Backcountry Challenge #3 | Pico Mountain Resort
Vermont Splitboard Month challenge number Three takes you on a tour of Pico Mountain Resort
In 1937 on Thanksgiving morning, Pico Mountain came to life with only a 1,200’ rope tow powered by a Hudson Motor Car engine and a lot of Love. Since then, a lot has changed. But the love that began more than seventy years ago for this mountain still lives today – and it’s as strong as ever. No other big mountain has such small mountain charm, and no athletes love their mountain quite like Pico skiers and riders. Families and skiing traditionalists now enjoy 57 trails serviced by seven lifts, including two high-speed detachable quads. Gentle learning terrain, smooth cruisers and classically narrow New England steeps can all be found at Pico Mountain. Even the most selective skiers and riders will be impressed by Pico’s vertical drop of 1,967’ – taller than 80% of Vermont ski areas. Whether you choose scenic glades or gentle, winding trails, Pico Mountain has it all. And, if you’re willing, we can teach you how to enjoy it all. Our Snow Sports School offers specialized learning programs for everyone from children and first-timers to seasoned pros, all created with quality and value in mind.
Challenge RULES:
Resources and Details:
1 - UNDERSTAND YOUR ZONE: Study the Uphill Policy, Vermont COVID-19 Travel Guidelines, and educate yourself on the process for purchasing your required $35 Uphill Pass* at the ticket window.
*Bonus: Your uphill pass is valid for the entire season at both Killington and Pico!
2 - DOWNLOAD your GPX/KML file to your preferred navigation app.
3 - MAKE A PLAN: Save the Pico Trail Map offline, study your GPX route with your COVID19 safe crew, and ensure you are confident in backcountry ethics and backcountry safety.
ROUTE DETAILS
Any route following Uphill policy is fair game! Just make it to the summit for your photo!
Suggested scenic route: Park in the main parking area and begin up LOWER PIKE on looker’s left. Bear left up C-SLOPE trail and continue until it intersects with USHWACKER trail. Turn left up BUSHWACKER trail for approximately 30 yards and then turn right up SUMMIT GLADE trail. Continue up Summit Glade to the intersection of Forty Niner trail and the Killington/Pico Interconnect Trail. Continue on Forty Niner trail to the Pico Peak Lodge/Hiker’s Warming Hut. This is your Weekly Challenge Photo Opp! After you get the shot, Transition and descend to your car. Suggested intermediate downhill route (snow dependent): 49ER to EASY STREET traversing the resort under the lift, then down BIRCH GLADES and finishing on LOWER PIKE to the base.
5 - Mandatory Photo Spot
Take a breather, take in the view, and capture a photo at this location to be eligible for the weekly giveaway. Make it fun or take a landscape shot, just be sure to capture the landmark to prove you made it out!
Pico Peak Lodge/Hiker’s Warming Hut
4 - SUBMIT your completion form to be entered to win weekly prizes and raffle entries for the grand prize
It is Critically important to our small mountain communities that all participants are strictly following Vermont COVID-19 Travel Guidelines.
We trust and appreciate you all for being a part of the solution and continuing to keep the amazing stewardship we have and wholesome humans that make it happen. Be grateful. Offer Respect. Quarantine appropriately. Keep your distance. Mask up when appropriate. Stay stoked.
Thanks for exploring Vermont by Splitboard! Follow along for more conversation about splitboarding in Vermont.
