 A high base elevation and a location next door to Vermont's tallest peak do much to maintain Bolton's reputation for reliable snow. From the 2,035-foot base the slopes rise 1,625 feet. It's modest, perhaps, by big mountain standards, but Bolton packs a lot of variety between base and summit. Terrain The central mountain favors intermediates, with many good choices from the two highest summits as well as lower down. Cobrass Run off the right-hand summit (looking up) is a fine long cruiser, as are Showtime and Twice as Nice off the Timberline Quad. While not a beginners' mountain (there are too many testing shots in the woods for that) beginners are in for a treat at Bolton. Much of the green circle terrain is available up high, affording views and a real in-the-mountains feeling that new skiers and riders don't often get. And because the easier trails cover a lot of ground, there's a nice progression of challenge available to those starting out. Better skiers and riders will want to head to Vermont 200, Hard Luck, The Show Off, The Spillway, and The Preacher, all handily clustered together. And while much of the gladed terrain isn't marked, it's obvious, challenging, and fun. But please stay inside the area's boundary - Bolton sits firmly in the middle of a vast wooded area best left to locals. A lift serves the half pipe and terrain park, both lit at night. The Bolton Valley Hotel, right in the heart of the base area, has 60 recently renovated traditional hotel rooms, plus studios and one, two, three, or four bedroom units. Restaurants, a grocery/deli, and a gift shop are part of the village complex, and everything else from lifts to child care are an easy stroll away. In addition to the hotel, there are six distinct condominium complexes, most of them slopeside. Off-slope Fun You don't have to take off your skis or board when the sun sets at Bolton Valley. Every Wednesday through Saturday when the sun goes down at Bolton the lights come up. With 12 trails, the ½ pipe, and terrain park lit for night skiing and four lifts to serve them, Bolton's night operation draws skiers and riders from Burlington, Waterbury, and guests staying right on the mountain. But the list of things to do goes beyond lift-served play. Bolton's extensive Nordic trail system features 65 kilometers of groomed trails and another 35 km of backcountry-flavored terrain. The full-service Nordic center offers instruction, rentals, and special events. There's a sports center and a gift shop in the mountain village, but a trip to Burlington, Vermont's largest city, is a popular diversion for mountain guests. With a wide range of restaurants, funky shops, theatre and music, anchored by pedestrian-friendly Church Street, Burlington's cosmopolitan air is an easy drive from the mountain. Inside Line Bolton's high base elevation makes for a long cross-country season, and the trail network connects with trails in Stowe. In all there are about 200 km (120 miles) of trails accessible from the Nordic Center in the village. Ask the friendly staff there for advice and suggestions, include the best places to spot a car if you want to ski over the pass to Stowe.
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Ski Report
Vermont
