he Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) recently announced its purchase of the 29,500-acre Roach Ponds tract-a historic transaction that marks the creation of a 63-mile-long corridor of conservation land comprising nearly 650,000 contiguous acres open to public recreational use in the Maine Woods. It also provides a permanent connection between three traditional Maine sporting camps, with a fourth to be added in 2011, through cross country skiing, hiking and biking trails.

Lodge-to-lodge skiing starts January 22, with the first leg of this self-guided trip traveling across the newly protected property and then continuing the next day to AMC’s 37,000-acre Katahdin Iron Works property, which is also permanently protected.

The AMC offers a unique opportunity to cross country ski lodge-to-lodge on an expansive, protected natural landscape in the heart of Maine’s 100-Mile Wilderness. Lodging, meals, and gear shuttling are all included, making it possible to ski with a light pack and combine a remote backcountry experience with traditional Maine sporting camp hospitality. Each lodge features private cabins heated by wood stoves and freshly prepared meals, and a wood-fired sauna welcomes skiers on the final stretch of the trip.

Skiing between lodges, guests stay overnight at AMC’s Medawisla Wilderness Lodge and Cabins, partner West Branch Pond Camps, and AMC’s Little Lyford Lodge and Cabins. Both three- and five-night itineraries are offered, with the second option allowing extra days to explore the extensive local network of cross country ski and snowshoe trails around AMC’s lodges, or to simply enjoy some downtime. The distance between each lodge is approximately 8.5 miles.

Additionally, a guided, five-night lodge-to-lodge ski trip to all three lodges is offered February 20-25, 2010.

The AMC has donated a conservation easement on the Roach Ponds Tract to the State of Maine, ensuring the parcel is protected from development in perpetuity. This land conservation project is a major milestone in AMC’s Maine Woods Initiative, a plan for land conservation in the 100-Mile Wilderness region that addresses regional ecological and economic needs through outdoor recreation, resource protection, sustainable forestry, and community partnerships. For further information about the AMC’s Roach Ponds tract, visit www.outdoors.org/mwi.

The trail network is recommended for intermediate to advanced cross country skiers comfortable in a backcountry setting. Full details about lodge accommodations and amenities are available on the AMC’s website at www.outdoors.org/mainelodges.

http://www.crosscountryskier.com/ccsnews/news.php?newsid=1067