Backcountry skiing in Brandon’s backyard

BY GEORGE FJELD

BRANDON–Who’d know that only 10 minutes east of Brandon on Route 73 lies a world class backcountry ski area? For skiers or snowboarders who crave untracked powder, it is a slice of heaven. 

“Can you believe that this is in our backyard?” asks Mike Solari, Pittsford resident and longtime backcountry skier, on a recent foray up the mountain. “I think I love going up as much or more than skiing down.”  

In fact, if you don’t like the ascent, you’re probably not coming back for more. This is a sport that features the quality of snow over lots of runs that one can get at a ski area. Cruising through ankle-to-knee deep powder is highly sought after by most expert skiers and snowboarders. 

Accessible by climbing or skinning, as it is called, the skier/snowboarder can have all the fresh snow s/he desires. After arriving at the trailhead, one affixes skins to the bottom to allow the enthusiast to ascend the mountain. After donning skis/splitboard, climbing 1+ miles with over 1,000 feet of elevation gain, one lands on top of a peak or ridge with gladed lines (think thinned out trees) splaying out below. A stop at the top to appreciate the view and remove the skins, as well as to eat or drink, is welcomed.

Skill level on the descent must be high, for this skiing/riding is challenging. It’s definitely NOT a learn-to-ski environment. The reward for the uphill climb is great as the snow is generally untouched or very lightly skied and doesn’t have the moguls and icy patches frequently found on lift- served ski areas. Conspicuously, there is no lodge, no grooming, or safety patrol. There are also no fees, as this is entirely on National Forest land. This very quiet environment is occasionally broken by the whoops and hollers of the descending skiers. Those that frequent the area appreciate the natural high-mountain environment and rime-covered trees, as well as the satisfaction of a great workout followed by lots of adrenaline-fueled fun. At the bottom of the run, skiers can reskin and climb again.

Woodland creatures are occasionally seen in this high-mountain environment. My personal encounters include moose, fisher cats, squirrels, and rabbits. Birds include ravens, partridge, and chickadees. In fact, I was brushed by a partridge erupting from the snow one winter day. Fox and deer tracks are commonly seen as well.

A typical day will usually be 3 to 6 hours long with 3 to10 miles of skinning and skiing. Self-reliance is critical and one should be prepared to self-evacuate or even spend the night in the woods. Participants typically carry a backpack with warm clothes, water, and food, as well as some safety equipment. Technical clothing is a must, with GoreTex jackets and pants frequently worn. Most users don a helmet for the descent which is carried in or on the backpack on the way up.

This area has been featured in the New York Times Travel & Leisure section and Backcountry Magazine, as well as having a large online presence. There are over 16,000 vertical feet of cut lines to ski/ride in the area. The parking lots typically host cars with license plates from Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and New York. It can seem to be busy on winter weekends after a good snowfall, but even a full parking lot does not translate into any crowds on the skintrack or while skiing. There is plenty of room for everyone.

This area of the Green Mountain National Forest was developed by a diehard group of outdoor enthusiasts from Brandon, Rochester, and surrounding towns in conjunction with the National Forest Service. Originally called RASTA, for the Rochester Area Sport Trail Alliance, it is now known as the Ridgeline Outdoor Collective. Karl Fjeld of Brandon has led many groups of volunteers that cut and keep the lines open/cleared of underbrush.

From the ROC website (ridgelineoutdoorcollective.org) “The Brandon Gap Backcountry Recreation Area is a Ridgeline Outdoor Collective lead project in partnership with the United States Forest Service (USFS).  The Brandon Gap Backcountry Recreation Area is located in the Green Mountain National Forest, south of Vermont Route 73 at Brandon Gap.  Approval of the pioneering project, one of the first of its kind on National Forest land, was received in October 2015 with implementation ongoing through December 2016. The successful implementation of the project is due to the professional design eye of Sustainable Trailworks, LLC and over 1700 volunteer hours – led by ROC.”