Catamount Trail founders, Steve Bushey, Ben Rose and Paul Jarris, aim to ski all 31 sections of the trail over a 35 day period – February 8th through March 14th. Steve, Ben, and Paul will be joined by friends and supporters along the way as we celebrate 40 years on the Catamount Trail. We’ll post daily updates here and on social media so you can follow along on the tour!
Monday, March 4: Message from the Ruby Run Crew
“The Ruby Run Continues… On every one of the 230 plus miles we skied — and walked — we have met an outpouring of support and love for the trail; Trail Chiefs, members of our backcountry chapters, young couples and young families, well wishers with baked goods and many old and new friends of the trail. It’s been truly inspirational. Thank you one and all.
While there were challenges along the way, there were smiles every day. In fact it was such a privilege and we had such a good time that we are officially extending the Ruby Run for another year. The plan is to ski the last 100 miles from Stowe to Canada in February 2025 with an even larger group of skiers. We will get this done!”
For the love of winter,
Steve, Ben, Paul, Bob, Jay and Kevin.
Mar. 2nd: Day 24 Report
Section 22 Trail Report from Jay: “The rain clouds were gathering over the tops as a more than a dozen skiers set off on Section 22 from Bolton toward Trapp Family Lodge. The Ruby crew was thrilled to be joined by a strong group including Olympian Trina Hosmer, the guru of backcountry skiing David Goodman, trail chief Sue Emmons, Chris Burnham and more. There was plenty of soft clumpy snow and the sooner you put on skins the better. At 3300’ the route was in the clouds and the wind whistled but temps were above freezing so there was little threat to life. Threat to limb however was another matter as multiple blow downs and icy chutes called for some creative maneuvering. But once over the top the birch glades opened up and the long run down to Nebraska was enjoyed by all.
The Rubies lingered over lunch and by the time we arrived at the road everyone else had shuttled off. That left us to change skis and make our way steadily over decent snow to join the Trapp Nordic trails and a grand reunion with CT Visionary, Cartographer and Founder Steve Bushey who had arrived from Maine. The plan had been for Steve to join the crew for the final push to Canada but the rapid loss of snow across almost all elevations meant a rethink. Reluctantly, the Rubies decided to suspend the Run for 2024.”
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Mar. 1st: Day 23 Report
Section 21 Report from Jay: “We didn’t find consistent skiable snow until 5 miles in where the CT joins the groomed Bolton Nordic network. Onto Section 22 and over the top Saturday to Trapp Family Lodge. It’s been a heckuva week!”
Short recap, but with reason – long days and tough conditions on the trail for the crew!
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Feb. 29th: Day 22 Report
Trail Report from Jay: “Given the forecast for wind, rain and a flash freeze overnight we had decided to stay low and safe by leaving the second half of Section 18 for today. Although this was a good tactical decision it still left us with some spicy conditions over thin cover.
Our wavering confidence was given a much needed boost when the amazingly adventurous Beckwith family joined us including Justin, Brie, 3 yr old Frieda on mom’s back, and 5 yr old Red leading the way on skinny skis over ice, rocks, sticks, roots, dirt, gravel and all manner of frozen crud. In fact Red was so fearless that we coined the term “doing a Red” when a daring line is called for in desperate situations. Waving goodbye to the Beckwiths at Fayston School we held on through what would normally be a pretty wooded stretch and were grateful to arrive relatively unscathed at Battleground. Now north of the Winooski we expect the snow over Bolton to be more consistent at least until we get to Trapps and the Ruby Bash on Sunday.”
From Ben: “On Sunday, let’s get 100 people to do a fervent Snow Dance!” The CTA crew agrees. We’re excited to see many of you at the 40th Anniversary Bash at Trapp Family Lodge this weekend. Be prepared to do a snow dance — the crew will need it for the next leg of the tour!
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Feb. 28th: Day 21 Report
Section 20 Trail Report from Jay: “It finally happened. After almost 3 weeks on the trail we finally ran out of snow. Section 20 started well enough guided by Huntington resident and Section 19 trail chief Bill Hegman with temps in the 40s and very soft but plentiful snow. After a steady climb up to the saddle we joined the Camel’s Hump Challenge Trail entwined amidst an old growth yellow birch forest and bisected by steep glades. With views of Camel’s Hump summit shrouded in low cloud we dropped into the network of Camel’s Hump Nordic Ski Area trails. But at 1800’ the snow load became sparse and as we dropped lower it disappeared altogether.
We finally gave in to the inevitable, hoisted skis and walked out the three “exhilarating” miles to Honey Hollow parking around 2:00. At this point we changed footwear and walked (Ben ran of course) the 4 miles over the Winooski, across the railroad tracks, along Route 2 and under I-89 to the parking lot at the bottom of Section 21. Job done!
Wind and rain are beating on the windows as I type and a flash freeze overnight will make conditions tomorrow very challenging as we ski the final miles of Section 18 that we skipped earlier. As we move out of the beautiful Mad River Valley tomorrow we’d like to thank Pierre Swick, a generous and a long-time supporter of the CTA who’s made our stay here extremely convenient and comfortable.”
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Feb. 27th: Day 20 Report
Section 19 Trail Report from Jay: “The Ruby Crew set out on Section 19 – our third challenging section in three days. Sorry if this is getting boring but the weather was again perfect and the snow soft and forgiving. About an hour up the trail we were chased down by Matt Williams and Justin Beckwith carrying his two-year old daughter Frieda, who immediately became the center of attention. Justin and Frieda turned back at this point but Matt carried on up to the junction of the LT where we chanced upon Paul Demers doing a trail inspection on foot. Paul has been a CTA stalwart for over 20 years and shows no sign of slowing down.
Matt peeled off to enjoy the long descent and to deliver some much needed Cat Tracks IPA to our Battleground digs. The long climbs eventually ended with a joyous downhill through some steep glades and a run out along the new re-route to the CHSP parking lot. Even though we are in good shape after almost three weeks on the trail, we were very pleased to complete 12+ tough miles in just over 6 hours. Section 20 in the rain tomorrow!”
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Feb. 26th: Day 19 Report
Update from Jay Stearns for Section 18. “Another bluebird day as the intrepid Ruby Runners set off from French Settlement Road to Sugarbush over Lincoln Gap. Dean Bloch and Steve Fernandes joined us for a second day along with UVM Magazine writer/photographer Josh Brown who is a superb tele skier. The climb to 2424’ was quick on the lightest of fresh dustings and then it was into the woods as we passed through a remarkable high altitude forest on deep soft snow. The drainages were mostly frozen as we traversed the beautiful sunny slopes of northern hardwoods and finally dropped steeply down to West Hill Road around noon.
Susan MacLaren of West Hill Inn met us on her front steps with a bountiful basket of fresh mini muffins and a welcoming smile. We left very reluctantly to continue across the Sugarbush Golf Course where Ben got lost on the 4th hole.🙄 Nancy has arranged for us to stay at Battleground for a few nights and ready to tackle sections 19 and 20 before the thaw-freeze-thaw hits us midweek. Some lingering doubts about the conditions for the Bolton to Trapp’s ridge line, but that’s not until March 2 so we will take it one day at a time as usual. The Run continues!”
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Feb. 25th: Day 18 Report
Update from Ben Rose for Sections 16 and 17 (from Rikert Outdoor Center to French Settlement in Lincoln, via the “Natural Turnpike”): “Big crew, cold temps to start, cloudless sky, and a good time was had by all. We are now into the northern half of the trail. The initial parking lot scramble at Rikert was more chaotic than usual, for the happy reason that there were a LOT of folks skiing today: the usual 5, Nancy Chickering who will be skiing with us through Craftsbury, trail chiefs Steve Fernandes, Andy McIntosh, and Dean Bloch, CTA’s second Executive Director Steve Gladstone and wife Deirdre, Colleen Kutin-Kosieniak and Kate D., young fleet David Dodge, and his mom Jennifer Francoeur and intrepid partner John Coco. A few turned back in the initially icy conditions but none were lost!
We covered 16 miles. Paul landed on his nose, putting a bit too much realism into the Ruby Run, but it is only a flesh wound and he’s tough. Andy was happy to showcase the extensive work he and the CTA has accomplished in partnership with Middlebury College and U.S. Forest Service – GMNF to enhance this beautiful section of the trail.
Deirdre met us at mile 12 with cookies. David kept going (on skinny skis!) over Lincoln Gap (which we will tackle in the morning) to reach his ride on the Mad River side. There were some fast runs in the woods and diverse but sufficient snow conditions. Nancy’s Moroccan stew warming our bellies, and life is good on the Catamount Trail!”
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Feb. 24th: Day 17
Well-deserved DAY OFF for the crew!
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Feb. 23rd: Day 16 Report
Section 15 Trail Report from Jay: “Halfway to Canada! A great day on Section 15 as a Nor’incher dumped 2” of wet snow in Moosalamoo and gave us just enough freshies to keep the Rubies smiling over the 14 miles between Brandon Gap and Rikert. And we were sprinkled with trail magic all along the route.
Stephen Waite and Theresa – Trail Chiefs on Section 12S – chased us down at Sugar Hill Reservoir with good wishes and organic oranges. Mary and Bruce met us farther north just as the skiing sibs Lynn and Neal Fisher along with Neal’s wife Susan arrived to create a trail jam. We were later to find bags of goodies they had left along the trail. And finally just as we were approaching Rikert, Sandra Owen (end-to-ender #105) came out to say hello and lead us through the Rikert trails to the lodge. To top it off Michelle brought out homemade cream puffs to celebrate our halfway achievement. The idea of losing a few pounds along the route now seems a lost cause. We will enjoy a well timed day off tomorrow as polar air sweeps through briefly but warming temps next week has us searching the skies for the next bit of trail magic.
Breaking news: As night fell we learned that Birdman had completed skiing the full 300+ miles of the trail in just seven days. Respect to Chris for a FKT that is likely to stand the test of time.”
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Feb. 22nd: Day 15 Report
Ben Rose’s report for Section 14 from Mountain Top to Route 73 below Brandon Gap: “Oof, tough day! We started with lots of shuttle logistics as we loaded up and departed from the Hill in Bridgewater and spotted a car on Route 73 (which turned out to be a good thing) en route to Blueberry Hill, our intended destination, then back to Mountain Top to start skiing at 10am.
Lovely groomed trails to snowmobile trail to Oh-my-god-that-looks-steep-and-hairy! open waterbars (Michelle had warned us about the downhills). Ben and Paul were on light equipment again, and Ben’s boot sole tore off about 4 miles south of 73. Duct tape worked for about a mile. After that, some awkward asymmetric skating and snowplowing and a double-digit fall count. Bob’s much newer boot also started to have a duckbill break. Paul wiped out crossing a bridge and bent a pole. It started to rain. After 11+ miles when we reached route 73 in mid-afternoon the vote was unanimous and we decided to cram into Paul’s car and call it a day, leaving us to ski the 5 remaining miles to Blueberry Hill in the morning (before the 9+ to Rikerts). Then Saturday will be a rest day and we’ll be ready for one! With a fire going and the heat now working at the AirBnB in Goshen and a surprisingly good feast of combined leftovers in our bellies we are all happy again and ready for whatever tomorrow brings.”
Photo above: Ben Rose and Paul Jarris with Shari Brown of Blueberry Hill Inn in Goshen.
This was a memorable stop on the 1984 tour and the Catamount Trail passes through their extensive trail network today. Many thanks to Shari and the Clark family for their support over the past 40 years.
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Feb. 21st: Day 14 Report
The crew has arrived at Mountain Top Resort and Ski Center, and is nearing the halfway point of the trail. Section 13 trail report came in today from Jay Stearns: “More glorious sunshine and good snow as we skied from RT4 to Mountain Top while Bill and Charlene generously shuttled our vehicle again. Much of the trail is shared with VAST so we chose lighter equipment today, which made for a fast average speed. Evan filmed from his fat bike while we all tried to keep up with Ben. Lunch at Lefferts Pond and an interesting chat with Roger Hill at Mt Top to end the day. We move lodging to Goshen tomorrow and ski through the beautiful Moosamaloo area for a couple days and then on towards Lincoln Gap.”
The Founders were guests at the Mountain Top Resort on their inaugural trip to Canada in 1984. Today, Mountain Top’s popular 60km trail network includes parts of Sections 13 and 14. Many thanks to Mountain Top for their support of the Catamount Trail for 40 years!
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Feb. 20th: Day 13 Report
Section 12N trail report in from Jay Stearns: “After the thrill of being passed by Birdman on 12S all that’s left now is to follow his skinny tracks. It was another beautiful and cold day as we set off from Brewers Corner on thin cover over challenging bump and grind terrain. Trail Chief and Board member, Rita Marcotte met us halfway and led us on a fun downhill then back up to the parking lot with the promise of Oreo cookies that never appeared.
At only 6 miles this section is too long to ski on the same day as 12S (for us), but too short to give us a full day so we went to the pub to celebrate Paul’s 66th birthday! We cross the rubicon of RT4 tomorrow and are closing in on the halfway mark.”
Happy birthday Paul!
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Feb. 19th: Day 12 Report
Report in from Ben Rose for Section 12S: the southern 2/3 of section 12, from Tin Shanty to Brewer’s Corner. “Another cold cloudless day — the snow was silky and fast and the sky was as blue as the blazes. We were met at trailhead by Kim and Marcie, daughters of early CTA board members David and Carol Smith, and their husbands Steve and Laird. They skied with us for most of the first mile as we climbed the snowmobile trail leading back up to the Catamount.
After steady climbing and some exciting ravine crossings we were eating lunch on a sunny knoll with sweeping views of Killington and Shrewsbury Peaks 6 miles into the section when we were caught by the astounding “Birdman”, aka international worldloppet skier Chris Burnham of Stowe, who started from the MA border early Saturday morning and had been following our tracks, covering in 2.5 days what we have covered in 12. It has been exciting to have someone going for the FKT on the trail! We gave him a cookie and watched him zoom away. Of course I tried to hang on for long as I could keep up, and lost sight of him at the snowmobile crossing 1.75 miles later after an exhilarating downhill dash.
At the end of the ski we met Chip and Joan (friends of Marcie), and Ann The Birdmom in the parking lot. Paul made a great curry to resuscitate us, and will be back on skis tomorrow for the northern 5 miles of section 12, the “John and Judy Stearns Trail”.”
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Feb. 18th: Day 11 Report
Section 11 Trail Report from Jay Stearns: “With Birdman* skiing 5 sections a day (!) and hot on our trail we set off on one of the more challenging sections we’ve tackled so far. About a mile in binding failure meant Bob Brandt had to one leg it back to meet Paul who drove from Bridgewater with spare skis so Bob could rejoin us at Old Plymouth Road. Ben powered us up Burnt Mountain and we stopped to pay our respects at the John Stearns Viewpoint before heading down to the CCC Road to meet Lynn Fisher skiing in from Tin Shanty. Total of 12.7 miles in just under 7 hours including stoppage time. Great to have Michelle and Bridget with us again today. The snow conditions continue to be excellent and we are looking forward to Paul’s return to the trail Tuesday.”
*Birdman, being Chris Burnham, who is currently out on the Catamount Trail in hopes of setting a new FKT. If you see him on the trail, say hi and wish him luck!
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Feb. 17th: Day 10 Report
Section 10 Ruby Run crew report from Ben Rose: “FUN DAY! Fresh snow and big flakes in the air, then cold and sunshine. Surprisingly skiable roadside shuffle along Route 103 to the base of the climb up from Buttermilk Falls, where we donned skins and rendezvoused with Michelle Brandt, Section Chief Paul “Limey” Hemmerich, and Bridget Brennan. The tribe of seven took our time, enjoyed the good snow, and doffed said skins at the power line. We trundled along smoothly, navigated some water crossings without removing skis, and lunched at Tiny Pond Shelter in bright sunshine. We popped out to the vehicles at Patch Brook Road before 1:30pm. Thanks again to Bill Herrington and Char for shuttle support. Eight folks for dinner at Bridgewater Hill! Tomorrow is a bigger day!”
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Feb. 16th: Day 9 Report
After well deserved rest day yesterday, the crew was back on the trail skiing Section 9 today. With more new snow falling overnight, spirits were high. Here’s the report from Jay Stearns:
“Yesterday’s “rest day” included food prep, gear repair and firewood hauling but ended with a gorgeous meal at Bob and Michelle Brandt’s and a screening of 300 Miles Melting to an audience of 50 in Ludlow. Light snow overnight gave the team a boost and end-to-enders Bill Herrington and partner Charlene arrived to graciously shuttle our cars. We set off from Greendale in broken sunshine on the wide and well groomed VAST trails toward Okemo. At the halfway point Paul reluctantly gave in to the multiple blisters he had been battling since Section 1. Undaunted, Paul plans to be back on the trail with us as soon as possible. About 10 miles in Lynn Fisher arrived with brownies and boundless energy! At this point the trail cuts into the woods and after navigating a steep ravine opens up into a gentle traverse and then a long drop through a lovely glade down to Healdville Rd. Thanks to Trail Chief Neal Fisher for maintaining this trail to the highest standard. The day ended with a road walk to RT 103 and Ben reports that we hit our fastest average time of the tour at 3.1 mph over 14 miles. More fun and friends this weekend on Sections 10 and 11.”
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Feb. 15th: Day 8 Report
Day off for the Ruby Run crew! Trail Founders Ben Rose, Paul Jarris, and friends join the FOLA Okemo Outdoors Series for an evening of ski films at the Ludlow Town Hall.
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Feb. 14th: Day 7 Report
Snow (and love for snow) is in the air! The crew hit one week on the trail today!
Today’s Section 8 report from the crew comes from Jay Stearns: “Expect the unexpected! As if by magic 4” of freshies fell overnight coating Section 8 in glory. The icy ruts were vanquished, the spruce in their white coats formed an honor guard as we passed and a blue bird day had us digging out the sunglasses.
Our numbers were strengthened by guest skiers that surpassed our own; CTA Executive Director Matt Williams, end-to-ender Michelle Brandt, Neal Chamberlain from our newest chapter the Western Mass Backcountry Alliance, and his friend Dave, Section 9N trail chief Neal Fisher and Susan Grant, and finally David Pollock with his faithful golden retriever Oshe. Oh, did I mention the dogsled team? Very surreal.
Floating on a powdery cloud we completed the magnificent 10+ miles from Danby Mt Tabor Road to Greendale Road in just 5 hours — our fastest section time yet and certainly the best conditions. A well earned day off tomorrow with an evening screening of backcountry films at Ludlow Auditorium starting at 7:00. Come join us if you can!”
Tomorrow night: Join Catamount Trail Founders Ben Rose, Paul Jarris, and friends for an evening of ski films, including 300 Miles Melting, which chronicles Torey Brooks’ 2023 thru ski of the Catamount Trail. Find event details here.
Ben and Paul
with Ben and Paul
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Feb. 13th: Day 6 Report
Today’s report from the crew’s ski on Section 7 comes via Jay Stearns: “Despite eager anticipation, not a single flake fell to ease our journey. So on a very solid base we continue to skate our way northward. The geography in this area is mostly rolling terrain of beaver meadows, hardwood forest and hemlock groves. The route is enhanced by hand carved signs with inspiring quotes but no amount of poetry can soften the bone shaking surface that takes its toll on flesh and fiberglass. Sunshine and guest skiers will be welcome distractions over the next few days and our determination is undaunted. Rock on!”
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Feb. 12th: Day 5 Report
The crew navigated a mix of snow conditions on Section 6 today, their fifth day on the trail. The day’s report came in this evening from Paul Jarris: “Another great day! We had a 1 1/2 mile uphill to warm us up in the morning, and we skied much of the day through branchageddon – the blowdown results of a recent ice storm. Ben got us ‘displaced’ for a short bit. In fairness, Ben and I didn’t see the blazes and there weren’t any last time we skied it. Bob and his Garmin got us back on track and in the woods.
After lunch the glades were amazing (read thrilling). Nothing like screaming down a slope to find an open creek crossing. Focuses the mind. By the end of the day and last glade we were beat but ecstatic. What a day! What a trail!”
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Feb. 11th: Day 4 Report
Day 4 trail report from the Ruby Run crew: “Another good day, going from Kelly Stand Road past Stratton Pond and then dropping down Pony Hill to Kendall Farm Road. Shuttled once again by the gracious and punctual Alan Binnick and Brian Sharlach. Joined by trail chief George Critides and Sarah Coe and joined mid-way by trail chief Andrew Harper (on skinny skis). Beautiful fast hard-packed snow for the first 8+ miles through historic high-elevation forest. Our final descent on Pony Hill was a real horse — firm rotten snow, frozen slush, breakable crust, lots of small branches down, open stream crossings, and someone postholed down the middle of the trail just to make it hard. Very exciting!”
“I’m keeping track of my falls each day, in the “hard” and “soft” categories. Today was 5 soft and 2 hard. The second hard one drew First Blood — fortunately no serious damage because I was able to break momentum with my face. All happy now,” said Ben Rose after Sunday’s ski.
Wishing our crew safe and fun travels on the trail this week!
Steve, Ben, Paul and friends are using this tour to raise money for the CTA and to support the organization to permanently protect the trail and make it more climate resilient through improvements and reroutes. Learn more and support their efforts here.
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Feb. 10th: Day 3 Report
Day 3 trail report from the Ruby Run crew: “Our run of spring weather continues with warm sun and plenty of soft snow as we ski south on Section 4. Trail Chief Heidi Pancake leads the way with energy and enthusiasm along the rolling terrain on the east side of Somerset Reservoir. Highlights include a stop at Grout Pond Hut and a reunion with one of the earliest CTA members and guide Armand Roy. Down the trail we meet Hannah and Dave from Bristol who have just two sections left before they complete their end-to-end! Pesto salmon and a couple of beers to end another great day.”
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Feb. 9th: Day 2 Report
Day 2 trail report from the Ruby Run crew: “Another beautiful sunny day in southern Vermont on Section 3. We skied N to S today with plenty of soft snow although numerous stream crossings slowed us down a bit. Lots of animal sign – mink, beaver, coyote, deer and even a moose trotting down the trail ahead of us. Met Ani Coleman (CT end-to-ender) and Heather Linscott at the halfway point and skied out together. We also met Kelly Kahler who guided the Founders on Day 2 of their inaugural CT journey in 1984. Kelly actually lives on the trail today! Bob served up a spaghetti feast with venison sausage. On to Section 4 tomorrow with the hope of fresh snow in the forecast.”
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Feb. 9th: Day 1 Report!
The Ruby Run Crew checked in last night after their first day on the trail, having covered Sections 1&2. From Jay Stearns: “The adventure begins! A beautiful sunny day with temps into the low 40s as we head to the MA border for photos joined by friends of the trail Alan Binnick, Brian Sharlach and Steve Marcotte. A short road walk and then we drop onto the old rail bed next to the Deerfield River where the snow was excellent with just a few easy water crossings. Lunch at Harriman Dam where Diana Todd from CTA’s DASH Chapter met us and spoke enthusiastically about the beauty of southern VT and the great support for her Chapter. Continued north on Section 2 along the ice covered Harriman Reservoir. Ben Rose put on a great meal to end the day. Thanks to our sponsors for such great gear, our trail chiefs and everyone in the CTA community for their generous contributions. Section 3 tomorrow!”
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Feb. 5th: Ruby Run Tour Starts This Week!
The crew is ready and we can’t wait to hit the trail. See you out there!
The Ruby Run Tour is made possible by the support of:
