Killington by Bucklin Trail 3-21-10

[weatherman]

Missed winter by 24ish hours, but had a good hike for #66/67 nonetheless. Snow good and deep above 2500', probably 5 feet+ above 3500' with hiking in the dang canopy. CT skiers: mainly skiable down to 2000' but expect vegetation. Snowshoes very helpful to avoid crotch-deep postholing and to enjoy a sweet, fast trip down the mountain, off-trail in the deep snow. Barebootable below 2500 feet. Microspikes the perfect thing for the summit spur on this warm day- can see how you'd need full crampons if it were colder/windier.

Weather was perfect, partly sunny, 30-40 mile visibility, really too hot for "winter": summit temps around 40 with a very light breeze. Saw no other hikers and just a few skiers at the very decrepit Cooper Lodge this fine day.