We surveyed followers on our social media channels to take in the most asked questions for the upcoming season. Below you will find answers to questions pertaining to mountain operations, dining services, travel, season passes and more. We recommend checking stratton.com prior to each visit as processes may update throughout the season.
Mountain Operations
“If I have a season pass, do I need to book ski days in advance?”
Season Passes including Ikon, Ikon Base, Stratton Summit, Stratton Select, Strattitude Passes and Ikon Session Pass 4-Day, will have priority access. At this time, we are not requiring lift access reservations for 2020-21 season pass holders at this time. All pass specific black-outs apply.
“What is the plan with COVID-19?”
The plan right now happens to be quite complex with so many aspects of mountain operations. For the most up to date information, please visit our Play Safe, Play Smart page.
“How do I find the Snow Report?”
You can bookmark the following link to stay up to date with our Snow Report for current weather and conditions. You will find this page by clicking on the temperature widget in the top bar of our website too.
“How are the gondolas and chairlifts going to work?”
Guests will self scan their lift passes with an attendant nearby to assist. Lift capacity will be reduced at each lift. If you arrive together, you can ride together at each chair’s maximum capacity. For example, a family/household of six may fully load an American Express chair.
“Do we wear masks while skiing/riding or standing in the lift lines?”
Facial coverings are required at all times unless actively skiing or riding. This includes wearing facial coverings while in lines and when loading, unloading, riding chairlifts and in the Village. Face coverings may be removed while eating or drinking in a stationary position at the resort.
“I wear a gator over my nose and mouth while skiing. Will this qualify as a mask?”
Yes, as long as your multi-layered ski mask fully seals and covers your mouth and nose, it will qualify as a mask. We advise wearing a double- or triple- layered face-covering properly fitted over the nose and mouth. Single-layer cloth facial coverings, such as Buffs, are not permissible. Facial coverings are required outdoors at all times unless actively skiing or riding down the mountain. This includes wearing facial coverings while in lines and when loading, unloading, and riding chairlifts.
Travel
“If I am coming from out of state for a weekend trip, do I need to quarantine before?”
Yes, Vermont has mandatory Cross-State Travel Requirements and multi-household regulations. Before planning a visit, please check Vermont’s Cross-State Travel Requirements for current travel restrictions and rules on multi-household gatherings.
“Will parking reservations be required for the season?”
We do not plan to require parking reservations this winter.
“Will the shuttles still be running?”
We will be running regularly scheduled shuttles at a reduced capacity this year from the parking lots and various properties. Masks are required on all shuttles. For additional information, view our Shuttle Schedules. Please note bus shelters will be closed.
Season Passes and Tickets
“Are you guys doing day passes?”
Daily lift tickets are available for the season. Advance purchase of lift tickets is required in order to maintain comfortable capacities and limit in-person contact at Guest Services. The limited inventory of available lift tickets will be adjusted daily, with greater availability midweek, non-holiday, so we recommend booking early.
“How do I activate my season pass”
Please be aware that due to recent State of Vermont regulations, action is required to activate your Stratton Pass or Ikon Pass for the 2020-21 season. The State of Vermont is requiring that season pass holders attest to compliance with all current travel guidelines before they ski or snowboard in Vermont this winter. Once you have completed this form, your Stratton Pass or Ikon Pass will be activated for Vermont visits.
Please complete your Season Pass Attestation as soon as possible and before you arrive at the mountain; the activation of your pass may take up to 48 hours. Your pass will not be active in Vermont until you have completed this form.
“How do we save our pass till next year?”
Should a 20/21 Ikon Pass or Stratton Pass holder not use their pass product for any reason, they may elect between September 10, 2020, and April 11, 2021, to receive full credit for the purchase price of their unused 20/21 pass to be used towards the purchase of a 21/22 Ikon Pass or Stratton Pass product. You can call 1-800-STRATTON to defer your pass with Adventure Assurance.
“How do Friends and Family tickets work?”
Enjoy single-day Friends and Family lift tickets at 25% off daily window rates with your Ikon Pass or Stratton Pass. This benefit is available to pass holders ages 13 and up. It is highly encouraged that pass holders arrange their Friends & Family lift tickets in advance. From there the guest can call 1-800-STRATTON to book F&F tickets at least 72 prior to their visit.
Base Lodges, Village and Dining
“Will lodges be open or should we just plan to go back to our cars to get warm?”
Seating capacity inside lodges will be limited with numbers set in accordance with state guidelines. Seating in lodges will be available by advance reservation only in 25-minute increments through Open Table and will be monitored by hosts. Open Table reservations can be made 1 week prior to your ski day. It is recommended that guests plan to arrive slightly in advance of their reservation time with all members of their party present. Late arrivals cannot be accommodated.
Please note that bags, other personal items and outside food may not be stored inside any lodge facilities. We recommend that you boot up in the car or lodging facility and travel lightly to the lifts.
“Can we use the bathrooms in the lodge?”
Restrooms in the lodges will remain available with occupancy limits monitored. Restrooms will be cleaned throughout the day on a regular basis and may be closed for short durations.
“Can we sit at the bar at Grizzly’s?”
Grizzly’s will be open for dining by reservation only through Open Table. Bar service and après ski music will not be offered this season. There will be no bar seating. Drinks will be delivered to your table, and a table reservation is needed to dine.
“How far in advance can you make lodge reservations for booting up, lunch, etc.?”
You can make your dining and lodge reservations up to one week in advance.
“Will Black Bear Lodge be open?”
Yes, Black Bear Lodge will be open for guests this season. All Lodging must be booked online, in advance at least 24 hours before your arrival. Table 43.1 is also open for dining, by reservation only.
“Will there be any outdoor concessions or food trucks?”
Yes, we have added a new food truck to the main base area, Base Plate. Base Plate will be serving hot lunch food-to-go for easy consumption. In the main base area, you will also find Base Camp, making the best in crepes, waffles, and other sweet snacks. When strolling the Village swing by The Vermont Hot Dog Company for a tasty dog, located outside Mulligans.
“Are the shops in the Village and the lodge open?”
There are currently a variety of shops and dining options open in the Village, with more to open soon when the season starts. For the most up to date hours visit our What’s Open Page.
Activities
“Is there cross-country skiing there?”
Open seven days a week this season, Stratton Mountain’s Nordic Center features 12km of trails groomed for classic and skate cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and fat biking. Beginners and experts will enjoy the tree-lined trail system. The Nordic Center is on the left as you turn toward the Sun Bowl parking lot. A Nordic Center Season Pass is available for this season too!
“What’s the uphill/skinning policy for the season?”
You can view our Uphill Travel Policy which has been slightly updated from last season. We have added Lower Wanderer as an uphill trail this season. An uphill travel ticket is required for all non-season pass holders at Stratton Resort. Non-season pass holders that are hiking will need to pick up an uphill travel ticket on their first time out, as it is valid for the entire season. Uphill travel is only recommended during daytime operating hours and may close at any time due to snow conditions, weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Please note, there is no lift access for those hiking the mountain, including downloading, no exceptions. You will hike down the mountain so please plan sufficient time.
“Do you do ski/snowboard rentals?”
Yes, we do! You can view our Rentals Page for more information on how to book and what we offer. From beginner ski and snowboard packages to Rossignol and Burton performance demos, you will find the perfect set up for your day.
“What is the best way to stay up to date?”
Email Snow Reports and Newsletters are a great way to stay informed. Vermont regulations are regularly updated as well. Stay tuned for complete information on how to Play Safe, Play Smart, on our website and remember to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for additional mountain updates and more!