Bolton, VT – With the one of the highest base elevations of any Vermont nordic ski center at 2,100 feet, Bolton Valley’s Nordic Center will play host to a two-day Intro to Backcountry for Women clinic Feb. 5-6, with proceeds benefiting Girls Move Mountains. The organization is dedicated to supporting girls’ positive development with outdoor adventure, group experience, and personal reflection to help adolescent girls successfully navigate the challenges associated with this age group.nThe two-day clinic will encourage girls and women of all ages who are beginners to intermediate skiers to build their Nordic skills while increasing confidence in a supportive, easy-going environment. The perception of backcountry skiing can be overwhelming, but the clinic is designed to make backcountry fun for all participants. The clinic will include learning the basics of backcountry skiing techniques as well as the ins and outs of winter backcountry travel. Low instructor to participant ratio (1:5 maximum) provides for individualized attention.

The Bolton Nordic trails wind through some of the most pristine high elevation backcountry skiing in Vermont. In fact, 70km of Bolton’s trails are ungroomed, backcountry trails that range from steep trails winding through stands of birch trees to mellower trails more suited to backcountry touring. Vermont’s famous Catamount Trail, which runs the length of the state from north to south, also travels through Bolton’s trail system.

Adventurous skiers looking to extend their backcountry experience into the evening can rent the Bryant Cabin for overnight stays deep in the woods.

Day 1 will focus on basic skills to help improve skiing and prepare participants for backcountry travel. Utilizing the open trails at Bolton Valley participants will practice different climbing, descending, turning, kick and glide, and stopping techniques. Instructors will discuss using skins and wax, choosing proper equipment and clothing, what to pack in a backpack, and other tips for being comfortable in the backcountry. Day 1 ends with an après’ ski get together complete with wine and cheer.

Day 2 puts the skills learned on Day 1 to use as participants head off-piste on Bolton’s backcountry trails for a day long tour. Day 2 will focus on traveling comfortably in varied terrain, making graceful turns off the groomed trail, and having fun. Map reading and route finding for those who are interested also will be included.

The cost of the clinic is $195, with proceeds benefiting Girls Move Mountains. Included in the cost is a an alpine and Nordic ticket on Saturday and a Nordic area ticket on Sunday, two days of instruction, coffee, tea, muffins and bagels both mornings, and a Saturday après ski with wine and cheese. Rentals are available at an additional cost.

For registration or more information visit www.girlsmovemountains.org or call (802) 229-2976.