In 1939, the Green Mountain Club undertook an ambitious expansion project at Sherburne Pass to capitalize on the emerging ski industry in Vermont. With support from Mortimer Proctor and financing through a $25,000 loan, the club constructed Deer’s Leap Lodge as a modern winter annex to the original Long Trail Lodge. The new facility opened to the public in 1939 as "this new lodge was built in 1939 by the GMC as an annex to the Long Trail Lodge for winter use in connection with the excellent ski slopes and trail on Pico Peak." This made Deer’s Leap Lodge the first lodge constructed for Vermont’s ski community specifically designed for the skiing community.
Architectural Design and Setting
The attractive new building, nestled at the foot of towering Deer Leap, featured "a big open fireplace, log raftered ceilings, and native burled-birch paneling. Sheltered from the north by massive rock ledges and dense forest, with the large terrace in front open to the sun all day, this Lodge makes an ideal haven after the day’s skiing." GMC Burlington
Accommodations and Amenities
The lodge was designed to accommodate visiting skiers and hikers with modern conveniences. The facility could accommodate approximately 40 persons comfortably and featured guest rooms with running water, some with private baths, while the third floor, called the "Ski-squire Dormitory," contained private rooms and a large bunk hall for men. At the base of the ski slopes, the lodge provided a comfortable warming room, modern lunch bar, rest rooms, and a waxing room. GMC BurlingtonGMC Burlington
Early Years of Operation: 1939-1968
The lodge quickly became a popular destination for skiers and hikers. In 1941, the lodge hosted the Annual Intersectional Ski Outing on the weekend of March 1-2, which was attended by more than thirty representatives from five different sections. By 1940, the management had plans to accommodate all Green Mountain Club members at the new Deer Leap Lodge for the season opening. GMC Burlington
Survival and Transition: 1968-1977
When a fire completely destroyed the original Long Trail Lodge during a blizzard in November 1968, all hiking and skiing activity was moved to the Deer Leap Chalet (the current building now known as the Inn at Long Trail), which continues to operate to serve the community to this day. However, the building suffered during the subsequent decade. By 1970, questionable renovations had altered some of the lodge’s original character. Inn at Long Trail
McGrath Era: 1977-Present
The lodge’s fortunes changed dramatically when new ownership took over. In July 1977, Kyran and Rosemary McGrath took ownership of the lodge, renaming it the Inn at Long Trail. They quickly set about to restore the rustic splendor of the building, including the natural wood beams and the fieldstone fireplace, and reestablished a welcoming, hiker-friendly atmosphere. The McGraths removed later modifications and restored the original furnishings, reestablishing a welcoming, hiker-friendly atmosphere. Inn at Long TrailInn at Long Trail
Sources
- “About Us.” Accessed July 16, 2026. https://innatlongtrail.com/about-us/.
- "Long Trail News." , no. October (1939).
- Long Trail Guide Book 1940 (1940). Green Mountain Club. 34.
- Long Trail News 1940 (1940). Green Mountain Club. 1.
- Long Trail Guide Book 1940 (1940). Green Mountain Club. 30.
- Long Trail Guide Book 1940 (1940). Green Mountain Club. 29.
- Long Trail Guide Book. 12th Edition ed. Green Mountain Club, 1940.
- Long Trail News 1941 (1941). Green Mountain Club. 15.
- "Long Trail News." , no. May (1946).
- "Long Trail News." , no. August (1947).
- Smoke and Blazes (Killington) 63 (2010). Killington Section, Green Mountain Club. 9.
- Long Trail News 2017 (2017). Green Mountain Club. 11.
- Green Mountain Club. Long Trail Guide Book. 13 ed. Green Mountain Club. Pp. 28.
- Green Mountain Club. Long Trail Guide Book. 14 ed. Green Mountain Club, 1951. Pp. 31.
- Green Mountain Club. Long Trail Guide Book. 14 ed. Green Mountain Club, 1951. Pp. 27.
- Green Mountain Club. Long Trail Guide Book. 21 ed. Green Mountain Club, 1977. Pp. 45.
