In the summer of 2014, the Rochester/Randolph Area Sports Trail Alliance became the CTA’s first chapter , and began work to develop the Braintree Mountain and Brandon Gap backcountry areas. Since then, the CTA has continued working to support the development of additional managed backcountry zones across the state through local, community based chapters, and through advocacy with state and federal agencies.
At this time, eight chapters have joined the CTA. Together we manage over 100,000 vertical feet of some of the best backcountry skiing on the east coast. This is a major step forward for winter recreation in Vermont and would not have been possible without the amazing support of our CTA chapter members, partnerships with the Green Mountain National Forest, Vermont Forests Parks and Recreation, and some very generous private landowners.
Although each location is unique, most managed backcountry areas share a number of common features. You can expect to find a trailhead with parking, an established and well marked access route or skin track, and gladed ski lines that lead back to the skin track or exit route.
These areas are well maintained, and every fall work days are held to remove blowdowns and other debris. Because these zones are well taken care of they are often skiable earlier and later into the season than your typical backcountry stash. Much thought and planning has gone into laying out the zones to ensure uninterrupted descents while avoiding flat terrain. The CTA has also worked with foresters and ecologists to minimize the the ecological impact of backcountry skiing in these areas.
That said, while these managed areas provide a slightly more facilitated experience, please remember this is NOT the resort. There is no ski patrol, and while a lot of time is spent cleaning up these areas, trees can fall at any time. This means caution and preparation are still required.
Skiers visiting any of our managed backcountry areas should plan to be self-sufficient, and come prepared with appropriate clothing, extra food, water, and be ready to deal with equipment failures and injuries.
If you are part of a new or existing group or club that might be interested in becoming a future CTA Chapter, please contact us with your ideas.
CTA Backcountry Chapters & Zones
Dutch Hill Alliance Of Skiers & Hikers – DHASH
Grateful Shreds – GSBC
- No Managed Terrain At This Time
Mad River Valley Backcountry Coalition – MRVBC
- No Managed Terrain At This Time
Mansfield Backcountry Alliance – MBA
- No Managed Terrain At This Time
