41 WINTER 2023 VOL . 04 / ISSUE 2 SNOWGOER . COM
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VERMONT
In the movie Ferris Bueller ’ s Day Off , Matthew Broderick ’ s signature character infamously once said , “ How can I possibly be expected to go to school on a day like today ?”
The feeling is sometimes mutual among snowmobilers when it comes to work and other responsibilities . Fortunately , for many in southern New England there are lower Vermont ’ s snowmobile trails that give local riders arguably a far better excuse than Ferris had to blow off personal responsibilities and enjoy a wonderful day of hooky !
Wilmington and Woodford , Vermont , are less than 90 minutes from places like Albany , New York , and Springfield , Massachusetts , making them prime destinations to seek out when that day comes along where you just might feel the need to “ call-in sick .” Any weekend run to this area is a good idea ; but a weekday run ? It ’ s exquisite .
Vermont in general has long been a strong attraction for eastern snowmobilers . With more than 4,700 miles of groomed , impeccably marked trails , its Vermont Association of Snow Travelers ( VAST ) organization has been involved in enhancing snowmobile riding in the Green Mountain State for 50 years .
The Wilmington and Woodford areas , however , have an extra special allure , as was confirmed by impromptu trailside interviews during visits there one recent winter .
“ It ’ s close – we can be on the sleds riding the trails in an hour and a half ,” a
The twisting of the trails starts right away in Vermont – this image was taken leaving the popular Hogback Mountain parking area on Trail 100 .