Many kinds of trips are possible on the Catamount Trail, from a quick spin around a nordic center or all-day excursion, to an end-to-end adventure covering the entire length of the trail.
Safety should be the primary concern when planning a trip of any length along the CT. Consider the strenuousness of the trip – the length of the route, the steepness of the terrain, and whether there are possible bailout points along the way. Choose a route that can be accomplished comfortably by the least skilled and least fit members of your group. Before leaving, get a local, detailed weather forecast. Remember that it is colder in the mountains than in lowlands and that conditions are even more variable. Remember that day length is very short in winter, so you should plan to finish your outing with daylight to spare. Skiing by headlamp is far more challenging than skiing in daylight, even if you are familiar with the route. Keep your group together. Always let someone know your intended route and when you plan to return. Be prepared to alter your plans if weather or snow conditions suggest this is prudent. Please read the safety section of this website for important information.
It’s also a good idea to check the pages on the CTA website that correspond to the the sections you plan to ski. A variety of factors lead to periodic trail closures and reroutes and we do our best to keep the online trail information up to date.
Inn-to-Inn Excursions Along the Trail
There are many inns and B&B’s along or near the trail. What could be better than enjoying a good meal and some Vermont hospitality after a great day of skiing in Vermont’s backcountry? In many cases, all you need to carry with you are clothes, toiletries, lunch, and touring items. In some cases, an inn will transport your luggage to the next stop for you. Many of the lodging possibilities near the trail are listed on the individual trail section pages on the website. For more information regarding accommodations along the trail you can also visit our lodging page.
Camping
If you are interested in winter camping on or near the trail please see our camping page.
