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The Trip

Unfortunately, this trip has been cancelled. If you have questions, please contact us.

Because it is somewhat isolated from the rest of the state, the northeastern section of Vermont has adopted the name, "Northeast Kingdom." Adding to the rural nature of the area are bucolic scenes of farmland -- tiny villages with white, steepled churches on the common and lots of snow. Snow often starts falling before Thanksgiving and piles up well into March. Hardy residents live in high boots and learn to ski at very early ages. Farms and self-sufficient households proliferate, thriving on isolation from the "big city" and taking great pride in being official residents of the Kingdom. Isolated in the heart of this prime snowbelt, as if in another world, lies our lodge, The Craftsbury Outdoor Center. Each afternoon during our week of cross-country skiing, we'll return to hot showers, gourmet local food prepared with artistic flair, and cozy beds. The Craftsbury Outdoor Center has a long history of hosting the best skiing conditions in the East. With new owners and non-profit status, the Center also focuses on sustainability in its every action.

Itinerary

Day 1: After our airport pick-up at 2 p.m., we'll drive to Craftsbury, VT (1½ hour), where we'll get settled and acquainted.

Day 2: Today we take to the snow. Enjoy complimentary ski lessons, rent your equipment, and find your ski legs on groomed trails of Craftsbury Outdoor Center.

Day 3: After breakfast, we'll depart by van for a day-long ski trip using a local section of Catamount Trail.

Day 4: Again, we'll take a van to start our day-long ski trip on another local section of Catamount Trail.

Day 5: Today will be our day off to relax, ski at the touring center, or join the leaders to explore the town of Stowe and Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory.

Day 6: We'll return to the snow to enjoy yet another local section of Catamount Trail.

Day 7: In the morning, we'll catch one last ski. Our van departs at 11:30 a.m. for the airport in Burlington. Please plan your flight so that it departs after 2 p.m.

Rental equipment is available for a small charge.

Getting There

Round-trip shuttle service to/from Burlington, VT airport is provided by your leaders. Please plan to arrive for a 2 p.m. pick-up on the first day and depart on a flight after 2 p.m. on the last day. If you have difficulty arranging flights within this time frame, you should consider arriving a day early or departing a day late. Talk to the leader for suggestions of nearby hotels. You may also choose to take a taxi to Craftsbury, but be forewarned that this is not inexpensive. Driving directions will also be provided if you are planning to arrive under your own power.

Accommodations and Food

The Craftsbury Outdoor Center has a long history of hosting the best skiing conditions in the East. With new owners and non-profit status, the Center also focuses on sustainability in its every action.

The trip cost includes double or triple rooms, with shared bath, all meals, ski passes, and taxes and tips. The cost does not include equipment rental or instruction.

Trip Difficulty

Please be an intermediate cross-country skier for this trip, as we will venture onto backcountry trails with unpredictable conditions. Daily 6- to 12-mile ski runs will explore several sections of the Catamount Trail, designed to run the entire length of the state on public rights of way. Frequently hilly, often wooded, and sometimes following old logging roads, the Catamount Trail winds its way south.

Winter weather in a wilderness setting needs to be taken seriously. Proper layering and "broken in" equipment in good repair are essential for backcountry skiing, and even for the groomed areas near the lodge. Temperatures below zero are common. This trip is for adults only (18 and over).

Equipment and Clothing

You will need layers of clothing to provide protection from rain and extreme cold. You may bring your own lightweight touring skis, boots and poles, or plan to rent them. Bring a day pack that will hold extra clothing, food, and shelter, such as an emergency Space Blanket. Bring stuff sacs and plastic garbage bags to keep everything dry. Bring a personal first-aid kit (Bandaids, moleskin, etc.), toiletry items, and of course any regular medicines. We will be happy to discuss clothing and equipment details with applicants. A detailed list of what to bring and driving directions will be provided to confirmed participants. We will also periodically provide trip roster updates so you can arrange carpools if desired.

References

Books:

• Any poetry of Robert Frost.
• Meeks, Harold A., Time and Change in Vermont, A Human Geography. 1986.

Websites:

• www.VermontLife.com (for Vermont Life Magazine)
• www.VermontVacation.com

Conservation

In its new incarnation as a non-profit, Craftsbury Outdoor Center has embraced alternative energy in solar water systems, photovoltaics and heating with the abundant local resource, wood. We will get a behind-the-scenes view of the features making this special place more energy efficient. When traveling between towns or in a wilderness setting we will follow Leave No Trace protocol.

Trip Price

See the How to Apply for an Outing section for more details on registering for this trip and details about our Reservation and Cancellation Policy.

The payment of a deposit does not confirm you as a member on the trip. Participants must be approved by the trip leader. After signing up for this trip, you will be sent a confirmation packet containing approval materials (Participant Approval Questionnaire, Medical Form, Liability Release Form). Each applicant (including those on the waitlist) must fill out these forms and promptly mail them to the trip leader. The leader will review the approval materials and notify you of your acceptance in a timely manner.

Staff

Linda Cooper has over 35 years experience as a counselor, social worker, university administrator and outdoor adventure guide. Certified in Wilderness First Aid and CPR, Linda is an environmentalist committed to inspiring others with the love and appreciation of our fragile world. She is now partially retired with more time to play in the outdoors and lead trips for Sierra Club. She moved to Vermont in 2007, fulfilling a lifelong dream.

E-mail: flatlandertravel@juno.com

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General Notes About Sierra Club Trips

• Carbon Offsets
• Carpooling
• Electronic Devices
• Equipment
• How to Apply for a Trip
• Leader Gratuities
• Liability Release and Assumption of Risk
• Medical Issues
• Non-discrimination Statement
• Participant Approval
• Reservation and Cancellation Policy
• Seller of Travel Disclosure
• Travel Insurance
• Trip Feedback
• Wilderness Manners