About NEK Alpine Reserve

NEK Alpine Reserve was created to offer a more intentional way to experience Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom—one that values scenery, pace, and thoughtful curation over rigid itineraries or mass tourism.

Founded by Courtney Muchugu — a proud mother of two, who relocated to Vermont, NEK Alpine Reserve was born from the realization that much of the Northeast Kingdom is not easily discovered through online searches or traditional travel resources. Many of the region’s most compelling routes, viewpoints, and local businesses are best experienced through local knowledge and thoughtful guidance rather than a map or algorithm.

A Local Perspective, Thoughtfully Shared

After spending time exploring the region firsthand, Courtney recognized an opportunity to help visitors navigate an area that rewards curiosity but can feel inaccessible without context. NEK Alpine Reserve was created to bridge that gap—offering a guided, refined way for guests to discover hidden gems, scenic routes, and select local businesses that might otherwise be overlooked.

Each experience is designed by season and shaped by the day’s conditions, allowing the landscape and moment to guide the journey rather than a fixed script.

Thoughtfully Led

Experiences are privately guided and intentionally limited in size to ensure a relaxed, unhurried pace. Attentive hosting, local insight and seamless coordination start to finish highlight some of our best qualities. Beginning with door-to-door service, guests enjoy scenic routes, photo-worthy stops, and opportunities for meaningful local discovery. Routes and stops, are carefully curated for each experience, and may vary based on weather, group size, and seasonal considerations, ensuring each experience feels personal while maintaining a consistent standard of care.

NEK Alpine Reserve offers experiences for families and adults 21+, as well as private bookings for groups reserving the entire vehicle.


Our Mission

NEK Alpine Reserve exists to offer a refined, guided way to experience Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom—one that values thoughtful pacing, seasonal awareness, and meaningful local discovery.


Our Core Values | The NEK Alpine Experience

Intentional Pace | Experiences are designed to feel unhurried and thoughtful, allowing guests to fully engage with the landscape, the moment, and one another.

Seasonal Awareness | Each experience is shaped by Vermont’s changing seasons, recognizing that no two days—or routes—are ever the same.

Quality Over Quantity | Small group sizes and private bookings ensure attentive hosting, comfort, and a consistently elevated experience.

Respect for Place | We value the communities, businesses, and environments that make the Northeast Kingdom unique, approaching exploration with care and consideration.

Thoughtful Stewardship | Through charitable support and responsible practices, we aim to give back to the region that makes our experiences possible.

Community Commitment

A portion of all NEK Alpine Reserve experiences will help support Northeast Kingdom Community Action (NEKCA), helping strengthen local families and communities throughout the region. This commitment reflects a belief that thoughtful exploration and responsible stewardship go hand in hand.