The Green Mountain Club has wrapped up its first full winter season of managing Bolton Lodge and Bryant Camp for public rental, a long-realized goal since both cabins were brought under public ownership in 2013 as part of a 1,161-acre conservation effort lead by Friends of Bolton Nordic & Backcountry and the Vermont Land Trust.  “It’s wonderful to be able to offer these important backcountry recreation resources,” says Green Mountain Club President John Page.  “These cabins not only provide unparalleled backcountry recreation opportunities but are historic structures that are an important part of the history of the Long Trail and skiing in Bolton Valley.”

The cabins, owned by the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation, are managed by GMC through a cooperative agreement for exclusive rentals by the public.  Over the winter of 2017-18, Bryant Camp was enjoyed by guests every night of the winter and Bolton Lodge was booked every weekend and many weeknights.

Guests primarily stay at the cabins to enjoy the extensive network of Nordic and backcountry ski trails managed by Bolton Resort, but in the summer and fall guests can enjoy hiking, birding and relaxing by the woodstove in these remote camps.

Guest responses to the camps have been overwhelmingly positive. “Thanks so much for making this resource available. We absolutely love it and look forward to more adventures in which we can call Bryant Camp home for the night!” said one appreciative Bryant Camp guest.

Of Bolton Lodge, a recent visitor said, “Loved the camp! Easy to get to and close to great backcountry skiing but felt a world away. Appreciated the simple, rustic accommodations, but also amenities of firewood supply and new outhouse. Wish there were more camps like these in VT. Thanks for rehabbing this one and making it available.”

Both cabins are currently closed for mud season to protect the soil and vegetation at the sites. GMC will open both camps for reservations for the summer of 2018 through the winter of 2019 on May 15th at 10 AM.  Reservations can be made at greenmountainclub.org/cabins.

In addition to managing Bolton Lodge and Bryant Camp in Bolton Valley, GMC also rents Hadsel-Mares Cabin in Barton, Vermont.  Hadsel-Mares Cabin is on the shore of Wheeler Pond and offers year-round rentals in a prime location for hiking, skiing, and exploring the Northeast Kingdom.

A second facility at Wheeler Pond, Beaver Dam Cabin, is in the process of being rebuilt due to structural issues with its foundation.  “Over the last forty decades Beaver Dam Cabin has made many adventures and explorations of the Northeast Kingdom possible,” says Mike DeBonis, GMC executive director.  “Rebuilding the camp is an important project for GMC to be able to continue giving visitors an affordable and rustic setting for enjoying all the Northeast Kingdom has to offer.”

We hope you’ll get out and enjoy one of our primitive cabins this year!