About Vermont Huts
Why We Exist
The beauty and allure of the Green Mountains have attracted mountain purists from all over the world. Hard-working Vermonters have created remarkable recreational opportunities for locals and tourists to enjoy. Countless trails were created over the years by skiers, mountain bikers, and hikers. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, our mission is to take these individual trail systems and unify them by linking a cohesive network of backcountry accommodations – where huts, cabins, yurts and lodges will exist to enhance our outdoor adventures.
Our immediate efforts will be to unify the existing backcountry accommodations in the state. Once that’s completed, we’ll look to create new lodging opportunities to connect the dots in between.
This process won’t be easy, but it needs to be done, and that’s what we’re here to do.
It will take an enormous amount of statewide and community collaboration to build this network. So, if you operate a backcountry shelter, we’d love to chat with you. If you’re an eager mountain biker or skier, get involved by raising awareness about our efforts. The time has come to put Vermont huts on the map.
From all of us at VT Huts
RJ Thompson
Co-Founder, Executive Director
RJ lives to be in the mountains, and he loves sharing his passion for the outdoors with anyone who is willing to join him on foot, skis, or bike. His love for the Green Mountains began in 2002 while studying at the University of Vermont, and, after a three-year stint in Jackson Hole, he received an M.S. in Environmental Studies from Green Mountain College. RJ also serves on the Green Mountain Club’s Camps Committee and the Moosalamoo Association’s board of directors. He has also visited hut systems across the US and Europe. When RJ is inside, you can find him chasing his son around the house with his wife, Olivia.
Devin Littlefield
Co-Founder, Director of Marketing
The outdoors have been a part of his entire life and will be for the rest of it. Devin received his Bachelors degree in Outdoor Studies from Alaska Pacific University in Anchorage and has worked extensively in the outdoor recreation and travel industries since. His deep knowledge of backcountry huts comes from experiences with multiple organizations from Maine, his home state, to Alaska, the surreal dream state. When Devin is not dreaming up things for Vermont Huts Association, he is with his wife, Monica, going on or planning for the next adventure. And drinking coffee. Lots of coffee…
DANI KEHLMANN
Development and Communications Manager
Dani and her best friend, Boots the dog, are generally found eating snacks in the woods and calling it trail running. She can also be found serving on the Waterbury Selectboard, coaching a fitness class, or telling a bad joke. It has always been Dani’s mission to leave the world a little better than she found it, leading her from the arts, to teaching, to social services, and finally to Vermont Huts. It is with great joy that Dani joins the team to leave a lasting impact on Vermont’s outdoor recreation and increase access for all people in the backcountry. Everyone deserves a safe, accesible way to play – and stay – outdoors.
Board of Directors
Berne Broudy | Jamey Fidel |
Chris Quinn | David Goodman |
Mike Donohue | Liz Gleason |
JULIA BUNTING |