by Andy and Laura McIntosh, Trail Chiefs, Section 16. This article was originally posted on the Catamount Trail Forum.
As has been the case over the past few weeks, this section has been well tracked if not groomed, is easy to intermediate, and suitable for lighter-weight touring skis.
Steam Mill Rd. (FR 59) from the Bridges Trail to Brown Gate is snowmobile groomed. However, with the larger network of VAST trails available to the snowmobilers this year, this heavily traveled corridor is seeing lighter snowmobile traffic than usual.
Rikert Ski Touring Center is occasionally grooming the top part of the Catamount Trail from Brown Gate to the Middlebranch Trail. The remainder of the route to the groomed Rikert Trails is very popular this year and being tracked very soon after snowfalls; and the Rikert grooming has been phenomenal!
The Widow's Clearing Trail from the Chatfield Parking to the junction with the connector to the Widow's Clearing Parking has been popular with snowshoers, dog sledders, and skiers alike and is being well tracked. Be sure to enjoy a sunny break at the Widow's Clearing about 3/4 mile south of the Chatfield Parking.
Blueberry Hill Touring Center has been occasionally grooming the Dave and Carol Smith section to about 0.2 miles south of the the junction with the connector to the Widow's Clearing Parking, and more frequently the Horseshoe Trail to Voter Brook Overlook. However today, Sunday, Feb. 1, the trail had not been groomed since the big snowfall, Jan. 28 all the way to the VAST trail at Sugar Hill Reservoir. In my experience, this is typical of Blueberry Hill, only grooming these outer northern trails when events or predicted attendance calls for it. These trails, however, are generally well hand-tracked. The Sucker Brook and the Stewart Trails have been well groomed with tracks set for the past fews weeks, and a beautiful cruise to Blueberry Hill Inn.
Romance Mtn. side loop (Blueberry Hill's famous Halfdan Kuhnle Trail) for advanced skiers:
The Romance Mtn. loop is for advanced nordic skiers, is only skied counterclockwise, and it's a good idea to inquire about trail conditions at Blueberry Hill Touring Ctr. Follow the Hogback Trail south to the Hogback Blueberry Management Area, one of the best views at a touring center in all of Vermont. Turn right (east) on the Halfdan Kuhnle Trail and follow the groomed trail to the base of Romance Mtn. From here the Halfdan Kuhnle Trail begins a 1/2 hour to 45 min herring-bone climb. Climbing skins can also be helpful. Blueberry Hill has been occasionally grooming this trail making this the highest groomed nordic trail in Vermont! Even when not groomed, this is a popular ski and is frequently tracked (Ask at BBHill XC if this trail has been recently skied or groomed, especially after a big snowfall). At the top (west shoulder of Romance Mtn.), there are views west through the trees of the Champlain Valley and the Adirondacks. The decent is not as steep as the climb, but has some advanced sections. Return to Blueberry Hill Touring Center via the Sucker Brook Trail (left is more difficult but shorter, right or straight then left on the Stewart Trail is easier but longer).
Enjoy all of the snow!
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