Central Vermont's mountain resort provides a variety of activities and lodging options to suit every interest and every budget at any time of year.

All-season resorts abound in the mountains of New England, but one stands apart from the rest for its multiple dimensions and family-friendliness:  Stratton Mountain Resort in southern Vermont. 

A Resort For All Seasons

The Alpine-inspired pedestrian village trails along the base of the ski slopes that drape the tallest peak in the Green Mountains. During winter, the 12-passenger gondola hauls skiers and snowboarders up to a network of 92 trails and six sculpted terrain parks (from beginner to double-diamond expert). 

In summer and fall, its passengers can be anyone from mountain bikers and hikers to indolent sightseers, drawn to the four-state views from its 3,936-foot summit. The area panorama is said to have given birth to the idea of an Appalachian Trail system.

There's plenty of snowmobile tours, mini snowmobile rides for kids, snowshoeing, snow tubing and more.  While much of my family skis or snowboards; nevertheless, three big issues arise whenever we’ve gathered at a ski area. What do the non-skiers do, how do you accommodate those with tight budgets, and can you keep the kids—who have variously ranged in age from infants to teenagers—occupied? Stratton has answers for all those issues.

Lodging ranges from modest—and modestly priced—inns like the Liftline Lodge to a five-bedroom, five-bath penthouse in the Long Trail House just across the access road from the village.

Children’s daycare starts for those as young as 6 weeks, and continues to 3-year-olds. Older children can attend the Winter Junior School, 4 to 6-year-olds are Little Cubs and 7 to 12-year-olds are Big Cubs, and get lessons and lunch for a full day. There's an Under 21 Club, The Wreck, that provides entertainment, live music, movies, video games and special events on some nights. There’s something for virtually everyone. Children 6 and under ski for only $5.

The diversions for those who choose not to hit the slopes begin in the village itself, which has shops, art galleries, restaurants, a spa, and a place for pottery and beadwork classes. It supplements the downhill slopes with center for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, horse-drawn sleigh rides and a new ice rink.

Its sports center houses an indoor swimming pool, hot tubs, a fitness center and tennis courts. And it’s an easy 17-mile drive to the designer outlets and movie theaters in nearby Manchester.

Dining in Stratton

Stratton offers a multitude of dining options, for kids and their parents. For family dinners out Mulligans and Mulberry Street Ristorante Italiano are great choices. Kids will go crazy for the Sweets Candy Shop. Mom and Dad may want a night out alone, so babysitting services are available upon request at the front desk. A great place for dinner for two is Verde, providing excellent cuisine and great customer service.

With the economic downturn, Stratton has stepped up to the plate, offering discounts at great prices. One such deal is the Free Day With X2, which offers discounted prices off skiing throughout the winter, and a free day of skiing. Stratton also caters to families with the Family Sunday Special, which includes a half day lift tickets for both parents, and two kids 17 and under. Followed by this, the package entails pizza at Grizzly's. This whole package is under $100.

Summers are similarly lively. There’s an excellent adult and junior tennis school on 15 outdoor courts, 27 holes of scenic golf (home to an LPGA tournament) and a golf school (opening day is May 21), flyfishing on the renowned Battenkill River, hiking, mountain biking, canoeing and kayaking on nearby ponds, horseback riding (including a junior riding camp), wagon rides, donkey rides for kids, guided back country adventure tours, and a structured Kids Kamp. Your 3 to 4-year-old Discoverers, 5 to 7-year-old Explorers and 8 to 12-year old Adventurers will enjoy weekly themed outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, games and special field trips.

Stratton hosts music festivals and special events nearly every weekend from July 4^th to Labor Day, and several nearby communities stage summer-stock theater productions, music and dance concerts. You can head to Manchester to attend a school of falconry or take lessons in off-road driving on a specially designed course. And if that’s not enough there are historic towns and antique shops to explore. Nobody needs to be bored.

To learn more about Stratton Mountain Resort please visit their website