Ski Trip on Moose Mt Ridge -- 26 Feb 11
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1.0 Overview

The Moose Mountain Ridge Trail (also known as the Orange Diamond Trail) runs from the summit of Moose Mountain south past the former Moose Mountain Lodge, and then along the sharp ridge all the way to US 4 and Mascoma Lake. With enough snow, this trail makes an excellent backcountry ski excursion. We will ski this trail from Moose Mountain Lodge to US 4.

This outing will offer Scouts with intermediate or advanced cross country and backcountry skiing skills the opportunity to traverse some interesting and challenging terrain on skis. Scouts with less experience on skis can make the trip on showshoes.

Advancement opportunities include first and second class hiking and troop activity requirements, snow sports merit badge requirements, and opportunities for advanced Scouts to cultivate their alpine travel and winter mountaineering skills. This outing is suitable for the second class 5-mile hike requirement provided the Scouts do the necessary preparatory work in advance.

2.0 Concept

2.1 Description

The trail traverses a mountain ridge at an average elevation of about 1700 feet. Although generally not steep, the trail is not well traveled or maintained and frequently traverses ledges. There are several nice views, and the last run off the ridge and into the Mascoma Valley is particularly fun. We will meet at the Community Center and travel by car to the trailhead parking lot at Moose Mountain Lodge. From there we will take the trail around the beaver pond to intercept the Ridge Trail, and then follow it south along the ridge to US 4, where we will be picked up and returned to the Community Center. We will stop for lunch enroute.

2.2 Schedule of Events

Saturday 26 Feb
0830 -- Meet at Community Center.
Rigorous gear check.
0900 -- Depart.
0920 -- Arrive at trailhead.
0930 -- On Trail.
1200 -- Lunch.
1500 -- Arrive at lookout. Call for pickup.
1530 -- Pickup on Route 4.
1600 -- Arrive at Community Center.

2.3 Expected Conditions and Difficulty

The trail is rough and traverses a ridge that is sometimes as narrow as four feet. Total distance is about six miles with no crossing trails or roads along the way. There is currently plenty of snow cover but the snow is very crusty. If the trail is unbroken this could pose a significant challenge. The weather could be anything February can throw at us, including low temperature, high winds, and snow. All participante must be prepared for winter conditions. We do not know whether the trail is currently broken, although given the excellent snow conditions this year, we expect that others will have gone before. Still, we need to be prepared to break trail for six miles.

The main problem which we could encounter is that it may prove too difficult to break the trail for six miles through potentially crusty snow. We will constantly monitor our progress and if it appears that we will not be able to finish within the intended timeframe we will call for pickup and return to the original dropoff point.

2.4 Special Requirements

Open to all Boy Scouts, Scouters, and parents. If you have some experience with cross country skiing you should be able to ski this route. If you do not, you should travel by snowshoe.

3.0 Administration and Logistics

3.1 Announcement Date: 9 Feb 11

3.2 Roster Closing Date: 23 Feb 11

3.3 Costs

None.

3.4 Equipment

3.4.1 Individual Equipment

  • Winter hiking gear as described in the Personal Equipment List. Pay particular attention to the clothing, winter supplement, and survival equipment sections.
    • You must have
    -- Full body wind protection!
    -- Spare gloves or mittens.
    -- Spare hat.
  • Lunch and water. Enough calories for a long day.
  • Suitable skis or snowshoes.
  • Poles
  • Suitable boots.

    3.4.2 Patrol Equipment

  • Map. Canaan quad.

    3.4.3 Troop Equipment

  • First Aid Kit.
  • Map. Canaan Quad.
  • Spare showshoes.
  • Sleeping Bag.

    3.5 Transportation Plan

    Drop-off Point: Community Center
    Drop-off Time: 0830 Sat 26 Feb 11
    Pick-up Point: Community Center
    Pick-up Time: 1600 Same Day

    Driving Directions:
    To dropoff at Moose Mt Lodge Rd:
    East Wheelock to Trescott to Etna.
    Left Hanover Center Rd to Ruddsboro Rd.
    Right on Ruddsboro Rd (at Baptist Church) to Old Dana Rd
    Left on Old Dana Rd to Moose Mt Lodge Rd.
    Right on Moose Mt Lodge Rd. Park at end.
    To Pickup on Rt 4:
    US 4 East to the class 6 road that comes in from the north, 1200 ft west of Great View Skating Rink.

    4.0 Leadership

    4.1 Planning Committee

  • Ethan
  • Adult owner: Mr. Brown

    4.2 Adult Leaders

  • SMIC: Mr. Brown
  • Mr. Smith

    Approved YJB 20Feb11

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