Directions

The Green Mountain National Forest Tour:

South Lincoln and Ripton Vermont

This tour begins on a National Forest Service Road in South Lincoln Vermont and heads into Ripton and the Breadloaf Wilderness Area. This is the area where Robert Frost spent much of his life and inspired the poetry he left us with – you may want to brush up on his writings, Oh the woods are beautiful dark and deep, but I have promises to keep and miles to go before I sleep, and miles to go before I sleep. Once in Ripton several options exist to complete a loop and head back on the road just travel including the Catamount Trail (a cross country sky trail the runs the length of the State). This tour is 7 to 9 miles with the opportunities for extended trip of up to 40 miles.

Preparing for your Trip:

This is a winter sport, so you need to dress for your comfort level depending on temperature and other weather conditions. You will be mainly in a non-active role (sitting or standing), so coldness can creep in. Seated passengers will be inside a sled bag with blankets

Remember layers are your most import consideration. Start with good thermal underwear, then other thin layers close to the skin – consider a turtleneck as one of these layers. Bulkier layers like heavier shirts, fleece and sweaters and finally an excellent shell. You should avoid cotton next to the skin. Add a layer for each drop of 10 degree below your comfort level. Three to four layers on top and two to three on the bottom should be adequate.

Footwear should start with a liner sock and a bulkier sock, then top quality winter boot – sneakers are not appropriate . Gators or overshoes are excellent additions to keep snow out and additional layering. Most cold creeps in through the feet, so any additional insoles will help.

Don't forget the accessories, liner gloves, mittens, neck gators, scarf, hats, headbands, hood, etc. Don't worry about your hair, the dogs don't mine hat hair.

As a final effort to stay warm, heat packs for hands, feet and internal pockets are very helpful. Also bring a thermos of warm drink. Of course movement is the best way to stay warm, so I can have you run up the hills with the dogs and driver.