NewEnglandTrailConditions.com
NewEnglandTrailConditions.com:
MA
|
ME
|
NH
|
RI/CT
|
VT
|
Ski
Hiking Trail Conditions Report
Peaks
Peaks Saddleback Mountain, Saddleback Mountain - The Horn, ME
Trails
Trails: Uphill Access Trail, Saddleback Side Trail, Appalachian Trail, bushwhack, ski trails
Date of Hike
Date of Hike: Thursday, March 11, 2021
Parking/Access Road Notes
Parking/Access Road Notes: Park at the ski resort. Looked like limited parking but there must be overflow parking somewhere at the resort.  
Surface Conditions
Surface Conditions: Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Snow - Unpacked Powder, Snow - Drifts, Snow - Wet/Sticky, Snow - Spring Snow, Snow/Ice - Postholes, Slush, Snow/Ice - Small Patches 
Recommended Equipment
Recommended Equipment: Snowshoes, Skis 
Water Crossing Notes
Water Crossing Notes: None 
Trail Maintenance Notes
Trail Maintenance Notes: The uphill access route is newly cut so is pretty well cleared. It is clearly marked with signs, except for the section above the small knob along the "advanced" route, which is marked with surveyors tape.  
Dog-Related Notes
Dog-Related Notes: Dogs not allowed on the ski trails or uphill route unfortunately.  
Bugs
Bugs: None 
Lost and Found
Lost and Found: None 
 
Comments
Comments: Skiing/skinning up Saddleback went smoothly. Going down to the col and up to the Horn proved quite challenging on skis and I would only recommend it to advanced/expert skiers. Also, the snow is getting thin in some places with exposed rock. It was a very warm day so the snow was quite soft (mashed potatoes). One poor sole didn't bring snowshoes and post-holed all the way to the Horn so that will be fun when it freezes - we've all been that guy. He was having a rough time. Some sections were not skiable and some areas were difficult to follow so the ski tracks diverge in some places. I cut across through the trees to link up with the ski trails on the return trip rather than re-climb the summit of Saddleback - big mistake. The woods were thick and I took a beating. I couldn't turn around or take of my skis without sinking in deep snow and possibly getting stuck so I just had to push through. Exhausting but satisfying day!  
Name
Name: Christopher Cameron 
E-Mail
E-Mail: c_cameron1987@yahoo.com 
Date Submitted
Date Submitted: 2021-03-11 
Link
Link: https:// 
Bookmark and Share Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense.

Copyright 2009-2024, All Rights Reserved