Resorts & Mountains > Bolton Valley
Had a great spring skiing day at Jay Peak today. The snow was soft and plentiful, and the weather turned out to be much better than predicted! We enjoyed a mix of sun, snowflakes and clouds.
We skied in the glades as much as possible and we weren't disappointed. There was plenty of snow and bumps, and much fewer people to avoid than on the trails. Jay has a broad selection of tree runs — from Timbuktu off the Jet Triple Chair all the way to Beaver...[Read more]
Friday, March 29, 2013
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Bolton Valley, Burke, Jay Peak, Killington, Okemo, Spring skiing, Sugarbush
I took a short backcountry ski up at Bolton Valley on Wednesday. It was around lunch time and the sun was shining brightly. There is still a lot of snow up on the trails! I stuck my pole in the snow near Bryant Cabin and there was at least a foot.
The only thing is that now we have spring conditions, so if it's cold at night, the snow is still going to be frozen in the morning. The higher daytime temperatures then soften things up. I mostly skied where others had made tracks to...[Read more]
Thursday, March 28, 2013
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Filed in: Backcountry skiing, Bolton Valley, Spring skiing
Easter is hopping closer! This year it falls on Sunday, March 31. Vermont ski resorts often have Easter-themed events to get families out on the snow. Some ski areas also hold mountain-top sunrise services, where you can get some first tracks after the service.
Call or visit the ski resort websites to confirm that the details haven't changed!
Stowe Mountain Resort: Easter Sunrise Service & Easter Egg Hunt
A non-denominational service atop Mt. Mansfield. Free...[Read more]
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
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Filed in: Bolton Valley, Bromley, Burke, Jay Peak, Killington, Mad River Glen, Magic, Mount Snow, Okemo, Smugglers' Notch
Isn't life funny sometimes?
Just as I started my climb up the Bryant trail on the Bolton Valley backcountry trail network today, an email was received and waiting on my iPhone in my backpack. The email announced that the Friends of Bolton Valley Nordic & Backcountry and the Vermont Land Trust had done it: we successfully completed the fundraising campaign!
You'll be glad to know that because of the effort and generosity of many Vermonters, the Bolton Valley Nordic &...[Read more]
Thursday, March 21, 2013
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Filed in: Backcountry skiing, Bolton Valley, Cross-country skiing
Wow, it was a nice day to be on the slopes! I needed sunscreen, shades and just a few layers. It was so good to see the sun and the snow softened up to allow for sweet spring turns.
At Bolton Valley, the glades that have been well-traveled were great, too. If you went into areas that hadn't been skied, the snow was heavy and harder to turn in. Check out our photos to see what we found on the slopes.
If you get out tomorrow, bring your sunscreen. And enjoy![Read more]
Friday, March 8, 2013
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Bolton Valley
The sun was supposed to show itself this morning, but it didn't and I didn't care. I was skiing in powder and packed powder at Bolton Valley Resort!
They were reporting that the mountain had received 10 inches of snow in the last two days and 16 inches in the last three. I had to work Thursday (don't you hate how work gets in the way of skiing?) so I wanted to be sure to hit the trails today.
I found nice, light powder stashes on the sides of the trails and in the woods. The depth...[Read more]
Friday, February 22, 2013
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Bolton Valley
What a lovely, cold winter day to be out in the Vermont woods! When the temperatures dip down low, we like to stay warm by earning our turns. So we went to the Bolton Valley backcountry trails to enjoy the fresh powder.
I'd estimate that there was about 12 inches of new snow — more or less. It was mostly fluffy, except in extra-windy spots where it got a bit wind-packed.
We climbed Bryant trail, enjoyed Birch Loop and descended via Gardiner's Lane. The sky was mostly...[Read more]
Saturday, February 9, 2013
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Filed in: Backcountry skiing, Bolton Valley
I keep an eye on the forecast, so I was able to rearrange my schedule to get out to Bolton Valley this morning. Area ski resorts were reporting 4 - 6 inches of snow and I wanted to play in it!
I took runs off the Vista Quad and Timberline chairs and my skis were like powder-seeking missiles. I typically ventured to the sides of the trails to make powder turns. Many runs were groomed, but they left a powdery swath on most trails. I just had to make my mark!
I loved the feeling...[Read more]
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Bolton Valley
The Vermont Land Trust and Friends of Bolton Valley Nordic and Backcountry have planned some fun events this winter as part of the campaign to save the Bolton backcountry land from development.
Two of the events take place this week and weekend, and they include a chance to get out and experience the property in wintertime with some folks who know it well.
The most recent communiqué from the land trust reported that we're 95% of the way to the fundraising goal, with $93,000 left to raise...[Read more]
Monday, January 14, 2013
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Filed in: Backcountry skiing, Bolton Valley, Cross-country skiing
We're going to be skiing into the New Year in style! The snow's great for all kinds of skiing and riding. Plus, there are torchlight parades and/or fireworks at resorts such as Burke Mountain, Jay Peak, Bolton Valley, Sugarbush Resort, Stowe Mountain and Stratton Mountain this evening.
On the “bummer” side of things on this New Year's Eve, however, Magic Mountain in southern Vermont is closed today and tomorrow because of lift maintenance issues. Really bad timing. At Bolton Valley,...[Read more]
Monday, December 31, 2012
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Bolton Valley, Catamount, Cross-country skiing, Magic
Hope you got out to play in the fresh snow today! All I wanted for Christmas was some snow, and we got it!
We enjoyed a ski tour today on the cross-country trails at Bolton Valley. A few trails were groomed (but no classic tracks set), most were not groomed. Lots of water crossing the trails (it needs to freeze up) but it was lovely to ski through about 10 inches of light, powdery snow. Beautiful!
Nordic and downhill ski areas throughout Vermont are opening new terrain with the...[Read more]
Sunday, December 23, 2012
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Filed in: Bolton Valley, Cross-country skiing
Moose tracks, bunny tracks and ski tracks. What a great combo!
I wanted to get myself into a winter wonderland today, and I found it up high in Bolton, Vermont's backcountry trails. While it looked more like November down on Routes 89 and 2, just a short drive up the Bolton Access Road it started to look a lot like winter!
I took my light backcountry skis for a tour on the backcountry trails. I was skiing between 2,150 feet and 2,690 feet or so. The trees were covered in snow...[Read more]
Thursday, December 20, 2012
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Filed in: Backcountry skiing, Bolton Valley
Today was a day to get out into the sunshine! Clear blue skies beckoned to me and I decided to head over to opening day at Bolton Valley Resort.
Bolton had its Vista Quad and Mid-Mountain chair serving essentially one long run from the top of the mountain. The path followed Sherman's Pass to Bear Run. At the very top you had a choice of Hard Luck Lane, Sherman's Pass or Spillway Lane to get started. Down in the base area, the Mitey Mite lift was running for...[Read more]
Saturday, December 15, 2012
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Bolton Valley, Cochran's, Fall & Early season, Middlebury Snow Bowl, Pico
Updated 12/22/2012 PM
When are Vermont ski resorts opening? Ski Vermont has released a list of the tentative opening dates for Vermont ski resorts. Remember that during early season there are often a select few trails open to start; check to see which trails and what ability level they are.
These may change due to weather, of course, but here's what the ski resorts are thinking:
Killington Resort: Monday, November 5, 2012Okemo Mountain Resort: Thursday, November 8Stowe Mountain Resort:...[Read more]
Thursday, November 1, 2012
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Filed in: Bolton Valley, Burke, Fall & Early season, Jay Peak, Killington, Mount Snow, Okemo, Smugglers' Notch, Stowe, Stratton
It’s veggie time in the mountains of Vermont! Vermont's ski towns are among those that have weekly farmers' markets when the snow is not flying.
The Vermont Agency of Agriculture produces a handy website that has a statewide schedule of many farmers’ markets. The list includes these markets which I selected because they are located somewhere near a Vermont ski resort or ski town that you may be visiting during the summer months:
Northern Vermont Farmers’ Market Schedule In/Near Ski...[Read more]
Monday, July 16, 2012
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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
As part of the fundraising campaign to purchase the exceptional Nordic and backcountry terrain next to the Bolton Valley resort, the Friends of Bolton Valley Nordic & Backcountry (FOBVNB) and Vermont Land Trust have been coming up with a variety of special events. I attended a meeting this week and I can share a few of the events to look forward to this summer.
Some of the events strive to get more people familiar with this beautiful piece of land, which is enjoyed by...[Read more]
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
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Filed in: Backcountry skiing, Bolton Valley, Cross-country skiing, Ski towns in summer
Vermont has experienced summer-like temperatures over the last week. We've been wearing shorts and t-shirts. The sun has shone brightly as well, and while this makes for lovely weather to recreate in, it hasn't been kind to the snow.
Some ski resorts have thrown in the towel for the season, while some others will call it quits this weekend. Some mention that bare spots can be encountered any time and walking may be required at the top and bottom of trails.
Others mention that...[Read more]
Friday, March 23, 2012
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Bolton Valley, Bromley, Burke, Mad River Glen, Mount Snow, Okemo, Pico, Smugglers' Notch, Spring skiing
The Skimeister and I did a mellow tour up on Bolton Valley’s backcountry trails today. You’ll see that it was so sunny and warm that he was in a t-shirt.
Snow is melting very fast in the lower reaches of the nordic trail network, but the coverage gets better when you get up to Bryant Cabin and beyond. Rivers and puddles are showing and it makes you keep on your toes, especially as you descend the Gardiner’s Lane or Bryant trails. While there is quite a bit of snow depth in...[Read more]
Sunday, March 18, 2012
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Filed in: Backcountry skiing, Bolton Valley, Spring skiing
First, the really exciting news: The University of Vermont ski team has won the NCAA championship! This is their first championship title since 1994. Yes, this has been a long time coming!
We've really enjoyed following the team over the years and watching some of the racing in Stowe. Both the nordic and alpine skiers excelled at NCAAs, but the women probably clinched the deal for UVM. Women skiers from UVM were often in the top five of their alpine or...[Read more]
Sunday, March 11, 2012
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Bolton Valley, Ski racing
It was a year ago that I first got word that the owners of Bolton Valley Resort were selling a large parcel of land to an individual. And the shocker was that it would include the nordic trails and hamper access to a wonderful backcountry trail network. Most of the nordic center trails were not supposed to open for the 2011-2012 season.
Tears came to my eyes while reading that news. But thankfully, that was not the end of the story.
Luckily for skiers,...[Read more]
Friday, March 9, 2012
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Filed in: Backcountry skiing, Bolton Valley, Cross-country skiing
So the sun was out today and we've seen up to four feet of snow in the last several days in the mountains of northern Vermont. I just had to ski this afternoon!
We went up to the Bolton Valley backcountry trail network to earn a few turns. While it doesn't look like there's much snow to talk about when you first turn onto the Bolton Valley access road, it soon becomes clear that there's a lot of snow at higher elevations.
We had light backcountry gear and we...[Read more]
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
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Filed in: Backcountry skiing, Bolton Valley
I needed some wind and sun on my face today. I zipped over to Bolton Valley ski resort to take in some afternoon ski runs to get my fill.
I saw that Bolton had both the Wilderness chair and the Timberline chair open this week (a rare midweek treat), so that's where I concentrated my skiing. There were no lift lines so I just kept sliding up to the lift, unbuckling some boot buckles, and getting on board. This was my first time skiing off of these lifts this...[Read more]
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
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Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Bolton Valley
This winter has been rough for most Vermont cross-country ski centers. Unreliable temperatures in the lower elevations and a lack of snowstorms have made nordic skiing tough in many places. However, there is some good nordic skiing if you look in higher-altitude spots.
This would include Bolton Valley nordic center, which sits above 1,500 feet. It's been catching some snow and the melt-downs have not been as drastic as they've been in the valleys. I did a classic ski tour today and...[Read more]
Saturday, February 11, 2012
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Filed in: Bolton Valley, Craftsbury, Cross-country skiing, Stowe, Trapp Family Lodge
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
<<FOLLOW THIS LINK TO TO SEE 2012 - 2013 OPENING DATES>>
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...[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
<<FOLLOW THIS LINK TO THE 2012 - 2013 POST ABOUT VERMONT LIFT TICKET DISCOUNTS!>>
Updated 3/5/2012
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...[Read more]
Friday, October 21, 2011
2 Comments
Filed in: Alpine / downhill skiing, Bolton Valley, Burke, Jay Peak, Mad River Glen, Smugglers' Notch, Stowe, Sugarbush, Ticket discounts
<<FOLLOW THIS LINK TO THE 2012-2013 SEASON PASS DEAL DEADLINE POST!>>
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...[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
4 Comments
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
2 Comments
Filed in: Backcountry skiing, Bolton Valley
