Backcountry Challenge #1 | Bolton Valley Backcountry
Vermont Splitboard Month challenge number one takes you into the historic Bolton Valley Backcountry
Bolton Valley is the highest zip code in New England at elevation 2200 feet, with surrounding peaks ranging from 3200’ to the summit of Bolton Mountain at 3,650’.
With its expansive view of the Lake Champlain Basin, Bolton faces directly west across the widest part of the lake and lies right in the middle of the front range of the Green Mountains’ highest peaks. Not only does that provide amazing sunsets over the lake, but it means significant snowfall after storms pick up moisture above Champlain and then empty it on the western flanks to climb over the highest peaks of the Greens.
The lion’s share of Bolton Valley’s premiere backcountry terrain lies on the leeward faces of its highest ridges, providing a northeast-facing snow-accumulating zone that sits 3000 feet above the Champlain Valley floor and keeps snow shaded, light, and fluffy throughout the winter season. The accessible terrain ranges from mellow stands of old-growth white and yellow birch and maple trees to steep wooded glades to narrow little couloirs and cliff zones that challenge even the most advanced skiers and riders.
From the Bolton Valley base area, skiers and riders can access well over 12,000 acres of untouched wilderness on some of the highest faces in the Green Mountains. This means there are always plenty of fresh turns for everyone.
Challenge RULES:
Resources and Details:
1 - UNDERSTAND YOUR ZONE: Study the *Uphill Policy, Vermont COVID-19 Travel Guidelines, and purchase your required $17 NBU (Nordic, Backcountry, Uphill) day pass online in advance to be pickup up at the touchless kiosks at either Timberline Base Area or the Main Base Area
* DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED ON THE RESORT AND CAUSE MAJOR SAFETY CONCERNS FOR MOUNTAIN OPS. PLEASE DO NOT PUT BOLTON VALLEY AND YOUR UPHILL COMMUNITY IN A TOUGH PLACE AND RISK US ALL LOSING ACCESS BY BRINIGING YOUR DOG.
2 - DOWNLOAD your GPX file to your preferred navigation app.
3 - MAKE A PLAN: Save the Bolton Valley Backcountry map offline (+pick up a physical copy in the Nordic Center), study your GPX route with your COVID19 safe crew, and ensure you are confident in backcountry ethics and backcountry safety.
ROUTE DETAILS
Park in one of the two lower lots (below the condos or behind the Nordic Center (these give most direct access to the BC trails). Begin on Broadway/Pond Loop groomed XC trail heading West/Northwest, it will make a gentle left turn away from the resort. Once you see the Disc Gold shack, continue straight onto Bryant Trail. Follow Bryant Trail until you reach Bryant Camp. From here, follow the blue Catamount Trail blazes past the cabin and along Birch Loop until you reach the BVBC Tent platform. Turn right/Southeast onto Heavenly Highway. Stay on Heavenly Highway holding Rider's left as you sidehill across a small meadow with open views of Bolton Valley Resort, and then back into the woods. You will arrive at Stowe View within a few minutes, looking due North. This is your challenge photo opp - The view into the Cotton Brook valley out towards Bolton Mountain, Mount Mansfield, and the Worcester Range. Continue on Heavenly Highway to what will be a rollercoaster of split ski mayhem and a few trail junctions. Some downs followed by flats and ups. Test your split skiing abilities (some nice powder stashes to catch you if you lose control) or choose to walk backwards with skins/bootpack down. At the first junction, continue straight on "Stowe View”, the middle of three trail options. If you would like to explore deeper into the backcountry, refer to page 189 of Goodman's Best Backcountry Skiing in the Northeast | 50 Classic Ski and Snowboard Tours in New England and New York for a comprehensive route from this junction. Continue straight on Stowe View taking in the other-worldly high alpine meadow setting, and eventually you will be on Heavenly Highway until you arrive at BVR at the intersection of Old Turnpike and Peggy Dow's. Here, you can either transition or continue up Peggy Dow's to the top of the Wilderness chair and transition there. The descent can be on any open trails (please do not duck any ropes). The suggested route down would be PEGGY DOW'S to WILDERNESS LIFTLINE to LOWER WILDERNESS to LOWER TURNPIKE. At the base of the Wilderness lift, remove your gear and walk back to your car.
5 - Mandatory Photo Spot
Take a breather, take in the view, and capture a photo at this location to be eligible for the weekly giveaway. Make it fun or take a landscape shot, just be sure to capture the landmark to prove you made it out!
Stowe View
4 - SUBMIT your completion form to be entered to win weekly prizes and raffle entries for the grand prize
It is Critically important to our small mountain communities that all participants are strictly following Vermont COVID-19 Travel Guidelines.
We trust and appreciate you all for being a part of the solution and continuing to keep the amazing stewardship we have and wholesome humans that make it happen. Be grateful. Offer Respect. Quarantine appropriately. Keep your distance. Mask up when appropriate. Stay stoked.
Thanks for exploring Vermont by Splitboard! Follow along for more conversation about splitboarding in Vermont.
