In southern Vermont, just out of Bondville, four miles, is a resort that the beginner skier to the advanced can enjoy.   With one quarter of the ski area marked black diamond, the advanced skier will find plenty of excitement.  The real steeps are along Kidderbrook Ravine, with 2,000 vertical foot drop.  There are ample gondola and chairlifts to get one back into position to ski again, and again, and again.  There are plenty of challenges for         even the most elevated ego!

A classic recipe for great family memories blends adventure and adrenaline with relaxation and pampering all in a snowy Vermont playground built around big-mountain skiing and riding.

Add slope side Village, snow school and childcare programs (for as young as six weeks), on-snow and evening activities just for teens and a full menu of activities for all ages and Stratton becomes what might be the “most family friendly resort not just on the Eastern Seaboard but in the whole country,” according to Travel & Leisure Editor Mark Orwoll.

Stratton’s 600 acres of terrain range from the Learning Park (with its 45 acres of gentle terrain, three chair lifts and two surface lifts ideal for small children) and a scenic beginner trail from the summit of southern Vermont’s highest peak to the steep grades, mogul runs, No. 1 terrain parks and a 400+ foot super pipe. Snowmaking blankets 90 percent of the terrain; lifts include four high-speed six-passenger chairs and an enclosed 12-passenger gondola.

The Village is lined with shops and restaurants for kid-friendly fare or fine dining. On-mountain accommodations include cozy lodges, full-service hotels, and spacious condominiums (kitchen, laundry, fireplaces) including the new Rising Bear Lodge with outdoor pool and hot tubs, underground parking and expansive hearth room.

Stratton offers full-day ski and snowboard instruction for ages 4 and older and licensed childcare for ages 6 weeks and older.

One of the original Burton Kids Method Centers, Stratton has the specialized gear and dedicated coaching staff to introduce the youngest snowboarders to the sport through the innovative Learn-to-Ride system. New this year: Progressive Freestyle Learn-to-Ride.

The new Teen Adventure program for skiers and snowboarders level 6 and above explores trees and racing.  Available weekends and holidays. Meets at 9 a.m.

For evenings:

Kid’s Night Out for ages 4-12 with snow tubing, movies, pizza offered Saturdays and holidays from 5:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Under 21 Club with big-screen video premieres, games, dj and dancing, refreshments. Weekends and holidays.

Family activities include snowshoeing with moonlight tours to the Pearl Buck Cabin, Sports Center with indoor pool, horsedrawn sleigh rides with s-mores by the big bonfire, and snow tubing.

An Early Holiday Gift: Kids Ski, Ride and Stay Free

From November 28 - December 15, kids 17 and younger are invited to ski and stay free when two adults purchase a lodging package for two or more nights. Packages start at $59 per person, per night (offer based on double occupancy, children stay in same room as parents).

Check www.stratton.com or call 1-800-STRATTON (787-2886) for details.

Directions to the area from almost every road possible can be found with a click here.

Accommodations are listed at:

The Stratton Mountain Resort , while not inexpensive, it is one of the better rated hotels.  Most accommodations are located in the upscale Long Trail units, which are fully furnished with living room, kitchen, full bathroom, radio/alarm clock, refrigerator, stove/oven, cable TV, phone, and washer/dryers.

There are a number of excellent condo choices available. 

Manchester is just 30 minutes away with plenty of sights to see and accommodations to meet every need.

Total Area is 583 Acres

90 Trails      16 lifts

Longest Run 3 miles

Annual Snowfall 180 inches

Happy Holidays and Happy Traveling