Guiding and Instruction
BV BackcountryEven the most experienced backcountry skiers and riders will appreciate where we can bring them. And for those looking to explore safely and learn about touring from experienced guides and instructors, they’ve now got a one-stop-shop, complete with all the equipment and a full progression of easily accessible terrain options.
What makes the Bolton Backcountry truly special is accessibility. Included in all our private guided tours are 2 one-ride lift tickets – which allow for one lift-serviced run to dial in equipment and give your guide a chance to assess the group’s ability level and select the best route accordingly. After that, the second one-ride ticket gets the group back up high to access our backcountry terrain from the top and maximize the amount of vertical for the day or half-day.
Backcountry guiding and instruction are available every day of the week all season long. For the 2020-’21 season, everyone must book their tours at least 24 hours in advance – preferably more to guarantee availability.
Every Saturday and Sunday, we offer discounted Intro to Backcountry skiing and riding clinics at reduced rates. Scroll down for more info.
Private Guided Tours and Instructional Tours
2020-21 Early Season Update
Pricing is dependent on the number of people in the group, or the guide to client ratio. Full day tours leave the Sports Center at 9:00 am, and half-day tours leave at 9:30, but are also dependent on numerous factors including snow conditions, route planning, weather, and the fitness level of the individual or group. A half-day tour is usually 3 – 4 hours, and a full day is about 5.5 – 6.5 hours. Full day rates apply beyond 4 hours. Instructional tours are basically informative guided tours – for more introductory instruction, see below for the “Intro to Backcountry” clinics.
All private tours include NBU day tickets and 2 single-ride passes for chairlifts at the resort.
Full-day Private Guided Tour: $250 for one person, and $90 for each additional person.
Half-day Private Guided Tour: $175 for one person and $65 for each additional person.
Maximum 4 people per guide – groups of 5 or more will need additional guides.
Private Intro to Backcountry Clinic (2.5 hours)
This clinic mirrors our Weekend Group Intro to Backcountry Clinics, but can be scheduled anytime as a private lesson and can be coupled with a private guided half-day instructional tour.
See below for more details about the Intro Clinic format.
Private Intro to Backcountry Clinic: $175 for one person and $65 for each additional person. Maximum 6 people. Includes NBU day-ticket, but does not include lift access.
Private Intro Clinic w/ Half-Day Instructional Tour: $250 for one person, and $90 for each additional person. Maximum 4 people. Includes NBU day ticket w/ 2 one-ride lift tickets.
Weekend Group Intro to Backcountry Clinics
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 begin at 10:00 am at the Nordic Center 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 do not include chairlift access.
Every Saturday and Sunday all Season from 10:00am – 12:30pm
$65 / Person (does not include trail fee, nor equipment rental)
Uphill Skiing 1.0 – Front-Country Fitness and Instruction
Our Uphill Skiing 1.0 class is for those more interested in the fitness benefits than the backcountry. We know tree skiing doesn’t appeal to everyone, but there are so many benefits to uphill skiing – especially now when so many are seeking alternatives to the traditional resort experience.
Taught by BVBC guide and US SkiMo Natl. Team Member, Milan Kubala, the 2.5-hour class takes place on our groomed designated uphill routes and covers topics from equipment selection, care, and use, to uphill techniques, to tricks for fast transitions. Milan will tailor the content to your needs – and there’s no better coach whether you’re just learning or a veteran skimo racer.
Milan is an active competitor and sits on the board of the US Ski Mountaineering Association. He’s organized multiple SkiMo events and regularly presents at backcountry and skimo workshops across New England and online.
Private Uphill Skiing Class: $175 for one person and $65 for each additional person. Maximum 6 people (limited to household groups). Includes NBU day-ticket, but does not include lift access.
For more information, feel free to email us at [email protected].