Bolton, Vermont — Tributes are pouring in across the ski industry following the passing of the founder of a legendary Vermont ski resort.
Yesterday, Bolton Valley Resort announced the passing of Ralph DesLauriers. He passed away at the age of ninety.
He and his father, Roland DesLauriers, purchased the land in the early 1960s, which had previously been used by a logging company. The two cut down trees to create the trails, parking lots, and access road to the ski resort. The ski resort first opened on December 24, 1966, with three lifts and a hotel. Over time, the ski resort evolved into three distinct peaks and a range of summer activities.
After selling the ski resort in 1997 due to financial issues (the ’90s were a rough era for New England’s ski industry), Bolton Valley was under different ownership for a couple of decades. However, the DesLauriers family and a small group of investors reacquired the ski resort in 2017.
Since they’ve been back under the DesLauriers family ownership, some of the improvements have included snowmaking upgrades, facility refurbishments, and continued investments in summer operations, particularly in mountain biking. Bolton has been able to reach new audiences by creating terrain for backcountry skiers and mountain bikers. You can learn more about the history of Bolton Valley here.
During his final years, Bolton Valley produced a video series featuring Ralph, who shared stories from the early years of the ski resort.
Ralph DesLauriers was inducted into the Vermont Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame in 2022.
Our condolences are with the DesLauriers family during this challenging time.
Image/Video Credits: Bolton Valley Resort, Vermont Ski & Snowboard Museum
