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Vermont Huts Association pitches 485-mile Velomont trail and hut network, links recreation to conservation
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Summary
RJ Thompson, executive director of Vermont Huts Association, told the committee the Velomont — a multiuse trail routed into rural towns with huts and hostels — could expand outdoor access, support conservation of large tracts and produce economic activity along the route.
RJ Thompson, executive director of the Vermont Huts Association, outlined plans for the Velomont trail and a related hut-and-hostel network during testimony to the Economic Development, Housing & General Affairs Committee.
“When this project is finished, it will be about 485 miles from Canada to Massachusetts,” Thompson said, describing a multiuse corridor optimized for mountain biking while remaining accessible to hikers and skiers.
Project and conservation goals: Thompson said the Velomont links existing trails, town centers and backcountry huts. The association currently operates 15 huts and expected three more to break ground in 2025; when complete, the Velomont would host roughly 30–45 huts and downtown hostels, some with long-term housing units.
Economic and workforce impacts: Thompson presented 2020-era estimates indicating roughly 35,000 annual visits and about $6 million in annual sales activity tied to the trail corridor, along with an anticipated payroll and training effect for several hundred young workers building and maintaining huts and trail segments.
Conservation examples: Thompson cited the Rolston Rest parcel (roughly 2,700 acres across Chittenden, Mendon and Killington) and a 735-acre community forest near the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail as instances where recreation-focused projects supported land protection. He said the Velomont could catalyze conservation of roughly 200,000 acres by linking trail corridors and conserved parcels.
Ending: Thompson asked the committee to support the VHCB statutory funding request and asked lawmakers to consider regulatory changes that would reduce permitting delays for trail conservation and recreation projects. “Protecting the corridor and parcels through which the trail will pass will absolutely ensure Vermonters have continued access to this expanding public resource,” he said.
