Day 1 - The Beginning of Very Good Things:

As previously explained, we began our journey slightly after 6am on Saturday morning with the goal of reaching Stratton for a half day of skiing. We made exceptional time and were on the mountain for the start of the noon midday ticket. Exceptional weather was imparted upon us from the get go. There was not a cloud in the sky, the temperatures hovered in the mid to high 30s, and the winds were temperate.

Stratton has a layout that is very amenable to groups of mixed ability skiers. Cody and I were able to ski bumps and glades all day, while Nikki skied less technical terrain on runs serviced by the same lifts. Cody and I played in the bumps for the greater part of the day. Most everything was reaching VW size moguls with deep ruts, which is perfect for the soft snow currently on the mountain.

Stratton was busy this weekend. I’m sure this is nothing far from the norm as it is one of the more southern of Vermont’s big ski resorts. The multitude of six pack lifts (and stellar lift attendant crew) keeps the lines moving in acceptable fashion, and while skiing none of us ever felt overwhelmed by the number of people on hill. On Nikki’s behalf I would like to share her pleasure over the exceptional shopping, which she compared to most of the larger resorts out West. I was struck by how massive the on mountain lodging facilities were, and most of it built fairly recently when judged by the architecture and design.

Moving on, we departed around 4:45 for Smugglers’ Notch. Cody’s uncle Thorn and aunt Heidi were staying there on a ski club trip. Smugglers’ is a good three hours north of Stratton, but free lodging and showers are never to be turned down while staying in a van on a nine day skiing adventure. Beds (couch in my case, but all the same in my world), showers, and some leftover bear chili were all welcome at the end of a long travel day. We also blew through a good part of Yuengling Premium case number one. Sound sleep was in our futures.

Enjoy,

Chris