This is the Web site of the Hartland Winter Trails. The cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails provide a unique opportunity to meander through fields and back woods; over gently-rolling to steep terrain in the Three- and Four-Corners areas of Hartland, Vermont. The trails are all on private properties, are created and maintained by volunteers, and open to the community free of charge.
Trails are open!
The trails received several inches of wonderful powder last week. The trails are open for another season of skiing and snowshoeing. Please remember that you must be using cross-country skis or snowshoes whenever there is snow on the trails. Foot travel is not permitted, as the holes left by boots ruins the experience for everyone else. Please, if you see someone walking on the trails, take a moment to educate them about the damage, and encourage them to try skiing or snowshoeing. Thanks very much.
Most-recent trail conditions...
Tuesday 26 January 2010 at 15:22:44
Tuesday 25th. of January 2010 I did snowshoe a portion of the trail, Henry's and Jesse's trails. There is very thin cover in all areas with one 5ft. section showing bare ground. Snowshoeing was just fine and very pleasant, but I think x-c would not be fun or relaxing. There is likely to be better snow at the upper altitude trails, Sid's, Dear run, Big Bear etc. but not certain of this. I would suggest snowshoe as a mode of travel rather then ski. Remember, no walking on the trails unless you have snowshoes on your feet, per the HWT mission statement of the trails being "x-c ski and snowshoe trails." Do a snow dance, pray, whatever it takes. We could really use 6-12 inches. Andrea
You can see all trail reports on the Current Trail Conditions page.
Impromptu Outings
There may be some impromptu outings this winter depending on conditions. These could include:
- a ski and snowshoe trip for woman,
- a family-oriented trip,
- a "meet the trail groomer" and take it for a drive,
- a night ski and snowshoe trip
Signs announcing these events will be posted at the parking area across from the Hartland Town highway garage and fire station, as well as on the web site.
Fourth Annual Tiki Torch Trek
Mark your calendar for the fourth annual Tiki Torch Trek. The date will be Saturday, February 13th from 5pm to 8pm. Parking will be at the Recreation Center on Route 12 in Hartland Three Corners. A free shuttle will take people to/from the event site.
There will be a 3km trail lit by torches and lanterns, which you can ski, snowshoe, or walk (walking allowed only for this special event), food will be provided by many local restaurants and individual volunteers. There will be a bonfire with music.
The price remains the same as last year, so it continues to be a fun and economical way to get out and have a great time. Those 12 and older are admitted for $7; those under 12 are free. The family (parents + all kids) maximum is $20.
Lost and Found
Since mid-winter, has your right hand been cold while skiing? Have those fingers wanted to crawl inside that glove on the left hand? Do you have one brown and black Outdoor Research (OR) Windstopper glove and want the mate back? I can help. Call Gary at (802) 436-2971.
Please volunteer time or send a donation to: Hartland Winter Trails, PO Box 128, Hartland, Vermont 05048. Contact Andrea for more information at (802) 436-2472 or E-mail Andrea Ambros
Help! Help! Help! That's how the trail network survives and thrives. From fall through spring there are branches to clear, brush to clear, markers to replace, landowners to talk with, snow banks to shovel out... Well, you get the picture. There are many opportunities for you to help keep things running. Please get in touch with us, if you can help out.
The first ski trail was created in the early 1970s by Hartland resident Henry Merritt. Mr. Merritt started cross-country skiing, with his daughter, from their back porch onto the trail Henry had cut. Three students from a local high school ski racing team, were looking for a place to train, and along with neighboring landowners, decided the trail could and should be extended. Through their efforts the Merritt trail grew into a 5-kilometer loop during the winter of 1973.
Over the years, the main trail loop was lengthened and connector trails were added - all of this with the help of skier-volunteers and through the thoughtfulness of the local landowners. The trail system now comprises approximately 20 kilometers of varied terrain which is groomed, when snow conditions permit by a trail volunteer.
In 2004, the group made some changes to further solidify its place in the community, and ensure the long-term stability of the organization and of the trails. We are now part of Hartland's town recreation department, although we are still self-governing and financially self-sufficient.
The Hartland cross-country ski and snowshoeing trails are entirely on private property. About 25 landowners are generous enough to let their property be used for winter recreation. It is only with each landowner's continued support that the trails will continue to exist. Good relations with the landowners are essential to the future of the trail system! Please respect the privilege of sharing their land.
That being said, we have permission to use the trails during winter for human-powered recreation - namely cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Other forms of transport such as horse, dog team with (or without) sled, snowmobile, and all-terrain vehicle (ATV) are not permitted with the exception of trail grooming equipment. Snowshoers; please, please, stay off to the side of the prepared trail and out of the tracks!
Use of the trails in other seasons is not permitted.
Now just a few words about landowner liability... We are fortunate in Vermont to have laws which help protect landowners from liability suits. The laws encourage landowners to open their property for recreational use. You - the skier or snowshoer - use the trails completely at your own risk.
We understand that active owners love to take "Fido" along for some exercise too. That's fine as long as man's (and women's) best friend remains on a leash and under control at all times. This is necessary to avoid any trouble with other skiers, dogs, or wildlife. Try to keep your dog(s) out of the prepared track. Please be courteous to the landowners and other trail users.