Northeast Kingdom
and
Island Pond, Vermont

Snowshoeing

With thousands of acres of land open to the public here in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont, including the Island Pond area which is the gateway to the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge Nulhegan Basin we offer some of the best snowshoeing in the United States.

With miles of old and new logging and hiking trails, one can take a days hike and enjoy the views we have to offer along with wildlife and great snow conditions as our average snowfall is measured in feet not inches.

Being a back country area  here in the Northeast Kingdom it is imperative to be prepared for the unexpected.

Snowshoeing is one of the fastest growing winter sports; snowshoe technology has made giant strides (if you'll pardon the pun) in recent years. It has at least two great advantages: 1) You don't need to sacrifice your life savings to buy equipment; and 2) It's easy. If you're a snowshoeing nebe, there's no need to bite your nails. Snowshoeing is probably one of the few sports in the world that does not have a steep learning curve. Basically, if you can put one foot in front of the other, you're well on your way to having some fun with snowshoes.

Getting Prepared

Start by practicing on a level surface before you race into the backcountry. And be prepared: although snowshoes are designed to keep you on top of the snow, they're not magical. You will sink somewhat--generally about 8 inches if you're in waist-deep snow.

Snowshoeing is an aerobic workout, so dress in layers. That way you'll be able to bundle up during your warm-up and cool-down times, and shed extra layers once your heart starts thumping. Start with synthetic underwear that will wick moisture (okay, sweat) away from your skin. On top of that, try fleece or wool. For your outer layer, pick a light water-resistant shell. Avoid cotton clothing, as it tends to absorb and hold moisture. Bring an insulated bottle of water, extra clothes, food, sunglasses, matches, a flashlight, a knife, a compass and a first aid kit. You might want to also bring along a roll of duct tape (the wonder substance for any kind of repair). Other tips, while perhaps obvious, are important:

 * Tell someone where you're going and when you think you'll be back.
 * Check your bindings regularly before you start a trip to prevent disaster in the backcountry.
 * If you're snowshoeing with other people (always a better idea than going alone), take turns leading. Breaking a trail can be hard work.
 * Prevent erosion by staying on trails when you're in the backcountry.
 * Make sure you know the area you're traveling in before you start. Maps are your friends.
 * Mark your trail. If a snowstorm covers your tracks, this will help you find your way out.

Getting on Vermont's Northeast Kingdom Trails

One of the great things about snowshoeing in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom is you'll never run out of places to go. Just about anywhere you can hike or mountain bike in summer, you can snowshoe in winter. Nordic trails are another good bet, but be polite. Don't destroy groomed cross-country trails with your snowshoes; stay a few paces away from the groomed tracks and Nordic skiers will surely smile as they skate by. Some cross-country resorts here  in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom are even getting into the snowshoeing act. Lone Mountain Ranch (near Bozeman), for instance, has established three trails especially for snowshoeing. Visit the cross-country section of this web site to find out more.

Located just a few miles from Island Pond which is the Gateway to the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge Nulhegan Basin offers some of the bes wild and wonderful snowshoeing destinations. In Glacier, you can explore millions of acres of mountains, forests and ponds--and the only ones you'll have to share it with are the wildlife you're likely to see.

Vermont's Northeast Kingdom Wildlife Management Areas like the West Mountain WMA, Bill Sladyk WMA, Wenlock WMA sates forests and wilderness areas are other ideal destinations. You may find  cross-country tracks to follow in the forests,or in some wilderness areas. But on your snowshoes, you'll have better access; if you get into brushy or steep areas, snowshoes are much more handy than cross-country skis, If you have a favorite summer hiking trail in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom you're free to snowshoe on it in winter.