Ski Vermont’s Winter Media Day: Backcountry Adventure

Ski Vermont Highlights Backcountry Access at 2025 Winter Media Day

Ski Vermont’s 2025 Winter Media Day brought together content creators, outdoor journalists, ski area employees, and backcountry guides at Bolton Valley Resort and Trapp Family Lodge to highlight Vermont’s growing backcountry scene and evolving guest experiences.

This year’s event centered on Bolton Valley’s newly relocated Backcountry and Outdoor Center, now situated directly in the resort’s Village Circle. As one of the only ski areas in the country to offer backcountry rentals, instruction, and access in one location, Bolton Valley continues to distinguish itself as a community hub for skiers and riders seeking a backcountry experience.

Participants were invited to explore the backcountry through two guided routes: an introductory loop with emphasis on instruction, or a longer traverse of the famed Bolton-to-Trapps section of the Catamount Trail. Both options culminated with après-ski, and dinner hosted by Trapp Family Lodge at von Trapp Brewery and Bierhall in Stowe.

“Renting backcountry gear can be a hurdle for a lot of people who want to try the sport,” said Adam DesLauriers, director of Bolton Valley’s Backcountry and Outdoor Center. “We keep an extensive rental fleet so we’re able to outfit pretty much anyone.”

The guided tours began at Bolton Valley’s base area, where 20 participants and six guides ascended a wide-cut uphill route toward Bryant Cabin. The trail’s steady pitch and ample room for instruction allowed for a low-stress, educational introduction to skinning and terrain awareness. Tips from guides included skinning techniques, proper layering, and pacing to avoid excessive sweating, which can lead to an unpleasantly cold descent.

Upon reaching Bryant Cabin, the group split: beginners remained on a shorter loop nearby for their first off-piste descent with plenty of coaching, while more experienced participants continued the traverse toward Stowe. The format highlighted Bolton’s ability to support a range of skill levels, providing an accessible entry point for newcomers and high-quality terrain for advanced skiers.

Conditions were ideal for showcasing the terrain, with five inches of new snow falling throughout the day. Skiers and riders passed through quiet glades and deep powder, with moments of near-total silence just 35 minutes from Burlington. The setting reinforced Bolton’s reputation for providing a remote, backcountry feel with convenient access.

Après-ski festivities were hosted at von Trapp Brewery and Bierhall, where media and guests were welcomed with award-winning beer, a family-style meal, and a behind-the-scenes look at the brewery. David Rye of Trapp Family Lodge shared a brief history of the lodge and outlined the brewery’s growth and the ongoing expansion of year-round outdoor recreation offerings across the property.

New this season is von Trapp Family Lodge’s official designation as a member of Historic Hotels of America, recognizing its long-standing role as the nation’s first cross-country ski center and its legacy in Vermont’s outdoor heritage.

For media members interested in learning about future Ski Vermont media events, contact Bryan Rivard at bryan@skivermont.com.