Bolton Valley
300 acres, 71 runs near Burlington. Vermont's highest base elevation, extensive night skiing, Indy Pass.
Season 2026 - 2027
Opens
21 Nov 2026
Closes
11 Apr 2027
Days open
141
Annual snow
312in
The Overview
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
Bolton Valley's summit reaches 3,150 feet, dropping roughly 1,700 vertical feet to a base at 1,447 feet across 71 runs spread over 300 acres near Bolton, Vermont. Terrain splits 38 per cent intermediate, 34 per cent beginner, 22 per cent advanced and 6 per cent expert, with average annual snowfall of roughly 312 inches, among the highest totals in the state. The resort carries Indy Pass affiliation. Six lifts, including two quad chairs and three double chairs, serve the mountain alongside one t-bar.
Bolton Valley holds the distinction of having the highest base elevation of any ski area in Vermont, a genuine advantage for snow reliability that has underpinned the resort's affordable, community-focused identity for nearly six decades. Its extensive night-skiing programme and direct backcountry access from the resort's boundary further distinguish it among Vermont's ski areas.
Ralph DesLauriers and his father Roland purchased land previously used by a logging company in the early 1960s, cutting trails, parking lots and an access road by hand to build what became the last major ski area constructed in the Northeast. Bolton Valley opened on 24 December 1966, and the DesLauriers family owned and operated the resort until financial pressures during a difficult decade for New England skiing led to its sale in 1997.
Following two decades under Red Stone Properties' ownership, Ralph DesLauriers and a small group of investors purchased Bolton Valley back in the spring of 2017, returning the resort to its founding family. Ralph DesLauriers, the resort's legendary founder, passed away in October 2025, though his children continue operating the mountain he built. Adult daily tickets run from 79 to 95 US dollars, with children aged 5 and under skiing free.
1,703ft
Vertical
71
Runs
300 acres
Skiable
312in
Annual snow
Indy
Pass
The Terrain
71 runs across 300 acres skiable
Bolton Valley spreads 71 runs across about 300 acres (121 hectares) in northern Vermont, climbing from a base at 1,450 ft (441 m) to a summit of 3,150 ft (960 m) for a vertical of 1,700 ft (519 m). The mix is friendly: 34% green circle, 38% blue square, 22% black diamond and 6% expert, so mixed-ability groups can ski together without much compromise. Around 312 inches of snow falls in an average winter, helped by a high base. Three double chairs, two quads and a T-bar serve a mountain that is compact enough to learn in a weekend.
Preacher carries some of the steeper pitches, Timberline offers long intermediate cruising, and Sleepy Hollow Woods, Vista Glades and Moose Woods give tree skiers somewhere to go after a storm. Sherman's Pass is a gentle beginner route reached from Vista Peak. Ten lit runs below the Vista Quad open for night skiing from Wednesday to Saturday, and lift-accessed backcountry terrain starts near the Nordic Center, linking with the Catamount Trail. Bolton Valley suits families, intermediates and anyone who wants glades and evening laps close to Burlington.
Terrain split
71
runs
71 runs across 4 grades
Beginner24 runs · 34%
Intermediate27 runs · 38%
Advanced16 runs · 22%
Expert4 runs · 6%
Time it right
When to visit Bolton Valley
The 2025-26 season at Bolton Valley ran from 6 December 2025 to 12 April 2026, a roughly eighteen-week season supported by average annual snowfall of around 312 inches, among the highest totals of any Vermont ski area. This substantial snowfall reflects the resort's genuinely high base elevation, the highest of any Vermont ski area.
Midwinter, from December through February, typically brings the most consistent, deep conditions to Bolton's intermediate-and-beginner-weighted terrain. As an Indy Pass resort, Bolton draws some visiting skiers holding that multi-resort pass alongside its core regional Vermont visitor base drawn to the mountain's affordable, community character and extensive night skiing.
Direct backcountry access from the resort's boundary continues to draw experienced skiers seeking terrain beyond the lift-served trails, a distinctive feature among Vermont's mountains. School holiday periods bring increased family visitation given the resort's substantial beginner and intermediate terrain and free access for children aged 5 and under.
Specific event programming beyond standard operations and night skiing is not confirmed in available resort information. Following founder Ralph DesLauriers' passing in October 2025, his children continue operating Bolton Valley much as the family has since its 1966 founding, aside from a two-decade interlude under Red Stone Properties. This enduring family stewardship remains central to the resort's seasonal identity.
Season 2026 - 2027
21 Nov 2026
Opens
11 Apr 2027
Closes
141
Days open
312 in
Annual snow
The record
Historical snowfall at Bolton Valley
Daily snow reports at Bolton Valley go back to 2025, 2 winters on the books. Open the record to compare winters, lifts and piste.
0 in
Snowiest day
1 Dec 2025
0 in
This winter · 2026-27
so far
0 in
Typical winter
average of complete seasons
Winter totals
in
Past wintersThis winter
Getting there
Getting to Bolton Valley, and where to stay
Bolton Valley sits near Bolton, Vermont, with a base elevation of 1,447 feet and a summit at 3,150 feet across a roughly 1,700-foot vertical drop over 300 acres. This setting gives the resort the highest base elevation of any ski area in Vermont, a genuine advantage for consistent snow conditions.
Bolton and the broader Chittenden County region offer modest local lodging and services within a short drive of the resort. Burlington, Vermont's largest city, lies within a reasonable drive, providing a considerable regional population base and additional visitor amenities.
Interstate 89 provides convenient access to the resort from Burlington and the broader region. Winter driving conditions on the access road climbing to the resort's high base elevation can include significant snow and ice, reflecting the mountain's genuinely elevated setting. There is no direct public transport service to the resort.
Burlington International Airport, within a reasonable drive, is the nearest airport with substantial commercial service, making Bolton Valley accessible for visitors flying into northern Vermont. This combination of highway and air access supports the resort's popularity with both regional and visiting skiers.
Where to stay
Search all stays →Hotels and lodges near Bolton Valley, powered by Stay22.
Good to know
Frequently asked
When is Bolton Valley's ski season?
Bolton Valley's 2026 - 2027 season typically runs from November 21 through April 11. That window is roughly 141 calendar days, though daily operations depend on snow cover, weather, and lift maintenance.
Resorts in Vermont, Usa often announce firm dates closer to winter; check the live snow report before you travel if you are planning around opening weekend or spring closure.
How much skiable terrain does Bolton Valley have?
Bolton Valley lists about 300 acres skiable of marked terrain spread across 71 named runs (121 hectares alongside 300 acres skiable). That footprint is what most riders experience on a lift-served day. Side-country or hike-to terrain may sit outside these published numbers.
Use the trail map to see how the mountain is laid out and where the longest fall-line runs connect back to base.
What is the terrain like at Bolton Valley?
Trail grading at Bolton Valley breaks down roughly as 34% beginner, 38% intermediate, 22% advanced, 6% expert. The mix is balanced enough for mixed-ability groups, so learners can stay on marked green/blue (Green/Blue) terrain while stronger skiers peel off to steeper pitches.
Percentages describe the resort's published piste mix, not vertical feet. A mountain with modest "expert" stats can still feel demanding if the steep terrain is long or exposed. Read the trail map alongside these numbers when planning your route.
How many lifts does Bolton Valley have?
Bolton Valley operates 6 lifts across 3 lift types. The fleet includes 3 double chairs, 2 quad chairs, and 1 t-bar.
Lift mix affects how quickly you can lap your favourite zones. Gondolas and trams move big crowds to mid-mountain, while shorter chairs and surface lifts often serve learning areas or local pods. Check the live snow report on ski days for real-time open/closed status.
What is the elevation and vertical drop at Bolton Valley?
Base elevation at Bolton Valley is about 1,447 ft (441 m), with the summit around 3,150 ft (960 m), giving roughly 1,703 ft (519 m) of vertical from base to top.
Higher start heights usually mean colder, drier snow holding longer into spring, but also thinner air and faster weather changes. Pack layers if you are riding from village level to summit lifts in one day.
How much snow does Bolton Valley get each season?
Bolton Valley averages about 312 inches (792 cm) of natural snowfall per season. That is a long-term climate figure. Any single winter can run well above or below it depending on storm track and temperature.
For trip planning, pair this baseline with the live snow report and webcams: fresh cycles show up in overnight totals and summit cameras long before season averages tell you much about today's surface.
Does Bolton Valley accept the Indy?
Bolton Valley is affiliated with the Indy. Pass holders should confirm current season benefits, blackout dates, and reservation rules on the pass issuer's site. Policies change year to year and can differ between international and domestic products.
If you are not on Indy, day tickets and multi-day bundles are still available; see the lift tickets page for published rates and purchase links.
Where can I buy Bolton Valley lift tickets and how much do they cost?
Published single-day adult pricing on SnowStash currently spans US$25 to US$95, depending on date band and whether you are buying peak or regular windows. Multi-day products (season passes) usually lower the per-day cost if you are staying several days. Tickets can be bought online through the resort's official checkout (linked from our lift tickets page) or at on-mountain ticket windows, subject to availability.
Buying ahead of peak holidays and weekends generally saves money and guarantees access on sold-out days. Before you commit, scan the snow report and webcams so you are paying for conditions that match your expectations.
How can I check snow and mountain conditions at Bolton Valley before I go?
SnowStash pulls together 2 live mountain webcams, a downloadable piste map, and the daily snow report for Bolton Valley so you can plan from home. Webcams refresh on a short interval and are the fastest way to judge visibility, wind exposure, and whether storm snow is still falling.
The snow report adds structured totals, base depth where available, and lift/trail status when the resort publishes it. Use both together: cameras show what it looks like right now, and the report summarises numbers your group can compare day to day.
Does Bolton Valley have a trail map?
Yes. The downloadable PDF/image map is better for offline planning, marking meeting points, and understanding the full mountain layout at a glance.
Both versions are on the trail map page for Bolton Valley. If you are navigating with kids or meeting friends across separate lifts, screenshot or print the static map and keep the live map open on your phone for operational updates.
Where is Bolton Valley located?
Bolton Valley sits in Vermont, Usa. That regional context matters for travel planning: airport transfers, snow tyres, and typical storm patterns all follow geography as much as resort marketing.
Browse nearby accommodation from the resort page if you are comparing village-base vs valley-base stays; where you sleep changes your first lift of the day more than most trail stats do.
Latest News
From the SnowStash desk
Sierra Nevada Halloween Storm: Dodge Ridge Forecast to Lead With 19 Inches
Halloween weekend brings a wet, windy storm to the Sierra Nevada. Our five-day forecast has Dodge Ridge on top with 19 in, followed by Bear Valley at 15 in and Mammoth Mountain at 12 in, with most of it landing on Saturday. A winter weather advisory covers the Tahoe Basin and Mono County until 7 AM Sunday, gusts could reach 47 mph and the freezing level swings between 4,900 and 8,700 ft, so some bases will see rain. A dry spell follows from Monday.
31 Oct 2026
Lake Louise Opens Early on 1 November With Juniper Express and Easy Street
The Rockies get their first lift-served turns of the season early. Lake Louise opens Sunday 1 November, five days ahead of schedule, after a cold October and round-the-clock work from the snowmaking and mountain crews. Terrain is limited to Juniper Express Chair and Easy Street, with two small terrain parks and the beginner area for lessons. Opening-day tickets are over 60% off, with prices rising as more lifts open. First chair is at 9:30 am under the resort’s new lift hours.
31 Oct 2026
Kitzbüheler Horn Summit Cable Car to Be Replaced After 70 Years
A Tyrolean summit lift that has been carrying guests up the Kitzbüheler Horn since 1955 is on borrowed time. Its licence runs to 2045, but a new inspection rule has made refurbishment uneconomic, so Bergbahn AG Kitzbühel will spend around €15 million on a replacement on the same line. It should hold roughly 100 people and keep running in winds that would stop today’s lift. Building starts in autumn 2027, which makes this winter and next summer the last chances to ride the old one.
30 Oct 2026
What’s New in Japan Skiing This Winter: Niseko Gondola, a Private Resort and a Bigger Ikon Pass
Niseko Village is replacing a lift from the early 1980s with an eight-person gondola, Tsugaike gets a six-person chairlift, Madarao joins the Ikon Pass and Togari opens Asia’s first private ski resort. Here’s what is actually new in Japan skiing for 2026/27, plus what is still a year or two away.
30 Oct 2026
Wolf Creek Opens on Halloween Weekend as Colorado’s Early Season Gathers Pace
Colorado’s early-season dominoes keep falling. Arapahoe Basin opened on Wednesday, Keystone follows on Friday, and now Wolf Creek is joining in on Saturday 31 October, just in time for Halloween. A storm on 23 and 24 October left 20 inches of natural snow in the San Juans, and three lifts will turn from 9:00 am, covering about 30% of the mountain. Expect rocks, unmarked obstacles and open water, but also Local Appreciation lift tickets at $73 for adults.
30 Oct 2026
Keystone Resort Opens for 2026/27 With More Than Two Miles of Skiing
Keystone is next. After Arapahoe Basin claimed the first chairlift skiing of the season on Wednesday, Keystone opens on Friday 30 October at 9:00 am with more than two miles of snowmaking-built terrain on Schoolmarm and Silver Spoon, plus free donuts, coffee and a live DJ. Last year the order was reversed, when Keystone squeezed in a three-hour afternoon session to beat A-Basin by a day. Snowmaking has been running since 15 October.
29 Oct 2026
Beaver Creek Installs 16 Automated Snow Guns on Birds of Prey Ahead of Record World Cup
Beaver Creek is getting ready for the biggest Birds of Prey ever, and this time it is not leaving the snow to chance. Crews started making snow on 27 October with 16 newly installed automated guns on the lower third of the course, after last December’s warm spell forced a downhill off the schedule. Seven races across two weekends run from 3 to 13 December, the most the course has hosted since its 1997 debut, and the guns start themselves whenever the weather allows.
29 Oct 2026
Arapahoe Basin Opens First for North America’s 2026/27 Ski Season
Winter has officially started in North America, and it is one blue run long. On Wednesday 28 October, Arapahoe Basin fired up the Black Mountain Express at around 10:30 am after a surprise announcement just hours earlier, becoming the first major North American resort open for 2026/27. Cold nights, a dusting of natural snow and a lot of snowmaking made it happen in the resort’s 80th winter. More terrain is promised as the snow guns keep running.
28 Oct 2026