Current projects
Backcountry trail sanctioning
Why is the creation of new backcountry skiing trails vital to our mission?
With the large and very active community of uphill and backcountry skiers in the Mount Mansfield area there is significant demand for accessible and skiable terrain beyond the boundaries of existing ski resorts. There are many existing nordic ski trails and networks such as the Catamount Trail but in this area with high demand there is an absence of trail networks managed specifically for backcountry skiers. Creating and sustainably managing such trails will expand opportunities for human powered winter recreation in our region.
What are we currently working on?
The MBA is currently working to establish itself as a chapter of the Catamount Trail Association (CTA). This relationship will enable the MBA to achieve broad support from an organization with over 40 years of experience maintaining ski trails across Vermont. Furthermore, the CTA already maintains nordic ski trails in the Sterling Valley and Nebraska Valley and the MBA plans to look to those areas first as opportunities to expand access and develop backcountry ski trails.
Goals
The primary goal is to establish the first official backcountry ski trail network in the Mount Mansfield region using the guidance provided in the Vermont Backcountry Skiing Handbook. We hope to achieve this by working with our local partners and stakeholders.
Uphill access
Why is uphill access at Stowe Mountain Resort vital to our mission/the uphill community?
With a large, active community of uphill and backcountry skiers and riders, access to uphill travel at Stowe Mountain Resort (SMR) is a valued part of winter recreation.
What are we currently working on?
Establishing a relationship with SMR to serve as a collective voice for the uphill community.
Goals
Collaborate with SMR to facilitate communication between SMR and uphill trail users, as well as to maintain uphill access and refine policies with the goal of improving mountain safety and uphill skier/rider experience.