XC ski trail work days, Grout Pond and Flood Dam Trail

[Jeff N]

Today is I believe the first Winter Weather Advisory and first Winter Storm Warning the National Weather Service has posted in the Lower 48 this season (Uintas and SW Montana respectively).  So let the fun begin!

But before we can have fun in the snow, we have to do some work on the trails.  The Dutch Hill chapter of the Catamount Trail Association (DHASH) is again hosting two work days this fall on cross country ski trails in the Green Mountains of Southern Vermont. 

Flood Dam Trail, Searsburg, Sunday, October 17

Last year we did a lot of work resurrecting much of this neglected trail, including completely re-blazing it, clearing blowdown, and creating a bypass route around one difficult section.  This year we'll brush out the remainder of the trail and clear a re-route that avoids another steep, eroded section.  The Flood Dam Trail is located off Section 3 of the Catamount Trail outside Wilmington and leads to a beautiful bend on the Deerfield River.

Grout Pond Trails, Stratton, Saturday, October 30

After greatly improving Hilltop and a portion of the West Loop in 2020 by cutting back many years' worth of growth, we plan this year to complete brushing out the West Loop, and cleaning out drainages on the Pond Loop.

If you're interested in helping out, email me at:   jnugent.vt (at) gmail.com.  

Also...

Catamount Trail

If you have a favorite section of the Catamount Trail between Massachusetts and Stratton Pond, I can pass your contact information on to the appropriate trail chief.  They can always use a hand in keeping their section of trail in shape for a winter of skiing.  Upcoming work days include Section 3 (Rte. 9 to Somerset Dam) on Saturday October 9, Section 2 (Harriman Reservoir) on Sunday November 7, and Section 1 (Readsboro) on Saturday December 4.

Dutch Hill Backcountry Area

If downhill-focused backcountry skiing is more your thing, you may want to attend one of DHASH's work days at the old Dutch Hill ski area in Readsboro. The terrain ranges from beginner to expert, from wide-open slopes to challenging glades in the forest, and some challenging XC ski routes as well.  Work days are:

• Saturday, Oct 9
• Saturday, Oct 16
• Sunday, Oct 31
• Saturday, Nov 6

More info at https://www.dhash4vt.org/  

[Phil]

Thanks Jeff.