Trails: snowshoe up the perimeter of Sugarloaf resort, Sugarloaf Side Trail to the AT, return the way we came
Trail Conditions: The top of Sugarloaf has been scoured pretty well. It's a mix of rock, windblown hardpack, and ice. Finding the start of the Sugarloaf Side Trail was a bit of a challenge, but once on it, it was reasonably easy to follow. Someone had been on this route a few days before us, so once we were below the Sugarloaf summit, it was pretty evident with drifts in some spots. Six of us packed a great trail all the way to Spaulding. Snowpack is pretty deep and the blazes and signs are just barely visible. There are multiple sections with tree branches at head and chest level. A few small blowdowns are present, but they can be stepped over or easily crawled under.
Special Equipment Required: Snowshoes are mandatory. Crampons or microspikes may be helpful around the summit of Sugarloaf, but are not required and you'd need to switch back to snowshoes pretty quickly.
Trail Conditions: The top of Sugarloaf has been scoured pretty well. It's a mix of rock, windblown hardpack, and ice. Finding the start of the Sugarloaf Side Trail was a bit of a challenge, but once on it, it was reasonably easy to follow. Someone had been on this route a few days before us, so once we were below the Sugarloaf summit, it was pretty evident with drifts in some spots. Six of us packed a great trail all the way to Spaulding. Snowpack is pretty deep and the blazes and signs are just barely visible. There are multiple sections with tree branches at head and chest level. A few small blowdowns are present, but they can be stepped over or easily crawled under.
Special Equipment Required: Snowshoes are mandatory. Crampons or microspikes may be helpful around the summit of Sugarloaf, but are not required and you'd need to switch back to snowshoes pretty quickly.
