Mount Mansfield This Weekend

Brrr… January bite be damned, Mount Mansfield and I have a date this Saturday. Snowshoes strapped, breath a frosty dragon, I’ll be whispering down the Long Trail, solo and serenaded by the Chin’s wind symphony. Marcy wisely opts for fireside comfort, leaving me to chase winter’s frosted crown.

No fancy ropes or crampons, just me, my trusty snowshoes, and a backpack stuffed with layers and courage (and maybe a flask of something warm… it’s Vermont, after all). Taft Lodge, a beacon of orange in the white wilderness, will be my emergency siren song, but the summit, that granite throne above tree line, calls to my adventurous soul.

I can already picture it: frosted firs bowing to the wind, sun a shy wink through clouds, and footprints, mine alone, etching silent stories on the frozen canvas. Maybe a red fox will dart across the white, or a snowshoe hare leave a mischievous zigzag trail. Nature’s secrets whispered on the wind, just me and the mountain, sharing a frosty dance in the heart of winter.

But summit selfies come with risks. No hand to steady the camera, just numb fingers fumbling for the perfect angle. So, fair warning, folks, the pics might be more “impressionistic” than Instagram fodder. But hey, sometimes the real beauty is in the frozen breath, the crunching snow, and the echo of your own heartbeat against the mountain’s silence.

So, raise a mug of something warm, dear friends, and wish me luck. This weekend, I’ll be chasing winter’s whisper, etching my own frosty chapter on the slopes of Mansfield. And when I stumble back, tired but triumphant, be prepared for tales of frozen toes, epic views, and maybe, just maybe, the secret language of the Chin. Stay tuned, adventurers! Your solo summiter awaits.

Your upcoming adventure sounds absolutely thrilling! Here are some tips and resources to help you prepare for your winter hike on Mount Mansfield:

Mount Mansfield Hiking Guide:

• Mount Mansfield is the highest mountain in Vermont, located in Chittenden County within the Green Mountains¹².
• The Mount Mansfield Loop Trail takes you above the tree line¹. The hike begins at Underhill State Park off of Mountain Road¹.
• The trail is generally considered challenging, so be prepared for a rigorous hike¹.
• You can find more information about the trail, including maps and reviews, on AllTrails¹³.

Preparing for a Winter Hike:

• Dress in layers to stay warm. Avoid cotton as it takes a long time to dry⁴.
• Protect any skin exposed to freezing temperatures to prevent frostbite⁴.
• Keep your batteries warm as cold weather can drain them quickly⁵.
• Start your hikes early enough in the winter to avoid being on the trail in the dark⁵.
• Practice winter hiking on short and easy trails until you become comfortable with your pace and the demands of winter hiking techniques⁵.

Taking Photos in the Snow:

• Overexpose your photos to avoid grey snow⁶.
• Use manual focus for sharp images⁷.
• Prepare for shorter daylight hours. The sun may fully set before 4 p.m., so plan your photo shoots accordingly⁷.
• Check out these video tutorials for more tips on snow photography⁸⁹¹⁰.