Upstate VT

[EZSide]

I'm going to be at Stowe for a little bit - PM me if you have any ideas for just a little getaway non-technical snow / ice route in the area. Thanks!

- Bill

[d_baker]

Mt Mansfield or Camels Hump.
I've done Camels Hump in the fall and winter, and it's a great outing! However it's been like 20 years! Cool mountain though!
Did Mansfield in the fall as well, popular mountain and it's the highest in the state.

[jrbren_vt]

Good options. There are several depending on what you are looking for and how far you are willing to drive. IMHO Mansfield routes are more interesting from the west side in good weather (Sunset ridge and/or Maple ridge). On the Stowe side you are hiking next to the ski area. Camel's hump has no development on it, although is very popular. It also has several route options from either the west or east side. I like loop routes. Most trails will be broken if there have been no major storms since the last weekend. Immediately out of the Stowe valley Mt Hunger and Stowe Pinnacle are options as well. You may want to stop by one of the local ski shops or the Green Mountain Club headquarters in Waterbury for maps and more info. Snow shoes recommended but many people hike without then relying on the hard packed trails. Have fun and welcome to New England.

[Turtle Boy]

Mt Mansfield or Camels Hump.

+1 on both of these.

I did Mansfield this summer. There are multiple routes (as noted by jrbren vt). Take advantage of the Green Mountain Club as noted and you'll have some great resources for planning.

Don't forget to partake of some Heady Topper IPA while you're up there. Nectar of the Gods!

[EZSide]

Thanks - I wasn't getting all that excited for the eastbound trip - but now I'll make room for the gear!

- Bill

[ChrisinAZ]

Highly second Camels Hump...if you have a rare clear day up there, the views are beyond breathtaking! Clear to Mt. Wash and the Dacks. I recall coming in from the east, and from the north for the final summit assault; plenty of rime ice, so some sort of traction (microspikes at a bare minimum!) would be highly desired, and probably necessary. The summit's above treeline, so be able to cover any exposed skin, of course.

[blakhawk]

My favorite way to do Mansfield is from the trailhead at the end of stevensville road and ascend maple ridge...because this way allows you to do the whole ridge along Mansfield from the forehead,nose,and chin which is a fantastic new england ridge run..and its more vertical and mileage

Can't go wrong with camels hump either as mentioned. And ya won't regret either of them.

[LetsGoMets]

This is no knock against Vermont (I grew up in Burlington) but if you have the means to travel 1.5 hours, I would give the Adirondacks in New York a look.

If you stick to Vermont, do Camels Hump via the Forest City trail, which connects to the Long Trail for a nice bouldering summit climb, with excellent views most of the way up.

[EZSide]

Thanks to everyone for the input. I spent the early morning on the Long Trail from Stowe resort - from TH to where it comes out on Nose Dive - and beyond - enough to (remind me I need to ) make room for pancakes. Early enough to avoid the snowboard traffic and weather. Without the input I'd probably just slept in... should I be on the 'planning comittee' someday I'll leave room for more than a few hours. Its a nice area - feels like WI (in the trees). Thanks again!

- Bill

P.S. Snowshoes required to venture off of Nose Dive and continue to the upper ridge - there was not a distinguishable boot pack (that I could locate) in this high traffic area.