Vermont Dogsled Ride

Plan to make Seeley Lake into Nordic skiing mecca moves forward

Seeley Lake citizens are sliding into the next phase of a project to transform their small, rural community into a national Nordic ski destination.

A much-anticipated feasibility study conducted by Vermont-based Morton Trails, a nonmotorizied trail planning and design firm, is complete and provides the blueprint for how Seeley Lake can develop top-notch Nordic skiing facilities.

Some of the suggestions include establishing a nonprofit group to fundraise and lead the charge on the project and identifying nearby national forest land suitable for developing Nordic ski trails - in addition to the existing Seeley Creek trail system located just north of town.

"We have the snow, elevation and terrain that would make us a possible high-level competition training center," said Adrienne Marx, a member of the Seeley Lake Nordic Challenge Steering Committee, which commissioned the study. "We have all those components. It's going to take time and energy to reach that, and but it's doable."

Seeley Lake's elevation, snowpack and rolling terrain rival some of the best Nordic ski destinations in the country. It's a relatively short distance from Missoula, which offers enhanced lodging, dining and air travel amenities. Also, Seeley Lake's energy and commitment to the project and its close collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service bodes well for the project's future, said David Lindahl, Morton Trails principal.

Seeley Lake's summertime economy is robust but the town struggles in winter, despite snowmobiling and dog sledding, Marx said.

Morton Trails identified two development scenarios: The first describes the minimum amount of investment necessary to attract major regional and national Nordic races. The second describes an investment level that would make Seeley Lake one of the top six Nordic ski destinations in the country.

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While Seeley Lake's 15-kilometer Nordic trail system is a good foundation, significantly more miles of trails would need to be constructed, the consultants said.

"There are a raw number of kilometers to put yourself on the map to make it work," Lindahl said.

At the least, the town would need an additional 40 kilometers of ski trails, a day lodge and a garage at Seeley Creek, enhanced grooming capabilities, expanded parking, a trail through the business district and preferably a trail that connects the schools to Seeley Creek. Those improvements would cost roughly $800,000.

Vermont, a Unique Destination for Dog Sledding Adventures

Vermont has become a major destination in New England for dogsledding enthusiasts. Located in the heart of the Green Mountains of Vermont are several dog sledding businesses that offer the opportunity for you to get behind a team of sled dogs and out into the wilderness in a way many never get to experience.

If you grew up reading Jack London’s Call of The Wild or White Fang as I did you may long to experience a life style long since lost to many. You may have a love of dogs and an appreciation for working dogs doing what they were bred to do. Either way a visit to Vermont for a dogsledding experience may be just what you are looking for.

When you are out in the wilderness with a team of sled dogs it’s almost as though you have been transported back in time. There is nothing like sliding along a cold snowy trail with the only sounds being that of the runners sliding over the snow and dogs breathing as they do what they love to do. Watching a team of dogs work together and the strength and speed they are capable of is simply amazing. After years of working with sled dogs it still amazes me every time I watch these incredible athletes at work.

Often the closest you can get to experiencing dogsledding is at a dogsled race where you can watch the teams leave the starting shoot or come back in from their run. Luckily there are people running businesses where you can actually interact with the dogs and even try your hand at driving a sled. The best part is that you can have this experience with out having to acquire and train six to eight dogs of your own! I must warn you that it can be addictive. After a visit to Vermont for a dogsled adventure you may just find yourself longing for your first Husky. Be very careful; talk to any musher and they will tell you that is how is all begins. First it’s one and the next thing you know you somehow have ended up with a dozen.

Dogsledding is not limited to winter; several outfitters offer year round dogsledding experiences. Carts or other wheeled devices allow dog teams to be run during the non snow months of the year. Fall foliage season in Vermont is a beautiful time to get out for a dogsled ride. You can view the beautiful foliage as you are pulled along by a team of dogs. It’s just as fun as winter time sledding but not nearly as cold.

Running one or two dogs with a scooter is also becoming a very popular dog powered activity. It’s a great way to get your own dog out for a little exercise and may well add years to their life. There are opportunities to try this exciting sport out with your dog and see if it is something you both would enjoy.

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