Backcountry Skiing & Splitboarding

Unequaled Access to Endless Terrain

Explore Beyond Lift Service

With its expansive views of Lake Champlain, Bolton faces directly west across the widest part of the lake and lies right in the middle of the front range of the Green Mountains’ highest peaks.  Not only does that provide amazing sunsets over the lake, but it means significant snowfall after storms pick up moisture over Champlain and then empty it on the western flanks to climb over the highest peaks of the Greens.

Most of Bolton Valley’s premiere backcountry terrain lies on the leeward faces of its highest ridges, providing a northeast-facing snow-accumulating zone that sits 3000 feet above the Champlain Valley and keeps snow shaded, light, and fluffy throughout the winter season. 

The accessible terrain ranges from mellow stands of old-growth white and yellow birch and maple trees to steep wooded glades to narrow little chutes and cliff zones that challenge even the most advanced skiers and riders.

Guests can access over 12,000 acres of untouched wilderness on some of the highest faces in the Green Mountains – which means plenty of fresh turns for everyone.

Getting into the backcountry has never been easier.


With its proximity to the alpine resort and all its amenities, the Bolton Valley Guided Backcountry Program stands alone in making backcountry skiing and splitboarding easily accessible to everyone. Every private guided tour and lesson includes two 1-ride lift tickets so backcountry skiers and riders are instantly transported to the high peaks of the Green Mountains. This sets us apart from any other guiding company in the Eastern US and Canada by maximizing the amount of vertical our guests can expect from a day or half-day of expert guided touring.

To make things even easier, Bolton Valley’s kids ski and ride programs are all available on-site! Parents can literally drop the kids off at ski school as they and their guide walk to the chairlift to access pristine Vermont wilderness through the access gates at the top.

Uphill Policy – Please Read

Before you head out for your uphill adventure, make sure you check out our uphill policy!