STRATTON MOUNTAIN (3,936 ft) Post Vernal Equinox Hike

STRATTON MOUNTAIN (3,936 ft) Post Vernal Equinox Hike --Vermont
Now that winter is officially over, let's get the heck out of the White Mountains and visit the Green! Stratton Mountain is a New England 100 Highest peak with outstanding views encompassing four states from the summit firetower. As the "birthplace" of both the Appalachian Trail and the Long Trail, it's the ideal contemplative spot to usher in spring. Note: You must adequately answer the RSVP questions if you wish to participate.*

DIFFICULTY: This is an INTERMEDIATE WINTER HIKE due to the elevation gain, mileage, rugged terrain, and distance. You must have similar winter-conditions experience hiking in the high places of the Northeast to join. Expect typical winter/spring mountain weather. It could snow, it could rain, or it could be insanely sunny and happy up there. There will likely still be deep snow on the ground. DISTANCE: ~8 to 11 miles (depending on our route), ~2,000ft. of elevation gain. PACE: We'll hike a moderate pace (~1.5 mph on average under "normal" winter conditions) in order to make the most of the daylight, give us time to rest, enjoy the views and kick back a bit.
TIME is relative. Plan on a full day of hiking. We will likely get back during daylight hours, but bring a headlamp just in case.

MEETING PLACE & ITINERARY**: Have your bags pre-packed and your boots ready to hit the ground upon arrival--we will not be dallying long. We meet 9:30 am at the Long Trail parking area in Stratton, VT at the Stratton-Arlington Road (Kelly Stand Road) OR at the end of the plowed portion of the Stratton-Arlington Road, whichever comes up first. Access is from the east via the village of Stratton. Do not access the road from the west (you can't get there from here, haha). From there, we hike Stratton via the Long Trail (3.8 to summit). We will return either via the Stratton Pond Trail (11-ish miles total for the day), or via the snowed-over IP Road (9-ish miles), or back via the Long Trail (8-ish miles)--whichever is more reasonable based on trail conditions and weather.

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. A seeing-eye owl (or two headlamps with spare batteries), microspikes/hillsounds, and mountaineering snowshoes (MSR Lightning, Revo or Evo; Tubbs ALP, Flex; TSL Symbioz Elite/Expert; Atlas Aspect, Endeavor) are REQUIRED. Bring enough food and water (insulated 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 or modify. 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 10 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.

1. Have you read the event description and disclaimer and do you have the appropriate gear (see gear list), 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 all equivalent hikes you have done in the last three months and all equivalent winter hikes you have done in the last year--provide routes and details (don't be vague but don't write a 5 part essay either). If you are vague, your RSVP will 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.