Active Logging Notice
At this time logging in currently taking place along Section 23. Please be aware. There are no closures at this time, but if you do encounter an active operation please make sure you let them know you are there, and then maintain a safe distance.
Snapshot
This section of the CT runs mostly, but not entirely, on groomed trails of Stowe’s four ski touring centers: Trapp Family Lodge, Stowe Mountain Resort (a/k/a Mt. Mansfield) Touring Center, Topnotch Resort, and Edson Hill Manor. Many possibilities for shorter tours covering one or two of the three legs are feasible. For example: between Trapp’s and Mt. Mansfield TC, between Mt. Mansfield and Topnotch or Wiessner Woods, or Topnotch and Edson Hill. The distances of any required car shuttles are quite short – 5 miles at most. Parts of the last three miles of this section – between Topnotch and Edson Hill Manor – are groomed only occasionally, if at all. This stretch is generally well traveled, however, and includes the popular Wiessner Woods.
Note: On this tour you will ski through the trail systems of all four Stowe ski centers and will need to purchase trail passes. Most centers will honor a ticket purchased from one of the other areas on the day of your CT tour, but you must check in at each center to be sure. Use your Membership Rewards Booklet for discounted tickets at these areas.
Length
12.7 miles
Difficulty
While this section includes some long, steep climbs and fast descents, the groomed trails make it easier for skiers to snowplow for better control on steep descents. Skiers new to cross-country skiing can enjoy short ski tours within the four Nordic centers along this section. Those looking for a more challenging day can choose to ski through some or all of the Nordic centers in this section. Good endurance will be required as many hilly climbs, and possibly some trail breaking, await you.
If you intend to tour this entire section, do not assume that skinny racing skis are the right equipment. Parts of this section are, at times, sporadically groomed, especially so early in the season or soon after winter storms. This is true of the Stowe Derby Trail, including the substantial “Pipeline” descent. The one-mile segment between Topnotch and Wiessner Woods is never groomed. And the leg from Wiessner Woods to Edson Hill will likely be well-traveled but not groomed. Metal-edged skis would be a safe choice for these sections if snow is crusted or heavy. Otherwise sturdy touring skis should suffice.
Keep in mind that snow cover can vary considerably with elevation. The lower segments of this section (especially through the Topnotch Resort) may have significantly less snow cover than Trapp’s, Mansfield, or Edson Hill Touring Centers, which are at a higher elevation. If you are planning to ski through, check out or inquire about snow depth on the valley floor.
Staying Found
Out in the woods keeping track of where you are can be a challenge. A map and compass is always a reliable option, but there are some great technological solutions that can make knowing where you are super simple. Please visit out Staying Found Webpage for more info about some of our favorite navigational tools, and note that all of our PDF maps are geo-referenced. This means they can be opened directly in apps like Avenza and used for navigation even in areas where there is no cell service.
Catamount Trail Skiers Facebook Group
This group is for anyone planning any type of adventure (skiing and snowshoeing) on the Catamount Trail (thru-skis\end-to-end section skis\day tours), or other similar XCD/Nordic backcountry trails in Vermont. It’s a place to ask questions, share knowledge, and connect with others.
Downloads
Catamount Trail Section 23 – GeoPDF Map
Catamount Trail Section 23 – Written Description (.pdf ~143k)
Shuttle Directions Section 23
Your membership dues make CTA’s free online maps and trail descriptions possible. Please join CTA today!
Looking for more information, volunteer opportunities, or to get in touch with the Section Trail Chief? Please contact us!
Local Business Supporters
Lodging:
Affordable Stowe Timeshare Rentals – Stowe, VT 1-877-815-4227, www.sellmytimesharenow.com, info@sellmytimesharenow.com
Trapp Family Lodge, 700 Trapp Hill Rd., P.O. Box 1428, Stowe, VT 05672
1-800-826-7000, 802-253-8511, www.trappfamily.com
Topnotch Resort & Spa, 4000 Mountain Rd., Stowe, 05672
1-800-451-8686, 802-253-8585, www.topnotchresort.com, info@topnotchresort.com
The Golden Eagle Resort, 511 Mountain Rd., PO Box 1090, Stowe, VT 05672
1-866-970-0786, www.goldeneagleresort.com, andrewc@goldeneagleresort.com
Edson Hill, 1500 Edson Hill Rd., Stowe, 05672
1-800-621-0284, 802-253-7371 www.edsonhill.com, info@edsonhill.com
Commodores Inn, 823 South Main Street, Stowe, VT 05672
1-800-447-8693, 802-253-7131 www.commodoresinn.com, reservations@commodoresinn.com
Brass Lantern Inn, 717 Maple St., Stowe, VT 05672
(802) 253-2229, www.brasslanterninn.com, info@brasslanterninn.com
The Stowehof, 434 Edson Hill Rd, Stowe, VT 05672
(802)-253-9722, thestowehof.com
Stowe Motel & Snowdrift, 4043 Mountain Road, Stowe, VT 05672
1-800-829-7629, 802-253-7629, www.stowemotel.com, info@stowemotel.com
Timberholm Inn, 452 Cottage Club Road, Stowe, VT 05672
(802) 253-7603, www.timberholm.com, info@timberholm.com
Inn at the Mountain at Stowe Mountain Resort, 5781 Mountain Road, Stowe VT 05672
(802) 253-3656, www.stowe.com, reservations@stowe.com
Green Mountain Inn, 18 Main Street, PO Box 60, Stowe, VT 05672
(802) 253-7301, http://greenmountaininn.com, info@greenmountaininn.com
Restaurants & Other Businesses:
Cold Hollow Cider Mill, 3600 Waterbury-Stowe Rd, Waterbury Center, Vermont 05677
(800) 327-7537,www.coldhollow.com
