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AMC Lodge-to-Lodge Cross-country Skiing Gets You into the Maine Backcountry
Adventurous cross-country skiers can experience the Maine wilderness by booking a lodge-to-lodge trip with the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC). The lodge-to-lodge ski route is recommended for intermediate to advanced cross-country skiers comfortable in a backcountry setting.
The recommended route runs from Medawisla Wilderness Lodge and Cabins, south to West Branch Pond Camps and on to Little Lyford Lodge and Cabins. Many skiers spend one night at each lodge, but you may wish to extend your stay at Medawisla and Little Lyford and enjoy skiing and snowshoeing around the area.
There are two routes from Medawisla to West Branch Pond Camps. The first is 9 miles around the back side of Shaw Mountain along old logging roads. There are some hills and valleys but nothing very steep. You and your party will come across some great views of the Spencer Mountains, Mt. Katahdin and White Cap Mountain. This route is recommended for families with children. The second route is along Second Roach Pond’s Lake Trail to Trout Pond, and across Trout Pond east to the portage trail that cuts over to Fourth Roach Pond. The route crosses Fourth Roach to the boat launch. From there travel up to the road and follow the Big Spring Road 4 miles along the base of Black Pinnacle south to the B Pond Road. Then you turn west and ski 3 miles to West Branch Pond Camps entrance. All trails are well marked with green diamonds and broken out with a snowmobile.
On the next day, after breakfast, your party will head west then south down the Pleasant River Valley toward Little Lyford Lodge, skirting around White Cap Mountain along the way, a distance of 7.5 miles. This is where the trail becomes narrow and provides a more remote setting, with spectacular views of Baker and Indian Mountains. All along the river the opportunity of seeing river otter, martin and other winter wildlife increases. Be sure to bring a field guide on tracks because you will find many after a fresh snow.
At Little Lyford your gear will be waiting for you as it will be shuttled over from West Branch Pond Camps. Your group will be under the care now of Chuck and Rose James and their remarkable crew. Here you can spend the afternoon skiing the camp trails, or spend some time in the sauna and take a well-deserved shower before another wonderful home-cooked meal at the lodge. On the last day you will ski 7 miles to the parking lot. Here's a trail map of the route.
Transportation
At the outset of your trip, you will meet at the Northwoods Outfitters store on Route 15 in Greenville, Maine, at noon. From there, Northwoods Outfitters will lead you to the Little Lyford winter parking lot where you will leave your vehicle for the duration of your ski adventure. Northwoods Outfitters will then drive you and your gear to Medawisla. During your trip, staff will shuttle your gear to each camp, and on the final day your gear will be shuttled back to the Little Lyford winter parking lot where you will find it upon your arrival. Northwoods also rents backcountry ski equipment; call (866) 223-1380 or send email to info@maineoutfitter.com.
Equipment
You will be skiing in a remote, backcountry setting and will likely encounter few if any other people during the day. AMC does not patrol the trails. Your party should be self-sufficient and prepared for full winter conditions and changes in weather. You should bring a trail map and compass and know how to read both. You will also want to bring at least one sleeping bag, stove and first aid kit for your party. You will receive a “what to bring” list with your reservation, but you can visit the AMC website to see the recommended winter gear list.
Reservations
Appalachian Mountain Club Lodge-to-Lodge Skiing Adventures in Maine are available from Jan. 23 to March 15, 2009. For a route map and more information, visit AMC's website. To book your trip, contact AMC Reservations at (603) 466-2727. AMC member prices start at $420 for a three-night adventure and $560 for a five-night adventure. Non-member prices start at $456 for a three-night adventure and $624 for a five-night adventure. Saturday night stay and taxes are extra. This package is all-inclusive and provides meals, lodging and gear shuttling.