Stratton Mountain

Skiing in Vermont is a dream for winter sports enthusiasts, offering a perfect mix of natural beauty, varied terrain, and classic New England charm. The Green Mountains provide a reliable snowfall season, complemented by some of the best snowmaking technology in the country, ensuring great conditions even when Mother Nature is unpredictable.

Vermont is home to iconic ski resorts like Stratton, Killington, Stowe, and Sugarbush, each offering unique experiences, from wide groomers to challenging glades and backcountry access. Beyond the slopes, Vermont’s ski culture is rich with cozy lodges, top-tier après-ski scenes, and a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere. The state’s picturesque villages, filled with local breweries, farm-to-table restaurants, and charming inns, add to the overall experience, making Vermont one of the best places to ski on the East Coast.

For New Yorkers looking for a convenient ski getaway, Stratton Mountain in Vermont is an ideal choice. Just a few hours' drive from Manhattan, it offers a mix of accessibility, great terrain, and a laid-back atmosphere that makes it perfect for skiers of all levels. It is a mountain that uniquely balances the amount of activities and fun you can have off the slopes as much as on the slopes.

One of the mountain’s standout features is a long, scenic green trail that runs from the mountain’s peak all the way to the base, allowing beginners and casual skiers to enjoy the full Stratton experience without feeling overwhelmed. This is especially nice since a lot of other mountains in the surrounding area favor harder and more difficult trails.

Planning The Right Time To Visit

Visiting ski resorts on peak weekends like MLK Weekend or Presidents’ Week can turn a fun day on the slopes into a crowded, chaotic experience. Lift lines become painfully long, trails get packed with skiers of all levels, and finding a spot to warm up in the lodge feels nearly impossible.

The usually peaceful mountain atmosphere is replaced with congestion, making it harder to enjoy the runs without constantly dodging other skiers. While the energy is high, the sheer number of people can make the experience feel more stressful than exhilarating.

Visiting during the week can prove to be a major advantage. Skiers visiting outside of normal times like during the week can expect the mountain to be empty, with wide-open trails and no lift lines. This is helpful for beginners that need a lot of room for big turns but if your group is advanced, that may not matter if your skiers can navigate crows easily.

While expensive, the ski lessons are also worth it as well. For most people, ski season can feel short, as families and ski groups are often only able to fit in a few trips each year during long weekends or holiday breaks. Without a refresher, beginners that may expect to spend the trip strictly on green runs. However, with only a few hours with an instructor, the trip can quickly turn into a progression to blues, and by the end, maybe even an easy diamond run. The combination of well-groomed trails and patient, knowledgeable instructors make it easy to build confidence and improve technique.

Après-Skiing & The Food

Stratton Mountain isn’t just known for its great skiing—it also has fantastic food options to keep you fueled after a day on the slopes. One of the best spots is Grizzly’s, a lively bar above the base lodge that boasts an impressive beer selection and a menu packed with delicious bar food. Their poutine is rich and satisfying, the nachos are piled high with toppings, and the flatbreads, sandwiches, and burgers hit the spot after a long day outside.

Beyond Grizzly’s, the mountain also has a cafeteria with a surprisingly diverse selection of food, offering plenty of choices for every taste. Whether you're craving comfort food or something quick and hearty, Stratton delivers.

Stratton also has a mid-mountain lodge that offers even more dining options, allowing skiers to take a break with a hot meal and a drink while soaking in the scenic views. Whether you’re kicking back at the base or grabbing a bite halfway up the mountain, Stratton makes sure the après scene is just as memorable as the skiing itself.

Stratton also does Après-ski pretty well. Whether it’s sipping a craft beer by a fire, indulging in hearty comfort food, or dancing to live music, après-ski is just as much a part of the mountain experience as the skiing itself. At places like Stratton Mountain, après-ski can mean heading to Grizzly’s for a drink and some poutine or stopping at the mid-mountain lodge to take in the views with a warm meal. It’s all about the camaraderie and good vibes after a day on the snow.

One downside of skiing Stratton midweek, however, is that many of the restaurants in the village close on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Since our group was there from Monday through Thursday, dining options were more limited than expected. Still, the trade-off of quiet slopes and an uncrowded resort made it well worth it.

Wrap Up

Whether you're a beginner looking to level up or an experienced skier wanting a relaxed escape from the city, Stratton offers an excellent mix of challenge, convenience, and classic Vermont charm.

With its well-groomed trails, efficient lift system, and vibrant après-ski scene, Stratton provides the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. Add in top-notch dining options and a welcoming atmosphere, and it’s easy to see why Stratton remains a favorite destination for skiers of all levels.

Stratton Mountain: The Perfect Ski Escape from NYC