ABOUT US

We founded Country Mile Vermont because we wanted to combine the best aspects of backpacking with the satisfaction of settling into warm food and a comfortable bed at the end of a long hike. Our goal is to introduce people to the joys of hiking in Vermont's great outdoors by welcoming beginners and emphasizing sustainability.

Country Mile Vermont is a locally owned and operated company, so you can count on personalized attention to detail and a commitment to constantly improve our offerings. 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 our lead guide. He has trained with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) and is a certified Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and Leave No Trace Master Educator. Peter's diverse background includes leading multi-week expeditions in Colorado, serving with AmeriCorps and practicing as a real estate attorney at a global Top 20 law firm. Peter serves on the board of Duxbury Land Trust and enjoys reading, skiing and searching for the perfect post-hike snack.

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's outdoor background includes National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) training and leading backcountry expeditions in Idaho. 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 repeat guests on guided tours. In his free time he enjoys napping in the snow, sampling human food and romping in the woods. Rowan is learning how to paddleboard, with mixed results.