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    Vermont, Usa · Indy

    Bolton Valley

    300 acres, 71 runs near Burlington. Vermont's highest base elevation, extensive night skiing, Indy Pass.

    Season 2025 - 2026
    Opens
    6 Dec 2025
    Closes
    12 Apr 2026
    Days open
    127
    Annual snow
    26ft
    The Overview
    MF
    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
    26ft
    Annual snow
    Indy
    Pass
    The Terrain

    71 runs across 300 acres skiable

    Bolton Valley spreads 71 runs across 300 acres skiable of terrain. It leans intermediate at 38%, with 24 beginner runs to find your feet and 20 advanced or expert runs when you want to push.

    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 2025 - 2026
    6 Dec 2025
    Opens
    12 Apr 2026
    Closes
    127
    Days open
    26 ft
    Annual snow
    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.

    Latest News

    From the SnowStash desk

    View all news →
    Spain Moves to Ban Smoking at Ski Resorts Under New Tobacco Law

    Spain Moves to Ban Smoking at Ski Resorts Under New Tobacco Law

    Spain's government has approved a draft tobacco law that would ban smoking across a wide range of outdoor spaces, including sports venues - a category Spanish winter sports media expect to cover ski resorts, potentially extending to slopes and lifts themselves. The rules would also apply to e-cigarettes and vaping devices, even nicotine-free ones. The bill still has to clear the Spanish parliament before any ban, signage, or fines can take effect.

    22 July 2026
    South Tyrol Approves New 16-Person Ciampinoi Gondola in Val Gardena

    South Tyrol Approves New 16-Person Ciampinoi Gondola in Val Gardena

    South Tyrol has approved a full rebuild of the Ciampinoi cable car in Selva di Val Gardena, replacing the current 12-person gondola with a 16-person cabin and a new mountain-station restaurant. Capacity is capped at 3,200 people an hour rather than the 3,600 the operator wanted, and 250,000 euros must go toward compensatory measures. No construction or opening date has been set, though the upgrade is partly aimed at clearing bottlenecks before the 2031 Alpine Ski World Championships.

    22 July 2026
    Resort Spotlight: Hoshino Tomamu - Corporate Japan's Mountain Playground Revisited

    Resort Spotlight: Hoshino Tomamu - Corporate Japan's Mountain Playground Revisited

    Hoshino Tomamu is the ski resort equivalent of a conference hotel that happens to have excellent powder. Built for corporate retreats and package tourists, it offers genuine Hokkaido snow on surprisingly limited terrain - 29 runs spread across 585 vertical metres.

    21 July 2026
    La Thuile's New Cable Car Replaces Two Ageing Chairlifts

    La Thuile's New Cable Car Replaces Two Ageing Chairlifts

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    21 July 2026
    The Remarkables Adds Scarpa Bowl to Its Inbounds Terrain

    The Remarkables Adds Scarpa Bowl to Its Inbounds Terrain

    The Remarkables is adding new inbounds terrain for winter, bringing the Scarpa Bowl - known locally as the Toilet Bowl - into its lift-accessed network after years as backcountry-only ground. The roughly 500 metre run is reached by bootpacking from the top of the Sugar Bowl chairlift, with a shuttle picking skiers up from the road at the bottom. It's a smaller, faster addition than the resort's planned Doolans expansion, though the new terrain hasn't opened yet due to a lack of snow this season.

    21 July 2026
    Ski Portillo Cut Off After Storm Dumps More Than 4.5 Metres of Snow

    Ski Portillo Cut Off After Storm Dumps More Than 4.5 Metres of Snow

    Ski Portillo remains isolated after an extended storm buried the Chilean resort under more than 4.5 metres of snow, with both ground and air access suspended since Tuesday while crews monitor avalanche hazards and worsening weather. Resort officials say further snowfall is expected in the coming days and haven't set a timeline for reopening the mountain road. Once access resumes, the scale of the snowpack could set up a strong season at one of the Southern Hemisphere's most historic ski resorts.

    21 July 2026
    Resort Spotlight: Lotte Arai - Japan's Corporate Ski Anomaly With 22 Metres of Annual Snowfall

    Resort Spotlight: Lotte Arai - Japan's Corporate Ski Anomaly With 22 Metres of Annual Snowfall

    Lotte Arai receives 22 metres of annual snowfall - exceptional even by Japanese standards - but its corporate ownership model and limited terrain create an unusual cost-benefit equation. Here's what the numbers actually mean on the ground.

    19 July 2026
    Resort Spotlight: Banff Sunshine Village - Nine Metres of Snow and a Season That Runs Until May

    Resort Spotlight: Banff Sunshine Village - Nine Metres of Snow and a Season That Runs Until May

    Banff Sunshine Village sits at 1,660m base and receives 9.27m of snow annually. Inside Banff National Park, it offers a six-month season and terrain split that skews heavily advanced - though the crowds and lift infrastructure tell their own story.

    18 July 2026

    Lift tickets

    Indy6 pass options
    Buy passes ↗

    Single-day passes

    Adult 18–64

    All Hours Adult Ticket

    US$79up to US$95 peak

    Experience Bolton Valley's 71 trails with day and night skiing access on Vermont's highest base elevation. Located 30 minutes from Burlington with 312 inches of annual snowfall and authentic Vermont skiing atmosphere.

    Buy pass
    Youth 13–17

    Youth All Hours Ticket

    US$69up to US$85 peak

    Youth lift tickets at Bolton Valley provide access to 71 trails with day and night skiing on Vermont's highest base elevation. Perfect for young skiers enjoying uncrowded slopes and terrain parks with authentic Vermont vibe.

    Buy pass
    Child 0–5

    Children 5 & Under Free

    Free

    Children ages 5 and under ski free at Bolton Valley! Experience day and night skiing with 71 trails, terrain parks, and family-friendly atmosphere on Vermont's highest base elevation mountain.

    Buy pass
    Adult 18–99

    Military Discount

    US$69up to US$85 peak

    Active military, National Guard, and Reserves receive discounts at Bolton Valley on full day and all hours lift tickets. Experience authentic Vermont skiing with 71 trails and night skiing with valid military ID.

    Buy pass

    Half-day passes

    Adult 13–99

    Night Skiing Ticket

    US$25up to US$29 peak

    Bolton Valley night skiing offers one of Vermont's best night skiing experiences Tuesday-Saturday until 10pm. Experience groomed runs and terrain parks under the lights with views of Lake Champlain and Burlington.

    Buy pass

    Season passes

    Adult 13–99

    Bolton All Terrain Season Pass

    US$899up to US$999 peak

    Bolton Valley season passes provide unlimited access to 71 trails plus Nordic and backcountry terrain. Experience day and night skiing with authentic Vermont atmosphere and access to 100km of Nordic trails.

    Buy pass

    Bolton Valley lift tickets & passes

    The 2025 - 2026 season at Bolton Valley closed on Apr 12, 2026. Check back for next season's opening date and ticket pricing.

    Day passes start from US$25, with peak rates up to US$95.

    Lift tickets FAQ

    How much does a Bolton Valley day pass cost?+
    Bolton Valley day passes range from US$25 to US$95 depending on the date and advance booking.
    Can I buy Bolton Valley lift tickets online?+
    Yes, you can purchase tickets directly from the resort website or at the resort ticket office.
    Are there discounts for multi-day passes?+
    Yes, multi-day packages typically offer significant savings compared to individual day passes. The per-day cost decreases with longer stays.
    What is included with a Bolton Valley lift ticket?+
    Full access to all lifts and trails at Bolton Valley, including mountain safety and patrol services.
    What is the difference between Bolton Valley lift tickets and ski passes?+
    "Lift tickets" and "ski passes" refer to the same thing at Bolton Valley - your access to the mountain's lifts and trails for your chosen duration.
    When should I buy Bolton Valley lift tickets for the best price?+
    Purchase tickets at least 7 days in advance for the best rates, and consider weekday visits for further savings over weekend rates.
    Does Bolton Valley offer group discounts on lift tickets?+
    Group discounts are typically available for parties of 10 or more. Contact Bolton Valley directly for group booking information and rates.
    How can I check current conditions before buying tickets?+
    Before purchasing, check the live snow report and mountain webcams to see current weather, snow conditions, and lift operations at Bolton Valley.

    More Bolton Valley intelligence: snow report, webcams, resort overview.