Page 4 - May_2014

Finding its voice:

Vermont’s backcountry movement galvanizes support with CTA, RASTA, others

By Evan Johnson

Moretown, VT — Last November, backcountry skiers
gathered at the Pierce Hall Community Center in Roch-

ester to discuss issues and concerns related to back-
country access. What started as a town meeting for a
local group, the Rochester Area Sports Trail Alliance
(RASTA), galvanized statewide enthusiasm for back-
country skiing and riding.

For Moretown-based photographer Brian Mohr, the
dialogue was inspirational.
An accomplished photographer with work featured
in national magazines like Outside, Skiing and the New
York Times, Mohr is also an avid backcountry skier
and produces much of his work with his wife, Emily

Johnson, in the Green Mountains. This winter, Mohr
was part of a group of about 20 who helped start the
Vermont Backcountry Alliance, a group that aspires to
be the voice of the backcountry skiing and riding com-
munity.
Mohr says the Alliance is part of a natural progres-

sion of the backcountry community.
“Skiing is finally coming full circle with its roots in
Vermont,” he says. “It’s exciting to see the sport evolve
... it is the result of several decades of activity and dis-
cussion around backcountry skiing and riding.”
Backcountry skiing in Vermont. Photo by Brian Mohr/Ember Photo

Mohr points to the Catamount Trail Associa-
tion (CTA), the Rochester Area Sports Trail Alliance ly backcountry skiing and riding are becoming another end, the VTBC began hosting a survey in March that
(RASTA) and the Friends of Bolton Valley Nordic and use of our national forests and state lands.”
asks participants questions ranging from what kind of
Backcountry as examples of different groups operating Mohr says those strategies will vary by tract of land, terrain they prefer, to what kind of organization would
on different levels to boost the same community. The but the purpose will be to ensure that everyone’s voice best represent the interests of skiers and riders.
CTA maintains some 300 miles of trail throughout the is heard.
“It’s important for us to know who we are as a com-
This winter, with the help of the Catamount Trail munity before we jump into any projects or push any
state; RASTA is in the midst of planning the establish-
ment of a “backcountry zone” on state land, and the Association, the group of 20 volunteers met on several specific agenda,” he says.
Bolton group succeeded in conserving 1,161 acres in occasions to decide on a name and to write a proposed After the survey finishes in May, Mohr says the re-
June 2013, now protected as part of the Mansfield State mission for the group. The working group includes sults will be one of many factors the group considers
Forest.
Amy Kelsey, president of the Catamount Trail Associa- when deciding what projects to take on. The VTBC will
Parallel to the work done by these regional groups, tion and Jason Duquette-Hoffman, president of Worth also hold an additional survey this summer and another
Skis, on the Organizational Team; John Egan of Sugar- community forum in the fall to decide on a course of ac-
state and federal land agencies (the forest service) have
recently been eager to work with the backcountry com- bush Resort, is the ski resort liaison; and Matt Bruhns, tion. Some early suggestions for projects include build-
munity and, at the forum in November, encouraged compliance manager of Burton Snowboards is liaison ing a system of backcountry cabins for overnight snow
members to present a unified front.
to the snowboard community.
travelers, crafting a Vermont backcountry skiing and
“They’ve come to the community, both at the forum Mohr says the group calls him the unofficial “Ski- riding code of ethics, and even developing a designated
and through other discussions, seeking input from us,” E-O.”
backcountry skiing and riding zone.

he says. “They’re seeking our help in developing land The Alliance emphasizes conservation, outreach, ed- Mohr says he and others in the group of 20 are en-
management strategies that accommodate backcountry ucation and terrain management in their mission, but couraged by the results.
skiing and riding. Just as they have land management Mohr says for now the main objective is to engage with “There’s a lot on the table and it’s exciting to think
strategies for hiking, hunting, fishing and logging, final-
the community and define the group’s mission. To that
where the sport could go, moving forward.”

publisher commentary

by Angelo Lynn

You can tell spring that’s defined as getting in good enough injuries — with solutions that can be living outside in the winter can do.
came late this year by shape to hammer in May because sum- solved by proper running shoes.
As always we have a calendar full of
the surge in outdoor mer is fleeting and it’s game on.
Fly fishermen can whet their imagi- sporting events (more listings than ever
activity these past few To capture that spirit, in this issue we nations reading about the Hendrickson and even more on our website, www.
weeks. While a couple witness the thrill of whitewater kayak- Hatch that happens each May, learning vtsports.com), and we profile the upcom-

ski areas are still spin- ing through the photos of Nick Gottlieb how to pick the right flies and be at the ing Gran Fondo bike ride set for June 14
ning lifts (Sugarbush, in the Middlebury Gorge, Bartlett Falls right locations at the right time.
— the first race of its kind in Vermont,
Jay Peak and Killington of the New Haven, Bingham Falls near Reporter Evan Johnson features a featuring a European flavor to this two-
will ski into May) for many the change Stowe and the Green River near Wolcott group of students on a 19-week educa- to four-gap ride (45 to 100 miles) over

of seasons is a change of sports.
along with a story on how to get started tional semester in which they have been Lincoln, Appalachian, Middlebury and
Out come the mountain and road as a rookie kayaker on Class I and II wa- hiking, snowshoeing, skiing and pad- Brandon gaps.
bikes, kayaks and canoes, boats for ters by Christian Woodward.
dling their way across Vermont this win- It’s a jam-packed issue that kicks off
water skiing or sailing, surfboards and For runners, we talk to training ter and spring via Kroka Expeditions. a season of high energy and high adven-

paddleboards, hiking boots and gear for coach Sam Davis (page 17), who offers It’s not for every student, but these kids ture — knowing you’ll all enjoy the re-
backpacking, fishing gear and more.
tips to make running easier. Plus, we have had a wild semester and grown up laxation and elation that comes after any
It’s full-on spring, and in Vermont
look at the five most common running
in ways that only spending four months
day of sport.

4 VTSPORTS.COM
MAY 2014