by Tony Bailey

Stratton Seasonal Program Blog – November ’25 Edition

Hello Everyone,

The winter 2025–2026 season is almost here! We can’t wait to welcome you and your family (or welcome you back!) to Stratton. As always, we’re so grateful that you’ve chosen Stratton as your winter home, and we’re looking forward to another fantastic season of skiing together. The heart of our programs is the incredible community formed by you, your family, and our dedicated team of supervisors and coaches.

Before diving into program details, I want to give a huge shoutout to the amazing team at Stratton for all their hard work this summer. We’ve made some exciting upgrades to the mountain that will make your experience even better this winter. This includes improvements to lifts, enhanced snowmaking systems, and updates to food and beverage locations. You can learn more about these investments by clicking the link below:

Stratton Mountain Capital Expenditures – What’s New For Winter 25-26

Seasonal Program Details

Our programs begin on December 6 and run every Saturday and Sunday through March 29, as well as during holiday weeks. Here’s the full schedule:

  • December: 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31
  • January: 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 31
    • No programs Jan 1 & 2
  • February: 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 28
    • No regular programs on Feb 17, 18, 19, 20
    • Optional “mini-camp” on the dates above (more info below)
  • March: 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29

Daily Schedule

We’re continuing with the same structure as last season, with the option to “add on” Sunday afternoons for Cross Cub, Synergy, and AAMP.

  • Cub Club remains full-day every day
  • Full-day programs on Saturdays and holiday periods
  • Half-day programs on Sundays

Hours & Meeting Locations:

  • Cub Club: 8:30 am – 3:00 pm
    • Junior Mountain Sports School (downstairs)
  • Cross Cub: 8:30 am – 11:30 am & 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm (Sat/Holidays), 8:30 am – 11:30 am (Sun)
    • Cross Cub flag
  • Synergy: Same schedule as Cross Cub
    • Synergy flag
  • AAMP: Same schedule as Cross Cub
    • AAMP flag

Half-day Sundays for Cross Cub, Synergy, AAMP:

  • Dec: 7, 14, 21
  • Jan: 4, 11, 25
  • Feb: 1, 8, 22
  • Mar: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Arrival & Group Placement

On your first day, head to your program’s meeting area (look for flags). Supervisors will check you in and place your child in the right group based on ability, speed, stamina, maturity, and group dynamics. We strive to have groups formed by the December holiday week, so try to attend at least one weekend before then.

Program Supervisors:

Sunday Afternoon Add-on

New this season! We’re excited to introduce an optional Sunday afternoon add-on for non-holiday weekends, giving your family two full days of skiing in Cross Cub, Synergy, and AAMP.

These sessions will feel different from our regular Saturday and holiday afternoons. Cross Cub and Synergy participants will join together for supervised, focused free skiing, creating a fun and flexible environment to reinforce skills learned during morning sessions. While your child may not ski with their usual coach, they’ll benefit from fresh perspectives and guidance from other members of our seasonal coaching team.

For AAMP athletes, expect a similar approach—less instruction, more mileage, and plenty of time on snow. Please note: AAMP requires a minimum number of participants to run. If we don’t meet that threshold by December 6, the add-on will be postponed for the 2025–2026 season and revisited next year.

If you’re interested in learning more about the add-on and/or want to sign up, please reach out!

February Break Mini Camp

We’re thrilled to announce a brand-new offering for Cub Club, Cross Cub, and Synergy participants: our February Break Mini Camp, running February 17–20.

Here’s what to expect:

  • Full-day program: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Lunch included
  • Groups may combine participants from different programs, sorted by ability (e.g., Cub Club with Cross Cub, Cross Cub with Synergy)
  • A mix of focused free skiing and instruction
  • While your child may ski with their regular coach, we can’t guarantee it

This camp is designed to keep kids active, learning, and having fun during the break. Don’t miss out! If you want to learn more about our mini camp and/or if you’re ready to sign up, please reach out!

Season Passes

Make sure your pass is ready before your first day. Keep it in a left-side pocket for smooth scanning. Test your pass at the practice RFID gates near Junior Mountain Sports School. If you need a new pass or upgrade for holiday access, visit Guest Services (opens at 7:30 am) or call 1-800-Stratton.

Stratton Events

The resort has some amazing events planned for this season! (Don’t worry, we’re planning on bringing back the family favorite seasonal program events as well!) Here’s a quick look at some of the things happening at Stratton this season that you don’t want to miss!

We’re looking forward to another amazing season starting December 6th! If you have any questions, please reach out.

See you soon!

Tony Bailey
Stratton Seasonal Program Manager & Bike Park Manager
tbailey@stratton.com
802-297-4074

Cub Club

Welcome to the 2025/2026 Ski Season!

We’re thrilled to have your child enrolled in our dynamic Learn to Ski program—a program that has introduced countless young athletes to the joy of skiing under the guidance of premier instructors. Whether you’re returning for another season or joining us for the first time, welcome to the Cub Club experience!

Cub Club kicks off on December 6, and we’ll open our doors at 8:15 a.m. If you’re new to the Club, here are a few helpful tips:

  • Each member will have a cubby for storing gear throughout the season, and we also provide indoor ski storage.
  • Pack an extra set of base layers in a labeled zip-lock bag and keep it in your child’s cubby.
  • Label everything! You’d be surprised how many pairs of black mittens end up in the room.

What Does a Typical Day Look Like?

  • 8:15–8:45 – Check-in (Arriving early is always better!)
  • 8:50–9:00 – Get ready to head out
  • 8:55–9:15 – Groups head to the hill (advanced groups first)
  • 9:15–11:30 – Skiing on the mountain
  • 11:30–12:30 – Lunch and indoor activities
  • 12:30–12:45 – Prep for afternoon skiing
  • 1:00–3:00 – Skiing on the mountain
  • 3:00–3:15 – Pick-up

Returning Skiers
If your child skied with us last year and is a Raccoon or higher, they’ll head out at 8:50, with Rabbits and Squirrels following by 9:05. Please check in by 8:45.
Upper groups leave promptly at 8:45, so we can’t hold a group. Running late? Give us a call or plan to drop off during the morning break.

New to the Program
New families can take a little extra time, check in after 8:45. All new skiers will be evaluated for group placement, and those new to the sport will start in Mouse.

Pick-Up & Parent Connections
Pick-up is a great time to meet your child’s instructor and connect with other parents. Feel free to wait in the room as students return from the hill. We use two doors, one for entering and one for exiting, and greeters will be on the porch each morning to welcome you.

A Few More Details
My background is in education, and I run the program much like a school day. Instructors rotate through groups, but most students will have the same coach for the weekend. This gives kids a chance to know the entire team while maintaining consistency.
We are a learn-to-slide program, and we ski in all conditions, so don’t expect us to stay inside on a cold or windy day!

That’s all for now, I can’t wait to see you this season! If you have any questions, feel free to email me.

Matt Erickson
Cub Club Supervisor
merickson@stratton.com

Cross Cub

Welcome to the 2025–2026 Ski Season, Cross Cub Families!

It’s hard to believe we’re kicking off another season already! I’m thrilled to welcome our new families and to see so many familiar faces returning for another fantastic year on the mountain.

At Cross Cub, our top priority is simple: fun, safety, and skill development. Our instructors are passionate skiers and dedicated teachers who bring energy and enthusiasm to every session. We love watching your children grow, building confidence, mastering new skills, and embracing fresh challenges as they explore the mountain.

This first newsletter is a little longer than usual (future ones will be shorter, I promise!), but it covers important details and answers to common questions:

How Are Groups Determined?
The first few weekends are all about group placement. Our most experienced coaches work with me to organize children by ability. To ensure accurate placement, every group starts on the carpet, even returning skiers. For many kids, the first day back is also their first day on skis for the season, so this helps them ease in, regain their ski legs, and adjust to any new equipment. Once groups are finalized, we’ll head out to explore the mountain!

What Should Children Wear?
Please dress your child for a full day outdoors. Here are the essentials:

  • Warm, waterproof mittens or gloves (Velcro mittens won’t cut it in cold, windy conditions; Hestra Juniors Heli Ski Mitts are a great option and available at First Run!)
  • Layering is key: moisture-wicking base layer, insulating mid-layer, and a windproof, waterproof outer layer
  • Helmet, neck warmer, thin ski socks, quality goggles (double-pane, anti-fog), and outerwear with working zippers
  • Hand and toe warmers, even if they insist they won’t need them!

Children should also be able to dress themselves after snack breaks. Practice at home if needed, we’re happy to help with buckles, but independence means more time on snow!

Passes
Please make sure your child arrives with their pass every day. The easiest solution? Attach it to the left side of their helmet so it’s always ready for the RFID scanner. Here’s a helpful link for a pass holder: Ski Pass Holder. This saves time and avoids delays at the lift.

Breaks
We take a short break mid-morning, usually at Mid Mountain Lodge or Sun Bowl Lodge, to avoid crowds. Please send a nut-free snack or a few dollars for a treat. If possible, set up a resort charge on your child’s pass; it’s a great option for younger skiers.

Safety: What If a Child Gets Separated?
While rare, separation can happen. From day one, we teach kids to return to our program flag. If they can’t reach it without another lift ride, they’re instructed to go directly to a Lift Attendant or Ski Patrol, who will contact us. Please reinforce these steps at home.

Weather
We ski in all conditions. If it’s white (or mostly white) and deep enough to turn, we’re out there! And yes, we ski when it’s snowing; that question comes up every year! 😁

Where Do We Ski?
Terrain choices depend on conditions and group ability. Some days we stick to the lower mountain; other days we explore farther. By season’s end, your Cross Cubber will have skied all over Stratton! We never push kids beyond their comfort zone; fun and confidence come first.

Pick-Up & Drop-Off

  • Arrive on time so we can form groups and get skiing quickly.
  • Pick-up: Parents must collect children in person; we can’t release kids without supervision.
  • Say goodbye: Please have your child check in with their coach before leaving.
  • Afternoon plans? If your child won’t return after lunch, let us know at morning pick-up.

Why Cross Cub?
Because skiing should be fun! Along with skill-building, we have events like:

  • Parent vs Child Race
  • Balloon Days
  • Helmet Decorating Contest
  • Dress-Up Day
  • Scavenger Hunt
  • Bring-Your-Stuffie-To-Ski Day

Follow us on Instagram @strattonseasonalprograms for updates and reminders.

Thank you for trusting us with your children. We can’t wait to ski with them! If you have questions, please email me or find me on the mountain (I’m usually skiing with the kids—join me anytime!).

Frances Hoeffner
Cross Cub Supervisor
fhoeffner@stratton.com

Synergy

Welcome Synergy skiers!

Our team is excited to have y’all join us out on the slopes this season. Dust off your winter jackets, begrudgingly break in those boots, and throw a coat of wax on your skis because the 25/26 season is upon us!

At Synergy, we focus on developing and progressing the fundamental techniques of skiing while building meaningful relationships within their groups. We want all of our students to be able to ski everything and anything, safely and confidently. Our goal is helping our students become lifelong, well-rounded skiers who know how to not only ski, but adapt their skiing to a variety of terrain and conditions including groomed terrain, the woods, bumps, and an introduction to race courses and freestyle skiing.

Throughout the season, Synergy hosts (and boasts) several themed days. You can look forward to events such as our favorite Parent vs. Child Race, our Annual Cookie Swap, a scavenger hunt, Onesie Day, Bring a Stuffed Animal to Ski day, Decorate Your Helmet Day (my personal favorite during Safety Week in January), and an end-of-the-season party. Similar to last year, we are planning a few social events off the slopes. Keep an eye out for an email in the future with dates, times, and sign-ups for these events.

The first few weeks of our program will consist of setting up groups for the season and finding the right fit between our coaches and our students. This process is ongoing throughout the season, but we do try to keep groups as consistent as possible! With that being said, depending on staffing, your student might ski with a different coach or group for the weekend. We work diligently to consider all students’ abilities, comfort zones, and friendships when creating groups. As we get further into the season, we strive to increase the difficulty in terrain and skill while navigating whatever Mother Nature throws at us.

Important Notes:

  • We ski in snow, rain, shine, warm and super cold days
  • Drop off meeting location is on snow at the Synergy Flag at 8:30 AM
  • First loop on AMEX Chair (weather dependent) is at 8:45 AM sharp; once groups are scanned, they are free to go where the snow is best, which means connecting late students to their groups is not always feasible.
  • Your skier should be ready to ski when they arrive! All equipment should be on and present (boots, helmet, goggle, skis, poles) along with their lift pass located in an easy-to-reach pocket/sleeve. Appropriate clothing (weather dependent) includes thin base layers to keep the core warm, thin socks, neck/face warmer, gloves/mittens, etc.)
  • A short break will be offered throughout the session. Snacks and drinks are NOT provided. Some students use cash while other students use their pass for small snacks and drinks. Please let coaches know about any allergies!
  • Pick-up location will be the same as Drop Off at 11:30 AM. Please let your student’s coach know if there are any special pick up changes/arrangements or if you will be late.
  • Lunch is not provided, so lunch break is with parental units or another responsible adult.
  • PM session resumes at 12:30 PM, same meeting location (Synergy Flag) Please be on time in the afternoon!

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask! You can find me at the Synergy flag by 8:30AM. Look for a white helmet, a sparkly bow, and Waffles, my trust penguin ski buddy!

Keep waddling on,

Sarah Kneip
Synergy Supervisor
skneip@stratton.com

AAMP

Season’s Greetings, AAMPers!

Welcome to another exciting season with the All Mountain Performance Program (AAMP)! Our coaching team is thrilled to have you join us and can’t wait to share a winter full of learning, adventure, and fun. This year’s plan includes skill-building progressions, social events, and special clinics designed to help every skier reach their goals. Check out the Events Calendar below for details.

Featured in Stratton Magazine
We’re proud to share that AAMP was recently highlighted in Stratton Magazine’s Holiday Issue! The article, “Natural Progression”, showcases how our program builds skills for life. Scroll down to “Building Skills for Life: The AAMP Program” and enjoy the read: Natural Progression – Stratton Magazine

Program Details

  • Opening Day: Saturday, December 6
  • Meeting Spot: Outside the Mountain Sports School, look for the AAMP flag
  • Morning Meeting Time: 8:30 AM
  • Lift Departure: 8:45 AM sharp

About AAMP
Our program is designed to maximize fun, safety, and skill development for every skier. We group participants by ability to ensure comfort and progress:

A – New Skier
B – Comfortable on Green terrain, wanting to be more comfortable on Blue terrain. Learning zone is in Green terrain.
C – Comfortable on Blue terrain, wanting to be more comfortable on Black terrain. Learning zones are Green and Blue terrain.
D – Comfortable on Blue terrain, wanting to be more comfortable on Black terrain and venture into Blue bumps, trees, and ungroomed terrain. Learning zones are Green and Blue terrain.
E – Comfortable on Black terrain, looking for more challenges in Black bumps, trees, steeps, and ungroomed terrain. Learning zones are in the Blue terrain.

Our PSIA-certified coaches guide you through structured progressions to refine technique and build confidence across groomers, bumps, trees, steeps, and even racecourses.

Events Calendar

  • Dec 6, 4 PM: Opening Day Après Ski Social – Grizzly’s West Wing
  • Jan 3, 5 PM: Wine & Cheese Social + Equipment Forum
  • Jan 11: Alpine Racecourse Clinic
  • Women’s Ski Clinics: Jan 4, Jan 25, Feb 22, Mar 8, Mar 15 (Sunday mornings)
  • Jan 31, 4 PM: Après Ski Social – Grizzly’s West Wing
  • Feb 8: Alpine Racecourse Clinic
  • Feb 21, 4 PM: Après Ski Social – Grizzly’s West Wing
  • Mar 21, 4:30 PM: Season-End Pizza Social


Cheers for now, we can’t wait to see you on December 6!

P.S. Help us spread the word about AAMP; your referrals mean the world to us.

Greg Morin
AAMP Supervisor
greg.morin@stratton.com