Vermont backcountry ethics

The Vermont Backcountry Ethics was created by, Catamount Trail Association, Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation, Green Mountain Club, Green Mountain National Forest, Winter Wildlands Alliance, and the Leave no Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics.

Lets all do our part in ensuring we are good stewards of the Vermont Backcountry so that along with us, future generations can enjoy recreating in the backcountry.

  1. Plan ahead & prepare

    • Practice Safety First

    • Know where you are going

    • Know your own and your group’s limits, and minimize risks

  2. Travel on durable surfaces

    • Stay on deep snow cover whenever possible

  3. Dispose of waste properly

    • Pack it in, pack it out

  4. Leave things as they are

    • Leave only tracks. No unauthorized cutting

  5. Minimize campfire & hut impacts

    • Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a lantern for light

    • Leave huts & cabins in better shape than how you found them

  6. Respect wildlife

    • Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach wildlife. Winter is an especially vulnerable time for animals

  7. Be considerate of others

    • Any maintenance or cutting can be done only with permission, as part of an authorized project or program. Respect landowners, both public and private

    • Respect other skiers / riders and all other users

    • When ascending trails, keep clear and yield to all downhill traffic. When descending always stay in control, go one at a time, and slow down near others

    • Respect designated areas, signs, and wildlife