The four backcountry ski zones on the south side of VT-73 at Brandon Gap provide plentiful and varied opportunities for backcountry skiing and snowboarding. Skin tracks start from the two parking areas - the Long Trail parking lot at the top of Brandon Gap and the Bear Brook parking area one mile east of the top of Brandon Gap. The four areas can be connected using the gladed runs, skin tracks and the Long Trail corridor. Skin tracks are marked with yellow Ridgeline Outdoor Collective markers and runs are marked with wooden signs.
Bear Brook Backcountry Zone: Accessed from the Bear Brook trailhead, this zone features challenging braided lines with many natural features. This zone can be linked to those farther west by following the Chittenden Brook Trail from the top of the skin track.
No-Name Backcountry Zone: Accessed by a skin track from the Bear Brook trailhead or by the Long Trail, this zone features moderate terrain.
Sunrise Bowl Backcountry Zone: Accessed via the Long Trail, the braided lines on Sunrise Bowl have the easiest terrain at Brandon Gap.
Goshen Mountain Backcountry Zone: Accessed from the Long Trail and past the top of Sunrise Bowl, this area features challenging terrain that becomes more challenging as you descend. The lines in this zone end at a skin track that leads you back to the Long Trail parking area.
Winter Safety: Your Responsibility
Every year people are injured, lost or even die in winter recreation related accidents. This is a remote, unpatrolled area where hidden hazards, changing conditions and varied terrain all affect your safety. Be prepared for a backcountry emergency by carrying enough gear and extra warm clothing to be self-sufficient for an extended period of time. Help can be difficult to summon and there may be a significant delay in receiving emergency assistance. Bring a map and never ski/ride alone. In case of an emergency call 911.
Ski the Trees: Save the Forest
Continued access to this area, or potential additional backcountry areas, depends on you. No vegetation cutting in these areas. The future of additional access opportunities relies on you – respect public and private lands and report incidents immediately.
The Brandon Gap Backcountry Recreation Area is a project sponsored by the Ridgeline Outdoor Collective in partnership with the Green Mountain and Finger Lakes National Forest. For more information, visit the Ridgeline Outdoor Collective website:
The Brandon Gap Backcountry Recreation Area has two trailheads. Bear Brook Trailhead, 1 mile east of Brandon Gap on VT-73, provides access to Bear Brook Bowl Backcountry Zone and No-Name Backcountry Zone. The Long Trail Parking lot at the top of Brandon Gap on VT-73 provides access for the Sunrise Bowl and Goshen Mountain backcountry areas.
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