MT. ELLEN (4,083) & MT. ABRAHAM (4,006) TRAVERSE, VERMONT

MT. ELLEN (4,083) & MT. ABRAHAM (4,006) TRAVERSE, VERMONT
THE HIKE: A little walk along the spine of the Green Mountains will net us some fabulous views from the Long Trail and two Vermont high peaks: Mt. Abraham and Mt. Ellen (NE 4,000 list). Our approach will depend on trail and access conditions. Note: you MUST fill out the RSVP questions if you wish to participate in this hike.*

DIFFICULTY: This is an INTERMEDIATE (leaning toward advanced) WINTER HIKE. You must have some winter hiking experience and equivalent (recent) three seasons experience hiking in the high places of the Northeast. Expect typical alpine winter weather: snow, high wind, bone numbing cold, ice, spruce traps and such kinds of frozen grief and fun. Rugged terrain, lots of up and down on the ridge. The summit of Abraham is above treeline and exposed to the elements. The ascent and descent of the peaks are very steep. We might need to break trail through heavy snow. DISTANCE: 11-13-ish miles depending on trailhead access (some of the trailheads could be snowed in partway). 3,000-ish feet of elevation gain (via Battell Trail).
PACE: We'll hike a moderate pace (~1.5 mph on average under "normal" winter conditions) in order to make the most of the scant daylight, give us time to rest, enjoy the views and kick back a bit (versus power on through without stopping to smell the--I don't know what this time of year--krummholz and sastrugi?).
TIME is relative. Plan on a full day of hiking. We will attempt to return before dark but it will be a tight squeeze on one of the shortest days of the year, so don't get your hopes up. Instead of being needlessly hopeful, you must bring two headlamps with spare batteries. Lithium batteries are recommended for the cold.

MEETING PLACE & ITINERARY**: Have your bags packed and your boots ready to hit the ground upon arrival. We meet at 8:30am at the Jerusalem Trail trailhead on Jim Dwire Road in Jerusalem, Vt. If the road is snowed in, we meet at end of the plowed part of the road. We will spot cars there then drive to either the Battell Trailhead or up to the end of the plowed portion of Lincoln Gap Road and ascend the LT--whichever is most reasonable depending on road and trail conditions (Note: we will NOT be hiking via Sugarbush Ski Area due to a very restrictive uphill policy). We will ascend Mt. Abraham to the ridge of the Green Mountains, then pass over Lincoln Peak (3,975), Nancy Hanks Peak (3,812), Cutts Peak (4,022) and Mt. Ellen before descending the Jerusalem Trail to our car spot.

REQUISITE GEAR (read carefully): Click here a for full winter gear list. (http://files.meetup.com/492954/Winter_Day_Hike_List_ADK.pdf) Full winter gear is required including full shell, balaclava, face mask, goggles, light and heavy winter layers, and an emergency shelter of some sort. Two headlamps, spare batteries, microspikes, and mountaineering snowshoes (ex. MSR Lightning, Revo or Evo; Tubbs ALP, Flex; TSL Symbioz Elite/Expert; Atlas Aspect, Endeavor) are REQUIRED. Bring enough food and water (bottles not bladders) for the day--dehydration is a serious issue in the winter due to dry air. NO COTTON CLOTHING! We will do a gear check before we set out--those who do not come prepared will not hike with us.

What the group will expect of you: This is a social experience folks. We're going to hike together as a group, at the pace of the slowest member of the group. Dig? Your safety and the safety of the group is the most important thing. If you underestimate the demands of this event; overestimate your experience, knowledge, skills or abilities; or come unprepared you put yourself or others at risk – consider this -wicked- carefully before you sign up.

Snow or shine event--only extreme weather will cancel. As usual, we do not wimp out about weather forecasts until 24 hours before the event--things can change quickly. I will post updates on weather. No Guests--have your guests sign up and RSVP, please. Dogs by special arrangement with the event host in advance. This trip limited to 12 participants to responsibly reduce impacts to habitat, trails, and the experience of other hikers.

Carpools: Indicate your carpool preference on the discussion board.

RANDOM GROUP OF HIKERS DISCLAIMER: As a condition of your voluntary participation in this activity you acknowledge and agree to the following: this activity involves inherent risks that can cause property damage, injury, illness, disability, and/or death to participants and/or others; you assume all risk associated with this activity; you are responsible for having the necessary knowledge, skills, abilities, clothing, and equipment to safely participate in this activity; you know and will follow the Hiker Responsibility Code (http://www.outdoors.org/recreation/hiking/hike-safe.cfm); you understand that the organizers of this activity are volunteer facilitators; and you release, hold harmless, and indemnify the organizer(s) and all members of this group from any and all claims for property damage, injury, illness, disability, and/or death - including those caused by negligence and/or other reasons. (In other words, you may be hiking with us but you and you alone are responsible for your personal safety. The host of this event is a facilitator not a guide or a trip leader).

May the Force be with you.

*REQUISITE RSVP QUESTIONS: If you want to participate, answer the following using the RSVP interface (may not work on some mobile platforms--please check your RSVP to see that you have answered) or via email/ message/ smoke signal to me. Sorry, YOU WILL BE BUMPED if you have not answered the RSVP questions.

1. Have you read the event description and disclaimer and do you have the appropriate gear, physical ability, and experience to undertake this hike at the pace described? Please divulge any medical conditions that you have which could complicate your ability to participate safely in this hike.
2. Describe equivalent hikes you have done in the last three months and winter hikes you have done in the last year. Provide details (don't be vague but don't write a 5 part essay either). If you are vague, your RSVP may be passed by.
3. Please provide your full name, your phone#, and the name and phone # of an emergency contact person.

**Your event host reserves the right to alter the itinerary before or during this event based on prevailing circumstances and conditions. Your flexibility is appreciated and required. The itinerary of this trip is a Hobson's Choice.