ABOUT US
We love the outdoors, and we love hiking. But we also know that sleeping under the stars isn't for everyone. We thought that there must be a way to combine the best aspects of backpacking—outdoor exercise, quality time with friends and family, unparalleled access to wildlife and natural beauty—with the satisfaction of settling into warm food and a cozy bed at the end of a long day. Whether it's a guided ski trip or an inn-to-inn walking tour, we strive to perfect this balance.
Country Mile Vermont is a locally owned and operated company, so you can count on small group sizes and personal attention to the details of your tour. We love what we do, and we love Vermont. Come walk a few "country miles" with us and we think you'll see why!
OUR TEAM
Owner and Guide
PETER MANDYCH
Peter is the founder of Country Mile Vermont and its primary guide. He has trained with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) and is a certified Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and a Leave No Trace Master Educator. Peter has worked in a variety of fields, including as a backcountry expedition leader in Colorado, a member of AmeriCorps, and a real estate attorney at a large Boston law firm. Peter's diverse professional background informs his approach to guiding and management. Peter is an advocate for public land and enjoys reading, skiing, supporting local ice cream companies, and sharing his love of the outdoors.
Guide
LAUREN MANDYCH
Lauren is a licensed naturopathic doctor (N.D.) and brings a wealth of knowledge and outdoor experience to Country Mile Vermont. Lauren’s clinical practice focuses on lifestyle counseling, mind-body connection, and exploring the health benefits that come from cultivating a relationship with the natural world. Lauren has completed training with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) and previously worked for a backcountry expedition company in Idaho. She also teaches at Northern Vermont University. In her free time, Lauren enjoys gardening, reading, and finding the best swimming holes in the Mad River Valley.
Guide-In-Training/Mascot
ROWAN
Rowan is the would-be chief executive of Country Mile Vermont. A gentle giant, Rowan sometimes accompanies our guided tours. In his free time he enjoys napping in the snow, sampling human food, and romping in the woods.