Resorts & Mountains > Bolton Valley
I arranged to take the morning off, knowing that we were to get some fresh snow on Sunday night. I made a good decision!
I headed over to Bolton Valley Resort to get my morning powder fix. I'd say there was about 5 to 6 inches of fresh and it had blown deeper in many places. Plus, it snowed all morning, despite the sunny weather down in town. We were in a snow cloud.
For those who like the groomed packed powder, it was lovely. For those who seek out powder like I do, it was...[Read more]
Monday, January 30, 2012
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Bolton Valley
The Skimeister and I got out on the trails at Bolton Valley Resort during the lunch hour and early afternoon today. We took our telemark skis and played on the packed powder ski runs, which were not very busy on this Friday.
The ski area had about four to five inches of fresh, natural snow on the sides of the trails and on less-traveled connector trails. It was fun to plow through some freshies!
The coverage on the snowmaking trails was very good and we enjoyed taking runs on the Mid-Mountain...[Read more]
Friday, January 6, 2012
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Bolton Valley
Ski resorts in the northern and central parts of Vermont picked up another round of unexpectedly high snowfall yesterday. Depending on location, it was on the order of 6 to 12 inches of snow! (Check the snow reports on our Vermont Ski Resorts page for details.)
Base areas first experienced some rain and then it changed to snow as the temperatures dropped through the day and, well, it just kept snowing! Today we have cold temperatures that are surely helping with snowmaking, as...[Read more]
Thursday, December 29, 2011
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Bolton Valley, Cross-country skiing, Jay Peak, Killington, Mad River Glen, Pico, Smugglers' Notch, Stowe, Sugarbush
Things got a bit jollier at the end of this week when Vermont ski resorts received anywhere from an inch to six inches of natural snowfall. It really made for a beautiful day at Bolton Valley resort. I took laps in the sun on the Vista Quad chair and enjoyed looking at the frosty trees that were all around me.
I skied the available route from the summit that was made up of Sherman's Pass and Bear Run. I actually took my telemark gear out today to get more practice on...[Read more]
Saturday, December 24, 2011
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Bolton Valley
One to seven inches of snow fell around the state on Wednesday night to help make things look a bit more wintry in Vermont. Today and tonight some areas will see snow showers.
Dipping temperatures have helped with plans for three more ski resorts to spin their lifts for the first time this weekend. Bolton Valley Resort plans to open Saturday, as does Mount Snow. Bromley Mountain plans to open on Sunday.
Mount Snow will celebrate the "first flight" of the Bluebird Express, its...[Read more]
Friday, December 9, 2011
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Bolton Valley, Bromley, Cross-country skiing, Fall & Early season, Mount Snow, Okemo
With that crazy October snowstorm, Mother Nature allowed Killington to get a jump-start to the ski season. The resort continues to offer skiing daily as weather and conditions allow.
Meanwhile, other Vermont ski resorts are pulling out their snowmaking guns and fans and preparing the lifts and base lodges for skiers and riders later in November and December.
Ski Vermont recently reported these tentative opening dates:
October 29: Killington...[Read more]
Saturday, November 5, 2011
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Bolton Valley, Fall & Early season, Jay Peak, Killington, Mount Snow, Okemo, Stowe, Stratton, Sugarbush
Updated 2/3/2012
When it comes to the 2011 - 2012 ski season, are you wondering what’s new for lift ticket discounts in Vermont? We’ve been compiling our annual list of what we think are some of the better lift ticket deals and promotions so that you can start shopping around.
As usual, we’ll update this blog post as new ticket discounts are announced throughout the fall and ski season.
Of course, when it comes to getting the best value for your skiing dollar, it’s...[Read more]
Friday, October 21, 2011
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Bolton Valley, Burke, Jay Peak, Mad River Glen, Smugglers' Notch, Stowe, Sugarbush, Ticket discounts
Hello skiers, in case you haven’t noticed: It’s nearly fall!
It’s time for county fairs, back-to-school sales, and now season pass deal deadlines! Some Vermont ski resorts have early-bird deals on season passes and often the deadlines roll through the fall – with the best deals for those willing to make their investment early on. Nowadays, online purchasing allows you to get the pass you want without driving to the resort under a deadline!
At Burke Mountain ski resort, for example, making a...[Read more]
Sunday, August 28, 2011
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Filed in: Bolton Valley, Burke, Jay Peak, Mad River Glen, Season pass, Smugglers' Notch, Stratton, Ticket discounts
After a snowy winter and wet spring, we are enjoying farmers’ market season in Vermont! At recent markets that I went to I saw lots of leafy vegetables, tomatoes, beans, peas, beets and more. Can’t wait until the sweet corn is out, too!
The Skimeister and I started our garden a bit late due to an extremely wet May and some early-June travel. But with some recent heat and sun, things are really starting to grow (eggplant, tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, for example). But I’ve been picking up...[Read more]
Friday, July 15, 2011
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Filed in: Bolton Valley, Bromley, Food, coffee & après ski, Jay Peak, Mount Snow, Okemo, Ski towns in summer, Smugglers' Notch, Stowe, Sugarbush
Updated 5/10/11
I've been checking in on the dates that Vermont ski resorts are closing. Typically the smaller ski areas close first because of lower elevations and smaller operating budgets.
This is not a complete list because the ski resorts don't always announce their intentions in advance. Please check the website of the resort you'd like to go to before you head for the hills! We have links on our Vermont ski resorts page.
Closed as of March 30:
Pico MountainMt. Ellen side of...[Read more]
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Bolton Valley, Bromley, Burke, Cross-country skiing, Killington, Okemo, Spring skiing, Stowe, Sugarbush
Looks like most Vermont ski resorts picked up about 2 - 6 inches of new snow on the first day of spring. That should help things a bit after a warm, sunny weekend.
Okemo, Killington and Bolton Valley ski areas all report about 4 - 5 inches. And temps will stay cool this week so we'll likely see a few more flakes.
On another note, we heard some news from Stowe Mountain Resort this week. They’ll be replacing the FourRunner Quad with a new, modern detachable quad. The FourRunner was installed in...[Read more]
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Bolton Valley, Killington, Okemo, Spring skiing, Stowe
The snowstorm that is currently hitting Vermont has been most ferocious in the northern part of the Green Mountains. (It's about time! Several of the storms this season favored southern Vermont!)
Here's what Vermont ski resorts are reporting for snowfalls via social media as of 7 and 8 am Monday morning. And it's still snowing in northern Vermont.
Note: Check with the resort before you drive there. Some are indicating late openings or ice (southern Vermont) and weather-affected lift...[Read more]
Monday, March 7, 2011
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Backcountry skiing, Bolton Valley, Cross-country skiing, Jay Peak, Mad River Glen, Smugglers' Notch, Sugarbush
What a fun morning to be skiing on my newish, wider skis! The width came in handy in the wind-blown powder at Bolton Valley, Vt., this morning. Area ski resorts received about a foot of new snow with the snowstorm that hit Vermont yesterday.
It must have been quite windy yesterday and last night. On wider trails the snow was a bit wind-packed. But if you found a part of a trail that doesn't get whipped by wind, or if you were in the glades, you found softer, fluffier snow. It was a...[Read more]
Saturday, February 26, 2011
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Bolton Valley
On Saturday I joined two friends for our first exploration of the Cotton Brook backcountry trail in the in Bolton / Waterbury / Stowe area of Vermont. I believe we hit a bit of all three towns during our lengthy ski tour, and it offered a little of everything.
All three of us have skied the Bolton-Trapp Trail, and I think that trail is a much better choice for earning a sustained skiing descent. But we wanted to check out what was beyond those "To Cotton Brook" signs that tempt you...[Read more]
Sunday, February 13, 2011
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Filed in: Backcountry skiing, Bolton Valley, Food, coffee & après ski, Stowe
What a day to be skiing in Vermont today!
Friends and I hit Bolton Valley this morning and we had a blast skiing in the powder. In some places the snow was a bit more than one-foot deep, while in other places, such as in the woods, we found some nearly two-foot-deep spots.
Lower Devil's Playground/Preacher had some really deep snow. To get to it I just had to survive the icy, narrow chutes of upper Preacher or Devil's Playground or wherever I was! I enjoyed the powdery glades on both sides...[Read more]
Thursday, February 3, 2011
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Bolton Valley
I've figured it out: I am a right-turner. At least when it comes to my skinny backcountry skis, I tele turn to the right much better than to the left.
I figured this all out on the backcountry trails at Bolton Valley at lunchtime today. There is a lot of snow up there! It was gorgeous.
On top of all the snow we've been getting for a week or two, I found a thin, fluffy layer of fresh snow from last night. It put a thin blanket over yesterday's ski tracks.
I saw photos of the...[Read more]
Thursday, January 20, 2011
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Filed in: Backcountry skiing, Bolton Valley
Well the snow is really hitting Vermont today! Nearly all of the state has a winter storm warning or winter weather advisory. Gets me in the mood for more backcountry skiing!
With that in mind, here are two backcountry skiing events in Vermont that are coming up quickly.
Get Out and Backcountry Ski Festival
This Catamount Trail Association event is held at Bolton Valley Nordic Center on January 23.
You can learn from expert instructors who will help you improve your telemark technique or...[Read more]
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
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Filed in: Backcountry skiing, Bolton Valley
I earned some turns today, and I picked a winner of a day to do so!
Up on Bolton Valley's backcountry trail network, I romped in 9 inches to a foot of fresh, light powder during an early-lunchtime ski tour. It was so gorgeous up there! (Just look at these photos!)
While climbing Bryant Trail, I surmised that only two skiers had gone before me this morning (I could tell from the pole holes). And they had skins on because they didn't have to herringbone where I did in my waxless skis! I also...[Read more]
Monday, January 10, 2011
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Filed in: Backcountry skiing, Bolton Valley
I was jonesing for some outdoor exercise, so I looked at the snow reports for my area nordic centers and found that I needed to "go high" to find some trails that were doing OK after last week's thaw. And none are higher than the Bolton Valley nordic center. So off I went for a lunchtime skate.
I saved this tidbit about elevations from a recent Bolton nordic newsletter:
If you are looking on the NOAA.gov weather site, Bolton is located at approximately Lat/Lon: 44.42°N 72.85°W and...[Read more]
Thursday, January 6, 2011
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Filed in: Bolton Valley, Cross-country skiing
Ever wonder what all the fuss was about when it comes to cross-country skiing or snowshoeing? Well it's about time you found out.
Winter Trails Day
Eight nordic centers in Vermont are offering special events or freebies as part of Winter Trails Day on January 8. The goal: to get people out on the trails in the wintertime to see what they've been missing!
These are the nordic centers in Vermont that will participate in one way or another. Visit this site to read up on the details. Call the...[Read more]
Monday, January 3, 2011
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Filed in: Blueberry Lake, Bolton Valley, Craftsbury, Cross-country skiing, Mountain Top, Ole's, Smugglers' Notch, Stowe, Ticket discounts, Trapp Family Lodge
Holy coastal blizzard, Batman!
Southern Vermont got dumped on thanks to this storm that made its way up the East Coast. Resorts were reporting one to two feet of new snow. Nice!
As you head north in Vermont, the snow totals diminished. Even still, places like Smugglers' Notch and Bolton Valley reported several inches of new snow.
The only problem — and it's an all-too-common one — is the damn wind. Why does wind always seem to come to visit when the snow does? So today some ski resorts were...[Read more]
Monday, December 27, 2010
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Bolton Valley, Magic, Smugglers' Notch
What a stunning day. As my friend Julie and I drove up to Bolton Valley Resort, I noted how frosty everything was — even as low as the elevation of Timberline Lodge.
The trees were encrusted with snow and the sky was brilliant blue. It was quite a treat to be skiing today.
A $15 ticket and the sunshine brought a bunch of skiers and riders out. The lines grew quickly as the morning passed.
After a couple of warm-up runs on the more traveled trails, we picked our way through Glades and then...[Read more]
Friday, December 24, 2010
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Bolton Valley, Food, coffee & après ski
Oh, you lucky, lucky Mount Snow skiers!
You get to fuel up on my favorite coffee any day of the week — slopeside!
Mount Snow and Vermont Coffee Company announced they have opened a café at the ski resort. Vermont Coffee is roasted in Middlebury, Vermont, and the Skimaven ski blog is basically powered by their yummy Dark Roast.
Not only does the coffee taste delicious, but it's fair trade and organic. I know — almost too good to be true!
Other tasty news this week is that Mad River Glen is...[Read more]
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
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Filed in: Bolton Valley, Food, coffee & après ski, Mad River Glen, Mount Snow, Ticket discounts
Tele turns right, tele turns left. My telemark gear and I had a nice day on the slopes at Bolton Valley today.
They have two chairlifts (the Vista Quad to the top and the Mid-Mountain Lift) and the Mitey Mite tow open. The place was hoppin' with families and kids and people grabbing whatever powder they could find.
Earlier in the day I found a couple of inches of fluffy stuff on the sides of the trail and on less-traveled trails such as Glades. Later I was cutting way off to the skier's...[Read more]
Saturday, December 18, 2010
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Bolton Valley
Updated 9/1/2010
It’s inching closer to Labor Day, school time and the colors of fall — and it’s time to think about season pass discounts!
Here are important deadlines to keep in mind while you decide what Vermont ski resorts you might ski this winter, and whether a season pass is a good deal for you. (Do the math!) The earliest discount deadlines are between August 30 and Labor Day!
Some resorts are offering season pass protection this year. That is, for a modest fee, you can get some...[Read more]
Friday, August 20, 2010
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Ascutney, Bolton Valley, Bromley, Burke, Cochran's, Jay Peak, Killington, Mad River Glen, Magic
Here's a peek at what things looked like at higher elevations today in northern Vermont. I messed around on the Bryant and World Cup trails on Bolton Valley's nordic system this afternoon. Yesterday's freak spring storm and today's bright sunshine made this a must-do exercise.
I'd say there was at least 14 inches in these shaded trails, which are located at about 2,100 feet. The snow was heavy, so what I did it was more like a snowshoe walk than a ski. But it was so nice being outside where I...[Read more]
Thursday, April 29, 2010
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Filed in: Backcountry skiing, Bolton Valley, Jay Peak, Spring skiing
I went summer skiing on a glacier in Austria once. It was June. It was raining. We couldn't take in the view because of the clouds. The snow was very soft. And the wind was cold and howling — so it was blowing the trash-bag type ponchos we were wearing to stay dry. I can still hear the wild flapping noise of the plastic!
Luckily yesterday's "summer skiing" was nothing like that. Vermont is having some lovely weather for summer skiing this week and weekend.
The Skimeister and I went for...[Read more]
Friday, April 2, 2010
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Filed in: Bolton Valley, Cross-country skiing, Spring skiing
It was sunny but chilly on Saturday here in northern Vermont. The Skimeister and I went over to play around on the cross-country trails at Bolton Valley, then to watch some of the pond skimming action.
We skied around Picnic and the Valley Loop a bit. The snow was mostly frozen granular, and it was softer in the sunniest spots. They had done a good job grooming after the fluctuations of temperatures we've seen in the last couple of weeks! The snow coverage was still good in this part of the...[Read more]
Sunday, March 28, 2010
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Bolton Valley, Cross-country skiing, Spring skiing
To skim, or not to skim. That is the question.
Well if you're game, you have a good selection of pond skimming contests at Vermont ski resorts to choose from. Here are a few to consider watching, or participating in, below.
The alpine ski areas are still enjoying spring skiing, while the nordic centers are winding down, and some up north are closed already.
Mount Snow: Saturday, March 27. Dress in costume and descend Canyon in an attempt to cross a 100' man-made pond.
Bolton Valley:...[Read more]
Thursday, March 25, 2010
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Bolton Valley, Burke, Killington, Mount Snow, Okemo, Spring skiing, Sugarbush
I'm going to let the photos do the bulk of the talking on this post.
Basically:
- I skied Bolton Valley Wednesday afternoon.
- My friends and I skied mostly in the Timberline area.
- I had to slather on sunscreen.
- I was carving sweet turns in the corn snow.
- The snow coverage was still very, very good.
- The views were tremendous.
- I was sad when it was over.[Read more]
Thursday, March 11, 2010
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Bolton Valley, Spring skiing
Note to self: Bring a neckwarmer and glasses when you go cross-country skiing, even if you don't think you'll need them.
I had a nice cross-country skate ski at Bolton Valley this afternoon. The snow was falling and I was finally getting a workout after a week of back pain. It was great to be on the snow again!
There was up to an inch of fresh snow on the nordic trails (see my first tracks?) and probably more up in the backcountry trails and alpine area. I worked my way up the hills, but then...[Read more]
Sunday, February 14, 2010
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Filed in: Bolton Valley, Cross-country skiing
I don't know if you call it cabin fever or just plain old work stress, but by mid-afternoon today I needed to get outside and exercise! I convinced the Skimeister to join me for an end-of-the-afternoon classic ski at Bolton Valley Nordic Center.
We arrived and saw that we would not be alone in our late-day ski. Ski team members from the University of Vermont and Colchester High School were on the trails, too. We set out for a nice loop out on Maple Loop and only passed a handful of kids.
An...[Read more]
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
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Filed in: Bolton Valley, Cross-country skiing
Well surprise, surprise! Northern Vermont ski resorts are reporting up to 12 inches of snow has fallen on their slopes in the last 24 hours. Yippee!
We knew there was going to be light snow this week, but this is much more than expected.
Thank you, Mother Nature, for exceeding our expectations on this one!
Check out Vermont ski resort conditions here.
Photo courtesy of Jay Peak Resort.[Read more]
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
4 Comments
Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Bolton Valley, Jay Peak, Mad River Glen, Mt. Mansfield, Smugglers' Notch, Stowe, Sugarbush
Are you BC-curious?
Two upcoming events in northern Vermont will get skiers out into the backcountry to introduce them to backcountry skiing or improve the skills they already have. The venue for both of these events is the terrific Bolton Valley nordic and backcountry trail network. And both events have limited enrollment, so check 'em out now.
"Get Out and Backcountry Ski Festival"Sunday, January 24 at Bolton Valley
This event is put on by the Catamount Trail Association — the keepers of...[Read more]
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
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Filed in: Backcountry skiing, Bolton Valley
I skied this afternoon at Bolton Valley in some super-light snow that had fallen in the last 24 hours -- and it was as tasty a treat as a Fluffernutter sandwich.
In fact, light, fluffy snowflakes were falling the whole time I was skiing; it seemed to make each run a little better. On the less-traveled trails and in the glades off of the Timberline Chair, I was playing in some fun powder. I noticed at times that I wasn't able to see my skis as I made a small wake through the snow. I'd guess...[Read more]
Friday, January 8, 2010
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Bolton Valley, Food, coffee & après ski
It's time for all you cross-country skiing and snowshoeing never-evers to hit the trail!
Nearly a dozen Vermont nordic ski centers are offering free introductions to these winter sports on Saturday, January 9. Now there is no excuse not to try them!
I've grown to love nordic skiing and snowshoeing over the years. It's a quieter scene than downhill skiing, and it can be a wonderful workout. There's nothing like quietly gliding or walking through a winter wonderland.
Follow this link to read...[Read more]
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
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Filed in: Bolton Valley, Craftsbury, Cross-country skiing, Highland Lodge, Mountain Top, Smugglers' Notch, Ticket discounts
The Skimeister and I met up with friends Thursday night at Vermont's Bolton Valley Resort. We wanted to take in the ski resort's New Year's Eve festivities, which included a torchlight parade and fireworks.
The evening was rather warm and a pretty good crowd had gathered for night skiing. The tavern on the second floor of the base lodge was full of hungry and thirsty skiers and families. We were able to get a table and have a beer before the skiers schussed down the trail holding red flares --...[Read more]
Friday, January 1, 2010
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Bolton Valley
Vermont ski resorts are reporting a couple of inches of new snow this morning — with the snow continuing today in many places.
At the stake at the top of Mt. Mansfield yesterday afternoon, there was a total of 26 inches of snow. I'd expect that there are a couple more inches this morning.
Here are a few morning totals thus far:Bolton - 2 inchesBurke - 3 inches Jay Peak - 3 inchesKillington - 2 inchesSmugglers - 4 inchesStratton - 1 inchSugarbush - 1 inch
Check the snow reports links...[Read more]
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Bolton Valley, Burke, Jay Peak, Killington, Mt. Mansfield, Smugglers' Notch, Stratton, Sugarbush
A bluebird day. Darn cold, but blue!
The trees on the ridges around Bolton Valley looked like they were frosting decorations on a cake. We went for an end-of-the-afternoon ski on the backcountry trails at Bolton. Blue sky, squeaky snow, and white trees; it was gorgeous.
There were a few more inches of snow since this past weekend, so waterbars were better covered and more frozen, as well, with the recent cold snap. I think we only had to step over one of them this time. The base is...[Read more]
Friday, December 18, 2009
2 Comments
Filed in: Backcountry skiing, Bolton Valley, Food, coffee & après ski
If it's not wintry in your neck of the woods, then you have to head to higher ground. It was down-right snowy up at Bolton Valley's backcountry trails today in Vermont.
The Skimeister and I went for an afternoon tour — our first of the season. We noticed more snow the higher we went. Boy, I was feeling it as I slogged up the Bryant trail! But the Birch Loop trail brought welcome ups and downs through about 11 inches of fresh snow.
The trees had snow on them and we came across moose tracks...[Read more]
Saturday, December 12, 2009
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Filed in: Backcountry skiing, Bolton Valley
