09/24/2026
An update from our executive director...
Dear Vermont Huts & Trails community,
As the leaves begin to fall and the Green Mountains give way to hues of golden, red, and yellow, I find myself looking forward to the first snow of the year. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll take all the sunshine we can get before stick season, but the evolution from summer to fall in New England is one I’ve always loved, so it's fitting that I share with you today a transitional update here at Vermont Huts & Trails.
After 10 years at the helm of this amazing organization, I will be stepping down as VHT’s executive director. This is a decision I made on my own after much reflection and consideration. At the end of the day, I simply want to spend more time with my family—ideally in huts and on trails!
I am, however, excited to share that I am not leaving VHT. Instead, I will transition into a part-time role focused on facilitating new hut and trail projects. This move will allow me to prioritize the type of work that helped build the organization a decade ago, and it will create space for me to show my kids (who still think their dad is cool) the magic of Vermont—all while remaining on staff to ensure a smooth transition and offer continued advisory support.
It’s worth noting that I work with some of the best people in the world, and I am grateful to be able to continue working with them. This has always been a herculean team effort, and I’m extremely proud of the positive impacts we’ve created across the state in relatively short order. Since we launched in 2016, we’ve:
- Expanded the network to 22 huts (with another hut and hostel on the horizon)
- Hosted over 60,000 hut guests
- Built over 32 miles of new and/or improved Velomont Trail and brought over 100 miles to shovel-ready status
- Hosted nearly 300 FOREST Program participants
- Partnered to conserve thousands of acres, support local economies, and increase access to outdoor recreation
- Secured nearly $10 million in private and public funding to support the organization’s mission
I'm confident VHT is in a strong position for the next executive director to build upon our success and continue creating new points of access to the outdoors, and I look forward to introducing you to that person once they join the team later this year.
On that note, if you or someone you know has the tenacity and skill set to lead one of the most dynamic, fun, and results-driven organizations in the state, please visit vermonthuts.org/work-with-us/ to view the job description and apply.
There’s an old African proverb that says, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” We have come this far because of your involvement, support, and belief that big ideas are worth pursuing. I hope you’ll stay with us for the next ten years as we work to ensure everyone has a place to connect with each other and the natural world.
With deep gratitude,
RJ Thompson
Executive Director
Vermont Huts & Trails
