| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Mt. Ellen, VT |
|
 | Trails: |
Ski trails, Tote Road |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Friday, April 15, 2011 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Park at Mt. Ellen Base Lodge. They're closed for the season so there are plenty of spots. |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Ice - Breakable Crust, Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes, Light Traction |
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
None |
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
|
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
Probably fine except ice higher up. |
|
 | Bugs: |
|
|
 | Lost and Found: |
|
|
|
|
|
 | Comments: |
Snow top to bottom. Put on snowshoes by the Green Mountain Express lift and followed it up to the next jct. You can either continue to follow the "tote road" from here (which is the best, driest way in summer ) or take a more direct line, like I did today in great snow conditions. Very icy on the exposed topmost slope. True summit is 50 ft. up the L.T. in the woods, good outlooks nearby with the deep snow improving views. Put on microspikes for the descent. Trails stayed pretty solid. Summit temp 34F at 1:20pm.
Although Mud Season trail closures are beginning, this hike is on ski trails where the lifts are closed for the season ( Lincoln Peak is still open). A couple of employees on snowmobiles gave friendly waves. Saw a guy hiking up with a snowboard and tracks of others. When the snow does melt, the tote road is rough, rocky, and well drained. Mt. Ellen's ski trail tote road may provide a 4,083' antidote to mud season blues in coming weeks.
|
|
 | Name: |
Drew Petersen |
|
 | E-Mail: |
twolilies@wildblue.net |
|
| Date Submitted: |
2011-04-15 |
|
 | Link: |
 https:// |
|
|
Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense. |
|
