July 23, 2015 (Burlington, VT) – The Catamount Trail Association (CTA) was recently awarded two Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grants from Vermont’s Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation. The CTA was one of nine Vermont non-profit organizations and municipalities to receive trails grants this summer.

Skiing on Section 22 of the Catamount Trail between Bolton Valley Resort and the Trapp Family Lodge in Vermont. © Catamount Trail Association

The CTA is a Vermont non-profit that develops, manages, and conserves the Catamount Trail, a public-access ski trail that runs the length of Vermont from Massachusetts to Canada. The CTA builds partnerships to support the Trail, and fosters awareness and stewardship of Vermont’s diverse landscapes through promotion and use of the Trail. The organization also advocates backcountry and cross-country skiing for the quality of life, recreational, health, economic and educational benefits they provide.

A $31,260 grant award will allow CTA to contract with the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps and local excavating companies to complete benching, ditching, drainage, culvert, and waterbar projects on the Catamount Trail.  These improvements will prevent erosion and make the trail more sustainable for years to come.  An additional grant award of $12,540 will support a new initiative-backcountry terrain development.  Through CTA’s Vermont Backcountry Alliance (VTBC), and in partnership with the Rochester Area Sports Trail Alliance (RASTA), the CTA will be working to develop new backcountry glades within the Green Mountain National Forest in Rochester, Vermont.

While these grants will go a long way in improving Vermont’s backcountry skiing and riding opportunities in the seasons ahead, trail and glade work is just one element of the CTA’s busy summer schedule.

Run Start - Race to the Top of Vermont in Stowe, VT © Catamount Trail Association

On Sunday August 23, 2015, the North Face Race To The Top Of Vermont will draw as many as 800 hikers, mountain bikers, and runners from across the U.S. and Canada to climb Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak located in Stowe, Vermont. Presented by The North Face Store @ KL Sport, the course climbs up the historic Toll Road, is 4.3 miles in length, and climbs 2564 ft. For some it’s all about trying to achieve a fast time up this tough 4.3 mile course. For othersŠ they come to challenge themselves, and to enjoy the spectacular views.

Regardless of each participant’s motivation, the North Face Race To The Top Of Vermont is about supporting the Catamount Trail Association and all of the good work they do. This event is their largest fundraiser of the year and while enthusiasts test their limits, they should also know that 100% of the money raised at this event goes to support backcountry skiing here in Vermont!

If you’re not a runner or mountain biker, hiking is the perfect way to experience this beautiful course, enjoy the company of friends, and be inspired by their effort and yours.

If you’re a member of a High School or College running or cycling team you can save some cash by getting organized and registering together. High School and College Teams of 10+ athletes that register before August 15th can signup for just $15/person!

And if cheering and watching are more your style, the CTA always needs volunteers to help out at this event.  Every volunteer will receive the same benefits as our racers… free tech shirt, BBQ, and raffle ticket!  Visit www.rtttovt.com to sign up and learn more, or call or email: 802-864-5794, outreach@catamounttrail.org.

Catamount Trail Association: http://catamounttrail.org/
North Face Race to the Top of Vermont: http://www.rtttovt.com/