Earn-Your-Turns Roundtable

MRVBC, the Catamount Trail Association, and Sugarbush Resort are proud to host the 3rd annual Mad River Valley Earn-Your-Turns Roundtable. We are anticipating another interesting and lively discussion this year, with a deep-dive into topics surrounding the establishment of new managed backcountry ski zones in Vermont.

Date: December 9, 2021

Time: 6:00 to 9:00PM

Location: Rumble’s Bistro & Bar, Sugarbush, Warren, VT (Sugarbush's COVID procotols apply - masks!)

Description: Interest in backcountry skiing/riding continues to increase in Vermont and beyond. Backcountry organizations have established “managed backcountry ski zones” throughout New England, particularly in northern areas where terrain and snow provide the best opportunities. Meanwhile, concerns continue to mount over the fate of certain species that frequent the same areas. A variety of factors, including climate change, have put added stress on numerous populations.

  • How can new zones be sited with both local and landscape level perspectives in mind?

  • What do current monitoring efforts tell us about potential impacts?

  • How can different land management agencies work together to maximize monitoring efforts?

  • Will siting and monitoring protocols help ensure sustainability while also accommodating new zones?

AGENDA

  • Introductions

  • Backcountry Ski Zone Overview: What is a “managed backcountry ski zone” - Kathryn Wrigley (VT FPR)

  • Backcountry Skiing: potential impacts - Bob Zaino (VT F&W) and Kathryn Wrigley (VT FPR)

  • Appropriately Siting BC Zones in the landscape: Caitlin Littlefield (CSP, Inc) and Bob Zaino (VT F&W)

  • Monitoring Methods and Findings: Brandon Gap Ski Zones - Jeremy Mears (GMNF) - NOT ABLE TO ATTEND EVENT

  • Establishing New BC Zones: The way forward? - Matt Williams - Moderator (CTA)

  • Q&A: audience

SCHEDULE

  • 6:00 - Doors open

  • 6:15 – Introductions

  • 6:20 – Presentations

  • 7:00 – Questions from the moderator

  • 7:20 – Q&A from the audience

  • 8:00 - End of Roundable discussion

  • 9:00 - Doors close