Bolton Valley is a mid-sized ski area in the town of Bolton in Chittenden County, Vermont, United States. It is located in close proximity to Burlington, the largest city in the state of Vermont. The community around the base of the ski area was listed as the Bolton Valley census-designated place prior to the 2020 census.
History The resort was founded in 1966 by Ralph DesLauriers and his father. Bolton thrived for many years as a family-friendly resort and spawned two famous skiers, Rob and Eric DesLauriers, who went on to star in dozens of ski movies. With their brother Adam, they founded Straight Up Films; Adam remains in the area with a more recent venture, Beech Seal Media, named for a ski trail at the resort and a unique type of communication in Vermont lore.
In 1971 Chateau des Monts, a 20 unit hotel condominium complex was completed next to the base lodge (later connected) by Charles P Jones and Land Development Incorporated.
Beginning around 1997, the resort has been under the control of a handful of new owners and struggled with financial viability. However, it has stabilized under the leadership of industry veteran Bob Fries and seen steady improvement in the 2003-2004, 2004–2005, and 2005-2006 seasons, although just before the 2007-2008 season his shares in the company were bought by two locals, and Bolton Valley is now completely locally owned. Jake Blauvelt grew up riding at Bolton Valley and hosts the annual Blauvelt's Banks Banked Slalom.
As of the Spring of 2017 the original owner Ralph DesLauriers and a small group of investors have purchased the mountain back from Red Stone Properties. Ralph, along with his children are now operating Bolton once again.
Lifts and trails Vertical drop: Trails: 71 trails Night Skiing: 12 trails Skiable area: 165 acres (668,000 m²) Bolton Valley has 6 lifts.
Name Type Manufacturer Built Vertical Length Notes Vista Quad Doppelmayr CTEC 2005 955 4389 Main lift out of the base area, and has a wind turbine at the summit. Timberline 1986 940 3790 Has a mid-station. Wilderness Double Hall 1966 963 4948 Longest lift on the mountain, and also has a mid-station. Mid Mountain 1966 312 1798 Snowflake 1966 250 1230 Services the terrain parks. Mighty Mite Rope Tow Homemade 1997 - - Beginner lift.
Nordic skiing Bolton Valley has of Nordic skiing, of which are groomed.
Westward orientation Bolton Valley is one of the few westward facing ski areas in Vermont.
Wind turbine
In 2009, Bolton Valley installed a Northwind 100 wind turbine, which was made by Northern Power Systems. The turbine was projected to produce 300,000 kilowatt hours of electricity annually. It is located near the top of the Vista Quad chairlift.
Newsletter Bolton Valley publishes a humorous weekly newsletter covering snow news, event listings, and deals.
References
External links
Bolton Valley Ski Area Website