Greetings! As we reflect on this past season where we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the HWT, we know the party doesnât stop there. Weâre already gearing up for next season and are excited for this next chapter.
The HWT turned 50! To celebrate our 50th, the HWT hosted a concert at Damon Hall featuring Andrew and Noah VanNorstrand and King Arthur provided a beautiful and delicious anniversary cake. The event was a huge success and enjoyed by all who attended. A special thank you to everyone who was a part of that magical night! The HWT also hosted a new version of the Tiki Torch Trek for our 50th. This updated event started earlier in the day with opportunities for kids and adults to try cross-country skiing, a scavenger hunt with prizes, a best dressed âold timeâ outfit competition and a food truck that provided hot drinks and food to the crowd who attended. There was also the usual big bonfire, kids bonfire with fresh popped popcorn and sâmores and sky lantern launches.
Tiki Torch Trek (TTT): While weâre on the subject, there is no date yet for the 2026 Tiki Torch event – stay tuned! It is sure to be a special event as we celebrate the Nordic ski athletes representing the U.S. at the Winter Olympics in Italy!
New ski programs for the community: With an award from the Killington Ski Foundation last year, we purchased enough skis with special âbear trapâ bindings (bindings that can fit over a regular boot) for an entire class at the Hartland Elementary School! Several community volunteers assisted the school PE teacher in helping the kids get out and have fun. The program curriculum was supported by NENSA (New England Nordic Ski Association). We look forward to coordinating more skiing opportunities for the kids this winter. We additionally purchased discounted Nordic ski packages through the Woodstock touring center and, with this purchase, now have a snowshoe AND ski lending program! This equipment is free and available for anyone to use, whether theyâre a visitor needing to borrow equipment, or someone looking to try before they buy. This expanded lending program saw a lot of use this last year and is a perfect opportunity for all ages and foot sizes.
Trail Updates and Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities: Using funds awarded by the Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborate (VOREC), we completed a variety of projects in 2024. However, our work is never done! The HWT will be hosting several fall trail work sessions starting October 4th. Please follow this link for more information, event logistics and to sign up: https://forms.gle/DbBLF9VgZKE641pX7. One of the most important aspects of keeping HWT going from one year to the next is volunteers. Volunteers help to decide the future of HWT, so please consider getting involved as one of our board members, working on trails, grooming, helping with kids programs, or special events such as the Tiki Torch Trek. Please email us at [email protected] to get involved.
Remembrance and Special Thanks: This past year sadly saw the passing of Roger and Clydene Trachier. We would like to acknowledge and thank these special members of the HWT community for allowing our organization to keep all of our many tools and grooming equipment in a secure, heated storage area for the past fifty years, free of charge.
HWT Annual Meeting: Wednesday evening, November 5th, at 7pm. The annual business meeting will be held in person at the Hartland Library and also via Zoom. The link to join virtually will be posted. There will be a pre-meeting social with snacks and drinks starting at 6:30 pm. We hope to see you there and have you join the conversation!
Connect with us! For more information on any and all events, including volunteer opportunities, please check us out online (www.hartlandwintertrails.org). You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram (@HartlandWinterTrails) and the Hartland and Upper Valley Listservs. For the latest updates on grooming and trail conditions during the winter season, please call our new hotline at (802) 281-3264. Our groomers will update the hotline to provide useful information on trail accessibility and conditions.
Finally, if youâve received a physical copy of this newsletter and would like to receive it digitally in the future, please share your email address with us at [email protected].
Looking forward to meeting on the trails! – Maeve Tischbein, Volunteer HWT Secretary