For the safety of our community, the Catamount Trail Association is asking all users to make themselves aware of, and follow, the VT Governor’s Mask and Quarantine Mandates. Before planning your trip to Vermont from out of state, find out whether your county qualifies for travel to Vermont by viewing the Cross State Travel Map.
We appreciate your patience. Here at the Catamount Trail Association the health and safety of our landowners, staff, community members, and trail users are our priority. We recognize outdoor recreation is an important part of Vermont’s economy and crucial to people’s physical and mental well-being, especially during this incredible time. The COVID-19 situation is ever evolving, therefore we ask you to understand that things are likely to change. To help each other stay safe and keep the Trail and our zones open please follow the policies presented here, and be kind and respectful to those you meet on your adventures.
STAY HOME
If you’re not feeling healthy, have been exposed to Covid-19, or have traveled from locations requiring quarantine per the Governor’s Executive Order, please stay home. Do not risk the health of others.
BE PREPARED
The backcountry is NOT the resort. It is un-patrolled, is often remote, and there are regularly hidden hazards, changing conditions, and varied terrain… all of which can effect your safety. Be prepared for an emergency. Carry enough food, gear, and warm clothing to be self-sufficient for an extended period of time.
KEEP YOUR DISTANCE
Give people outside your household at least 6 feet or more of space. This is about the length of a pair of skis, a standard pole saw, or the length of two average T-Rex arms.
When yielding to other groups or users move well out of the way. Slow down, step back, and let people know when you’re approaching. Don’t stand across the trail to chat, and stay in single file (even on wide trails.) Leash your dog. Please observe all CDC Guidelines.
KEEP GROUPS SMALL
Limit the number of skiers and riders in your group whenever possible. Our interactions add up and compound over time. Minimizing interactions will help keep yourself and other safe.
TRAVEL SAFELY
Stay close to home as much as possible. Explore your backyard and really get to know it. When you must travel, limit your stops and interactions as much as possible. Plan ahead… fill up your gas tank and pack some snacks so you don’t have to make unnecessary stops.
Vermont Residents may travel out of VT to approved counties. Approved locations can be found at the ACCD Cross-State Travel page. If travelling to a quarantine county, Vermonters must quarantine in VT upon return.
Non-Vermont Residents from approved counties may enter VT for leisure travel without quarantining. Residents who live in a quarantine county must quarantine in their home state before entering VT. Learn more about quarantine travel requirements on the ACCD website.
Learn more about quarantining on VT Dept of Health website.
SHRED & LEAVE
Please do not congregate in the parking lot before or skiing/riding or at intersections/transition areas on the Trail or at our backcountry zones.
HAVE A BACKUP PLAN
Winter parking is often limited. If a parking area is full, have a Plan B, and maybe even a Plan C. Peak use is between 10-2pm on Saturdays. Go Early. Go late. Go during the week. Private landowners make many of our backcountry experiences possible. Be a good steward and remember that you represent all of us.
TAKE IT EASY
Help can be difficult to reach, and there may be significant delays in receiving emergency assistance during the winter. Please plan your trip responsibly, and do not take any unnecessary risks that may burden our healthcare system or emergency responders.
NO SHARING
Now is not the time to share. Please do not carpool with individuals outside your immediate household. Bring your own food and drink, and don’t share layers/gloves/etc… unless it’s absolutely necessary.
WEAR A MASK
Anytime you’re around people outside of your household you should cover your nose and mouth with a cloth facial covering.
If you’re still not sure about the efficacy of masks please watch this short video – HERE.
RESPECT TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS
Please respect out-of-state travel restrictions. As the situation in a specific county evolves these requirements change. You are responsible for knowing the rules and following them. Quarantine information and requirements are available at accd.vermont.gov/travel.
Cross State Travel Information & Map — Vermont State Recreation Guidelines
Please get outside, exercise, and follow the State’s Guidance (informed by the CDC and VDH) on how to do so safely and responsibly. For both public safety and trail stewardship, please avoid recreating on trails where you cannot maintain safe social distance.
