winter parking Underhill SP, VT

[torn&frayed]

This time around, we would like to try Mt. Mansfield in winter from the west.
What are our options for parking? We want to be as close to Underhill State Park as possible. Camping is an option, but we prefer day trips.
Thanks,
Jim

 

[Tim Seaver]

They usually stop plowing about 1 mile (or a bit less?) below the park entrance, where most people park. Bringing a sled for the trip out adds a bit of fun.

 

[David Metsky]

Do the whole trip on skis; even more fun.

 

[weatherman]

2 winters ago, the lot 1 mile from the summer entrance was plowed with room for a boatload of cars (at least 20). The ski in to the base of the Sunset Ridge trail was a piece of cake with sleds and no skins on waxless skis. You could do it with a pack too, we just happened to have sleds. The road after that steepens, and skins would likely be very helpful.

Keep in mind that the cairns are not as enormous as those in the Presi's, and may easily be buried in snow (they are really meant for summer hiking), so take many mental and/or electronic notes for the trip down when you pop out above treeline. The west side of the mountain is, not surprisingly, much more exposed than the east side.

Weatherman

 

[cushetunk]

Just to be clear: skiing to/from the Sunset Ridge Trail would be fun. Skiing the Sunset Ridge Trail itself... not so fun.

Also, be aware that parking lot can fill up on weekend days. It's very popular with backcountry skiers.

 

[weatherman]

Riiiight. We stashed our skis/sleds at the Sunset trailhead. Dave, how do you ski the whole mountain from that side?

 

[Toe Cozy]

Just there on 1/19

There was an area plowed out about 1 mile away from the entrance to Underhill. Didn't look like there was room for 20 cars this year. Some tough guy (or girl) drove a truck a little further on the unplowed portion of the road. Saw a bunch of people skiing on the CCC road, looked like fun. The top of the Sunset Ridge Trail is an annoying mix of ice and lots of exposed rock. We wore our snowshoes uphill below treeline and switched to crampons above treeline. If you have stablicers that would be a better option than crampons, maybe. I only own crampons so I don't know for sure. Once below treeline we barebooted. We saw a couple solo folks who were barebooting the whole way. They were struggling a little, but made it.

Obviously, it's winter, that was a week ago, conditions can change, therefore YMMV.

 

[David Metsky]

Riiiight. We stashed our skis/sleds at the Sunset trailhead. Dave, how do you ski the whole mountain from that side?

The Teardrop trail.