Stratton has long been a playground for the well to do, the
Bavarian village brims with Bogner wearing skiers on weekends and holidays.
Stratton’s base to summit gondola reaches scenic
meandering runs, nothing
too steep, typically buffed to perfection for all 2,003’ vertical. But
Stratton is also the progressive playground to new schoolers: huge parks,
slopestyle trails, and a 22’ tall superpipe that stages the US Open, are
evidence that Stratton was the birthplace of Burton snowboarding, and
Olympic riders Ross Powers and Kelly Clark.
The Vermont resort, turned 50 in 2010, is on one hand elegant
and
upscale, with swank boutiques and the sophisticated Verde restaurant in the
Intrawest village with heated walkways. But Mulligan’s has $.40 wings and
the Grizzly serves pizza and shots with a slope view. For lodging, The Inn
at Stratton is the original alpine lodge with modest rooms, a cozy lobby and
casual Bentley’s restaurant. The Long Trail or Landmark are more luxurious
condo style hotels with underground parking, etc.
I love the dichotomy of Stratton. Wealthy Connecticut condo-owners, with
memberships to the exclusive Stratton Mountain Club, share gondolas with
grungier riders amped on granola and Redbull. You are as likely to encounter
Martha Stewart or the Hilfigers, as you are emerging XGame stars trying to
hit it big at Stratton.
Stratton tips:
Arrive early, Stratton’s parking is at a premium – or you can pay to Valet.
When the Gondola gets busy, hit the six pack chairs instead.
Get your SES pass if you want to hit the parks– a quick but required quiz at
Stratton.com to earn access.
Check out Stratton’s glade runs, 100 acres of tree skiing makes
Stratton’s
600 acres more interesting.
Go on a bear hunt, count the many bears and bear trail names, Stratton’s
mascot.
Bring your camera; Stratton has splendid Vermont views – of Bromley, Magic
and Mount Snow.
Go to Verde for après ski complimentary Swiss fondue and wine specials at
4pm.
For more Stratton reviews:
Stratton SES Pass
Stratton Vermont
Bolton Valley l
Bromley l Burke l
Jay Peak l Killington
l Mount Snow l Okemo
l Pico l
Smugglers Notch l Stowe
l Stratton l Sugarbush
l Suicide Six
