By 1930, the Battell estate was a unique aspect of Middlebury’s identity: the Forest generated income and supported local industry, both the Inn and Forest were integral to the academic curriculum, and Battell Park, as home to nearly 70 miles of the recently completed Long Trail, drew thousands of outdoor enthusiasts annually.
But the true inheritors of Bread Loaf, Middlebury students, remained relatively unaware of its existence. To encourage students to explore their legacy, the administration sponsored college-wide outings, photographic campaigns highlighting outdoor events, and overnight camping trips. An outing on Lincoln Mountain in January 1931 inspired John Storm ’32 to propose the Middlebury Mountain Club. It was established in March 1931 and became the most popular club at Middlebury for both men and women.
The MMC sponsored its first Winter Carnival in 1934 and after 88 years now hosts intercollegiate competition in both downhill and nordic ski events at venues located on Bread Loaf land: the Middlebury Snow Bowl and Rikert Ski Touring Center.