Bolton Valley prepares to open for skiing and riding a day earlier than scheduled, Dec. 12

Bolton Valley will open for the longest Opening Day in Vermont with lifts operating from 10 a.m to 10 p.m.

BOLTON VALLEY — In addition to receiving more than a foot of natural snow since Thanksgiving, Bolton Valley Ski Area will open for the 2014-2015 ski and snowboard season this Friday, Dec. 12 with the longest Opening Day in Vermont. Lifts will turn for skiers and riders from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., and the day will include a host of special lift ticket deals, an opening day party and more.

Bolton Valley snowmakers continued to make snow during this recent cold snap as well, and with a major storm headed to North Country on Tuesday and Wednesday, resort officials are anticipating a snow-filled initial 12 hours on the slopes.

“We look for a window of cold weather about two weeks out from opening day—which is about the amount of time we need to get trails open for the season,” said Josh Arneson, director of sales and marketing. “The natural snow is fantastic, too. Combined, it’s allowed us to turn the calendar back a day and open early and have some fun with the longest Opening Day in the state. This gives our snow-loving customers plenty of time to hit the mountain either after school or work, and we’ll celebrate with some festivities Friday evening.”

The ski area will host a Welcome Back Party in the James Moore Tavern with live music by Mike Pedersen from 8 – 11 p.m. All styles of beer will be $4 or less and passholders will receive an additional 25 percent off all food. Passholders also receive 25 percent off food at the Mountainside Food Court and the Deli as well.

This Friday also is the kick-off of Bolton’s celebrated Late Night at Bolton Valley, where lifts are open until 10 p.m. every Friday night. Officials expect to have three lifts serving at least eight  trails plus a small terrain park available for opening day. Terrain for all ability levels will be open.

Lift tickets for opening day are $39 for all ages and just $19 beginning at 4 p.m. Early season lift tickets, valid for a day of skiing through Christmas Day, are also available online at boltonvalley.com for $29, however these tickets must be purchased by Dec. 14. For those who like to plan ahead, additional savings can be found by purchasing online as well.