Resorts & Mountains > 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
Resorts & Mountains > 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
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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
Updated 3/17/10
I've been scouring the Internet, Facebook, Twitter and more for you (you can thank me later) in search of the best Vermont ski ticket discounts. These are some of the best skiing deals for my fellow Vermonters and our out-of-state friends, too.
Double check on the details before you drive to the ski resort! And don't forget your ID if you want to cash in on a Vermonter ski discount.
When I can, I like to make use of these discounts to try a resort that I haven't skied for a...[Read more]
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
7 Comments
Filed in: Bolton Valley, Killington, Mad River Glen, Mount Snow, Okemo, Smugglers' Notch, Stowe, Stratton, Sugarbush, Ticket discounts
I’m sitting at my computer in a tank top and shorts, sipping a half-and-half (half lemonade and half iced tea). At the same time I’m fretting over the upcoming deadlines for season pass discounts and frequent skier programs at Vermont ski resorts.
This summer has zoomed by much too fast, and now we’re already planning our ski season. It’s a darn good thing that I love winter!
Many Vermont ski resorts offer the best deals on season passes and ski discount programs in the early fall –...[Read more]
Thursday, August 13, 2009
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Filed in: Bolton Valley, Burke, Jay Peak, Killington, Mad River Glen, Season pass, Smugglers' Notch, Stowe, Sugarbush, Ticket discounts
Bolton Valley and Smugglers’ Notch ski resorts in Vermont are excellent choices for those who live in and around Burlington and Chittenden County. And for those who are visiting the area, they are worth checking out for sure. They are smaller and less glitzy resorts than Stowe and Sugarbush, but they have some great terrain and, well, one cannot live on glitz alone. (Especially when one has to dig deep into one’s wallet to pay for it.)
Here is a peak at the mountain improvements that are...[Read more]
Friday, August 7, 2009
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Filed in: Bolton Valley, Resort improvements, Smugglers' Notch
Believe it or not, many Vermont resorts picked up a few inches of snow early this week. I skied in it a bit late Thursday afternoon in the Bolton Valley backcountry trails.
With the warm temperatures and sunshine we have been having it was like skiing through sticky mashed potatoes. But there continues to be a lot of snow in the woods at this higher elevation and we had fun making the most of it. Although, we had to cross a stream to finish our descent on Gardner's Lane. There's a lot of...[Read more]
Friday, April 3, 2009
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Ascutney, Backcountry skiing, Bolton Valley, Jay Peak, Killington, Mount Snow, Okemo, Smugglers' Notch, Spring skiing
The Skimeister and I went to Bolton Valley Resort on Friday afternoon for an afternoon spring ski on the backcountry trails. I wasn't completely sure what to expect back there, but the snow was very soft and there was still a lot of it.
I noted that trying to make telemark turns on soft snow that hadn't been traveled recently was challenging. It's much easier when you are doing alpine skiing and you are on well-trodden moguls.
Even still, I was able to make a handful of decent telemark turns...[Read more]
Saturday, March 28, 2009
1 Comment
Filed in: Backcountry skiing, Bolton Valley, Spring skiing
-- MONDAY PM UPDATE: Lots of snow. Lots of wind. Mad River Glen says they've received nearly five feet in five days. Their single chair was closed today due to high winds which shut down many lifts around the area. Stowe had its major lifts on wind hold today and Sugarbush actually closed down all the lifts by 10 a.m. because the wind was howling so badly. With not many skiers making it to the higher slopes, Tuesday will offer some amazing fresh tracks. --
The Skimeister and I got out on...[Read more]
Sunday, February 22, 2009
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Backcountry skiing, Bolton Valley, Cross-country skiing
Wow—along with some amazing new snow (it kept snowing yesterday in the mountains of Vermont), there are some hot skiing competitions happening here and abroad, as well.
As for the snow, Bolton Valley is reporting an overnight total of just over a foot, on top of the 6 inches from yesterday! Sugarbush is also reporting 17 inches in the last 48 hours. Yeow! I'm going to have to go out for a "business meeting" in the backcountry this afternoon.
Check this NOAA site for details on additional...[Read more]
Friday, February 20, 2009
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Backcountry skiing, Bolton Valley, Cross-country skiing, Sugarbush, Trapp Family Lodge
Depending on where you live in Vermont, you woke up this morning to temperatures in the order of -24 or -17. It was so cold last night that my house let out some very strange sounds. (Hope the siding is still attached.)
So, needless to say, this is not skiing weather. In fact, Bolton Valley Resort did not offer night skiing this week due to the cold. Over in northern Maine, Big Rock ski area closed for a couple days citing the dangerous wind chill.
This is the kind of weather that when you go...[Read more]
Friday, January 16, 2009
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Filed in: Bolton Valley, Food, coffee & après ski, Stowe, Sugarbush
OK folks, while our economic recession is still trying to find its bottom, here in Vermont we're in a rebound of sorts. After a warm-up around Christmas time, we've cooled off and enjoyed some significant snowfall. The base is growing and that makes me forget about the year-end retirement account report I received in the mail today. Well, mostly anyways.The word on the street points toward a bullish recovery:
51 inches of snow at the stake near the top of Mt. MansfieldAt Killington: 12 inches...[Read more]
Thursday, January 8, 2009
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Backcountry skiing, Bolton Valley, Craftsbury, Cross-country skiing, Jay Peak, Killington, Mt. Mansfield, Stowe
Freebies don't come along every day, so this is one to take advantage of this weekend.
Several Vermont nordic centers are offering free or discounted trail passes, cross-country skiing lessons and ski or snowshoe rentals on Saturday, January 10. Check out the Winter Trails site for a list of participating resorts, which include places like Ole's, Woodstock, Blueberry Hill and Sleepy Hollow cross-country centers.
You may want to call first to confirm the details, and download the release...[Read more]
Monday, January 5, 2009
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Filed in: Backcountry skiing, Bolton Valley, Catamount Trail, Cross-country skiing
This week the temperatures have been dropping, making for some great snowmaking weather and natural flakes falling from the sky.
The temperature in Jericho, Vermont, has dropped to 10 degrees (F) today from a high of 56 degrees three days ago! The northern mountains here in Vermont received varying amounts of new snow. Jay Peak Resort reports they have received 9 inches in the last 48 hours while further south, Bolton Valley is reporting 3 inches of new snow. Mad River Glen is waiting for a...[Read more]
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
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Filed in: Bolton Valley, Jay Peak, Mad River Glen, Smugglers' Notch
< Follow this link for the updated post for 2009/2010: "Vermont lift ticket discounts, skiing deals in 2009 - 2010 for Vermont residents and everyone!" >
Updated 3/13/2009
2008-2009 Season Deals
I've compiled a list of Vermont ski ticket discounts. That's right, these are some of the best skiing deals for you Vermonters and flatlanders. Here in Vermont, we have to get something for suffering through lower-than-average paychecks and higher-than-average housing prices!
Some of these...[Read more]
Monday, November 17, 2008
13 Comments
Filed in: Ascutney, Bolton Valley, Bromley, Mad River Glen, Magic, Mount Snow, Okemo, Pico, Stowe, Ticket discounts
Did you know Vermont has more colleges per capita than any other state? It's true. And all those students are now cramming for one of the most important assignments they will have this year: selecting a season pass from a range of college ski pass deals.
Here in northern Vermont, St. Michael's College students actually receive season passes to Smugglers' Notch as part of their tuition packages. Regularly Smuggs sells its college passes for $319.Champlain College provides full-time students "in...[Read more]
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Ascutney, Bolton Valley, Burke, Jay Peak, Killington, Mad River Glen, Season pass, Smugglers' Notch, Stowe
Ski Vermont, an advocate for the Green Mountain State's ski industry, is offering a limited number of Ski Vermont 3 Passes and Ski Vermont 5 Passes for the coming ski season.
I've never bought one, but here's the scoop: You can purchase this pass now and ski at three different Vermont resorts during non-peak days this winter. The participating ski resorts are: Ascutney, Bolton Valley, Bromley, Burke, Jay Peak, Killington, Mad River Glen, Magic Mountain, Middlebury Snow Bowl, Mount Snow, Okemo,...[Read more]
Thursday, October 9, 2008
5 Comments
Filed in: Ascutney, Bolton Valley, Jay Peak, Killington, Mad River Glen, Okemo, Smugglers' Notch, Stowe, Sugarbush, Ticket discounts
