Stratton Mountain Updates
Play Safe, Play Smart
Play Safe, Play Smart
Make the most of your time in the mountains when you Play Safe, Play Smart. Visiting Stratton Mountain unlocks a world of outdoor adventure, exploration and opportunity. Whether you're a season pass holder, an everyday hiker, or a first-time visitor, below you will find guidelines, suggestions, recommendations and policies to ensure you have the best day in the mountains doing the activities you love. Scroll down to your desired activities to read more and prepare yourself for your day at Stratton. Click the title links to visit individual pages for additional information. It's better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it. Enjoy your adventure, and always remember to Play Safe, Play Smart.
rich-text, responsive-table
Make the most of your time in the mountains when you Play Safe, Play Smart. Visiting Stratton Mountain unlocks a world of outdoor adventure, exploration and opportunity. Whether you're a season pass holder, an everyday hiker, or a first-time visitor, below you will find guidelines, suggestions, recommendations and policies to ensure you have the best day in the mountains doing the activities you love. Scroll down to your desired activities to read more and prepare yourself for your day at Stratton. Click the title links to visit individual pages for additional information. It's better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it. Enjoy your adventure, and always remember to Play Safe, Play Smart.
rich-text, responsive-table
Winter
rich-text, responsive-table
rich-text, responsive-table
Winter Safety and Responsibility
View more information on Your Responsibility Code, Terrain Park Safety, Uphill Travel, Ski Patrol and the Carlos Otis Clinic
Summer
Hiking
Before setting out on any hike, be sure to have the following essentials:
Mountain Biking
When coming to the mountain bike park, it is essential to dress properly, have the right equipment, and have proper trail etiquette to ensure your best day on the trails. Helmets are required at all times when riding in the park. Newer riders should start on the Green Circle trails; Trail Forest One, Short Straw and Wind Delay, and work your way up to the Blue Square trails once comfortable. All riders should ride each trail at a reduced speed their first run on each trail every time they visit, in case conditions, wet spots, or features change from visit to visit. Scope your line and easy style it.
What to wear at the Stratton Bike Park:
Scenic Lift Rides
When taking a scenic lift ride at Stratton, it is important to follow a few simple rules to ensure your best day exploring the mountain. When going up the mountain from the base area, be aware the temperatures and weather may rapidly change when gaining elevation. When in doubt, bring an extra layer with you to stay warm-up top. In the event of lightning or an incoming storm, you will hear an air horn at the summit. Return to the lift to download immediately.
Sunglasses are also a great idea when taking the lift up on sunny days, remember taking the gondola to the summit, puts you 2,003ft closer to the sun!
When loading American Express, but sure to sit down and sit back properly against the chair back. Always lower the restraint bar, as this is Vermont state law.
Child Carriers
We do not allow child carriers, or ski trailers, or any sort of device that holds a child, on lifts (including the Gondola) if the guest is intending on skiing and/or riding down. Any guest that has a child in a carrier, and is also carrying equipment, they will be turned away. A child must have their own equipment, with the ability to ski/ride on their own, in order to be loaded on to a lift.
If a guest has a child carrier and is a foot passenger, then they are able to load the Gondola only. You may not bring a child carrier on the American Express lift for summer Scenic Lift Rides.
Kayaking
Kayaking in Vermont is an excellent way to take in all the views and amazing perspectives of the Green Mountains. Be sure you are comfortable with a kayak and a life jacket. Take the time to ask questions before you're on the water, rather than being in the unknown once you begin your journey. Be sure your life jacket has a proper fit, which our staff will help you with, and always securely wear your life jacket when on the water. Do not remove your lifejacket for any reason. Be sure to pack enough water to stay hydrated as paddling a kayak is a workout, especially on hot days.
Golf
When on the golf course be aware of your surroundings. Never step in the line of another player's shot, even if they're your friend, as you do not know where the golf ball will be going. Always listen to your surroundings in case another party has to inform you of an incoming golf ball in your direction. The Stratton Golf Course has many hills and steep pitches, when in doubt do not drive a golf cart up or down anything that looks too steep. Stay on the cart paths if unsure.
When heading out for a round of golf, be sure to bring the following:
Mountain Top Yoga
When properly prepared, nothing brings peace of mind like a mountain top yoga class at Stratton. Be sure to bring plenty of drinking water for class, as there is no potable water source at the summit. The yoga deck sits at an elevation of 3875 feet and is not shaded on sunny days. Be sure to wear sunscreen for class if you are sensitive to the sun, and sunglasses are never a bad idea for your time on Stratton's summit. rich-text, responsive-table
Hiking
Before setting out on any hike, be sure to have the following essentials:
- Sturdy footwear – sneakers, trail shoes or hiking boots
- Good socks - moisture-wicking socks to keep your feet dry and comfortable
- Water - the general rule for how much water to bring when hiking is as follows: Adults: 2 cups (500 ml) of water for every 1 hour of hiking. Children: 1-2 cups of water for every hour of hiking. In hot or humid conditions, double this amount per hour.
- Layered clothing – weather can change quickly in the mountains when hiking through various elevations
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Snacks for energy and endurance
- Hiking Map - know where you are going, and don't always rely on cell service
Mountain Biking
When coming to the mountain bike park, it is essential to dress properly, have the right equipment, and have proper trail etiquette to ensure your best day on the trails. Helmets are required at all times when riding in the park. Newer riders should start on the Green Circle trails; Trail Forest One, Short Straw and Wind Delay, and work your way up to the Blue Square trails once comfortable. All riders should ride each trail at a reduced speed their first run on each trail every time they visit, in case conditions, wet spots, or features change from visit to visit. Scope your line and easy style it.
What to wear at the Stratton Bike Park:
- Helmet. Helmets are required in the Stratton Bike Park. A full-face helmet is not required but is recommended for first-time riders, and is usually preferred by downhill bikers.
- Long-sleeve tee shirts or bike jerseys
- Weather can change quickly in the mountain, a lightweight waterproof shell can go a long way for wind and cooler temperatures at elevation
- Bike shorts or pants that have some stretch to them, as your body will be moving a lot to shift weight, corner, and pedal. If wearing pants, try to stick to something with a tighter fit, or elastic ankle, as you do not want to get your pant leg stuck in the bike chain.
- Closed-toed shoes are a must. Look for bike-specific shoes or something with good sole grip, think skateboard shoes (which work well), or just a grippy athletic shoe.
- Goggles, Sunglasses or Eye protection
- Gloves, Knee Pads and Elbow Pads are optional but always recommended.
- Water bottle or hydration bladder
- Easy to eat snacks
- Energy gels or gummies
- Bike multitool
- Phone or trail map
- Backpack, hip pack or saddle pack. Optional, but the best way to carry the above items.
Scenic Lift Rides
When taking a scenic lift ride at Stratton, it is important to follow a few simple rules to ensure your best day exploring the mountain. When going up the mountain from the base area, be aware the temperatures and weather may rapidly change when gaining elevation. When in doubt, bring an extra layer with you to stay warm-up top. In the event of lightning or an incoming storm, you will hear an air horn at the summit. Return to the lift to download immediately.
Sunglasses are also a great idea when taking the lift up on sunny days, remember taking the gondola to the summit, puts you 2,003ft closer to the sun!
When loading American Express, but sure to sit down and sit back properly against the chair back. Always lower the restraint bar, as this is Vermont state law.
Child Carriers
We do not allow child carriers, or ski trailers, or any sort of device that holds a child, on lifts (including the Gondola) if the guest is intending on skiing and/or riding down. Any guest that has a child in a carrier, and is also carrying equipment, they will be turned away. A child must have their own equipment, with the ability to ski/ride on their own, in order to be loaded on to a lift.
If a guest has a child carrier and is a foot passenger, then they are able to load the Gondola only. You may not bring a child carrier on the American Express lift for summer Scenic Lift Rides.
Kayaking
Kayaking in Vermont is an excellent way to take in all the views and amazing perspectives of the Green Mountains. Be sure you are comfortable with a kayak and a life jacket. Take the time to ask questions before you're on the water, rather than being in the unknown once you begin your journey. Be sure your life jacket has a proper fit, which our staff will help you with, and always securely wear your life jacket when on the water. Do not remove your lifejacket for any reason. Be sure to pack enough water to stay hydrated as paddling a kayak is a workout, especially on hot days.
Golf
When on the golf course be aware of your surroundings. Never step in the line of another player's shot, even if they're your friend, as you do not know where the golf ball will be going. Always listen to your surroundings in case another party has to inform you of an incoming golf ball in your direction. The Stratton Golf Course has many hills and steep pitches, when in doubt do not drive a golf cart up or down anything that looks too steep. Stay on the cart paths if unsure.
When heading out for a round of golf, be sure to bring the following:
- Sturdy footwear – Golf-specific shoes or athletic sneakers. Even with a cart, you will be doing a fair amount of walking on the course.
- Good socks - moisture-wicking socks to keep your feet dry and comfortable
- Water - It is essential to stay hydrated on the golf course
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
Mountain Top Yoga
When properly prepared, nothing brings peace of mind like a mountain top yoga class at Stratton. Be sure to bring plenty of drinking water for class, as there is no potable water source at the summit. The yoga deck sits at an elevation of 3875 feet and is not shaded on sunny days. Be sure to wear sunscreen for class if you are sensitive to the sun, and sunglasses are never a bad idea for your time on Stratton's summit. rich-text, responsive-table