Explore • Ski • Share • Celebrate • Repeat

Explore • Ski • Share • Celebrate • Repeat
VOLUME XXXI NUMBER 2
2015 A Historic Year for Thru-Skiers on the Catamount Trail
Spring 2015
By Andy Wood
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.”
Zac Edwards and his partner Emma near the halfway point of the Catamount Trail.
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.”
Remembering Margo Krasnoff............ 2
Habits.................................................... 7
Estate Planning....................................12
VTBC Update........................................3
Business Supporter Thank You............ 7
Catamount Trail Lodging Members....12
On The Trail...........................................4
Donor Thank You..................................8
Trail Fund & Sojourn Special Offer..... 14
Ski Cub’s Year In Review......................5
Recap: Winter Events......................... 10
Summer Volunteer Opportunities..... 14
Volunteer Spotlight..............................5
Trail Chief Wanted: Section 12.............12
New End-T0-Enders.............................15
Inside This Issue
Sue Johnston, completed her trek in
continued on pg
Printed on recycled paper with soy-based ink
6
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.
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 Directors
Tony Amenta, Waitsfiled
Moira Durnin Anderson, Stowe
Jill Aspinall, Montpelier
Alan Binnick, Wilmington
Paul Demers, South Burlington
Steve Fernandes, Rutland
Lynn Fisher, Bridgewater
Karen Heinzmann, Thetford Center
Ned Houston, Waterbury
Trina Hosmer, Stowe
Pete Lane, Marlboro, MA
Rich Larsen, Essex Junction
Jay Macejowski, Springfield
Angus McCusker, Rochester
Bill Michels, Plymouth
Ed Miller, Stowe
Tyler Miller, Burlington
Brian Mohr, Moretown
Michael O’Leary, Plainfield, NH
Amy Otten, Colchester
Jason Wyman, Burlington
CTA Staff
Amy Kelsey, Executive Director
Greg Maino, Communications Director
Matt Larson, Business Manager
Andy Wood, Americorps Member
CTA Office
1 Mill Street • Suite 350
Burlington, VT 05401
802-864-5794
info@catamounttrail.org
www.catamounttrail.org
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.
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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 Friend of the Trail, Margo Krasnoff... She will be
missed.
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.
Donate
Today!
Proudly Supporting The
Catamount Trail From
End-To-End!
Catamount Trail News • Spring 2015
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
Vermont Backcountry Alliance makes the most of a Snowy Winter
By 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.
Backcountry Ethics
The 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/skithe-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
Early season dawn patrolling at Bolton Valley by headlamp... What an awesome season we had!
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 Films
This 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 WilkinsonRay and the T-Bar team come up with
next fall. Thanks Tyler!
w w w. c a t a m o u n t t r a i l . o r g
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Photo: Greg Maino
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.
On The Trail
By 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
Winter By The Numbers
Number of Day Tours: 37
Number of Multi-Day Tours: 4
Average # Skiers per day on Day Tours: 6
Average # Skiers per day on Multi-Day Tours: 19
Single-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!
4
Catamount Trail News • Spring 2015
Zac Edwards ready for a break after 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.
Ski Cubs... A Year Of Growth and fun!
By Andy Wood
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
Our Saturday Ski Cubs participants celebrate their final day at Bolton Valley.
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 outreach@catamounttrail.org.
Ski Cubs in Bennington, V T enjoying a ver y 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!
w w w. c a t a m o u n t t r a i l . o r g
5
continued from cover
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.
Getting into the groove... kick... glide... kick...
Overheard
Zac 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.
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Catamount Trail News • Spring 2015
Habits
By Megan Davin
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.
Thank You
Business Supporters!
Megan finding her happy place while
skiing some Vermont pow!
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.
Photo: Greg Maino
- See you on the uphill
Megan
is
Shejumps
a
CTA
Northeast
Ambassador,
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 Working for turns before the lifts spin at Bolton
Valley Resort.
www.skirtingthemountains.com.
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!
Blueberry Hill Inn and Touring Center
Bolton Valley Nordic Center
Bolton Valley Resort
Cabot Creamery
Camels Hump Nordic Center
City Sports
Concept2
Craftsbury Outdoor Center
Darn Tough Vermont
Dinse/Knapp/McAndrew
Earls Cyclery & Fitness
Edson Hill Manor
Essex Agency
Hinesburg Public House
Hoka One One
Jamieson Insurance
Julbo USA
Keurig Green Mountain
Local Motion
Mad River Glen
Mansfield Nordic Center
Merchants Bank
Morgan Stanley
Mountain Top Inn & Resort
The North Face Store @ KL Sport
Nathan Sport
National Life Group
Nedde Real Estate
Northeast Delta Dental
Nutty Steph’s
Onion River Sports
Outdoor Gear Exchange
Outdoor Research
Pepsi Beverages Company
Red Hen Baking Company
Redstone
Rikert Nordic Center
Rossignol
Salomon
Shelburne Vineyards
Silverwear Jewelry Design
SkiRack
Sleepy Hollow Inn, Ski & Bike Center
Small Dog Electronics
Smugglers’ Notch
Sojourn Bicycle Tours
Sterling College
Stowe Mountain Resort
Stowe Today
Sugarbush
The Alpine Shop
Topnotch Resort & Spa
Trapp Family Lodge
Umiak Outfitters
Vermont Pain Relief
Vermont Peanut Butter Company
Vermont Smoke & Cure
Voile
w w w. c a t a m o u n t t r a i l . o r g
7
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
Up to $99
Anonymous
Bruce Acciavatti
Bonnie Acker & John Davis
Pam & Louis Ahlen
Steve Aikenhead
Robert Allstadt
Andrea & Theodore Ambros
Anthony Amenta
Robert & Carol Anderson
Antonina Bodywork
Margaret Ashforth
Jonathan Avery
Jason Baer
Scott Bailey & Kristine Hutchin
Barbara J. Baker
Richard Baker
Rick Barnett
Theresa Barrows
Elizabeth Bassett & John Pane
Robert Bast
Pam Bateman
Thomas & Lorna Bates & Family
Lynda & Jeff Baydin
Iris Berezin
Hoyt Bingham
Robert & Janet Bissell
Paul Blair
Mark Blanchard
Marc and Peggy Blumenthal
Christopher Boffa
Michael Bosworth
Wayne Boynton
Stuart Bradford
Nick & Pat Branch
John Brodhead & Gina Campoli
Kathi Brown
Lenore & Ralph Budd
Sara Burchard
Thomas Burgos
Carolyn & Dan Callahan
Michael Caminiti
Raymond & Kate Canning
Jennifer & Brad Carlson
Sarah F Carter
Silvia Cassano
Mary Chamberlin
Andrea & James Chandler
Jonathan Chapin
John Chard
David Charles
Michael & Susan Chiarella
Coryn Clark
Jennifer Clarkson-Smith & Bruce Smith
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Margaret Clement
Paul Colletti
David Comeau
James Connacher
Fritz Coonradt
Anne Cramer
Hope Crifo
Liz Cronin
Brian Cussimanio
Custom Tones, LLC
Judy Daloz
Thadeus Davis
Frederick Dearstyne
Jean DeCell
Sharon & Doug Dennett
S. Victoria DeWind
Liz Dickson & Craig Richardson
Elaine Dill & Don Sprowl
John Dinklage
Debby Dorsett
John & Melissa Duff
John Dundas
Moira Durnin
Beth Eliason & Michael Cummings
Jack Ellis
Rebecca Ellis
Thomas & Cynthia Emery
Mary English
Stephen Feiss
Todd Felton
John Field
Robert Forster
Fran Fortino
Patricia Frechette
Mary Gade
Mark and Natasha Gajewski
Marc Gamble
Sarah Gant
William Ganter Jr.
Gay & Lesbian Fund of Vermont
Sandi Geller
Whitney Germon
Kurt & Patricia Giavara
Sue & Don Gilbert
Gary & Patricia Gildemeister
Linda Gionti
Cheri Giroux & Scott Brinkman
Steve & Deirdre Gladstone
Barry & Catherine Glick
David Goodman & Sue Minter
Wes & Judy Goodwin
Lelia & Gavin Greenewalt
Riley Griffin
Scott Griffith
Joanne Grogan
Catamount Trail News • Spring 2015
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.
Growald Family Fund
Lucy Guillet-Boyden
Gypsy Sally
Rick Hale
Robert & Donna Hamill
Whitney Hanson
Dalton & Linnea Harben
James Harris & Elizabeth Flemings
Bruce Harrison
John Hartnett & Laura Bellstrom
Bruce Herforth
Richard Higgerson
Julie Higgins & Michael O’Connor
MaryAnn Hoisington
Clem & Sylvia Holden
Dr. Edgar Holmes
David & Kathy Hooke
Ned Houston
Sally Howe
Bill Hoyt
Pamela Hunt
Wendy Jenkins
Irene Jenks & Ben Tirey
Richard Judd
Adam Kahn
Bob Kesner
Kingswood Builders
Sylvia Kinney
Deb Kirchwey
Lee Krohn
Thomas & Agnes Kurtz
Rick LaDue
Ross Lanius Jr
Susan Latchem
Sylvie Lavoie-Finer
Eliot Levine
Peter & Susan Licht
Edward Lieberman
Judy Lieberman
Louise Lintilhac
Tom & Julie Longstreth
Philip Lussier
Shelley Lutz
Ann Mackay
Joan MacKenzie
Ray & Pat Mainer
Joanie & Leigh Mallory
Jeanette Malone & Dan Wolfson
Noah Manacas
Charles Marchant
Timothy Marr
Jake & Sue Martin
Steve & Vicki McCormick
Patricia McGivern
Catherine McIsaac
Tim & Betsy McKay
Nancy & Howard McRae
Dean Menke
Tyler Merritt
Robert and Louise Messner
Scott Meyer & Kim Dunkley
Sandra Meyerhofer
Steven Minkwitz
R. John & Dorothy Mitchell
Susan Mockus
Brian Mohr & Emily Johnson
Carly Monahan
James & Maija Murray
Mary Muse & Kevin Coughlin
Ross Nasin
Susan Newburger
Mary & Donald Newey
Hillary Newton
Alice W. Nitka
Bob Nuzzo & Ann Gillespie
Mary O’Brien & Mark Lucas
William P. O’Neill
Carl Olender
Robert Olsen
Sherry Osborn
Pamela Overstrom & David Palmer
John Painter
Kenneth Paonessa
Bob Pasco
Ene Piirak
Merle Pomroy
Walter Pomroy
Fred Pond
Robert Popp
David & Gail Poulin
Robert F. Provencher
Pennie & Matt Rand
Craig Reeves & Bonnie MacLeod
Robert & Mary Roger Reiber
Katharine Reichert & Derek Teare
Scott Richardson
Jonathan Rittling
Kip Roberts
Chris Rodgers
Alexander & Phyllis Rose
Ben Rose & Lori Fisher
Lewis & Claudia Rose
Judy Rosovsky
Armand Roy
Jeremy Schrauf
David & Sue Scott
Brian & Betsy Sharlach
Gregory & Nina Sharp
Huntington Sheldon
Sandra Shenk & Al Boright
Sarah Sherrill
Eugene Shlatz
Dianne Shullenberger
Edward Shyloski
Joel W Silverstein
Richard Sirola
Sally Sise
Tommy Sleckman
Steve Sobel
Matthew Stotland
Sam Swanson & Joyce Gallimore
Joseph Sykes
Joseph Tatone
W. Miller Templeton
Timber Hill Creek X-C Ski Area
Robert Tortolani
John & Allison Turkowski
Frances Uptegrove
Nick Van der Kloot
Kathryn Vreeland
Peter Wadsworth & Jessie Janowski
Eric Wales
Bernard Webber
Thomas & Rita Weidman
David Weinstein & Lauren Ockene
Wolfgang Weise & Kathleen Olwell
Louise Welch
Alison Wermer
John Wesley & Julie Peterson
Stuart Williams
Sherry Winnie
Ann S. Wittpenn
Jim Woodberry & Laura Pratt
Peter & Rosemary Zamore
Ed & Kathleen Ziedins
$100-499
Anonymous (2)
Hans Ahlgren
Bill and Nancy Anderson
Ken Austin
Eric Bakeman & Gretchen Elias
Stan Baker & Susan Gresser
Bill Banke
Mike & Theresa Barry
Kevin & Alice Batson
Jody & Rick Biddle
Jonathan Bigelow & Tove Stigum
Eric Bishop & Barbara Frankowski
Dean Bloch & Valerie Wilkins
Peter & Sarah Blum
Gail & Steve Blumsack
Emily Boedecker
David & Susan Boedy
Charles & Judy Bond
Dennis P. Bowen
Don & Sally Brunjes
David B. Caplan
Priscilla Carr & Jay Stewart
Paul Charow & Ellen Hamilton
Dr. David Chipman & Helen Folweiler
Janis Comb
Bob Cooper
Maria Corinthios
Tim Crowell & Patricia Sabalis
Paul Demers
Wesley & Linda DeNering
John Dieckmann
JoAnne & David Diller
Edee Edwards & Mark Halverson
Sue & Bob Emmons
Donna & Jim Ewald
Madeleine Fay & Family
Barry & Susan Feinberg
Emily Feinberg & Rob Resuccia
Sarah Fellows & Theresa Marron
Steve & Bernadette Fernandes
Lynn Fisher & Jeanne Briand
W. Neal Fisher
Robert Fiske, Jr
Mitchell R. & Kim Fleischer
Jim & Liz Foster
Milton, Carolyn & Krysta Frye
Charlene Gates
Matt Germon
Ann Goering
Dr. Ronald & Lena Goldberg
Bob Gray
Michael Green & Sarah Muyskens
Craig Hadden
Robert Hagen & Kathy Astrauckas
Steve Hagenbuch
Stephen & Lynne Hale
Susan & Perry Hanson
Peter & Louise Harris
Richard & Susan Hart
Karen Heinzmann
Paul A. Hemmerich
Sharon Henry & Gary Solow
Bill Herrington
Heidi Hertel-Therrien
Jeffrey Hurlburt
Mark Hyer
Woody & Ingrid Jackson
Paula Jones & Kevin Gough
Robert & Joyce Jones
Bob Jordan
Robert & Sue Kancir
Amy & Anton Kelsey
Tom Kennedy & Viola Chu
Ann Kimberly
Priscilla Kimberly & Jerry Lasky
Phil & Barbara Kivlin
Ron Kovanic & Marilyn Williams
Peter Lane
Gregory Larkin
Sheri Lindner
Scott & Deborah Livingston
Jason Longo
Ted Lyman & Virginia Clarke
David E. Lynch
Debra & James Lyneis
Denny Lyster
John & Liz MacVarish
Perky & Don Maddocks
Patty Maino
David Martin
Kristin Hanson Martin & Bill Martin
Ed & Lisa Matson
Andrew & Laura McIntosh
Deri Meier
Peter & Bunny Merrill
Barbara Meyer
Tim Mohr
John & Nancy Morgan
Linda Morley
Sam & Elizabeth Nelson
Ward & Lois Nial
Hubie & Sherry Norton
Jeff Nugent
Michael O’Leary & Gretchen Cherington
Peter Oliver
Art Paradice
Bonnie & Brian Pease
Joseph Perella & Aimée Motta
William Pinchbeck
Daniel Raleigh
Peter & Ellen Rawlings
Joan Rech
Cathie Redpath
Donald Rendall
John & Ellen Riley
Robert & Denise Romeo
Paul G. Schaberg
Jeff and Beth Schoellkopf
Suzannah Schroeder
Collins & Gail Seitz
Sandra Sharp
Marc Sherman
Katharine Simonds
Sims Family
Robert & Judith Sinsheimer
Dagny St. John
Judith & William Stevens
Richard Stoner & Theresa Hyland
Stowe Mountain Resort
Sugarbush Resort
James Sullivan
John Sullivan
Gerry & Paul Sweterlitsch
Peter Swift
Gail Tedstone
Diana & Allen Terrell
The Mountain Goat
Thread Rolling Inc.
Beth & Bernie Tolmie
Sharonlee & Jonathan Trefry
Peter Treiber
Carol Tremble
Mary Twitchell
Cornelius Ulman
UVM Student Life/TREK Orientation
Vermont Country Store
Ted Vogt & Susan Shea
West Hill House B&B
Carol Weston & Patrick Herbert
Janet Zinter
Tom Brownell & Carole Hakstian
Charles F. Christ
Concept 2, Inc.
Peter & Patricia Cottrell
Jim Fredericks & JoAnn Hanowski
Nancie Heinemann
Trina & David Hosmer
Jonathan Lopatin
Nancy McClellan & Elliot Douglas
Ragnar Meyer-Knutsen
Northfield Savings Bank
Amy Otten & Ralph Kilmoyer
Debbie & Steve Page
Judy Stearns
Pierre Swick
Jim & Lyn Taylor
Lee & Diana Todd
Tom Turner
Lori K. van Handel & Nancy Roseman
Jeffrey Wehrwein
Justin & Donna White
Jennifer Wood & Basil Dobbin
$1,000 Plus
Anonymous (2)
Estate of Peter Alden
Katherine B. Arthaud
Stephen John & Jackie Bennett
Alan Binnick
Jim & Mary Lou Briggs
Joseph Cook
Richard Dreissigacker & Judy Geer
Andreas & Diane Halvorsen
Andrew P. Harper
Philip Howard
Peter & Cynthia Kellogg
Paul Kendall & Sharon Rives
Barb Kennedy & Douglas Gentile
Kroka Expeditions
Rich & Sheri Larsen
William C. Michels
Jeff Prescott & Andy Shuford
Jan & Mary Jane Rozendaal
Elizabeth Steele
The Fairbanks Family Charitable
Foundation
Grants
Anonymous
Ben & Jerry’s Foundation
Davis Conservation Foundation
Lintilhac Foundation
Oakland Foundation
The National Environmental Education &
Training Foundation
U.S. Forest Service
Vermont Community Foundation
Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, &
Recreation
Vermont Housing & Conservation Board
$500-999
Paul Adams & Lee Dillard Adams
Jill Aspinall & Rick Molz
Sam & Marie Bartlett
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9
Big Changes Made For Big Results at Catamount Trail Events in 2015
By Greg Maino
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!
Photo: Greg Maino
Now that we have that out of the way let’s take a look back at the winter and see what all went right!
Ladies Nordic Ski Expo
The 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.
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 Series
In 2015 our Get Out & Backcountry
Instructional Series (GOBIS) saw the
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
10
Learning to commit at the Ladies Nordic Ski
Expo at the Trapp Family Lodge
Catamount Trail News • Spring 2015
Here’s a pack of trouble getting ready to go
show the backcountr y who’s boss.
Photo: Greg Maino
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.
passion with others, and using passion
to fuel your career.
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
Hello Ladies! Thank you ever yone for coming out and thank you to the Trapp Family Lodge for hosting!
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.
Photo: Greg Maino
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!
Photo: Greg Maino
learning opportunity and obvious next
step.
Taking a break at the CTA grilled cheese and hot chocolate aid station along Nebraska Valley Road.
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!
A bus full of backcountr y skiers on a snowy day
in Vermont... What could be more fun than that?
Self-Serve Bolton To
Nebraska Valley Shuttle
This 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.
Photo: Greg Maino
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
Catamount Trail Classic
In the end, it snowed for most of
the day making for some great
backcountry conditions. The Outdoor
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.
Taking advantage of the great conditions in
Nebraska Valley during the Catamount Trail
Classic
CTA Outreach Coordinator and grilled cheese
extraordinaire, Andy Wood, flinging the goods
during the Catamount Trail Classic.
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11
Photo: Greg Maino
Twice 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.
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.
Have You Considered Including The CTA In
Your Estate Planning
Wanted
Trail Chief
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
akelsey@catamounttrail.org, or
802-864-5794
12
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 802-8645794, or email akelsey@catamounttrail.org
Catamount Trail Lodging Members
A 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.
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
Catamount Trail News • Spring 2015
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
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13
Help Us Reach Our Trail Fund Goal!
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!
Donate Securely Online: www.catamounttrail.org
Summer Volunteer Opportunities
Trail Work Weekends
Each 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 Crew
Looking 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
outreach@catamounttrail.org.
Race To The Top Of Vermont
Catamount Ultra Marathon
We’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:
The 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 outreach@catamounttrail.org
www.rtttovt.com/volunteer
14
Catamount Trail News • Spring 2015
25K/50K TRAIL RUN
SATURDAY, JUNE 27TH
THE NORTH FACE
RACE TO THE TOP OF VERMONT
WWW.CATAMOUNTULTRA.COM
Sunday, August 24th – Stowe, VT
www.rtttovt.com
New End-To-Enders!
We’re excited to announce nine (9) new Catamount Trail End-ToEnders 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 ever yone else!
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15
Non-Profit Rate
CATAMOUNT TRAIL ASSOCIATION
1 MILL STREET, SUITE 350
BURLINGTON, VT 05401
U.S. Postage Paid
Permit #421
Burlington, VT
RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP TODAY!
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!
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FOR 6/1/15 – 5/31/16
Name (please print)
Address
City
State
NON-BUSINESS MEMBERSHIP
PROTECTOR............................. $250*
BENEFACTOR........................... $100*
PATRON..................................... $75*
FAMILY...................................... $50*
INDIVIDUAL............................... $35
STUDENT.................................. $20
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
BUSINESS.....................$350**
LODGE/RESTAURANT...$100**
* Receive two (2) membership books and cards
** See CTA website for additional benefits
Zip
Telephone ( )
BUSINESS MEMBERSHIP
Membership Dues $_____________
I want to support the CTA even more. Enclosed is my additional tax
Trail Conservation
Annual Operating
deductible contribution for
Costs - $_____________
TOTAL ENCLOSED: $_______________________________
PAYMENT:
Card No.
Exp. Date
Signature
VISA
MasterCard
Check
3 Digit Code
MAIL TO >> THE CATAMOUNT TRAIL ASSOCIATION
1 Mill Street, Suite 350, Burlington, VT 05401