Velomont Vision Plan
This plan documents the vision and accomplishments of the Velomont to date, and provides clear guidance and direction for the next phase of trail and hut planning, design, permitting, and development.
The Velomont
A legacy project. Right here, in the Green Mountain State.
What is the Velomont?
Our vision is to build the most innovative hut-supported trail system in the United States: a network of 485 miles of new and existing trail that connects 23 Vermont mountain biking chapters across public and private lands, linking 27 communities across the state while employing and training 330 young adults as they build 30 new huts and five new downtown hostels. This legacy project addresses multiple needs, and has the potential to conserve up to 214,000 acres of unprotected land.
Why the Velomont?
Safe and simple access to outdoor recreation is not only a privilege, but a necessity. In 2020 the state of Vermont saw record breaking participation in outdoor recreation activities and park usage. We believe now more than ever in our mission to provide an enriching and immersive outdoor experience with space and access for everyone.
Two main roadblocks exist: access and opportunity. Without safe, affordable solutions, outdoor recreation faces a glaring inequity problem. Backcountry trips have historically demanded significant time, equipment, and expertise.
Why the Velomont, continued
The Velomont Trail and Vermont Hut Network will offer guests myriad points of trail access and, in the hut, all they need to sleep, cook, and safely stay in the backcountry; guests simply bring food and a sleeping bag. By lowering the barrier to entry for backcountry adventures, this project will offer beginners and experts alike a new point of access to the outdoors.
With front and backcountry experiences accessible from gateway villages, this new infrastructure will support a wide range of user groups, engaging multiple generations of outdoor enthusiasts. Unlike most long-distance trails that tend to favor more remote areas only, the Velomont Trail will also link 36 existing trail networks and travel directly into villages, providing an outdoor lifeline for many Vermont communities. The final project will span approximately 485 miles with 30-45 huts along the trail.
project impact
economic development
$31 million in total spending
$11 million in increased earnings
$2 million in state taxes
112 new jobs
services
320 young adults trained through huts construction program
$1.1 million in wages earned
2,340 weeks of employment
connectivity
Hut to hut trail system connects 12 counties, 27 communities, and 23 trail organizations
conservation
214,000 acres +/- of private and public land conserved by the project
Alignment with and protection of sustainable use of a climate resilience corridor
health
Huts create new points of access for families, beginners, and experts alike
Outdoor recreation reduces stress & anxiety, improves mood & outlook, has long term impact on emotional well-being
Donate to enhance access to recreation in Vermont.
WHO IS THE VELOMONT?
Velomont Trail Collective
The mission of VTC is to expand, protect and promote the Velomont Trail as a world-class experience, linking rural communities and their respective trail networks with a long distance, multi-use, singletrack experience that provides access to a backcountry hut to hut network along the way.
Vermont Huts Association
Vermont Huts Association’s mission is to foster a deeper appreciation of our natural environment and strengthen Vermont’s communities by providing enriching and immersive outdoor experiences for all.
Vermont Mountain Bike Association
VMBA and its chapters work to ensure the sustainability of mountain biking in Vermont and thoughtfully promote exceptional riding experiences for all through advocacy, education, and community-driven stewardship.
Catamount Trail Association
The CTA is a passionate group of backcountry skiers and outdoor enthusiasts. We believe days spent in the mountains with friends are powerful, and that those experiences should be open to everyone. As advocates, volunteers, supporters, and trailblazers, CTA is working to expand access to Vermont’s backcountry.
Vermont Youth Conservation Corps
VYCC’s mission is: Take action and build community by working and learning together with the land.
Trust for Public Land
TPL creates parks and protects public land where they’re needed most so that everyone will have access to the benefits and joys of the outdoors for generations to come.
With special thanks
United States Forest Service
Vermont Forest Parks & Recreation
Vermont Fish & Wildlife
Vermont Adaptive
Vermont Land Trust
supported by our friends at:
The Conine Foundation, Outdoor Gear Exchange, rk Miles, Norwich Solar, Greenbacker Capital, The Lintilhac Foundaton, RK Mellon Foundation.