OTS Backcountry Guide: Bolton Valley Backcountry, Northern Vermont

It's a rare opportunity to skin or skate into top-notch backcountry conditions along groomed trails and warm your feet next to the fire after a day of slashing through hidden powder stashes, without retreating to the crowded lodges of a nearby resort. In the backcountry of Bolton Valley however, this is exactly what you can expect.

With over 70 kilometers of backcountry trails and nearly 6,000 acres of land to explore, the only thing stopping you from endless gladed runs and backcountry exploring is tired legs. 

Purchase a trail pass from the Bolton Nordic Center ($17, to cover trail maintenance and nordic grooming) and adventure into the stunning Green Mountains overlooking the Champlain Valley. Guided tours are available through the many winter exploration events led by members of the Catamount Trail Association. For just $70, you can call the rustic six-person Bryant Cabin home for the night and dream among the snowdrifts.

Getting there:

Fly into Burlington, Vermont; Bolton Valley is 19 miles to the east of Burlington via Hwy 2.

More resources:

Bolton Nordic Center

AMC Backcountry

MORE BACKCOUNTRY ADVENTURES:

• Mt. Baker, Washington
• Berthoud Pass, Central Colorado
• Tenmile Range/Summit County, North-central Colorado
• Mt. Lassen, California
• Wasatch Range, Utah
• Glacier National Park, Montana
• Sawtooth Mountains, Idaho
• Teton Pass, Wyoming
• Mount Greylock, Western Massachusetts
• Bolton Valley Backcountry, Northern Vermont
• Cardigan Ski Reservation, Western New Hampshire