Killington Backcountry

Barnibus · Post by **Barnibus** » Nov 4th, '07, 18:58

Does anyone want to give up some details about the backcounty past coopers, off the North ridge triple ending at wheelerville rd., I am looking to explore it this winter and wondering about the best routes and other out of bounds possibilities.

Gangsta Rider · Post by **Gangsta Rider** » Nov 4th, '07, 19:00

good luck! with exploring that is..

laseranimal · Post by **laseranimal** » Nov 4th, '07, 19:44

not on the interweb

too many people drop of the backside and wind up lost

so asking for someone to post directions in a public space probably isn't going to happen

however if you find a topo map its pretty self explanatory as the contours will be your guide

Barnibus · Post by **Barnibus** » Nov 4th, '07, 20:42

gps is key in this situation

Pedro · Post by **Pedro** » Nov 4th, '07, 21:09

Barnibus wrote:gps is key in this situation

Learn to read a topographic map, If you follow waypoints on a GPS you could end up draging your ass though all kinds of sh*t that you don't want to be in.

kbroderick · Post by **kbroderick** » Nov 4th, '07, 23:55

Pedro wrote:
Barnibus wrote:gps is key in this situation
Learn to read a topographic map, If you follow waypoints on a GPS you could end up draging your ass though all kinds of sh*t that you don't want to be in.

True, but combining knowledge of topo lines and orthophotos can lead to decent ideas for where to put GPS waypoints. Don't count on them actually being the best way through, of course.

(caveat: my experience exploring off-trail is at another area, but the same principles of finding terrain should apply)

Geoff · Post by **Geoff** » Nov 5th, '07, 06:02

Barnibus wrote:gps is key in this situation

A GPS? Why? You end up at Wheelerville Road eventually. A GPS isn't going to help with that mile trudge though the flats at the bottom.

St. Jerry · Post by **St. Jerry** » Nov 5th, '07, 06:04

A lot of people like to head back there. I would just follow some people who look like they know what they're doing. If you get lost, I'm sure someone will find you. Plus when they do, you usually get you're name in the paper. Can't beat that! Good luck!

laseranimal · Post by **laseranimal** » Nov 5th, '07, 06:51

Geoff wrote:
Barnibus wrote:gps is key in this situation
A GPS? Why? You end up at Wheelerville Road eventually. A GPS isn't going to help with that mile trudge though the flats at the bottom.

A GPS(provided it can acquire and maintain signal) will keep you oriented properly, and if you use your waypoints well you could save yourself some trudging.

Never good to pop out of the woods expecting to find your car and being greeted by empty pavement because you wandered slightly off course. Once you get over the panic of thinking your car was stolen, then you have to confront the other dilemma of whether you need to turn right or left to find the car, of course if you pick wrong...............you've got more walking to do

basinski · Post by **basinski** » Nov 5th, '07, 07:31

Do not go off Coopers. Most all routes of Coopers end up with a hike - there is much better ways. Find someone who is willing to show you the way. It will save a lot of time and hassle.

Post by **SkiDork** » Nov 5th, '07, 07:43

laseranimal wrote:
Geoff wrote:
Barnibus wrote:gps is key in this situation
A GPS? Why? You end up at Wheelerville Road eventually. A GPS isn't going to help with that mile trudge though the flats at the bottom.
A GPS(provided it can acquire and maintain signal) will keep you oriented properly, and if you use your waypoints well you could save yourself some trudging.

Never good to pop out of the woods expecting to find your car and being greeted by empty pavement because you wandered slightly off course. Once you get over the panic of thinking your car was stolen, then you have to confront the other dilemma of whether you need to turn right or left to find the car, of course if you pick wrong...............you've got more walking to do

Plus you also have to deal with the banjos...

RENO · Post by **RENO** » Nov 5th, '07, 07:48

Post by **SkiDork** » Nov 5th, '07, 08:03

that guy whaled on the banjo

laseranimal · Post by **laseranimal** » Nov 5th, '07, 08:06

basinski wrote:Do not go off Coopers. Most all routes of Coopers end up with a hike - there is much better ways. Find someone who is willing to show you the way. It will save a lot of time and hassle.

but some of us like hiking

Talisman · Post by **Talisman** » Nov 5th, '07, 08:07

If you are intent on back country skiing, I suggest you invest in one of the two books by Goodman which provide great information. One of Goodman's books is titled something Like Back Country Skiing NY and VT and reveals plenty of back country options.

If you must ski off of Killington into the 'back country' to Wheelerville Road, I suggest hiking up the Bucklin trail from Wheelerville Road to the Killington summit to get a sense of how flat the final mile and half is.