There is a lot of information here, but I'm working to avoid surprises and to make this trip as enjoyable for you as we can make it. Bear with me.
Please check the Participants Page to see if I have your skiing dates listed correctly.
Each skier on these trips must be separately registered by the Catamount Trail Association Office, and be screened by me. So that means if you want to bring friends or family they need to be registered and screened also. Please, no dogs, goldfish or other pets.
I am assigning the following homework: For the sections you want to ski, please read the section descriptions. Go here to download up-to-date pdfs of descriptions and maps.
Please read the introductory chapters in the guidebook (or on-line), especially equipment, trip planning, equipment, etiquette and equipment. Pop quizzes on the trail will be given by Prof. Lady Luck. If you have questions, ask!
The CTA's equipment list is very comprehensive.
This CTA Backcountry Show & Tell - XCD/Nordic Touring Equipment video is very informative. You can also search the CTA Blog posts for things like "boots" and "skis" if you have questions. You should, of course, adjust your gear choices as needed for your situation and the fact that you will be skiing with a group. If you feel comfortable on lightweight gear, that's fine. If you feel comfortable with heavier gear, that's fine too. But please, no split boards, no AT setups (except Sec 22), no heavy tele gear (except Sec 22). Everyone should have skins for Section 22. You need skis with no-wax bases or waxable skis and a good understanding of waxing. On Sections 20, 21 and 23 you will slow up the group's progress if you have to frequently stop and put on your skins, or herringbone or sidestep every incline, or shuffle along the flats with your skins on.
You don't need climbing skins for any of these other sections in most conditions.
A further note on equipment: please be sure to test out all of your equipment before you come on this trip. Here is a cautionary tale. For one weeklong tour, I brought along a brand new pair of poles. Imagine my embarrassment on the first day, to climb over the snowbank, put on my skis, and find that one of the pole straps was not properly attached to the pole. My spare poles were in our car at the other end of the trip. 'Nuff said about that ...
Plan on the trip taking all day. Trips are usually finished by mid-afternoon, almost always by dark. Additional time may be needed to make sure all drivers are back to their cars. Please don't come if you have to be done by 3pm to get to the opera in NYC.
The schedule will not be changed due to cold. It is up to you to look at the forecast, consider your ability to handle cold (technically and emotionally) and make a personal decision about whether to join us or not. Dress warmly, dress in layers, have something to cover your face, dry mittens, heat packs if you use them, hot drinks, etc. See more tips for staying warm. We will try not to stand around too much, but we will have to stand around some, so bring an extra layer for those times. Learn the signs of frostbite and what to do about it. Please look out for each other, if you see white patches on someone's skin, let them know.
Please be sure to read the Schedule and Logistics pages!
I don't intend to cancel any of these trips for poor weather or conditions (except complete lack of snow ), as long as someone wants to go. I might cancel due to horrendous driving. You need to use your common sense and experience to decide if the weather or conditions are too bad for you to safely ski or drive.
Check the Extra Reading link for more information about skiing the CT in general.
I will try to keep you informed about conditions in the last few days so you can decide for yourself if it makes sense for you to join us. We may choose to alter or shorten some days if conditions are bad. If you look out the window one day and decide not to join us, please call me! 413-834-0274
