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   Vermont: Bolton Valley: Expansions
Ski Area Expansions
 
Vista Peak at Bolton Valley
Vista Peak Details
Vista Peak
Status:Open
First Season of Operation:1969-70
Lifts:1 chairlift
Terrain:Novice, intermediate, and expert terrain
Return to Bolton Valley Profile
After operating under its original footprint for a few seasons, Bolton Valley pushed forward with the development of the second of eleven planned peaks.

Located above the Mid Mountain Lift, the Vista Peak area was introduced in 1969-70 to provide some much needed expert terrain. Serving the area was a new 650 vertical foot Poma double chairlift.

Three decades later, having recently taken over a financially troubled ski area in 2002, new ownership decided to take action. One issue of particular concern was the aging lift infrastructure on the main mountain.

In 2005, the owners were able to secure $650,000 low-interest Federal loan to help with the purchase of a new, $1.3 million Doppelmayr CTEC fixed grip quad chairlift. Replacing the 35 year old Vista Lift, the new 955 vertical foot Vista Quad allowed for top-to-main-lodge skiing from Vista Peak for the first time ever. At 4,389 feet long, it would be the second longest chairlift at the ski area. In addition to providing a modern lift from the base area (despite being the newest double chairlift at Bolton Valley, the Vista Chair was also one of the most heavily used), the new quad also allowed for more scalable operations during non-peak times.

With the new chairlift terminating above the former Vista Chair, Bolton increased its advertised vertical drop from 1,634 feet to 1,704 feet. New terrain was added off Vista Peak, including the intermediate Alta Vista trail.


The Showoff Trail circa the late 1970s or early 1980s
The Showoff Trail circa the late 1970s or early 1980s

The 1981 Bolton Valley Vista Peak trail map
The 1981 Bolton Valley Vista Peak trail map

The Vista Chair during removal (2006)
The Vista Chair during removal (2006)

The Vista Quad (2006)
The Vista Quad (2006)

The 2009 Bolton Valley trail map after the expansion of Vista Peak
The 2009 Bolton Valley trail map after the expansion of Vista Peak

The Vista Quad (2015)
The Vista Quad (2015)

Spillway (2015)
Spillway (2015)

Bolton Valley Expansion History
Project NameSeasonStatus
Bolton Mountain1960sCancelled
Bone Mountain1960sCancelled
Ricker Mountain1960sCancelled
Stimson Mountain1960sCancelled
Timberline Peak1987-88Open
Vista Peak1969-70Open
Woodward Mountain1960sCancelled
Return to Bolton Valley Ski History

Last updated: June 23, 2015

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