The Brandon Gap Backcountry Recreation Area is a project sponsored by RASTA and the CTA in partnership with the United States Forest Service (USFS). The Brandon Gap Backcountry Recreation Area is located in the Green Mountain National Forest, south of Vermont Route 73 at Brandon Gap.
The Brandon Gap Backcountry Recreation Area consists of 4 separate ski zones accessed from 2 trailheads, and connected by the Long Trail corridor. The zones include Bear Brook Bowl, No-Name Backcountry Zone, Sunrise Bowl, and Goshen Mountain.
All the skin tracks are marked by yellow RASTA blazes and arrows. The entry into each of the zones is also marked by wooden trail signs.
Plenty of great ski tours can be had by traveling along the Long Trail and combining the different zones. All together the Brandon Gap Backcountry Area has over 16,000 vertical feet of skiing and riding terrain spread out along 3 miles of the Long Trail. Being in the Green Mountain National Forest the ski zones are always open, at no cost to the public. The CTA, RASTA, and the USFS hope that skiers and riders will enjoy this area with appropriate respect, and will exercise caution when riding and skiing in this area.
Brandon Gap Backcountry Zones:
Bear Brook Bowl
The Bear Brook Bowl Backcountry Zone provides 1300’s feet of vertical in braided lines. These are challenging ski runs and have some exciting natural features. The skin track begins at the Bear Brook Trailhead continuing to just below the top of the Bear Brook ridge where entry into the ski lines can be found. The skin track can continue to be followed up to the Chittenden Brook trail just below the Long Trail-Chittenden Brook trail junction.
No-Name Backcountry Zone
The No-Name Backcountry Zone provides 1100 feet of vertical with braided lines. The No-Name zone has more moderate terrain and is sure to be a favorite of many skiers and riders. The skin track up No-Name begins at the Bear Brook trailhead and peaks out on the Long Trail at about 2900′ feet elevation. This area can also be accessed from the Long Trail Parking Lot at the top of Brandon Gap via the Long Trail.
Sunrise Bowl
The Sunrise Bowl and Goshen Mountain Backcountry areas are both accessed from the Long Trail Parking Lot. The skin track begins about 3/4 of a mile south on the Long Trail, and ascends through the Sunrise Bowl Backcountry Area. This area is home to more moderate terrain, providing about 500 feet of vertical via several braided lines.
Goshen Mountain
Continuing up the skin track from the top of the Sunrise Bowl area brings you to the top of Goshen Mountain. The summit area of Goshen Mountain is unique with its many acres of high altitude meadows. The meadows dropping from the summit provide super fun, open, low angle ski terrain. Additionally, during clear weather days the long range views to the north, the east, and the west are spectacular! Descending below the meadows brings you into the more challenging Goshen Mountain Zone. These lines range from moderately steep terrain on the skier/rider’s right, becoming steeper and requiring a higher level of ability as you work left. All of the Goshen Mountain lines end at a skin track that climbs a short distance and returns you to the Long Trail Parking lot.
Additional Considerations:
Winter Safety Is Your Responsibility
Every Year people are injured, lost or even die in winter recreation related accidents. This is a remote, unpatrolled area where hidden hazards, changing conditions and varied terrain can effect your safety. Be prepared for a backcountry emergency by carrying enough gear and extra warm clothing to keep yourself and those in your group safe. Be ready to help yourself, or be prepared for an extended stay should something go wrong. Help can be difficult to summon and there may be a significant delay in receiving emergency assistance. Bring a map and never ski/ride alone. In case of an emergency call 911.
Ski the Trees – Save the Forest
Continued access to this area depends on you. No cutting or trimming of vegetation is allowed in these areas. The future of access relies on you! Respect public and private lands and report incidents immediately.
To Volunteer Contact RASTA -> www.rastavt.org/volunteer
