Bolton Valley

Night skiing and backcountry near Burlington.

The highest base elevation in Vermont, half an hour from Burlington, with night skiing on lit trails and parks up to five nights a week. Beyond the 71 trails, a 100 km Nordic and backcountry network links to Mount Mansfield State Forest. It’s an easygoing, good-value local hill with older lifts and a small base village.

The mountain

Vertical drop

1,704 ft

Summit

3,150 ft

Skiable terrain

300 acres

Trails

71

Lifts

6

Average snowfall

312″ a year

Terrain mix

• Beginner 34%
• Intermediate 38%
• Advanced 28%

What’s here besides skiing

• Night skiing
• Terrain park
• Cross-country
• Snowshoeing
• Kids programs

Holidays and events

2026–27 dates where they’re posted. “Usually” means the date follows past years. Confirm before you go.

• ChristmasA Sunday in mid-December (Dec 14 in 2025)Usually

  Santa Sunday

  Ski or ride in your best Santa, Mrs. Claus or Grinch costume.

• New Year’sDec 31, 7:30 pm (annual)Usually

  New Year’s Eve torchlight parade and fireworks

  Torchlight parade and family fireworks at the main base, then dinner and live entertainment at the James Moore Tavern.

Where to stay

• slopesideThe Inn at Bolton Valley

  The resort’s slopeside hotel in the village, steps from the lifts and the James Moore Tavern.

  Slopeside
• innOld Stagecoach Inn

  Historic inn on Main Street in Waterbury, near its restaurants and breweries.

  25 min drive
• b&bGrünberg Haus Inn & Cabins

  B&B with cabins in the woods near Waterbury.

  25 min drive

Rates are typical winter lows before taxes and fees, and change constantly. Book on the property’s own site.

Things to do

• Night skiing · At the base

  About ten lit trails and three terrain parks, typically Tuesday to Saturday until 10 pm.

• Nordic & Backcountry Center · In the village

  About 100 km of Nordic and backcountry trails, with rentals, lessons and guided tours.

• Ralph’s Rec Center · In the village

  Indoor pool, hot tub, sauna and games for after skiing.

• Cold Hollow Cider Mill · 30 min drive

  Fresh cider and cider donuts in Waterbury Center.

Après and nightlife

• James Moore Tavern

  Slopeside pub with local beers, burgers, sunset views and music in the Fireside Room.

• Prohibition Pig

  Waterbury restaurant and brewery on the drive home.

These themes are our summary of recent skier reviews, not quotes.

Getting there

• Burlington International (BTV) · about 30 min drive
• Montreal · about 2 hr
• Boston · about 3.5 hr
• New York City · about 5.5 hr

Directions in Google Maps