Stratton Mountain Means Family Friendly Skiing and Riding
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 slopeside 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 steep glades, mogul runs, No. 1 terrain parks and a 400+ foot Superpipe. 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 hearthroom.
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 carving, trees and racing. Special events too. Full day. Available weekends and holidays. Meets at 9 a.m.
For evenings:
* Kids 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).
For more information, check www.stratton.com, or call 1-800-STRATTON (1-800-787-2886) for details.
