Backcountry forum highlights new trail network, discussions, movie

DEERFIELD VALLEY - The Southern Vermont Trails Association, in conjunction with the Catamount Trails Association, announces this year’s backcountry forum will take place in Dover and Stratton on Saturday, November 5. This annual event features a fun-filled afternoon of activities, exploration, education, peer-to-peer discussions, and more. It’s a great opportunity for CTA chapters and members to get together and build excitement before the snow begins to fly and the backcountry skiing and riding season begins.
The early afternoon will feature education and exploration in the Stratton Town Forest, a new recreation area where construction began this summer. Groups will hike through the project areas to see progress that has been made by SoVTA and discuss all aspects of creating a premium backcountry skiing and snowboarding playground.
Later in the afternoon education and discussion clinics will be offered at Mount Snow’s Discovery Center.
These programs will provide opportunities to learn about backcountry skiing topics such as culture, etiquette, overnight trips, and more. Industry vendors will also be on hand to demonstrate some of the latest and greatest equipment in snowsports.
The day will be capped off with the 18th annual Winter Wildlands Alliance film festival at Mount Snow’s Discovery Center. The festival will screen cinematic stories of outdoor stewardship, grassroots policy and advocacy work, backcountry adventure, and snow cinema by human-powered advocates, athletes, brands, activists, adventurers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
All events throughout the day are by donation with all profits going toward the creation and maintenance of SoVTA’s local trail networks. For more information and schedule of events visit www.sovta.org.