Skytop Trail
Gain more than1,800 feet of elevation over almost 10 miles of backcountry touring on the Skytop Trail. The trail is an out-and-back route. Prepare yourself for this trip by looking at the USGS Bolton Mountain, Vermont, topo map, available online or at ski and sporting goods stores in Stowe. You will tour atop the ridge along the Mount Mansfield area. Glade and tree skiing, as well as opportunities for fresh powder, are possible. The trailhead is found along Mountain Road outside of Stowe.
Skytop Trail
4361 Mountain Rd.
Stowe, VT 05672
The Steeple Trail
The Steeple Trail was built in 1937, giving skiers access to the Ranch Camp Cabin and the Bruce Trail to Mt. Mansfield. Today the Steeple Trail is considered a classic tour in Vermont, according to the web-blog Skimaven. Gain 1,400 feet of elevation over 1.2 miles. Use the USGS Bolton Mountain, Vermont, topo. The trail is an out and back. There are three sections to the trail allowing tree, glade and bowl skiing.
Steeple Trail
Route 108 (The Mountain Road)
3.5 miles to Edson Hill Rd.
Stowe, VT 05672
Bolton-Trapp Trail
Visit the Van Trapp Family Lodge, the family made famous by the movie "The Sound of Music" and ski tour the Bolton-Trapp Trail. Gain 2,300 feet of elevation over the 11-plus mile trail. As this trail is a point to point, shuttle a vehicle to either, assuring a warm car and way back. Use the USGS Bolton Mountain topo map. Start the tour at the Bolton Nordic Center in Stowe.
Bolton Nordic Center
4302 Bolton Valley Access Rd.
Bolton Valley, VT 05477
boltonvalley.com/mountain/nordic_center/
Article Written By Eric Cedric
A former Alaskan of 20 years, Eric Cedric now resides in California. He's published in "Outside" and "Backpacker" and has written a book on life in small-town Alaska, "North by Southeast." Cedric was a professional mountain guide and backcountry expedition leader for 18 years. He worked in Russia, Iceland, Greece, Turkey and Belize. Cedric attended Syracuse University and is a private pilot.
