Who's Interested in Weekend Cross Country Skiing Trips?

RSVP if you are interested in some weekend XC trips! I'll start organizing January's trips in mid December and use this event to post general updates.

Trip dates will be MLK weekend, President's Day weekend, and likely one or two other weekends.

Likely destination include:

• Sections of the Catamount Ski Trail, which runs the length of Vermont.
• The Adirondack's Jack Rabbit Ski Trail and Avalanche Pass.
• New Hampshire with the AMC for various outings.

Contact Andre with any questions.

Required Gear & Skills:

• Solid intermediate skiing skills: These routes range from "easy and mostly flat" to "long, isolated, and very steep routes suitable for advanced, properly equipped skiers only." Even an easy backcountry trail is still a backcountry trail - ungroomed (or even unbroken) with unbridged steam crossings, blow-downs, and other backcountry hazards, plus there's always some steep and narrow bits.
• Backcountry cross-country gear: BC XC with metal edges are required, with a backcountry boot and backcountry binding. (For example: Fischer Traverse 78 Crown). Skins are highly recommended.
• Your Share of Group Emergency Gear: As group, we will typically carry at minimum: 1+ sleep pads, 1+ sleeping bags, shelter for one person, tarp, stove & pot, saw, and fire starter. Plus person first aid and repair kits. Emergencies do happen and help is still many hours away even with a SOS beacon. (You do not need to have all of this yourself, but expect to carry your share.)
• Layered winter clothing suitable for temps in the teens: Wicking base-layer top and bottom; insulating top layer (usually fleece); windbreaker/ softshell jacket; insulated water-resistant pants; waterproof shell pants and jacket; big puffy jacket; warm and water resistant gloves and mittens (two pair); face protection; winter hat; headlamp; gaiters; chemical hand and foot warmers.

If the above sounds intimidating, AMC's Winter School offers a weekend-long Nordic-to-Backcountry course, which makes for a great introduction to Backcountry XC. There is usually one in late January and one in February. (Details TBD in the fall.) There might also be an option to join the group on an easier day (especially if you are driving).

What a Trip Generally Looks Like:

• Leave on Fridays as early as possible, skiing Saturday and Sunday before returning to the city Sunday night (or Monday for a long weekend).
• Lodging is generally hotels, sometimes a house if there is a good deal at the last minute but winter weather is generally too unpredictable to book anything without a great cancelation policy.
• Attendees are responsible for their costs.