For the first time in Vermont, the Bolton Valley backcountry
host to an event that caters specifically to backcountry snowboarders. This Saturday, March 14, we're hosting the
first annual Split and Surfest at the entrance to Bolton’s backcountry terrain.
Alex Showerman of Protect Our Winters and I have been working
together since the fall to create a one of a kind event that would get snowboarders
into the backcountry on all different types of backcountry gear. And I'm really
excited for how it's all coming together. There will be demos provided by Voile,
Mtn Approach, Rome, Venture, Powder Jet and Grassroots powder surfers. We’re
hoping that this event will bring people together who share the same passion for
having a great time in the backcountry.
With the help of the Catamount Trail Association (CTA) and
the Vermont Backcountry Alliance, there will be a Spilt 101 class given
throughout the day. The class will cover
everything from how to set up your splitboard for uphill travel to switching it
over for downhill shredding. With the free class and demos hopefully everyone
will be able to learn how easy and fun it is to splitboard effectively and
safely. You don't always need a lift to make your turns.
What's a great spring event without beer? Lost Nation Brewery in Morrisville, VT was kind enough to donate a keg for the event and we'll
have it on sale for $2. There will also be plenty of tailgate food like burgers
and dogs as well. Plus, there's a raffle, too. Exciting stuff. The proceeds of
the keg and the raffle will all go to CTA to help continue their efforts on
maintaining and expanding the Vermont backcountry, so hopefully we'll be able
to do events like this even bigger and better in the coming years.
All you need to experience all this is a regular Nordic or Alpine ticket for the day or a current season pass. So, come out this Saturday to support CTA and have a good time
out in the woods. Have fun and be safe.
~Joe
Joe Gaynor is Bolton Valley's Events Coordinator. Reach him at events@boltonvalley.com
