Let’s Go! Friendly reminders as we start to Uphill
We’re finally starting to see some consistent cold temperatures and some fresh snow. Mountains are opening up to uphill traffic, and downhill, and the woods are slowly beginning to fill in. We’re still a ways off from the Backcountry opening up but its closer than we might think! A few SplitboardVT members got out out this morning at Bolton Valley! They just announced that Wilderness was open for uphill traffic.
*photos by Ben Johnston
Early season conditions do exist. This morning we experienced water bars, exposed rocks, and other trail hazards, but there was still plenty of fluffy snow to be had on the down!
With that in mind, it’s good to take a minute and be mindful of Resort Uphill policies. SplitboardVT has a resource for this. Check it out HERE. This year has started off a little different due to Covid. Many resorts limited uphill access for the early season. This is to keep users safe, and it gave mountain operations the opportunity to begin snow making operations and expanding their terrain offerings to help spread people out. Uphill policies can change from day to day as conditions change, so remember to check them out before you head out!
As a community now more than ever we need to be respectful and consider taking a read of back country ethics. Catamount Trail Association recently ran a live discussion with Mike Snyder (Commissioner Of VT Forest Parks & Rec) Andrew Clawson (USFS), Steve Sharp (President - Mad River Valley Backcountry Coalition), and Erik Osterlund (concerned citizen, and NEK Splitboarder) to discuss backcountry etiquette and share some best practices. If you haven’t watched it yet, check out the recording here:
Don’t forget to check out Recreating and Covid-19. There are some considerations to take into account. Catamount Trail has a great page on this! Learn more here.
A Few Thoughts
We’re anticipating a surge of new users to the backcountry this year, as well as uphilling at the resort. Let’s remember we were all beginners once. Be helpful. Remember they probably didn’t know any better just like you did once. Be thoughtful and helpful instead of confrontational. Offer advice and support instead of being self-righteous. Everyone makes mistakes.
Parking will be a challenge this year. Go early, or go later. Park close to the next vehicle, be mindful of signage of where to park and where not to park
While this lot looks large, it gets filled up fast, and when you’ve got mid-winter snow banks you lose a number of those spaces.
Backcountry trailheads in the managed and un-managed zones are absolutely going to be overflowing. Go earlier, or go later. We’re anticipating peak times to be between 10 and 2. Don’t make your own parking spot, or park into a snow bank. You’re probably going to get towed, and we can ultimately as a community of backcountry enthusiasts lose access to some of those zones. If a sign says not to park, don’t park there. It’s not just about the people recreating there, it’s also about safety. That means emergency vehicles might not be able to get through if someone needs to be rescued from the backcountry.
Most trailheads can hold 10-15 vehicles. Some less, some more. Have a backup plan, and a backup to the backup! Remember backcountry gear flew off the shelves this year and there will be more people looking to get out on those adventures. Park close to eachother, or double park and block your touring partners car in where possible. We recognize Carpooling is out of the question for most, but something we still encourage as long as it falls within covid guidelines.
Most importantly make sure you have fun, and you’re safe!
See you on the skin track!
SplitboardVT