Come explore one of the more rugged and beautiful backcountry ski trails in Vermont and help support the Catamount Trail Association’s Ski Cubs Youth Ski Program. Section 22 of the Catamount Trail runs between Bolton Valley Resort and the Trapp Family Lodge and features a narrow trail in the spruce forest above 2700 feet, with a long descent through open forest, and marvelous views in all directions. This section of trail is perfect for experienced skiers who possess a true sense of adventure and are prepared for the unexpected.
The Catamount Trail Express will offer shuttle service between the Parking Lot on Old County Road in Nebraska Valley, and the beginning of Section 22 at the Bolton Valley Nordic Center. This allows someone to ski from Bolton Valley back to their car in Nebraska Valley without having to deal with the hassle of arranging their own shuttle.
Participating skiers should expect to take between four (4) and six (6) hours to complete this section of trail. Conditions on the course can vary significantly and will play a large role in determining how long it takes to finish this part of the Catamount Trail. Every individual in responsible for themselves and it’s strongly encouraged that every skier bring a small backpack with food, water, and extra clothes since there are no aid stations in the backcountry. Climbing skins are highly recommended.
Schedule
10:00AM – Pickup at Old Country Road Parking Lot in Nebraska Valley
10:15AM – Depart Nebraska Valley
11:00AM – Drop off at Bolton Valley Nordic Center
Be sure to arrive well in advanced so that you are ready to go when the bus arrives. The bus will not, and cannot wait for you!
MASK POLICY: All participants are required to have, and wear, a mask while on the bus. If you do not have a mask you will not be allowed to board. If you do not want to wear a mask please do not try to participate.
NOTICE: Bolton Valley Trail Passes Are Required for skiing this section of trail. If you don’t have a season pass YOU MUST purchase a pass at the Bolton Nordic Center before you depart.
Location Info
Old Country Road Parking Lot Nebraska Valley | Map
Bolton Valley Nordic Center | Map
Catamount Trail Section 22 | Map
2022 Dates
Saturday, January 8th – Cancelled
Saturday, January 15th – Cancelled
Saturday, January 22nd – Closed
Saturday, January 29th
Saturday, February 5th
Saturday, February 12th
Equipment
Waxless backcountry touring skis with metal edges, 3 pin boots and bindings, and skins for the steeper sections of trail are recommended. There are some fun downhill sections and it is not uncommon for people to use telemark or alpine touring equipment when skiing this section of the Catamount Trail. For the fun and safety of all involved, a representative will be checking your equipment when you get on the bus. Please carefully review the equipment recommendations and be adequately prepared for a winter day on the trail. If upon review, our representative feels you do not have adequate equipment, we do reserve the right to deny your participation….but that’s the last thing we want to do, so please call or email us at the office (802-864-5794) well in advance if you have questions.
View Equipment Recommendations
Route Info
This beautiful but physically challenging route is ~12km in length and starts at the Bolton Valley Nordic Center. You will begin with a 1300ft climb up and over Bolton Mountain followed by a 2300 ft vertical descent into Nebraska Valley. Skiers on telemark or AT equipment should plan to keep your skins on until the top of an open birch glade encountered soon after you start the descent. This is a great place to transition and from here the terrain is consistently downhill and no additional transitions should be required, though there are a couple of short uphill sections you can sidestep/herringbone. Except for the very first few 100 yards the entirety of this route is on un-groomed backcountry ski trails. Most skiers should expect to take at least 4 hours to complete the full length of the course.
View a map of this section of the Catamount Trail
Cost
CTA Member: $10.00
Non-Member: $20.00
Please note that registration for a particular shuttle closes at noon on the Friday prior to the shuttle date.
Notice: Bus Service Cancellations
This season the bus service we use has told us that due to potential driver shortages they may not be able to provide service to every customer and that this may result in cancellations. In the event of a cancellation we are supposed to be notified 2 weeks in advance. If any of these events are cancelled due to bus availability participants would be entitled to transfer their fee to another tour, or receive a full refund.
Refund Policy
There are no refunds for this event. However, you are more than welcome to transfer your registration to another skier. In the event of a cancellation participants will have the option to move their registration to another date if available. Space on the shuttle is limited so please do not register until you are sure you are available. The proceeds from these tours support the Catamount Trail Ski Cubs.
