killington - via west side

[4mincharlie]

Our hike was quick and without incident. No snow was at the trailhead, but the trail was ice. The bucklin trail was closed due to damage...washout about 3/4 mile when it hits brewers brook. We had to hike up the slope on the left to get around the washout. When we hit the 1.6 mile mark, we then started to gain in elevation and the snow started to mount up.....12 inches at spots. We chose to keep our microspikes on and trudge through the stuff which was luckily crusted with ice.
When we hit the coopers lodge, we started up the spur trail which was complete ice. i chose to go up in microspikes,,,,which was dangerous. I chose crampons on the way down...great choice. The views were great! The skiers were 1/4 mile on other side of mtn so we paid them a visit!

We went down the spur trail and literally ran and galloped all the way down to brewers brook. It was a blast and was effortless.

The entire hike was enjoyable! Be aware though...we were criminals by hiking a closed trail. If anyone asks, I didnt hike it!

[Jay H]

But I guess wheelerville road(?) was driveable?

I am headed to do Killington in about 2 weeks but probably going over Pico cause I need that too but I read that the road to the bucklin trailhead isn't really maintained/plowed in winter though this year may be odd.?

Jay

[4mincharlie]

That road is always maintained because it has homes on it. The road is well maintained as well.

The view of PICO is awesome as you head up that trail.

Charlie

FYI...Bucklin trail is closed. When we were there , another group was on it as well. you will need crampons heading up the spur trail. You will also need snowshoes from 3000 ft up.

[Jay H]

The route around the washout is marked with pink/black ribbons, easy to navigate.

And the trail is now completely hardpacked, you don't need snowshoes at all! We even barebooted the spur trail but you can do that with microspikes, it's not nearly vertical enough to necessitate crampons. On the descent, on some of the hard ice, you have to plunge step or dig the micropikes to ensure you have good purchase, but nothing out of the ordinary. YMMV of course, crampons are certainly more secure if you feel you need it.

Jay

[DSettahr]

How much use does the trail from the north get in winter?

[Jay H]

How much use does the trail from the north get in winter?

We hiked out via the Sherburne trail, not the rerouted LT/AT but at the junction, it did look like both paths were broken although I would imagine the Sherburn trail getting way more use cause it was quite the hardpack ice/snow on it. There were about 6 cars at the trailhead and we ran into about 3-4 groups hiking to Pico and/or Killington on our way out.

After pico and before the bucklin trail, there still is a broken trail but less of a highway so I suspect that folks go do Pico and/or the loop via the Sherburne and new LT perhaps.... but not much further.

I do believe reading that the lot for the Sherburne trail is always maintained but the lot by the new LT is not always plowed.

There was no other car at the Bucklin trail when we picked up my car....

Jay