Sittin' Pretty!

Over the last 72 hours, we have been the welcome recipients of 15-16 inches of snow. Now, you don't have to be some kind of "snow scientist" to know just what that kind of accumulation can do for the Nordic and backcountry trails. Add that to the base that was built up from winter storm Nemo just a few weeks back and the Nordic zone is sitting pretty. 

In terms of the groomed terrain this weekend, you can anticipate 9.5 km for skate skiing. Today we're setting tracks on those same 9.5km. On the ungroomed side, 100km is wide open for skiing and snowshoeing. 

Groomed Trail List:

• Pond Loop
• Tear Drop
• Broadway
• Lower Maple Loop
• Upper Maple Loop
• Picnic Loop
• Valley Loop
• World Cup

This weekend we also have a FREE backcountry tour!

Once again the Vermont Land Trust and Friends of BV Nordic and Backcountry will host a FREE guided tour of the Bolton backcountry property. 

These groups have been working hand-in-hand to raise the funds necessary to save over 1,100 acres from private sale and possible development. So join them on the land this Saturday February 23rd at 1:00pm. All you need to do is purchase a regular Nordic ticket that day and meet at the Nordic Center. Then you'll be off on a guided backcountry tour!

Tour space is limited; contact milena@vlt.org or 802-262-1241 for more information, or to sign up today! Note that this tour is geared toward intermediate and advanced backcountry and Nordic skiers, as well as for snowshoers.

Weekend Nordic Update

Bolton Valley has been very fortunate this week to not only have some downright pleasant weather, but also pick up a little fresh snow too! Our weekend looks to bring slightly colder temperatures, with Sunday being the chillier of the two days. Forecasts have us topping out between 10-20 degrees with chances of light snow both days. Overall, it should be pretty nice!

We have been working hard to get the Nordic trails set up nicely for the weekend. Thursday afternoon we began grooming and today we might try to get out and do any necessary touch up work and groom an additional few trails. We have 7km of skate groomed terrain and classic track set. Those trails include the following:

• Pond Loop
• Tear Drop
• Broadway
• Upper Maple Loop
• Picnic Loop
• Valley Loop
• Mid Maple (classic only)

So why not honor the presidents this weekend with a good old all-American, Nordic ski! Wait, that doesn't work. How about life, liberty and the pursuit of skiing?? Ya, much better. Hope to see you out and about this weekend. And don't forget about Bolton to the Barns this Saturday! 

Bustling Nordic Center!

A quick update to start your week! The Nordic Center was bustling with activity this weekend. We had the ALA Snowshoe Shuffle 5K, Vermont Land Trust was here leading free tours of the backcountry and Blue Cross Blue Shield of VT held their "Snow Day" event on Sunday. Not to mention all the folks who were out and about skiing and enjoying the great conditions. Here are a few photos from all the fun. 

Groups heading out and into the backcountry.

ALA Snowshoe Shuffle 5K takes off in a snowy sprint. 

Meet Terry, our Nordic Center Director. He's out grooming on Broadway. 

The Return of Nordic!

After what seems like far too much time away, we will re-open our Nordic and backcountry terrain for skiers and snowshoers tomorrow! Between the snow we picked up on Monday and Wednesday in addition to what is in the forecast for both tonight and Friday, our coverage should be significantly better. There are certainly some slick spots out there, some of which may be difficult to see, so keep this in mind when you’re out. We will not be grooming the trails for tomorrow. We will wait for the storm to pass through before machines head out. 

Overall we do expect a significant improvement on the trails by the end of Friday, especially if this storm system delivers big as forecasters are predicting. We could be looking at significant snowfall totals. So, why not throw on your skis and welcome back Nordic? Stick out your tongue…you’ll be bound to catch more than a few flakes tomorrow. 

Stand By for Snow

Our Nordic terrain is currently in a holding pattern as the mid-week weather which included heavy rain and warm temps dealt us a blow we have not yet recovered from. We are in need of a hefty snowfall to repair our base and fill in thin spots. So at this point, Nordic remains closed.

But don't dive into a Nordic depression. The good news is it’s already improving around here; the temps are now more on the winter side of things and look to stay that way for upwards of a week or more. Today it is snowing lightly and there is a fresh dusting on the ground.  Plus, snow is in the forecast for the next 3-4 days! 

We'll keep you posted with updates, so long as you keep snow dancin'. All it takes is one big snow and we'll be kicking and gliding in no time.