The Ultimate New England Ski Getaway at Stratton Mountain Resort

Sponsored by Stratton Mountain 

Stratton Mountain Resort is without question one of the most iconic winter destinations in America, evidenced by its history as the birthplace of snowboarding and home of Vermont’s first World Cup ski races. Stratton opened in 1961 with just three lifts, eight trails, and 22 inches of fresh snow. Today, Stratton boasts 14 lifts and nearly 100 trails. The 670 acres of skiable terrain include a network of glades for novice to expert, 2,000 feet of vertical drop, and a beginner run from the summit. There’s never been a better time to visit. 

History Of Stratton 

The development of a vibrant ski resort and tight-knit community has been central to the resort’s mission since it opened in 1961. Stratton was founded by a trio of people, including Frank Snyder, a New England businessman who had skied around the world and wanted to bring a taste of Europe skiing to Southern Vermont. The vibrancy and community that you may associate with European ski culture is evident at Stratton even today with its classic alpine village that’s bustling with activity, including live music, fun events, and family and friends cozying up together on heated patios and by fire pits.   

Stratton has been at the forefront of ski history in America. In 1978 it hosted Vermont’s first men’s World Cup ski race. Both slalom and GS events were held atop the mountain’s 3,875-foot peak, which is the highest peak in Southern Vermont. It wasn’t long after when Jake Burton Carpenter, considered the “godfather of snowboarding,” tested his snowboard prototypes at Stratton. He convinced the resort to open its lifts to snowboarders in 1983, and soon after Stratton opened the world’s first snowboard school. Its history, community, and vibrancy bring mountain friends and families back year after year.  

Skiing And Riding At Stratton   

Stratton’s 670-plus skiable acres and 38 miles of trails make it one of the largest resorts in Vermont. More advanced skiers and riders will be in heaven with Stratton’s 135-plus acres of glades and trails like World Cup, Bear Down, and Upper Downeaster, which brings you to the Sun Bowl area with its own Base Lodge, slopeside parking, and a pair of high-speed six-passenger lifts. Beginners and intermediates enjoy the fact that two-thirds of the resort is dedicated to green and blue runs. This all combines for a ski and snowboard experience you can’t have just anywhere. 

Other notable runs include Upper and Lower Standard directly under the Gondola. This wide black into blue trail has the perfect pitch for large S turns and showing off under the lift line. On the opposite end, the Tamarack lift offers great access to the mid-mountain lodge and plenty of green trails down to the base. Stratton boasts one of New England’s longest ski runs, Mike’s Way to Wanderer, which stretches for three miles, and is a great way to wrap up your day. 

And the best part? Stratton guarantees snow, thanks to 95% snowmaking coverage, 180 inches of snow it receives on average every season, and its world-class grooming. Stratton has continued to invest in better, more efficient snowmaking. Following the successful implementation of 70 HKD KLIK snowmaking hydrants on Suntanner and Polar Bear last season, the mountain went all in, installing another 160 HKD KLIK hydrants for this season. 

Learning To Ski And Ride At Stratton

It’s only fitting that Stratton would have such a great snow sports school given that the first snowboard school was opened here in 1983. Stratton is such a fantastic place to learn to ski or ride for adults and children because of its breadth of programs that are tailored for each skier and rider. The Learn-to-Ski (LTS) and Learn-to-Ride (LTR) group lessons include a ticket, rental, and lesson. A brand new program for 2024-25 offers a complimentary season pass after completing four LTS or LTR sessions.   

Private lessons maximize your time and accelerate progress. Half-day advanced clinics help skiers and riders quickly expand their skills. And the two-day Women On Snow Snowboard and Ski camps are great immersive experiences for any woman from beginner to advanced. Stratton also has an incredible adaptive program with the Bart Adaptive Sports Center. View all of Stratton’s lesson options on its website. 

Stratton has continued to elevate the experience for learners, with upgrades like new covered carpets and a revamped learning area. One of the coolest perks of learning to ski or ride at Stratton is its new Gore-Tex On Demand service, offering Gore-Tex pants and jackets for rent. 

Activities Off The Slopes 

The adventures continue off the slopes at Stratton. Nordic skiers will find 12 km of cross-country ski trails groomed for both classic and skate skiing as well as snowshoeing. Rental equipment is available at the Nordic Center. For a little more adrenaline, one of Stratton’s most unique adventures is the after-hours guided snowmobile trips up the mountain. Families can enjoy a number of great kid-friendly activities like lift-served tubing at Sun Bowl or ice skating under the lights at the Mill House.  

Exploring Stratton Village 

Stratton’s alpine village is what sets it apart. Get tuned up or test out a new pair of skis at the First Run Ski Shop & Boot Lab, which offers a full-service tech shop and custom boot fitting. Gear up from some of the top outdoor brands at the Burton Store and The North Face. And end your day at any number of great restaurants and bars. Savor the freshest sushi at Snowfish Sushi, cozy up at the heated outdoor patio of Bar 802, play pool at the Green Door Pub, or enjoy dinner at Table 43.1.   

Long-time favorite, Benedicts, which is popular for breakfast and lunch, recently moved to a new location in the Village with more seating and an expanded menu and hours. Grizzly’s, conveniently located in the main Base Lodge, and known for its live music, is considered one of the best aprés-ski bars in America. And no ski day is complete without a visit to the Waffle Cabin, now with two locations at Stratton.  

Plan Your Trip To Stratton   

• Getting there: Stratton is a short drive from a number of nearby airports. Albany International Airport (ALB) is just an hour and a half away. Bradley International Airport (BDL) and Burlington International Airport (BTV) are just over two hours away, while it’s a three-hour drive to Logan International Airport (BOS) in Boston. Travelers from New York City can take the Stratton Jitney, a coach bus that runs between Stratton and Manhattan. The MOOver is another option with free round-trips to Manchester. 

• Lodging: Stratton has every type of lodging option you could imagine, from cozy lodges to condos to ski cabins. Book your accommodations on Stratton’s website.

• Pass options: Owned by Alterra Mountain Group, Stratton is on the Ikon Pass, providing Ikon Pass holders with unlimited skiing with no blackout dates (for those with the full Ikon Pass). There are a number of great pass options as well as lift ticket savings.  Start planning your trip and experience all that Stratton has to offer at stratton.com.