Stratton Mountain Plans to Open November 23

It’s beginning to look like ski season at Stratton Mountain. A blanket of snow covers the mountain and that can only mean one thing – opening day is fast approaching.

Stratton Mountain Resort will fire up the lifts on Wednesday, November 23, 2011, starting off the fiftieth season of skiing and riding at southern Vermont’s highest peak.

The mountain is getting ready for a busy season, putting the finishing touches on two new trails and lining up the snow guns. Our snowmaking gurus are ready to unleash winter on the mountain and the latest gear has arrived in the Village shops. It’s quiet now, but that will soon change as the mountain fills with the exhilarating whoosh of snow guns, the plastic thud of ski boots, and friendly shouts of “hello”!

Stratton is ready to greet a phenomenal season, especially after the destruction left by Hurricane Irene. Thanks to the hard work and compassion of many, our region in southern Vermont has made a strong recovery.  Roads are repaired and bridges rebuilt, and Stratton is as accessible as ever. It’s just a short drive from Boston, Connecticut and New York City, yet Stratton feels worlds away. Better still, an array of lift and lodging packages makes a Stratton vacation affordable and easy. Visit www.Stratton.com/Deals to learn more about Stratton’s 50^th Anniversary Special and other packages, season passes, and special offers.

Now is the perfect time to join us on the mountain as we celebrate 50 years at Stratton. With fireworks, a Rail Jam in the Village, and a concert by the Stratton Mountain Boys, Opening Weekend is just the start of a winter filled with fun for the whole family. Opening Weekend events include:

6^th Annual Gobble Gobble Wobble 5K Race
After speeding down the mountain on Wednesday, speed around the mountain in the Gobble Gobble Wobble 5K on Thursday. Bring your friends, family and a funny costume and work up an appetite for Thanksgiving feasting! Runners and walkers of all ages can pre-register on www.active.com for $35 in advance or $50 on the day of. The proceeds will benefit local food pantries and participants will receive a commemorative t-shirt.

Thanksgiving Dinner
With Thanksgiving dinner at Bentley’s Restaurant, you can practically ski right to the table. Stay cool on the mountain and let our chefs take the heat of the kitchen. Mulligan’s and Verdé in the Village will also serve a holiday meal.

Village Block Party
Head to the Village for a good old-fashioned block party with a Stratton flair! On Friday, November 25, the Village shops welcome you back to the mountain with live music, signature snacks and activities. Search each shop for the 50^th Anniversary bear and enter to win great prizes! The Party will go from 3 to 5 pm.

Double Feature: Stratton Through the Years
Take a trip to the Stratton of yesteryear with a double feature in the west wing of the Base Lodge on Friday at 5:30 pm. “Life at its Peak” is a snapshot of skiing and mountain lifestyle in the 1970s at Stratton. See how the sport has changed and what has stayed the same in this granddaddy of ski films. “The Stevek Story” guides us through the life and times of one of Stratton’s dedicated and beloved ski instructors, Steve Kenny. Find out why he is the namesake for both a trail and a freestyle competition in this film. Both films run around half an hour.

Tyrolean Evening Encore Performance with the Stratton Mountain Boys
After playing for a packed house over the Columbus Day weekend, the Stratton Mountain Boys are back with another night of music. The group and their Austrian sound have rocked the resort since the 1970s, and the tradition continues Friday from 7 to 9 pm in Grizzly’s. Tickets may be purchased online at www.stratton.com.

Village Rail Jam
The first freestyle event of a busy season, the Jam brings the park to the center of the Stratton Village. Registration is from 12 to 1 pm at the Burton Store on Saturday, November 26. It’s only open to 50 skiers and riders so get there early and show the Village what you’ve got! Rail Jam starts at 2pm.

50th Fireworks
It’ll be one for the decades – five decades in fact. Come watch as we light up the sky with a fireworks display. Fireworks start at 8:30 pm on Saturday, November 26.