Dutch Hill Winter Recreation Area

The site of an old downhill ski area, Dutch Hill has been developed for backcountry skiing (climb up/ski down) as well as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Trail Activity
Ungroomed cross-country skiing Snowshoeing Backcountry skiing
Length
2.40 miles, Network
Difficulty
Moderate, Advanced, Strenuous
Town
Readsboro (VT)
Surface
Snow, Ungroomed
Pets
Permitted on leash
Fees
No
Other Activities
Snowmobiling

Description

Backcountry skiers should use the uptrack route to access the downhill ski runs (those with waxless skis can often climb the uptrack without skins). The gentle, wide-open Dutch Meadows slope is a great place for beginner skiers to practice their turns.  Lower Dyke is great for beginners, while the rest of Dyke and Meadows Extension are only slightly more difficult. Yankee Doodle's upper third is an advanced trail due to its many trees and a steep, sharp corner at Connector. Use Connector to avoid the steepest part and to access the intermediate portion of Yankee Doodle. The Historic T-bar Lift Line is steep, narrow, and for experts only. It requires good snow cover, as does the expert glades. Other trails and terrain are open to exploration, though no clearing has been done. 

For cross-country skiing, the uptrack route and the snowmobile trail/legal trail (an old town road that once led to settlements on Dutch Hill) provide the best opportunities for intermediate and advanced cross-country skiers.  Other routes may prove challenging for those on lighter weight cross-country ski equipment.

Snowshoers are welcome at Dutch Hill. We recommend using the uptrack route to the summit vista, a journey of just under two miles round-trip. Where possible, please try to keep to the side of the trails and avoid walking on ski tracks. This helps to create more enjoyable and potentially safer conditions for skiers, especially beginners.

Maps of Dutch Hill can be found on DHASH's website.

Other Information

Entrances to Dyke, Dutch Meadows, Meadows Extension, Connector, Yankee Doodle, and Lift Line are marked with signs. The uptrack route is marked with blue markers. The glades are not marked.

Please consider reserving the downhill ski runs for just that…downhill skiing. This will provide a more enjoyable experience for skiers, and a safer experience for everyone. Thanks!

Ski the trees, save the forest. No vegetation cutting in this area. The future of additional access opportunities relies on you. Respect public and private lands: no cutting.

Cell service is limited in the area. In an emergency, call 911. You may need to go to the top of the hill, or back down and south on Route 100 towards Massachusetts, to get service.

Trail Manager

The Dutch Hill Recreation area is a partnership between the Dutch Hill Alliance of Skiers and Hikers (DHASH) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Green Mountain National Forest. Beginning in 2017, DHASH and USFS have been working to create opportunities for backcountry skiers and other outdoor enthusiasts on lands of the former Dutch Hill Ski Area. The ski area operated from 1944 to 1985 and is now part of the Green Mountain National Forest.

Dutch Hill Alliance of Skiers and Hikers

Dutch Hill Alliance of Skiers and Hikers
497 Tunnel St
Readsboro, VT 05350
info@dhash4vt.org
View website

Forest Service Recreation Staff: Manchester Ranger District

Forest Service Recreation Staff: Manchester Ranger District
2538 Depot Street (Rte 11/30)
Manchester Center, VT 05255
Phone: (802) 362-2307
View website

Trail Tips

Plan Ahead and Prepare
Avoid hypothermia, even in warm weather, by limiting your sweat and exposure to cold water. Bring warm and dry clothes in case the shivers set in.
Legend
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Trailhead Information

Address: 910 VT Route 100, Readsboro, Vermont. The large parking area is at the height of land 1.3 miles south (towards MA) from the intersection of Route 8 and 100 at Heartwellville, and 6.6 miles north of the Massachusetts border.

Click on a parking icon to get custom directions
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