Trail 105 A - The International Trail

Welcome to Drift Dusters Trail 105 A - The International Trail.

Established in 2019, this trail became the only snowmobile trail in the nation shared by two different clubs and two different countries. Unlike similar trails in other states that are maintained by one club and one country, the Drift Dusters International Trail is one amazing trail created by a collaboration with Club Motoneiges les Trois Villages in Stanstead, Quebec. The only thing that divides the two clubs is an imaginary boundary line marked by snowmobile stakes.

It’s not just the destination riding that Vermont snowmobilers savor.  Riders want to experience the immeasurable backstories that are uncovered during their excursions.  Enthusiasts share accounts of club accomplishments and individual achievements during brief stops at trail intersections, or perhaps gatherings at trailside businesses.  Such lore exists at the Orleans County Vermont border with Canada.  The Drift Dusters Snowmobile Club balanced opportunities with exceptional planning.  The result was The International Trail, and it is a must-have on your snowmobiling bucket list.

VAST Corridor 105A weaves through Derby and Holland.  But the sharp turn north at its mid-section leads to several miles of riding on the US – Canada border.  The route is shared with the Three Villages Snowmobile Club of the Quebec Federation of Snowmobile Clubs.  Two groomed trails from two different countries, and snowmobilers are nearly a high-five away from each other as they pass.  “It’s super-cool to see Quebec sleds going by,” says Mike Koehler, Vice President of the Drift Dusters.  “Sometimes, you pass their groomer too.”  Super-cool began as historic treaties more than a century before the first snowmobile was ever imagined.

The US – Canada border is the longest in the world, over 5,500 miles.  After securing nearly two dozen treaties during the 1800s, the countries agreed the 45th Parallel would represent the border.  They also consented a twenty-foot wide swath would be cleared so the “average person would know they are on the border.”  The finishing touch would be thousands of markers and monuments along the route.

As decades passed, the historic project acquired various names like “The Slash”, “The Border Cut”, and recently for a few with a sense of humor “The No-Touch-Zone.”  Although the goal was a straight clearing when conceived, it was easier said than done.  After completion it actually moved north and south nine hundred times.   They did their best, including the ninety miles at Vermont’s northern border.

Amongst the zigs and zags between the two nations, some areas include unique accommodations and shared agreements.  This includes the construction of the Haskell Free Library and Opera House at Derby Line Vermont and Stanstead Quebec in 1904.  It lays acclaim to the famous black line across the floor where the border crosses right through the building.  It also includes two mailing addresses.  Residents from both countries can use the facility, but procedures are in place to ensure they return to their country of origin. Trust and personal responsibility remain a treasured sentiment amongst the residents.

Fifty years after Vermont snowmobiling began in the 1960s, the preceding chord reemerged amidst more trail development.  In 2018 a landowner closure required a section of Corridor 105A to be rerouted.  The Drift Dusters envisioned the possibility of relocating the trail to the border.  It would involve complex coordination first with landowners that owned large tracts, then a thumbs-up from federal agencies.  The club struck up a confident relationship with the US Border Patrol.  The agency is charged with maintaining security along the border.  Leadership was concerned about a snowmobile trail at first.  However, after some consideration they determined the trail would offer easier access for surveillance.  It would also enhance visibility and likely be a deterrent for illegal crossings.  Today, the Border Patrol supports the club’s initiatives and communicates regularly with the organization.  Strong work!

Also in the mix is The International Boundary Commission.  The agency was created in 1908 and is responsible for maintaining the border plus clearing 1,350 miles of forested land every six years.  The club quickly learned establishing a trail and tackling the ongoing upkeep would be rather sophisticated.  Any work performed required Commission support from both US and Canadian agency leadership.  Installation of a culvert needed a green light from Washington DC.  Nonetheless, the club persevered and the reroute project launched. 

Uh oh!  Members ran into an unexpected snag at the start… an area of wet ground.  Ingenuity kicked into gear and volunteers collected used Christmas trees.  Each one was strategically placed to firm up the base.  Debrushing and signage was added and the trail finally opened.

Following the success, in 2019 discussions continued whether the trail could be extended even further along the border.  Enter Bryan Davis, local landowner.  “I know a bunch of landowners and I think we can get it done,” exclaimed Bryan.  And done it he single-handedly did.  Bryan secured landowner permissions with the help of club volunteers and the club coupled the effort with needed agency approvals.  Today, The International Trail amidst Corridor 105A is more than five miles.  It is heralded as a snowmobiling trail touring showpiece.

After its inception, some minor tweaking was needed to reconnect local riders with the reroute.  Club member Hugh Flynn was able to secure needed permissions.  The 105H was approved, thus the “H” in recognition of Hugh’s hard work that made it happen.

Amongst the straight miles, subtle entertainments add to the mystique.  A shared bridge river crossing includes singular signage directing riders briefly into Canada, then back into the US.  “It’s amazing to see how many snowmobilers love to take pictures of that sign,” says Roger Gosselin, Drift Dusters Trail Coordinator and Orleans County Director.   More pics flood social media as snowmobilers grab selfies with the granite markers. Pictures matter!

A unique quirk is the abrupt redirection at Stearns Brook Road, which avoids an abandoned Customs shack.  The tiny 10x10 structure is weathered and worn.  But the club hopes to restore the historic building.  It would be added to their resume of unique attractions that draw snowmobilers to the area and make trail side business owners happy.

Impromptu encounters along the route add to the allure.  In 2000, the Drift Dusters groomer met up with the groomer from their cross-border neighbors from Stanstead, Quebec.  The momentous meeting included Quebec operator Marty Fauteux who exclaimed, “You Americans make great trails!”  The statement not only stuck with Brandon Phillips and Roger Gosselin from the Drift Dusters, but the club adopted it as a new slogan.

Despite the club’s accomplishments, The International Trail has a measure of concern for Mike Koehler.  “It is among the most sensitive snowmobile trails in Vermont.  Riders cannot put it at risk and must stay on our side.  Nothing can go wrong.  We can’t lose it,” he adds.

The International Trail is an unmatched accolade and remains a powerful story amongst the history of Vermont snowmobiling.  The depth of accomplishments demonstrate the distinctive character of VAST, plus the blended family of individuals that support it.  So when the snows arrive next season, point your skis north for The International Trail experience and a truly great ride.

-Written by Mike Mutascio, VAST Media

International Trail Shared Bridge

In 2020, the decision was made to extend the International Trail a few more miles. In order to do so, the clubs would have to share a bridge that is located entirely in Canada. Riders on the VAST trail system must cross the boundary into Canada, yield to FCMQ traffic, and cross the bridge. They then must imediately return to the United States side and procees down the VAST trail. Because of this, the area is heavily patrolled by US Border Patrol to ensure compliance.

In July of 2023, Vermont experienced historic flooding that washed out the shared bridge on the International Trail. This was the second time the bridge had washed out recently - the first was during the Halloween 2019 flooding. After several site visits, including with the International Boundary Commission and the FCMQ, plans were made to rebuild the bridge on concrete abutments and two feet higher to prevent future washouts. In addition to funding from VAST and FCMQ, the project received $5,000 in grant funding from the Ski-Doo Snow PASS Program!

In November of 2023, the bridge was completed in two phases:
Phase 1: Remove and replace bridge abuttments by Drift Dusters Snowmobile Club.
Phase 2: Rebuild Bridge decking by Club motoneiges les trois village.

In November of 2023, Kingdom Lawncare, Laggis Excavation, KMC Excavation, and Scelza Excavation came together to reconstruct the foundation of the bridge. Photos can be seen below. Thank you to Brighton Snowmobile Club Judy Valente for taking photos during construction!