The Catamount Trail Association is a passionate group of backcountry skiers and outdoor enthusiasts. We believe days spent in the mountains with friends are powerful, and that those experiences should be open to everyone. As advocates, volunteers, supporters, and trailblazers, we are working to expand access to Vermont’s backcountry by:
- Stewarding the Catamount Trail and a growing network of world-class backcountry terrain.
- Working to permanently protect access to the mountain lands that support backcountry recreation through conservation easements and the acquisition of public land.
- Pioneering programs to expand equitable access to skiing so that everyone can enjoy our sport, regardless of their income or background.
History
The 300+ mile Catamount Trail, the CTA’s namesake, began as an idea in the minds of three adventurous young Vermont men: Steve Bushey, Paul Jarris and Ben Rose. In 1982 while on a camping trip and discussing what their next big adventure should be, Steve said, Let’s ski from Massachusetts to Quebec!
Over the next two years Steve, then a University of Vermont student in geography, started researching the route and obtaining permission from various landowners. During the planning period the initial idea of a going on a long ski trip evolved into a long ski trail. Then–in 1984–Steve, Ben, Paul, and sometimes Jim Painter and some others, strapped on their skis and skied from one end of Vermont to the other establishing the preliminary route that would birth the Catamount Trail Association. Following their trip, the group received a grant from the State of Vermont to publish a map of the trail. The CTA was incorporated in 1984 with the purpose of building, administering and maintaining the Catamount Trail as a public resource, with Ben Rose serving as the CTA’s first Executive Director.
Thanks to the tireless work of countless volunteers and supporters, the Catamount Trail was completed in 2007, and is the longest backcountry ski trail in North America.
Today
Driven by the same passion for adventure that led to the Catamount Trail, the CTA has looked for opportunities to expand and evolve its programs in an effort to further increase access to Vermont’s backcountry. Today, our efforts focus on three primary areas:
Trail Work
Maintaining 300+ miles of trail is a never-ending endeavor. Beyond regular maintenance efforts we are working to make the Catamount Trail more resilient in the face of climate change and add additional managed backcountry zones to our network.
Conservation
The CTA’s central goal continues to be the permanent protection of the entire Catamount Trail. Additional work includes partnering with other organizations on broader conservation projects to protect critical mountain lands, like the Bolton Backcountry conservation project, and efforts to conserve lands that contain managed backcountry zones.
Access
Launched in 2011, the CTA’s Ski Cubs and Youth Programs programs provide over 1300 youth the opportunity to experience outdoor winter recreation via cross-country ski each season, with a focus on partnering with underserved and New American communities. Additionally, the CTA offers over 100 days worth of free ski tours across Vermont every winter, with outings tailored to all ability levels and all types of backcountry skiing and riding. Collectively, we facilitate thousands of skier days every winter through Ski Cubs, Tours, and Events.
This work is made possible by the incredible generosity of our members, volunteers, and donors. If you value the trail and expanding backcountry opportunities in Vermont, please consider becoming a member, volunteering for trail work, participating in a tour, or making a donation to the CTA.
