Monday, November 28, 2016

Opening Day Set For Dec. 10

Our snowmakers and mountain ops teams have been hard at work getting the mountain ready over the past week. Snowmaking began at the top of the Vista Quad and has moved down Sherman's Pass as production has allowed. Currently we are making snow just above the top of Mid-Mountain, and will continue to work our way down the mountain as temperatures allow.

Unfortunately, we have some warm and wet weather on our way mid-week. It looks like we'll see some of that dreaded rain Tuesday-Thursday with temps ranging from the high 30's to mid 40's. Due to this weather outlook we will stick with our planned Opening Day of December 10.

Keep checking the snow report for the latest updates.

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Cyber Monday Savings

Bolton Valley is offering three great Cyber Monday deals for one 24 hour period. Lock in some skiing and riding for yourself this winter, buy gifts for snow lovers on your list, or a little of both. The sale will start at 12:00am on Monday, November 28, 2016 and will be open for 24 hours, closing at 11:59pm on Monday.


$20 Early Season Lift Tickets

The Bolton Valley ski and snowboard season is set to kick off on December 10th, and when you pre-purchase your lift ticket on Cyber Monday you can ski from opening day through Christmas (12/25) for just $20 per day. There is no limit to how many tickets you can buy so plan to spend a few days on the mountain for just $20!

Ski Bum Pass: Just $199

The Ski Bum Pass is currently on sale for just $269, but on Cyber Monday it will be just $199. The Ski Bum pass is for anyone age 18-25 and is valid every day that Bolton Valley is open for skiing and riding during the 2016-16 season with no blackout dates.

Free Early Season Lift Ticket with Purchase of a $100 Gift Card

Bolton Valley gift cards made a great gift for the skier or rider on your list. You can use gift cards for all your favorite Bolton Valley goodies including lift tickets, season passes, food and beverage, lessons and more.

We are also offering a free early season lift ticket with the purchase of every $100 Gift Card on November 28. The lift ticket offer is only valid when your purchase a $100 Gift Card on November. The ticket is valid for one full day lift ticket from Opening Day through December 25, 2016.

Friday, November 4, 2016

Why Melting Snow in October Shouldn't Bother You

Seeing nearly two feet of snow fall over the last week and a half of October was awfully exciting. In fact, the 9" storm from Sunday, October 23, matched the single biggest 24-hour storm from all of last season. Although it's currently snowing again, most of the snowfall from that initial storm has melted. Let's talk about why that's not necessarily a bad thing.

First and foremost, we need water for our snowmaking ponds. Last winter's lack of snow combined with low rainfall this spring and summer has left parts of Vermont in a severe drought. Things are actually so bad in parts of the state that wells have gone dry for the first time in nearly 20 years.

You may ask yourself, "what does this have to do with all that wonderful snow that I was so excited about melting?" Simply put, any precipitation benefits us by filling up either of our snowmaking ponds. At Bolton Valley, we draw water from a dam on Joiner Brook which is pumped up to a pond at Timberline. From there it is pumped up again to a snowmaking pond at Mid-Mountain which services Vista Peak. Water that doesn't fall directly into the ponds (such as melted snow) helps snowmaking operations by flowing into Joiner Brook.

While we welcome the idea of an opening day with a 40" base consisting of all natural snow with open arms. Chances are at some point we'll have to make some snow to get the ball rolling. Plus, we've brought in an extra air compressor for the early season so we can make more snow and hopefully open more trails as needed. So as you see snow come and go during these late fall/early winter months, have no fear. Winter in all it's glory is on the way.