Mission
The Mission of Mansfield Backcountry Alliance (MBA) is to advocate for more safe, accessible and sustainable human-powered winter recreation within the Mount Mansfield region. We aim to support this by fostering partnerships, conducting outreach and supporting education of uphill and backcountry travel.
Vision
Mount Mansfield has historically been managed as a multi-use zone, with backcountry ski access dating back to the 1930s. MBA recognizes the significant historical prevalence of backcountry travel in this region. Through strategic partnerships, community and stakeholder engagement, and supporting education of uphill and backcountry travel, we envision the continued management and preservation of these lands for human-powered winter recreational use by all.
Goals
Short term goals
Promote safe and responsible uphill and backcountry travel.
Work with stakeholders to secure public access to Mansfield State Forest via the Barnes Camp parking lot.
Collaborate with Stowe Mountain Resort (SMR) to facilitate communication between SMR and uphill trail users.
Expand uphill access to Mount Mansfield via SMR trails, including early season, late season, and 24-hour access.
Long term goals
Develop broad support as an organization that supports and promotes backcountry and uphill recreation in the Mount Mansfield region including providing a collective voice for uphill and backcountry skiers and riders.
Establish sustainably managed backcountry recreation areas.
Work with the town of Stowe and other stakeholders to improve parking options at current and future backcountry trailheads.
Continued collaboration with SMR to maintain uphill access and refine uphill policies with the goal of improving mountain safety and uphill skier/rider experience.
Land Acknowledgement
MBA acknowledges that Mount Mansfield, or Mozodepowadso, is on the unceded land of the Wabanaki Tribes of Vermont. It is with honor and humble appreciation that we recognize the historical significance of this land for all.