Note: Please remember to check in and purchase your pass at both Nordic centers you will be skiing through (Bolton and von Trapp). CTA members can use their coupons in the Membership Rewards Booklet for discounted tickets at these areas. Ambassadors periodically check passes on their trails and you need to have proof of your pass purchase. Passes can be purchased online or in person.
Snapshot
This popular section is a rugged, backcountry tour, climbing 1,300 feet and descending 2,300 feet. It features a narrow trail in the spruce forest above 2,700 feet, a long descent through open forest, and marvelous views in many directions – including the Little River and Cotton Brook Valleys and Worcester Range to the east, Camel’s Hump to the south, and Mount Mansfield to the north. The region between Bolton Valley and the start of the descent is a reliable area to find good early and late season snow, but the descent becomes very difficult if the snow is icy or crusty, or if there is insufficient snow cover.
Length
9.4 miles (14.13 km)
Difficulty
The portion between Bolton Valley and Nebraska Valley Road is suitable for advanced, properly equipped skiers only. It is long, isolated, and very steep. A group of three or more skiers is recommended for safety purposes. The portion between Nebraska Valley Road and Trapp Family Lodge has easier terrain, making it suitable for intermediate skiers. The last portion of this section is on Trapp’s groomed trails.
When the CT leaves the Bolton Nordic Center network you are on a backcountry ski trail. It is not groomed and is not patrolled. There is a lot of climbing that can be challenging in deep snow, especially if there have been no skiers ahead of you breaking trail. We recommend heavier backcountry gear and climbing skins for this section. The descent into the Moscow valley is thrilling, but can be tricky to negotiate in icy conditions. The trail is narrow, passing through spruce trees and then open hardwoods on the descent. Due to the large amount of snow this area receives, CT trail blazes can often be obscured or completely covered by snow. Ski with at least two companions and stay together.
Staying Found
Out in the woods keeping track of where you are can be a challenge. A map and compass is always a reliable option, but there are some great technological solutions that can make knowing where you are super simple. Please visit out Staying Found Webpage for more info about some of our favorite navigational tools, and note that all of our PDF maps are geo-referenced. This means they can be opened directly in apps like Avenza and used for navigation even in areas where there is no cell service.
Catamount Trail Skiers Facebook Group
This group is for anyone planning any type of adventure (skiing and snowshoeing) on the Catamount Trail (thru-skis\end-to-end section skis\day tours), or other similar XCD/Nordic backcountry trails in Vermont. It’s a place to ask questions, share knowledge, and connect with others.
Downloads
Section 22 – GeoPDF Map
Section 22 – Written Description & Shuttle Directions
Your membership dues make CTA’s free online maps and trail descriptions possible. Please join CTA today!
Looking for more information, volunteer opportunities, or to get in touch with the Section Trail Chief? Please contact us!
Local Business Supporters
Lodging:
Affordable Stowe Timeshare Rentals – Stowe, VT 1-877-815-4227, www.sellmytimesharenow.com, info@sellmytimesharenow.com
Bolton Valley Resort, 4302 Bolton Valley Access Rd., Bolton Valley, VT 05477
802-434-3444, www.boltonvalley.com, info@boltonvalley.com
Brass Lantern Inn, 717 Maple St., Stowe, VT 05672
(802) 253-2229, www.brasslanterninn.com, info@brasslanterninn.com
Cady Hill Lodge, 511 Mountain Road, Stowe, VT 05672
802-276-8200, www.bluebirdhotels.com/hotels/cady-hill
Commodores Inn, 823 South Main Street, Stowe, VT 05672
1-800-447-8693, 802-253-7131, commodoresinn.com, reservations@commodoresinn.com
Edson Hill, 1500 Edson Hill Rd., Stowe, 05672
1-800-621-0284, 802-253-7371 www.edsonhill.com, info@edsonhill.com
Green Mountain Inn, 18 Main Street, PO Box 60, Stowe, VT 05672
(802) 253-7301, greenmountaininn.com, info@greenmountaininn.com
Inn at the Mountain at Stowe Mountain Resort, 5781 Mountain Road, Stowe VT 05672
(802) 253-3656, www.stowe.com, reservations@stowe.com
Old Stagecoach Inn, 18 N. Main Street, Waterbury, VT 05676
(802) 244-5056, www.oldstagecoach.com, lodging@oldstagecoach.com
Stowe Motel & Snowdrift, 4043 Mountain Road, Stowe, VT 05672
1-800-829-7629, 802-253-7629,www.stowemotel.com, info@stowemotel.com
The Stowehof, 434 Edson Hill Rd, Stowe, VT 05672
(802)-253-9722, thestowehof.com
Timberholm Inn, 452 Cottage Club Road, Stowe, VT 05672
(802) 253-7603, www.timberholm.com, info@timberholm.com
Topnotch Resort & Spa, 4000 Mountain Rd., Stowe, 05672
1-800-451-8686, 802-253-8585,www.topnotchresort.com, info@topnotchresort.com
von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort, 700 Trapp Hill Rd., P.O. Box 1428, Stowe, VT 05672
1-800-826-7000, 802-253-8511, www.vontrappresort.com
Restaurants:
Cold Hollow Cider Mill, 3600 Waterbury-Stowe Rd, Waterbury Center, Vermont 05677
(800) 327-7537,www.coldhollow.com
Rusty Nail, 1190 Mountain Road, Stowe, VT 05672
802-253-6245, www.rustynailvt.com
Sushi Yoshi, 1128 Mountain Road, Stowe, VT 05672
(802) 253-4135, www.sushistowe.com
