Snapshot
This primarily backcountry tour begins with a gentle ascent out of the Route 100 valley, followed by steeper climbs and descents over the shoulder of Elmore Mountain. It concludes with a downhill run on a snowmobile trail to reach the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail and Route 15. There are great views of Mount Mansfield from the shoulder of Elmore Mountain.
Length
14.1 miles (22.70 km)
Difficulty
From Ryder Brook Golf Club to Elmore Mountain Road, the CT is rated easy to intermediate, featuring a gentle climb. From Elmore Mountain Road to Lake Elmore the trail becomes advanced with steep ascents and descents. In the final stretch from Lake Elmore to Route 15 the trail is again intermediate, due to the gentler terrain and wider trail that is shared with snowmobiles. Allow at least six hours for an experienced skier in good snow conditions to ski this entire section.
Weather Station – LINK
This is a citizen maintained weather station located very close to Sec. 25 as the trail climbs the Worcester Ridge just south of Elmore Mt. It’s located at ~1,300 ft.
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
Section 25 – GeoPDF Map
Section 25– Written Description & Shuttle Directions
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:
Sunset Motor Inn, 160 Route 15 W, Morrisville, VT 05661
800-544-2347, 802-888-4956, www.sunsetmotorinn.com
