Hello! I’m Wandering Moose at Stratton, your cozy home in the woods near Stratton Mountain.
Stratton Mountain ski opening day is November 25, and I can’t wait to share all the fun with you. This is the 65th winter season on southern Vermont’s highest peak. Keep up those snow dances and bring your opening day energy. In this guide, I will show you 7 great ways to celebrate that first ski day of the season. Let’s hit the snow!
7 Ways to Celebrate Opening Day at Stratton Mountain
1. Hit the Slopes at First Light
The lifts open at 9:00 AM on opening day. You can be first to feel fresh snow under your skis. If you stay with me, you can wake up in my warm rooms and catch the shuttle down. I am on the shuttle route, so you slip from my door to the base in minutes. Then you breeze past the lift ticket line and enjoy crisp morning runs.
⭐ Daily Lift Tickets: early bird deals available
🌐 Season Pass Holder Benefits: skip the line
⏰ Opening Hours: 9:00 AM on Nov 25
📍 Location: Stratton Mountain base area
Watch the sky turn pink as the sun rises over the peaks. The air smells like pine and fresh snow. On opening day, volunteers spread fresh corduroy on the trails. Keep an eye on webcams for last minute updates. Then thank yourself for waking up early when you cheer at the top of the lift.
Learn more about Mountain Report.
2. Join the Gobble Gobble Wobble 5K
Each Thanksgiving weekend Stratton hosts a fun 5K race. The Gobble Gobble Wobble loops through the village and scenic resort trails. It starts in the courtyard at 9:00 AM. You can run or cheer on family and friends. After the race you can grab skis and ski your first runs before lunch.
🏃♂️ Event: Gobble Gobble Wobble 5K
💵 Price Level: $25 per runner
⏰ Race Time: 9:00 AM on Thanksgiving Day
📍 Location: Stratton Village base area
🎉 Post-Race: awards at the courtyard ceremony
Even if you skip the race, you can wander the village trails and feel the opening day energy. Balloon signs and banners cheer on the runners. If kids join, they often get free hot chocolate at the finish line. Then everyone heads to the slopes for bright first runs.
Learn more about Gobble Gobble Wobble 5K.
3. Feast at Table 43.1 for Thanksgiving Dinner
After early runs you will be ready for a big meal. Table 43.1 serves a hearty Thanksgiving Dinner with turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and pies. The dining room is in the heart of the village. Plan to arrive by 4:00 PM to get a good seat. Then head back to me for a warm nap before après-ski.
⭐ Rating: 4.6/5 from 2,803 reviews
📍 Address: 5 Village Lodge Rd, Stratton Mountain, VT
🍽️ Menu: turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, pies
⏰ Dinner Hours: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📞 Phone: +1 802-297-4000
Table 43.1 also has daily specials for skiers with a sweet Vermont twist. The staff greets you by name if you stayed at me last winter. They can pack leftovers so you can snack back at my house while you warm in front of the fireplace.
Learn more about Table 43.1.
4. Enjoy Après-Ski Beats at Grizzly’s Benefit Concert
When the lifts close at 4:00 PM, head to Grizzly’s in the Village Lodges. There is live music by Saints & Liars and it helps raise funds for team members in need. Buy a ticket or make a cash donation at the door. Sip a warm drink and chat by the fireplace. Then walk home through the snowy paths and soak in the hot tub.
🎵 Event: Benefit Concert by Saints & Liars
🎟️ Donation: cash or GoFundMe link on site
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Location: Grizzly’s, 5 Village Lodge Rd
🍻 Drink Specials: local craft beers
Grizzly’s is steps from the lifts, so you can switch from skis to slippers in minutes. The local band plays hits to get you moving. You might meet other guests from my home who wave hello. The cozy fire pits outside glow with torchlight.
Learn more about Grizzly’s benefit concert.
5. Shine Bright at Snowlight in Vermont
After dark the village lights up with Snowlight in Vermont. Lighted evergreen trees line the walkways. Each tree is sponsored to support early literacy programs in local schools. The village feels like a winter storybook. Then return to my stone fireplace and sip hot cocoa in my living room.
🎄 Event: Snowlight in Vermont display
💡 Feature: lighted evergreen trees
🎁 Cause: supports literacy programs
⏰ Display Hours: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM daily
📍 Location: Stratton Village
Snowlight runs until the end of the year, but opening day is a special preview. You can take a family photo by the lighted clock tower. Look for familiar tree tags and read their messages. Then make a wish as you head home to my warm living room.
Learn more about Snowlight in Vermont.
6. Unwind in Your Private Heated Pool & Hot Tub
When you need a break from the cold, head back to me. I have a private heated pool and a hot tub right outside. Swim under the crisp sky or soak in warm bubbles as snow falls. The hot tub is cleaned between stays. You can relax your muscles and plan your next runs from my patio.
💦 Heated Pool: private & open daily
🛀 Hot Tub: serviced between stays
🌌 Night View: stars from 10 PM to 2 AM
📶 Wi-Fi: strong signal by the pool
🚗 Parking: preferred spot for winter vehicles
On cold nights the pool house lights glow blue, making a fun spot for evening photos. Children can splash under supervision, and adults relax in the steamy hot tub. I provide fresh towels and robes. Take a moment to enjoy quiet and calm after a busy day.
Learn more about Wandering Moose.
7. Gather for a Cozy Game Night by the Stone Fireplace
After a big day on the slopes, bring your group downstairs. My basement has a stone fireplace, wet bar, and a kitchenette. You can play board games, watch movies, or share snacks. The warm lights and wood walls feel like a hug after a chilly day. It’s the perfect way to end opening day.
🔥 Feature: stone fireplace & comfy seats
🎲 Games: board games & puzzles provided
🍿 Snacks: bring your favorites or shop nearby
🍷 Wet Bar: space to mix drinks
🛋️ Space: room for the whole family
You can also stream a movie or sports game on the large TV. The couch pulls out if you want to nap. Bring snacks from the village market or use my kitchenette to warm soup. The game night extends the fun long after sundown.
Learn more about Wandering Moose amenities.
Tips & Tricks for Opening Day
I want you to have the best opening day. Here are some simple tips:
- Do your snow dances the night before and check the snow report and powder alerts.
- Pack layers, gloves, a hat, and a small repair kit for your skis or board.
- Book daily lift tickets online early to save time and money and look for deals and packages.
- Use the Stratton shuttle to skip parking lines. I sit right on the route for winter weekends and holidays.
- Wear sunscreen; UV rays reflect off snow even on cloudy days.
- Save your goggles inside at night to avoid frost and fog.
- Keep a spot on my couch for a group photo after your first run.
- Check mountain updates on the Stratton website for real-time trail info.
- Carry ID and lift tickets in a small pouch to skip line hassles.
- Find more fun events and group lessons on the Stratton events page.
Final Thoughts
Opening day at Stratton Mountain is a special time full of energy and fun. You can ski first tracks, join events, and see the village glow at night. I’m just minutes from the slopes and keep you warm with my private pool, hot tub, and stone fireplace. Book your stay today and lock in your spot for November 25. I can’t wait to welcome you and share the opening day energy!
Book your stay now at https://book.42n.homes/wandering-moose-orp5b4ca82x
What date does ski season start?
Ski season start dates can vary by resort and weather. Many places open in late November or early December. For 2024, Stratton Mountain ski opening day is November 25. When you stay at Wandering Moose, you can be first on the lifts.
When did Stratton Mountain open?
Stratton Mountain Resort officially opened for skiing on December 29, 1961 with three lifts and eight trails. Now in its 65th winter season, it has 11 lifts, 99 trails, glades, and terrain parks. Staying at Wandering Moose lets you join a place with a rich history.
Is Stratton or Killington better?
Both resorts offer great snow and runs for every level. Stratton has a cozy village, easy trail access, and family-friendly slopes. If you want a warm base and close shuttle service, choose Stratton and stay at Wandering Moose.
What ski resort did Bruce Willis own?
Bruce Willis used to own Soldier Mountain in Idaho. Today it serves as the U.S. Snowboard and Ski slopestyle team training grounds.
How do I book lodging at Wandering Moose?
You can book lodging at Wandering Moose online. Visit the Wandering Moose page, pick your dates, review the details, and sign the rental agreement to confirm your stay.
