Sunday, January 27, 2013

Bolton Valley and the Catamount Trail Association have teamed up to provide a great day of backcountry skiing. The festival is a terrific opportunity to ski with like minded folks or, if you are new to the sport, take a guided first step into the world of backcountry skiing. All festival goers will have an opportunity to explore the Bolton backcountry as well as the groomed trails, ski on some new products, and learn new skills. Instructors will be on board to teach everything from traditional classic technique to making sweet telemark turns.

The festival will feature demo options for participants to use throughout the day. Backcountry and cross-country ski clinics will take place throughout the day. Clinics are geared to first time backcountry skiers and intermediate skiers. Guided tours of Bolton’s un-groomed backcountry trails, including the Catamount Trail, will be ongoing throughout the day. A guided tour is an excellent way to learn some new technique while exploring some new terrain without fear of becoming lost.

The Festival is held in the spirit of one of Bolton Valley’s earliest owners and ski pioneers, Edward Bryant. A native New Yorker, Bryant purchased 10,000 acres from the American Brass Company in 1922. He and the Bolton Mountain Club would hike into the valley and up the mountain to earn their turns before any lifts, buildings or even the access road existed on the property. Bryant’s name lives on at Bolton Valley as the namesake of the Bryant Cabin, which backcountry enthusiasts rent out year round for camping.
Bolton and the CTA have worked together over the years and in 2008 Bolton granted an easement for part of the Catamount Trail, ensuring that the Catamount Trail will always run through Bolton Valley. 

Backcountry ski gear is suggested for festival participants. Feel free to calls us at (802) 864-5794 and we can help you locate a local retailer to rent gear from, or call Bolton Valley at (877)-926-5866.  Registration starts at 9:00 am and the festival starts at 10:00 am at Bolton Nordic Center.  This event is $40 for CTA members and $60 for non-members. The entry fee includes a Nordic ticket, access to the clinics, tours and the opportunity to try backcountry gear. Bring the family and have a great day of nordic skiing.

Schedule

9am -9:50am: Registration at BV Nordic Center
10am – 3:30pm: Introduction and demo equipment available
10:15am – 12pm: Instruction sessions
12pm-1pm: Lunch time in Nordic Center (bring or buy lunch at BV Deli or Cafeteria)
1pm-1:30pm: Indoor Mini Clinic - Being Prepared for the Backcountry
1:30pm-3:30pm:  Instruction sessions and guided backcountry tours with limited instruction
3:45pm-4:45pm: Apres Ski Party. Beverages and light food will be provided.