Maine Woods West Branch and Medawisla XC Ski Tour

Activity Type: Skiing | Backcountry
Difficulty: 4 - Moderate
Trip Leader(s): Jim Hutchinson, Rick Gershberg
Registration Type: Application
Please Click Here to RSVP:https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UUN000001sTdx
Audience: Adults

Description: Come join Jim & Rick for five days and 4 nights of intermediate ski touring and exploring in the AMC's Maine Woods! We'll get shuttled to West Branch Pond Camps and spend two nights there, then tour over to Medawisla and spend two nights there. Depending on conditions, we'll try some adventurous back country trails like the West Peak traverse from WBPC, and the Skyline Trail loop from Medawisla, fun trails thru the woods with some ups and downs. The route between the lodges is a straightforward 17mi mostly along forest roads which will put us through our touring paces, and if weather is nice will feature a great view of Mt Katahdin basking in the afternoon sun. Participants carry only what they need for the day, and our duffels are shuttled between lodges for us while we ski. This trip is perfect for intermediate XC skiers who want a backcountry tour and who might enjoy the option of a little extra challenge. Skiers should be prepared to ski at least 7 to 10 miles and up to 1,000' of vertical each day, and the 17mi jaunt between lodges. We'll hope for fluffy powder but will be prepared for variable conditions. Skiers who are mostly interested in the touring portions may opt for Classic XC touring skis and boots, but for those who want to do the more adventurous hilly trails on our "ski from hut" days will be happier with metal edge skis with NNN-BC bindings and boots. Climbing skins will not be needed on this trip. Note that BC touring equipment may be rented at Northwoods Outfitters in Greenville, ME. Here is the recommended gear list for this trip, and here are some trail maps . The lodges are a rustic off-the-grid experience. Amenities include heated bathhouses with toilets and showers, and wood stove heat and electric power from the late afternoon thru mid-evening. Medawisla offers a sauna! There is no WiFi or cell service. After each day's skiing we will enjoy a social hour as we swap stories about the day's adventures. The lodges provide hardy dinners, breakfasts, and a bagged lunch each day. Here are AMC's description of "what to expect" and "before you go" information. We'll meet in Greenville on Thursday morning, 1/15/2026 and return on Monday afternoon, 1/19/2026. Greenville is about 4.5 hours from Boston, and we will facilitate carpools. Cost of the trip includes shuttle from Medawisla to West Branch Pond Camps, lodging, all meals and gratuities. Cancellations made by 12/17/2025 will be refunded in full minus $50. Cancellations after that will be only be refunded, less the $50, if a replacement is found.

Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!