We set out from the Waterbury Waterworks on February leap day
in search of the Worcester Ridge. Yesterday saw a wintery mix of
rain changing over to snow that left a thick layer of plaster coating
the trees. In the lower hardwoods, saplings are bent over in all
directions frustrating our progress. Hoods are essential for barging
through this maze as we are constantly bombarded by overhead
hangfire.
Southeast of Stowe Pinnacle we mount Hogback
Mountain and head east to the Skyline Trail north
of Mt Putnam. A few arduous high-angle pitches
bring us to this highest point on the Worcester
Ridge.
The Skyline from here to Mt Hunger is fairly easy to
follow, being well marked with blue blazes.
Thankfully the gradient is relatively shallow in this
section and there are numerous viewpoints where
Mt Mansfield to the west, and the Whites of New
Hampshire to the east can be seen on a clear day.
The glide surface ranges from dense powder to wind-sculpted rolls.
The sun tries unsuccessfully to break through as we land on Mt Hunger; it casts a somber glow over the barren summit.
The temperature is in the low teens with a north wind that is readily felt in exposed
areas. Our jackets are wet and frozen from the relentless barrage of limb-shaken
snow. As we take them off to layer up before the descent, they prop upright like
suits of armor on the ground, reminding me of Patagonia’s stand up shorts.
From here to the parking lot below we are treated to a continuous 2300’ drop
through open softwoods at higher elevations and birch glades lower down. The
arched turns these spacious hillsides enable are backcountry soul food.
By Lew Coty 2/29/2020
Skier: Larry Lackey
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