Weekend Update & Timberline Opening

Taken on 1/7/13...A beautiful end to a day at BV.

Weather:

Bust out the bikinis and board shorts people. We've got ourselves a little warm up a-comin'. Alright, you've probably heard we're in for a January "thaw" this weekend, and maybe you're crying a snowflake shaped tear. Fear not says Bolton Valley. Our weekend weather projections show Friday to be the trickiest day with temps between the mid to upper 30s and a chance of mixed precipitation. After we clear that hurdle, both Saturday and Sunday look to be warm and dry with temps in the mid 30s to upper 40s. We'll call this our spring skiing preview weekend. Thanks to ten feet of snow so far this season, our base should stay in good shape; there is a lot of snow on the mountain! The snow will be soft, you'll have one less itchy wool sweater on and the skiing and riding will feel great before the temps dip down and smack you in the face again. 

Trails and Conditions:

The trail count jumps up to 68 trails and 6 lifts as this weekend we celebrate the season debut of the Timberline Quad. We know you have been anxiously awaiting its opening. A few things to remember as you enjoy the terrain down at Timby. 

The grooming will be limited in this area. We will hit Upper Villager and Timberline Run, but the remaining sections of the mountain will be mostly ungroomed. In addition, with the warmer weather, you can expect the deep snow to do some melting, making it significantly heavier. Skier traffic will also cut up the terrain, leaving the surface on the rugged side. With all of this in mind, it's important to "level up" the trails on Timberline this weekend. For example, if you're hitting a blue square, know that it is more likely to ski like a black diamond. Black diamonds will be more in line with double blacks, and so on. We suggest that only solid intermediate, advanced and expert skiers and riders tackle the trails at Timberline this weekend. Expert skiers and riders should be the only guests exiting the Timberline Quad at the mid-station due to trail conditions. Also, be sure to watch for thin cover and other obstacles despite the deep snow you may encounter. For those of you ready for the challenge, get out and enjoy it! 

In addition to Timberline, we expect the rest of our trails to be in nice shape, with soft packed powder snow surfaces. There are spots of untouched of powder to find here and there as well. This week the parks crew has been out building in Butterscotch Park, so we hope to have that up and running for the weekend as well.

Lots of options to choose from + an expanding trail count + some pleasant temps = happy weekend. 

Events and Entertainment:

Last weekend we saw a great turn out at our first Bolton After Dark of the season and we can't wait to do it again this Saturday. The Perks of Bolton After Dark? I'm glad you asked. 

• Starting at 4pm, you ski/ride the most extensive night skiing terrain in Vermont for $19.
• Also at 4pm, Fireside Flatbread fills you up on the cheap: $2 flatbread slices, $2 sodas or PBR drafts.
• You get your football fix with a 101.3 ESPN party from 5-7pm where you can win prizes (lift tickets anyone?) and watch the NFL playoffs roll on the big screen.

And next Saturday we'll head back to our regularly scheduled programming starting off with Meathead Films, Prime Cut. Check out the film line up for the rest of the season. 

Here are some of this weekend's entertainment offerings from the James Moore Tavern.

This Thursday (yes, tonight) catch The Woedoggies in the tavern from 8-11pm. The Woedoggies play classic and simple acoustic country for your listening pleasure. Sierra Nevada will be on special.

On Saturday, don't miss The Dewey Drive Band, also from 8-11pm. This band is well known in the JMT, playing a wide variety of originals and B-sides including country, swing, blues and rock & roll. Sierra Nevada will again be on special.

And Sunday night means trivia with Mike Germano from 6-8pm. Bring your team, or join one when you get here and sip on Long Trail and Budweiser specials. 

Check out the events calendar for what's coming up next week too!