http://www.jimmys-adventures.net/hiking-vermont-long-trail/
Mt Equinox, Vermont snowboarding?
I want to backcountry snowboard from the summit down the powerline (snowmobile trail that leads to the summit). The only way i know how to get to the top is by the Skyline Toll Road, but it is closed until may. I could hike from the Equinox hotel on the trails, but it is like 4 miles to the summit and that makes for a long day of snowshoeing. I was thinking i could park somewhere on the opposite side of the mountain and snowshoe along the snowmobile trail to the top. does anyone know of a place to park along the snowmobile trail?
4 miles is cake. The only part of the Burr & Burton trail that is difficult is the stretch above the artesian spring. If you are in shape and keep a steady pace it should take you no longer than 2 hours. I’m surprised there’s still snow. I scoped out a lot of that terrain when I used to live there. But to hit the powerline I wouldn’t even even use the B&B Trail. It’s on the wrong side of the mountain.
We once contemplated coming in from Beartown Road in Sandgate, but that’s pretty sketchy as well and it puts you in the col between Mother Myrick and Lookout Rock. That hike is even longer, but not as steep. There’s a bunch of old jeep trails on the Beartown side of the mountain but don’t use a topo or the gazetteer, none of them are really accurate. Brian or Vin down at the EMS might have some good info on the trails. If Eric is still there he might know some other info. The folks at the Mountain Goat might be good sources as well. If you strike out with those guys stop by Shaws and talk to Gail the Pharmacist, she hikes back in that area a lot too. You could also try to ask Marge Fish who is the GMC Big Cheese in the area. She spends much of her time on the LT but should know that area as well too.
Edit: In my haste I forgot about the trail that comes in from where Beartown Road sort of ends normal drivable conditions. You can access the powerline by cutting through the hollow that runs roughly N-S from the bottom of the powerline. That might be your best bet. There’s a house at the end of the drivable road and if you ask noce maybe they will let you park. Maybe it’s a flatlander summer home too, so no one may even be home.
1. Vermont Long Trail – Intro.wmv