Sugarbush Inn -> Route 17 (Battleground)

[Lynn Fisher]

Priscilla's final section of the CT!

There's plenty of snow and we glided right on top of a firm corn snow base. Easy skiing. Susie's "mile" (from Mad River Barn to Battleground) felt more like a furlong. We managed to ski and hang out from 10:45 - 1:30 but took a long lunch break and were not trying to rush. It was so fun to ski that section in easy conditions because the suffer-fest from last year's week tour is still fresh in my mind.


Water crossings were no problem and it looked like they'd hold up for awhile longer, although there are bridges for the larger brooks so I don't think this would be a problem anyway.

Water exceptions: The beaver pond was just a little sketchy. Our doggie companion broke through the ice near some open water and couldn't get out but it was easy to pull her out by her collar. We skied right across the pond, though, and if temps stay cold that should still be possible, but be careful.

Really important: Read (if you haven't already) Lenore Budd's announcement on the forum Section 18: Lincoln Gap to Rte. 17 - Bridge Out!
about finding an alternate bridge to get to German Flats road. There's no way to reasonably cross the river on the CT right now (bridge washed out by ice) and if you didn't know about the other bridge, you'd be getting pretty wet.