HAYSTACK AND MOUNT SNOW, VT (Intermediate)

HAYSTACK AND MOUNT SNOW, VT (Intermediate) Event Organizer: Paul-William, cell 508-885-45-two-two.

Read the entire description before you decide to RSVP to this event. If you underestimate the demands; overestimate your knowledge, experience, skills or abilities; and/or come unprepared you put yourself and others at risk. Consider this before you RSVP.

There is one question when you join the waiting list - you need to answer it. There is a 250 character limit so be detailed but brief - if you exceed 250 characters nothing gets saved. Answers don't carry over from one event to another so you have to answer it with each RSVP. Message me if you have issues.

=== WHAT WE'RE DOING ===

We're going to hike two 3k peaks in southern Vermont: Haystack (3,445 ft) and Mount Snow (3,600 ft) via the ridgeline between them. There are excellent views along the way. We will visit the "bottomless" Haystack Pond, believed to be an ancient caldera, along the way. There will be a little bushwhacking involved--just under a mile, nothing too scratchy.

DIFFICULTY: INTERMEDIATE. DISTANCE: about 9.5 miles. PACE: Moderate, 2.0mph on average; we will stop for breaks, views, and to smell the roses. ELEVATION GAIN: 2,200 ft HIKING TIME is relative. Plan on a full day of hiking-- we plan on getting out before dark but bring a headlamp just in case. This hike involves significant exposure above treeline, wet or icy ledges, and <1 miles bushwhack.

• Put your name on the waitlist if you would like to go. I will add people that respond thoroughly to the RSVP question(s) AND have done similar hikes within the past three months.
• THIS HIKE REQUIRES A CAR SPOT--if you're driving to the event, you're agreeing to assist, so don't fill up all your car seats!
• 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 [and comply with federal wilderness regulations] .
• What the group will expect of you: Humanity humility and cooperation. This is a social experience. We hike together/stick together as a group at the pace of the slowest member. Positive/cooperative attitudes are welcome.
• Medical issues/ disclosures: YOU are responsible to disclose to the event organizer any medical issues, allergies, medications or other issues that could complicate your ability to safely participate in this event or affect any 1st aid treatment in the event of an emergency. You must convey this information to the event organizer in advance AND keep a written summary of it located within an easily accessible part of your backpack. You must also include an emergency contact and phone number as part of this information.
• Rain or shine event. Difficult weather may cancel and/or modify the event. As usual, we do not wimp out about weather until forecasts solidify 24 hours before the event--mountain weather predictions can change rapidly. I will post FYI updates on weather in the days preceding the event, derived from multiple forecast sources.

=== REQUIRED GEAR ===

NOTE: If you show up without the required gear you will be turned away at the trailhead. NO COTTON CLOTHING WHATSOEVER.

We are hiking in the mountains in the shoulder season and subject to possible winter conditions--be prepared. Bring both warm layers and light clothing layers. Bring a full rain shell, headlamp with spare batteries, emergency shelter or bag, trail map, warm hat and gloves, 1st aide kit, and enough food & water to get you through the day. Refer to this link for a full list of items needed for a 3-season day hike: - https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/day-hiking-checklist.html

SPECIAL BUSHWHACKING GEAR: Long pants and shirt (also bring lighter and/or shorter layers for the trail portion), hat, safety glasses (less than $10 at your local hardware store--buy the kind that look like glasses, not goggles as they are less likely to fog up).

=== DETAILED ITINERARY & DIRECTIONS===

We meet at the Sundance Parking Lot at Mount Snow, Handle Road, just off Route 100 in Wilmington. We spot cars and drive to the Haystack parking lot in Wilmington, VT. We ascend Haystack, continue along the ridge (with a short bushwhack spur to bottomless Haystack Pond) to Mount Snow at the top of the ski area, then descend partly along the ski slopes and partly via old woods roads to our car spot at the ski area.

===*RSVP QUESTION===

"What comparable hikes have you done in the last three months? Briefly describe them."
You must answer this question in 250 characters or less--Meetup deletes longer responses without notice. If you need to tell me more, message me please.

=== 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 have consulted the appurtenant hiking guides and maps; you have informed the event host/organizer of any medical issues or other limitations you may have that could complicate your ability to safely participate in this event, you understand that the organizers and event hosts 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. (

May the Force be with you.

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.