Stratton Mountain, VT – Vermont’s Stratton Mountain Resort will fire up the lifts on Wednesday, Nov. 23, starting off its 50th season of skiing and riding with special events and festivities to celebrate Thanksgiving weekend.
Mountain officials are putting the finishing touches on two new trails and lining up the snow guns. Thanks to the hard work and compassion of many, the southern Vermont region has made a strong recovery from the havoc wreaked by Tropical Storm Irene. Roads are repaired and bridges rebuilt, and the state is once again open for business.
Opening Weekend events scheduled at Stratton include:
6th 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 Stratton Mountain’s chefs at take the heat of the kitchen. Mulligan’s and Verdé in the Village will also serve a holiday meal.
Village Block Party
On Friday, November 25, the Village shops welcome guests back to the mountain with live music, signature snacks and activities. Search each shop for the 50th Anniversary bear and enter to win prizes. The Party will go from 3 to 5 p.m.
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 p.m. “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. “Stevek: From Budapest to Carnegie” guides viewers 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 each.
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 p.m. 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 p.m. at the Burton Store on Saturday, Nov. 26. It’s only open to 50 skiers and riders so get there early and show the Village what you’ve got! The Rail Jam starts at 2 p.m.
50th Fireworks
It’ll be one for the decades – five decades in fact. Watch as Stratton lights up the sky with a fireworks display. Fireworks start at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 26.