy Megan Davin

Working for turns before the lif ts spin at Bolton Valley Resort.

Megan f inding her happy place while skiing some Vermont pow!

Megan is a CTA Ambassador, Shejumps Northeast Regional Coordinator, author of the Skirting The Mountains website, and skier extraordinaire! During the month of April she will be on a vision quest out west skiing new places, meeting new people, finding new stories, and sharing it all on the Skirting The Mountains website - www.skirtingthemountains.com.

Photo: Greg Maino


Thank You For Your Gifts!Each year, the CTA asks its members for support above and beyond their membership dues. Gifts to our year-end Annual Fund Appeal help cover our general operating expenses, and gifts to our spring Trail Fund Appeal are used to support the program costs of our Trail Maintenance & Conservation

Programs. We are extremely grateful for the following gifts received between January 1 and December 31 of 2014. If we accidentally excluded anyone from this list we sincerely apologize.

Up to $99AnonymousBruce AcciavattiBonnie Acker & John DavisPam & Louis AhlenSteve AikenheadRobert AllstadtAndrea & Theodore AmbrosAnthony AmentaRobert & Carol AndersonAntonina BodyworkMargaret AshforthJonathan AveryJason BaerScott Bailey & Kristine HutchinBarbara J. BakerRichard BakerRick BarnettTheresa BarrowsElizabeth Bassett & John PaneRobert BastPam BatemanThomas & Lorna Bates & FamilyLynda & Jeff BaydinIris BerezinHoyt BinghamRobert & Janet BissellPaul BlairMark BlanchardMarc and Peggy BlumenthalChristopher BoffaMichael BosworthWayne BoyntonStuart BradfordNick & Pat BranchJohn Brodhead & Gina CampoliKathi BrownLenore & Ralph BuddSara BurchardThomas BurgosCarolyn & Dan CallahanMichael CaminitiRaymond & Kate CanningJennifer & Brad CarlsonSarah F CarterSilvia CassanoMary ChamberlinAndrea & James ChandlerJonathan ChapinJohn ChardDavid CharlesMichael & Susan ChiarellaCoryn ClarkJennifer Clarkson-Smith & Bruce Smith

Margaret ClementPaul CollettiDavid ComeauJames ConnacherFritz CoonradtAnne CramerHope CrifoLiz CroninBrian CussimanioCustom Tones, LLCJudy DalozThadeus DavisFrederick DearstyneJean DeCellSharon & Doug DennettS. Victoria DeWindLiz Dickson & Craig RichardsonElaine Dill & Don SprowlJohn DinklageDebby DorsettJohn & Melissa DuffJohn DundasMoira DurninBeth Eliason & Michael CummingsJack EllisRebecca EllisThomas & Cynthia EmeryMary EnglishStephen FeissTodd FeltonJohn FieldRobert ForsterFran FortinoPatricia FrechetteMary GadeMark and Natasha GajewskiMarc GambleSarah GantWilliam Ganter Jr.Gay & Lesbian Fund of VermontSandi GellerWhitney GermonKurt & Patricia GiavaraSue & Don GilbertGary & Patricia GildemeisterLinda GiontiCheri Giroux & Scott BrinkmanSteve & Deirdre GladstoneBarry & Catherine GlickDavid Goodman & Sue MinterWes & Judy GoodwinLelia & Gavin GreenewaltRiley GriffinScott GriffithJoanne Grogan

Growald Family FundLucy Guillet-BoydenGypsy SallyRick HaleRobert & Donna HamillWhitney HansonDalton & Linnea HarbenJames Harris & Elizabeth FlemingsBruce HarrisonJohn Hartnett & Laura BellstromBruce HerforthRichard HiggersonJulie Higgins & Michael O’ConnorMaryAnn HoisingtonClem & Sylvia HoldenDr. Edgar HolmesDavid & Kathy HookeNed HoustonSally HoweBill HoytPamela HuntWendy JenkinsIrene Jenks & Ben TireyRichard JuddAdam KahnBob KesnerKingswood BuildersSylvia KinneyDeb KirchweyLee KrohnThomas & Agnes KurtzRick LaDueRoss Lanius JrSusan LatchemSylvie Lavoie-FinerEliot LevinePeter & Susan LichtEdward LiebermanJudy LiebermanLouise LintilhacTom & Julie LongstrethPhilip LussierShelley LutzAnn MackayJoan MacKenzieRay & Pat MainerJoanie & Leigh MalloryJeanette Malone & Dan WolfsonNoah ManacasCharles MarchantTimothy MarrJake & Sue MartinSteve & Vicki McCormickPatricia McGivernCatherine McIsaac

Tim & Betsy McKayNancy & Howard McRaeDean MenkeTyler MerrittRobert and Louise MessnerScott Meyer & Kim DunkleySandra MeyerhoferSteven MinkwitzR. John & Dorothy MitchellSusan MockusBrian Mohr & Emily JohnsonCarly MonahanJames & Maija MurrayMary Muse & Kevin CoughlinRoss NasinSusan NewburgerMary & Donald NeweyHillary NewtonAlice W. NitkaBob Nuzzo & Ann GillespieMary O’Brien & Mark LucasWilliam P. O’NeillCarl OlenderRobert OlsenSherry OsbornPamela Overstrom & David PalmerJohn PainterKenneth PaonessaBob PascoEne PiirakMerle PomroyWalter PomroyFred PondRobert PoppDavid & Gail PoulinRobert F. ProvencherPennie & Matt RandCraig Reeves & Bonnie MacLeodRobert & Mary Roger ReiberKatharine Reichert & Derek TeareScott RichardsonJonathan RittlingKip RobertsChris RodgersAlexander & Phyllis RoseBen Rose & Lori FisherLewis & Claudia RoseJudy RosovskyArmand RoyJeremy SchraufDavid & Sue ScottBrian & Betsy SharlachGregory & Nina SharpHuntington SheldonSandra Shenk & Al Boright


Sarah SherrillEugene ShlatzDianne ShullenbergerEdward ShyloskiJoel W SilversteinRichard SirolaSally SiseTommy SleckmanSteve SobelMatthew StotlandSam Swanson & Joyce GallimoreJoseph SykesJoseph TatoneW. Miller TempletonTimber Hill Creek X-C Ski AreaRobert TortolaniJohn & Allison TurkowskiFrances UptegroveNick Van der KlootKathryn VreelandPeter Wadsworth & Jessie JanowskiEric WalesBernard WebberThomas & Rita WeidmanDavid Weinstein & Lauren OckeneWolfgang Weise & Kathleen OlwellLouise WelchAlison WermerJohn Wesley & Julie PetersonStuart WilliamsSherry WinnieAnn S. WittpennJim Woodberry & Laura PrattPeter & Rosemary ZamoreEd & Kathleen Ziedins

$100-499Anonymous (2)Hans AhlgrenBill and Nancy AndersonKen AustinEric Bakeman & Gretchen EliasStan Baker & Susan GresserBill BankeMike & Theresa BarryKevin & Alice BatsonJody & Rick BiddleJonathan Bigelow & Tove StigumEric Bishop & Barbara FrankowskiDean Bloch & Valerie WilkinsPeter & Sarah BlumGail & Steve BlumsackEmily BoedeckerDavid & Susan BoedyCharles & Judy BondDennis P. BowenDon & Sally BrunjesDavid B. CaplanPriscilla Carr & Jay StewartPaul Charow & Ellen HamiltonDr. David Chipman & Helen FolweilerJanis CombBob CooperMaria Corinthios

Tim Crowell & Patricia SabalisPaul DemersWesley & Linda DeNeringJohn DieckmannJoAnne & David DillerEdee Edwards & Mark HalversonSue & Bob EmmonsDonna & Jim EwaldMadeleine Fay & FamilyBarry & Susan FeinbergEmily Feinberg & Rob ResucciaSarah Fellows & Theresa MarronSteve & Bernadette FernandesLynn Fisher & Jeanne BriandW. Neal FisherRobert Fiske, JrMitchell R. & Kim FleischerJim & Liz FosterMilton, Carolyn & Krysta FryeCharlene GatesMatt GermonAnn GoeringDr. Ronald & Lena GoldbergBob GrayMichael Green & Sarah MuyskensCraig HaddenRobert Hagen & Kathy AstrauckasSteve HagenbuchStephen & Lynne HaleSusan & Perry HansonPeter & Louise HarrisRichard & Susan HartKaren HeinzmannPaul A. HemmerichSharon Henry & Gary SolowBill HerringtonHeidi Hertel-TherrienJeffrey HurlburtMark HyerWoody & Ingrid JacksonPaula Jones & Kevin GoughRobert & Joyce JonesBob JordanRobert & Sue KancirAmy & Anton KelseyTom Kennedy & Viola ChuAnn KimberlyPriscilla Kimberly & Jerry LaskyPhil & Barbara KivlinRon Kovanic & Marilyn WilliamsPeter LaneGregory LarkinSheri LindnerScott & Deborah LivingstonJason LongoTed Lyman & Virginia ClarkeDavid E. LynchDebra & James LyneisDenny LysterJohn & Liz MacVarishPerky & Don MaddocksPatty MainoDavid MartinKristin Hanson Martin & Bill Martin

Ed & Lisa MatsonAndrew & Laura McIntoshDeri MeierPeter & Bunny MerrillBarbara MeyerTim MohrJohn & Nancy MorganLinda MorleySam & Elizabeth NelsonWard & Lois NialHubie & Sherry NortonJeff NugentMichael O’Leary & Gretchen CheringtonPeter OliverArt ParadiceBonnie & Brian PeaseJoseph Perella & Aimée MottaWilliam PinchbeckDaniel RaleighPeter & Ellen RawlingsJoan RechCathie RedpathDonald RendallJohn & Ellen RileyRobert & Denise RomeoPaul G. SchabergJeff and Beth SchoellkopfSuzannah SchroederCollins & Gail SeitzSandra SharpMarc ShermanKatharine SimondsSims FamilyRobert & Judith SinsheimerDagny St. JohnJudith & William StevensRichard Stoner & Theresa HylandStowe Mountain ResortSugarbush ResortJames SullivanJohn SullivanGerry & Paul SweterlitschPeter SwiftGail TedstoneDiana & Allen TerrellThe Mountain GoatThread Rolling Inc.Beth & Bernie TolmieSharonlee & Jonathan TrefryPeter TreiberCarol TrembleMary TwitchellCornelius UlmanUVM Student Life/TREK OrientationVermont Country StoreTed Vogt & Susan SheaWest Hill House B&BCarol Weston & Patrick HerbertJanet Zinter

$500-999Paul Adams & Lee Dillard AdamsJill Aspinall & Rick MolzSam & Marie Bartlett

Tom Brownell & Carole HakstianCharles F. ChristConcept 2, Inc.Peter & Patricia CottrellJim Fredericks & JoAnn HanowskiNancie HeinemannTrina & David HosmerJonathan LopatinNancy McClellan & Elliot DouglasRagnar Meyer-KnutsenNorthfield Savings BankAmy Otten & Ralph KilmoyerDebbie & Steve PageJudy StearnsPierre SwickJim & Lyn TaylorLee & Diana ToddTom TurnerLori K. van Handel & Nancy RosemanJeffrey WehrweinJustin & Donna WhiteJennifer Wood & Basil Dobbin

$1,000 PlusAnonymous (2)Estate of Peter AldenKatherine B. ArthaudStephen John & Jackie BennettAlan BinnickJim & Mary Lou BriggsJoseph CookRichard Dreissigacker & Judy GeerAndreas & Diane HalvorsenAndrew P. HarperPhilip HowardPeter & Cynthia KelloggPaul Kendall & Sharon RivesBarb Kennedy & Douglas GentileKroka ExpeditionsRich & Sheri LarsenWilliam C. MichelsJeff Prescott & Andy ShufordJan & Mary Jane RozendaalElizabeth SteeleThe Fairbanks Family Charitable Foundation

GrantsAnonymousBen & Jerry’s FoundationDavis Conservation FoundationLintilhac FoundationOakland FoundationThe National Environmental Education & Training Foundation U.S. Forest ServiceVermont Community FoundationVermont Department of Forests, Parks, & RecreationVermont Housing & Conservation Board


This winter we experimented and made changes to our event lineup hoping to increase our capacity to connect with developing skiers and to better serve all types of snow sliders. We had a plan, implemented changes, and watched them work. Having a great winter and a ton of high quality snow didn’t hurt, but things really did go well and we were able to connect with many more people than ever before. But, before we do our little recap there are two things we need to do.

#1 - We need to thank Mother Nature for bestowing upon us an incredible winter! It could have been a little warmer on certain days–especially during our instructional events–but we’ll take it.

#2 - We need thank our wonderful volunteer instructors that help at events like the Ladies Nordic Ski Expo and Get Out & Backcountry Instructional Events. These guys and gals are incredible, and their hard work makes us look good!

Now that we have that out of the way let’s take a look back at the winter and see what all went right!

Big Changes Made For Big Results at Catamount Trail Events in 2015By Greg Maino

Ladies Nordic Ski ExpoThe Ladies Nordic Ski Expo (LNSE) has become one of our favorite events of the season. Last year we were forced to cancel the event due to unfortunate weather, but typically we don’t have to worry too much about conditions as the Trapp Family Lodge has a world class snow making operation and does an incredible job moving that snow around.

This year it was a bit windy, but the surface conditions were perfect and once in the woods things settled down, making for a great learning environment.

We were also blessed this year with a very competent crew of amazing female ski instructors. Every time we checked in, groups were all smiles... Who knew learning could be so fun!

After lunch Louise Limoge from the Vermont Climbing and Adventure School took time out of her day to come speak to us about passion, sharing that

passion with others, and using passion to fuel your career.

All day we were surrounded by inspiration and people having a good time. If you missed it, please consider joining us in 2016. We promise that it will be one of the best days on skis you’ll have all season long, and you might just learn something!

Get Out & Backcountry Instructional SeriesIn 2015 our Get Out & Backcountry Instructional Series (GOBIS) saw the

most significant changes. Here at the CTA we are always thinking about next steps. With our previous event it was possible for someone to discover they liked backcountry skiing only to be left hanging with no obvious next step at the end of the day. This was unacceptable so we changed things up.

Learning to commit at the Ladies Nordic Ski Expo at the Trapp Family Lodge

Here’s a pack of trouble getting ready to go show the backcountry who’s boss.

Hello Ladies! Thank you everyone for coming out and thank you to the Trapp Family Lodge for hosting!

What did we change? Instead of offering instruction on just one day, we made instruction available on the last Sunday in January and the four Sundays in February. Also, we developed four distinct courses that built on each other and provided learning opportunities for every type of snow slider, whether you prefer nordic touring, alpine touring, or even splitboarding.

The goal was to make sure that, no matter where a person falls on the backcountry skills development spectrum, there was an appropriate

Photo: Greg Maino

Photo: Greg Maino

Photo: Greg Maino


A bus full of backcountry skiers on a snowy day in Vermont... What could be more fun than that?

Taking a break at the CTA gril led cheese and hot chocolate aid station along Nebraska Valley Road.

Taking advantage of the great conditions in Nebraska Valley during the Catamount Trail Classic

learning opportunity and obvious next step.

Overall, things went very well. We were able to serve more people than in the past and, because of the increased focus and additional structure, the value to the participants was much increased!

Self-Serve Bolton To Nebraska Valley ShuttleTwice this winter we were able to offer shuttle service between Bolton Valley Resort and Nebraska Valley Road. This allowed parties to ski the best parts of Section 22 without having to arrange a car shuttle.

On Saturdays we host our Ski Cubs program at Bolton Valley. Part of the program includes arranging for a bus to transport participants to and from the nordic center. However, during

CTA Outreach Coordinator and gril led cheese extraordinaire, Andy Wood, f l inging the goods during the Catamount Trail Classic.

the program the bus isn’t in use, so we decided to “borrow” it to facilitate this service.

Both times the shuttle was offered the bus filled. It was incredible how popular it was, and we will definitely be offering this service again next year adding one or two more dates. Stay tuned!

Catamount Trail ClassicThis event has become a really great time for everyone involved. Initially, we were a little concerned when we awoke to rain. However, our concerns quickly vanished when we realized that at Bolton and Trapps it was snow.

In the end, it snowed for most of the day making for some great backcountry conditions. The Outdoor

Gear Exchange returned and was again serving bacon and hot chocolate out on the trail, and at the end of the day everyone gathered at the brewery at the Trapp Family Lodge for some light snacks and refreshments.

Nothing special or crazy happened. It was just a ton of fun and ended up being a perfect day in the Vermont backcountry, shared with some really great people.

Photo: Greg Maino

Photo: Greg Maino

Photo: Greg Maino

Photo: Greg Maino


Section 12 North - Brewers Corner to Route 4: The entire section is on public lands and includes ~6 miles of trail.

The CTA Trail Chiefs make the Catamount Trail possible. Here in the office, we rely on our Trail Chiefs to act as liaisons between the local communities, landowners, and our organization. The CTA is currently in need of a new Trail Chief for Section 12 North. If you are looking for a way to support the Catamount Trail Association, want to get to know your local trails and work with your community, this is the perfect opportunity. As a Trail Chief you would be responsible for working with local land managers, posting blazes, brushing, and removing deadfall on your section of trail. In the fall, Trail Chiefs will organize one or more trail workdays to prepare the trail for the coming ski season. In winter, many Trail Chiefs plan and lead tours on their section. If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please contact Amy Kelsey at [email protected], or 802-864-5794

WantedTrail Chief

The Catamount Trail is where you breathe the fresh Vermont air, clear your mind and expand your outlook, take part in the natural world; where you join friends for year after year of shared adventures. While providing unique opportunities for backcountry excursions, the Catamount Trail Association continues to build partnerships to support the Trail, while fostering awareness and stewardship of Vermont’s diverse landscapes through promotion and use of the Trail.

Thankfully, the bequests and contributions made by members and friends keep the Catamount Trail experience alive and available. A bequest is a simple gift in which you maintain control of your assets during your lifetime. Your bequest can help the Catamount Trail Association provide new skills, friendships, and adventures, opening up the world of backcountry skiing for others as it did for you.

Making a bequest to benefit Catamount Trail Association is easy:

1. Decide to do it at any age by amending an existing will or drafting a new one. 2. Upon your death, your bequest will go to support the Catamount Trail

Association.

As an alternative to amending your current will, you might consider naming the Catamount Trail Association a full or partial beneficiary of your retirement or life insurance plan.

Remembering the CTA in your will or trust is a testament to what this exceptional trail means to you—and to your belief that others should share in that experience.

For more information, please contact Amy Kelsey, Executive Director at 802-864-5794, or email [email protected]

Blueberry Hill Inn blueberryhillinn.com

Bolton Valley Resort boltonvalley.com

Brandon Motor Lodge brandonmotorlodge.com

Brass Lantern Inn brasslanterninn.com

Chipman Inn www.chipmaninn.com

Commodores Inn commodoresinn.com

Craftsbury Outdoor Center craftsbury.com

Edson Hill Manor

edsonhillmanor.com

Fielder Farm www.fielderfarmvermont.com

Fitch Hill Inn fitchhillinn.com

Green Mountain Inn greenmountaininn.com

Inn at the Mountain at Stowe stowe.com

Jay Village Inn thejayvillageinn.com

Landgrove Inn landgroveinn.com

Mad River Barn madriverbarn.com

Mountain Top Resort mountaintopinn.com

Stowe Motel & Snowdrift stowemotel.com

Sugarbush Inn sugarbush.com

Topnotch Resort & Spa topnotchresort.com

Trapp Family Lodge trappfamily.com

West Hill House B&B westhillbb.com

Windekind Farm www.windekindfarms.com

Catamount Trail Lodging MembersA wide variety of lodging options are available on or near the Catamount Trail. Whether you are looking for a place for a single night or want to arrange a multi-day ski adventure, these are great places to hunker down and experience Vermont’s finest hospitality. The list below highlights those Lodges and Inns who are members of the Trail. Please support those that support us! If you’d would like to become a Lodging Member and have your business added to the list below please visit the membership page on the Catamount Trail website - www.catamounttrail.org.

Have You Considered Including The CTA In Your Estate Planning



Summer Volunteer Opportunities

By now you’ve hopefully seen our yearly Trail Fund appeal, and while membership is very important to our efforts here at the Catamount Trail Association, the Trail Fund is critical to helping pay for updates and maintenance on the trail. This year we’re asking our members, and friends of the CTA, to give generously and help us reach our fundraising goal of $30,000.

Your contribution will directly support improvement efforts along the trail and will help better the backcountry experience here in Vermont. So, if you’re a fan of the good work that we do, and working for your turns, please visit our website to make a donation and help keep the Vermont Backcountry in tip top shape!

Trail Work WeekendsEach summer CTA hosts a few Volunteer Work Weekends to help complete trail projects. Recruit your friends or bring your family to enjoy a weekend in the Vermont woods. Join us for a day or for the whole weekend. On Saturday and Sunday we work on the trail. CTA provides a campsite or lodging with friends of the CTA, and we gather for dinner Saturday evening. For those who prefer more luxurious accommodations, we are happy to provide local lodging suggestions.

2015 Trail Work Weekends

» July 8th & 9th along Section 26 near the Green River Reservoir » August 11th & 12th along Section 3 south of Somerset Reservoir

Roving Trail CrewLooking to help more on the trail but don’t want to commit to maintaining an entire section? We are working to develop a roving volunteer trail crew to help with trail relocations and repair projects throughout the state. The crew will participate in 2-4 days of midweek trail work each month this summer and fall. If you are interested in learning more, or if you’d like to sign up to participate on a trail work weekend or on our roving trail crew, please contact Andy Wood at [email protected].

Help Us Reach Our Trail Fund Goal!

Donate Securely Online: www.catamounttrail.org

Race To The Top Of VermontWe’re gearing up for another run, bike or hike to the top of Vermont. The Catamount Trail Association’s largest fundraiser of the year will be taking place on Sunday, August 23rd in Stowe, Vermont and could use your help. Register as a volunteer by filling out our online form at:

www.rtttovt.com/volunteer

Catamount Ultra MarathonThe Catamount Ultra Marathon is gaining traction and has become one of the must attend running events of the season. This year the CTA is helping to recruit volunteers for the 25k and 50k events taking place at the Trapp Family Lodge on Saturday, June 27th. If you’d like to help please contact Andy Wood at [email protected]


New End-To-Enders!We’re excited to announce nine (9) new Catamount Trail End-To-Enders have joined the growing list of intrepid skiers who have not only skied the entire length of the Catamount Trail, but have kept track of their travels and submitted a journal documenting their adventures (at this time at least 3 others have finished, but have yet to submit their journal).

It’s quite a feat to ski all 31 sections and 300 miles of the Trail, and the individuals below are now members of an elite group. Including our new inductees, only 76 people have completed the entire trail. Congratulations on a job well done!

#68 - Marilyn Williams#69 - Sam Brakeley#70 - Zac Edwards#71 - Kevin Batson#72 - Julie Higgins#73 - Nancy McClellan#74 - Bob Ordemann#75 - Craig Hadden#76 - Sue Johnston

Bob Ordermann celebrating the completion of his journey! Way to go & congratulations to everyone else!

Sunday, August 24th – Stowe, VTwww.rtttovt.com

THE NORTH FACE RACE TO THE TOP OF VERMONT

25K/50K TRAIL RUNSATURDAY, JUNE 27TH

WWW.CATAMOUNTULTRA.COM

CATAMOUNT TRAIL ASSOCIATION1 MILL STREET, SUITE 350BURLINGTON, VT 05401

Non-Profit Rate

U.S. Postage Paid

Permit #421

Burlington, VT

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FOR 6/1/15 – 5/31/16

The Catamount Trail exists thanks to the generosity of ski enthusiasts like you. If you plan on skiing on the Trail this winter or just want to know that it will be there waiting for you, renew your membership today. We really can’t keep it going without you. THANK YOU!

RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP TODAY!

Membership Dues $_____________

I want to support the CTA even more. Enclosed is my additional tax deductible contribution for Trail Conservation Annual Operating Costs - $_____________

TOTAL ENCLOSED: $_______________________________

PAYMENT: VISA MasterCard Check

Card No.

Exp. Date

Signature

Name (please print)

Address

City State Zip

Telephone ( )

E-mail

I am a new member.

I am willing to volunteer for events.

I am willing to help with trail maintenance.

I am willing to help lead weekend ski tours.

If you do not want us to share your name with other groups, please initial here. _______Catamount Trail Association is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization.Questions? Please call us at 802.864.5794

NON-BUSINESS MEMBERSHIP PROTECTOR ............................ $250* BENEFACTOR .......................... $100* PATRON .................................... $75* FAMILY ..................................... $50* INDIVIDUAL .............................. $35 STUDENT ................................. $20

MAIL TO >> THE CATAMOUNT TRAIL ASSOCIATION 1 Mill Street, Suite 350, Burlington, VT 05401

3 Digit Code

BUSINESS MEMBERSHIP BUSINESS ....................$350** LODGE/RESTAURANT ..$100**

* Receive two (2) membership books and cards** See CTA website for additional benefits

Documents

CTA Newsletter V31-02 Spring 2015