Backcountry Lessons & Guiding

Women-Led Tours with the Bolton Babe Force

Women-led backcountry tours at Bolton Valley offer an empowering and immersive outdoor experience for femme-identifying and non-binary adventurers of all skill levels. Nestled in the heart of Vermont’s Green Mountains, these guided tours provide an opportunity to explore pristine wilderness while fostering a supportive community of women. Led by experienced female guides, participants can enjoy breathtaking alpine vistas, learn essential backcountry skills, and build confidence navigating snow-covered terrain.

Whether you’re a seasoned skier or new to the backcountry, the tours emphasize skill-building, safety, and camaraderie. Perfect for solo adventurers or groups seeking an inclusive environment to thrive in!

‘Women-Led’ Weekend Group 2 Day Tours: 

• Beginner tour dates – Feb 22nd-23rd, March 8th-9th
• Intermediate tour dates – Feb 22nd-23rd, March 8th-9th
• Advanced tour dates – Feb 22nd-23rd,  March 8th-9th 

Pricing:

• 2 day package – $275 (includes 2 day NBU tickets)
• Discounted rentals – $50 per set up/per day ($100 for 2 days)

Private Guided Tours and Lessons

Option 1:  Intro to backcountry – Recommended for those who have little or no experience with backcountry skiing or riding and related equipment.  Indoor session to start, covering equipment, packing your pack, and the basics of backcountry touring – safety, route finding, layering – cold, etc.  Followed by an instructional tour tailored to the goals and abilities of the group or individual.

Option 2:  Instructional Tour – You and your group are familiar with how the equipment works and general practices, but are still keen to learn more, or have questions about gear or uphill techniques, etc.  Want to take a couple minutes before heading out to go over what you’re bringing?  No problem – your guide is happy to offer suggestions and answer questions.

Option 3:  Guided Tour – These folks know what they’re doing and will show up ready to go at the start of the tour.  They want a guide to bring them to the goods.  Route selection and tour plan is tailored to the ability and fitness level of the group – from mellow untracked glades to steep chutes, drops, and tight trees.

Option 4:  Uphill Skiing – for those more interested in the fitness benefits than the backcountry (tree skiing doesn’t appeal to everyone).  Taught by BVBC guide and US SkiMo Natl. Team Member, Milan Kubala, the class takes place on groomed uphill routes and covers topics from equipment selection, care and use to uphill techniques, to pacing and tricks for fast transitions.  Milan is a gem of a coach – whether you’re just learning or a veteran skimo racer.

---

Private ½-Day

$240 for one person plus $80 per additional person up to 4 total (groups of 5 can be accommodated at guide’s discretion – please call or email the backcountry program for details)

Price includes a full-day N.B.U. (Nordic, Backcountry, Uphill) ticket with 2 one-ride passes for chairlifts

Starts at 9:30am or 11:00am – 3-4 hours total (please arrive early if you’re renting gear)

---

Private Full-Day

$340 for one person plus $120 per additional person up to 4-5 total (groups of 5 can be accommodated at guide’s discretion – please call or email the backcountry program for details)

Price includes a full-day N.B.U. (Nordic, Backcountry, Uphill) ticket with 2 one-ride passes for chairlifts

Full-Day – Starts at 9:00am – 5-6.5 hours total (please arrive early if you’re renting gear)

---

All private tours include NBU (Nordic / Backcountry / Uphill) day tickets and 2 single-ride passes for chairlifts at the resort for that day.

Price does not include rental gear – if renting gear, please arrive 30-40 minutes prior to get equipment sorted.

Maximum 4 people per guide (exceptions can be made for 5 people at guides’ discretion) – groups of 5 or more will need additional guides.

---

Group Intro to Backcountry Clinics

On select Saturdays over the course of the season, we’ll be offering discounted group Intro Clinics for Backcountry touring. Whether you’re Splitboarding or Alpine Touring, you’ll benefit from these classes if you’re just starting to explore backcountry skiing and riding.

This is a brief introduction to alpine touring and split boarding equipment and its safe application in the backcountry.  We’ll cover the basics of the equipment and how to properly and efficiently use it, including climbing skins, touring bindings, boots, and skis.  We’ll also cover the basics of backcountry travel, safety, and other necessary and useful equipment – to include preparation, layering, route selection, snow safety, and general environmental awareness.

The class will meet at 10:00 am at the Backcountry & Nordic Center – located at the main base lodge – for an indoor discussion and brief intro, and then head outside for on-snow instruction that will include a short skin and small descent on mild terrain near the base of the Nordic trails.

These clinics include a full-day N.B.U. ticket (Nordic/Backcountry/Uphill), plus participants receive $20 off the daily rate for backcountry rental gear and can keep the gear for the full day – beyond just the time of the clinic.

Group Intro Tours are offered on the following Saturdays during the 2024-’25 Winter season:

January 4th, January 25th, February 8, March 1, and March 22

Intro classes run 10:00am – 12:30pm

$120 / Person (includes full-day N.B.U. ticket plus $20 discount on rental gear)

---

---