The Catamount Trail began as an idea in the minds of three adventurous young men: Steve Bushey, Paul Jarris and Ben Rose. In 1982 while camping and discussing their next big adventure, Steve said, “Let’s ski from Massachusetts to Quebec.”

While planning that first trip, the idea of going on a long ski trip evolved into creating a long ski trail. Following their trip, the group received a grant from the State of Vermont to produce a map of the trail, and the Catamount Trail Association was born. That first end to end ski took Steve, Ben, and Paul less than a month to complete. But building the trail took nearly 25 years and the tireless work of thousands of volunteers, board members, and CTA staff members.

Forty years later, the Catamount Trail has become an iconic long distance ski trail. We have added chapter, conservation, and youth programs, and the CTA has created a legacy of communities strengthened through backcountry skiing, of innumerable friendships forged in the mountains, of equitable access, and of leveraging outdoor recreation to protect the mountain lands we love.

This winter, we are celebrating that legacy and 40 years on the trail with the Ruby Run Tour The tour, led by Steve, Paul, Ben, and friends, will recreate their original 1984 ski, and will feature a number of events along the way.

The 300+ mile Catamount Trail, the CTA’s namesake, began as an idea in the minds of three adventurous young Vermont men: Steve Bushey, Paul Jarris and Ben Rose. In 1982 while on a camping trip and discussing what their next big adventure should be, Steve said, Let’s ski from Massachusetts to Quebec! Today, the Catamount Trail is the longest backcountry ski trail in North America, linking Vermont villages, nordic ski centers, backcountry ski destinations, inns, and mountain huts. From groomed trails, to beginner friendly trails and rolling hills, to exhilarating descents in waist deep powder, there’s something for everyone on the Catamount Trail. 

The Catamount Trail Association's mission is to expand access to Vermont’s backcountry because we believe days spent in the mountains with friends are powerful, and that those experiences should be open to everyone. The CTA manages the Catamount Trail, is working to make the trail more climate resiliant and open to year round use where appropriate, and actively engages in conservation work to protect the trail and Vermont's mountain lands for future generations. The CTA runs tours, events, community ski programs, and is working to expand access to skiing through Youth Programs that give youth across the state the opportunity to learn to ski. We also support a growing chapter network that is building incredible backcountry ski zones thorughout Vermont, further expanding access to the backcountry in the state.