Winding along the 2.5-mile entrance road into Stratton, you’ll catch glimpses of the stately mountain with its white-ribbon trails sending promise and beckoning skiers and riders for a day of outdoor fun. And there’s no guessing if you’ve arrived when you turn a corner and land smack in front of the Welcome Center on your right and the inviting yellow Long Trail House standing squarely on your left. Now you’re just steps away from everything you’ll need to get your Stratton vacation started. Simply stop in the Welcome Center and pick up your room key and tickets (if you’ve wisely purchased a package) and receive all of the information on your accommodations including directions on the parking garage. The Long Trail House is comprised of two almost identical buildings housing condominiums and common spaces as well as providing underground garages that protect you from the winter wind and cold.

You may be uncertain what to expect when you’re walking down the long neutral hallway with plain door after door, but chances are you’ll be pleasantly surprised when you enter your unit. Although not overly luxurious, the homey decor is comforting and the spacious quarters are easy to spread out in. You’ll quickly take in the owner’s personal special touches and then start to organize your belongings, very naturally creating your own space. If possible, request a mountain-view room to enjoy while relaxing in the sitting area and playing a family game or watching a movie fireside. Many ski resorts like to dub themselves “Your Home Away from Home,” and honestly, in this case, it won’t take long before you’re ready to move in!

The Long Trail House is comprised of two buildings: Long Trail East and Long Trail West. Each building houses a variety of condominium units including studios, and one- and two-bedroom units. All have fully equipped kitchens and dining areas as well as a sitting area with a dining table and chairs, lounge area and a gas fireplace. In Long Trail East, there is a concierge desk and complimentary coffee and muffins are served each morning in the first-floor lounge area. An outdoor heated pool sits outside on the ground level along with two hot tubs. There are also two hot tubs outside Long Trail West. Both units house locker rooms and saunas as well as laundry facilities and ski storage areas.

Studio
Studios typically include one queen Murphy bed and one queen sleeper sofa and are approximately 436 square feet. Maximum occupancy is four persons.

One-Bedroom
One-bedrooms typically include a queen bed in a separate bedroom and a queen sleeper sofa in the living area and are approximately 582 to 680 square feet. Maximum occupancy is four persons.

Two-Bedroom
Two-bedrooms typically include one queen bed in each separate bedroom and a queen sleeper sofa in the living area and are approximately 934 to 976 square feet. Maximum occupancy is six persons.

Bathrooms feature a tub/shower combo and a vanity with one sink. All units include air-conditioning, cable TV, direct dial phones, a gas fireplace, fully equipped kitchens, a hair dryer, a VCR and wireless Internet.

Most families flock to Stratton in winter for the variety of outdoor winter sports and activities offered including downhill skiing and riding, cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, ice skating, tubing and snowmobiling. However, the Green Mountains are a perfect summer destination and with a stay at the Long Trail House, you'll be well situated to enjoy all kinds of summer activities including Stratton's extraordinary tennis and golf programs. And new this year is Stratton's Kids Adventure Kamp.

Downhill Skiing and Riding
Stratton Mountain offers exceptional skiing and riding for families with 99 trails, 11 lifts, top-notch grooming and many wide-open trails as well as a separate learning park and several terrain parks. The world-class ski school provides ski and riding group and private lessons for all ages. Children's ski programs are popular so be sure to book early. Rental equipment may be reserved online and is frequently included in resort ski packages. Rentals may be picked up after 3 p.m. on the day before your first day of use.

Cross-Country Skiing and Snow Shoeing
Enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on the quiet wooded trails in the Sun Bowl surrounded by nature and various wildlife. The Nordic Center provides rentals and guided tours. Trails are suited for all levels.

Ice Skating
When it's cold enough outside to sustain the ice, kids will enjoy skating on the pond and later sitting by the fire pit and sipping hot chocolate. The Mill House in the commons is open from 4 to 10 p.m. on Saturdays and select holidays.

Coca Cola Tubing Park
When kids tire of skiing, head to the new Coca Cola Tubing Park located in the Sun Bowl. The park is open Friday from 4 to 8 p.m., on Saturdays and holidays from noon to 8 p.m., and on Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. Children must be 5 years and 42" tall.

Gondola Rides
In summer, beginning in late June, the Stratton Gondola runs on weekends and holidays and will take you to the top of the mountain, southern Vermont's highest peak, for a spectacular view of the surrounding area. During the changing of the seasons, from late September to early October, peak of leaf-peeping season, the gondola runs daily. First trip up is at 10 a.m. and the last trip down 4:50 p.m.

Kids Adventure Camp
Offered weekly from late-June through Labor Day, Kids Adventure Camp offers a full program of indoor and outdoor activities for children ages 6 to 13. Each week features a different theme including foodie, traveler, environmentalist, adventurer and athlete. For children ages 6 weeks to 3 years, fully licensed childcare is available, and for potty-trained children ages 3 to 5 Preschool Adventure Camp is offered and includes water and outdoor play, swimming and indoor crafts.

Hiking and Biking
Hike or bike the miles of winding trails that reward with breathtaking views. The hiking trails loop around the mountain and up to the top where Vermont's Long Trail and the Appalachian Trail meet at the summit. Bikers enjoy everything from flats to mountain passes, with plenty for both road and mountain bikers.

Golf and Tennis Schools
Stratton offers a variety of ways to take golf and tennis lessons from hourly to multi-day options with low student to professional ratios. Catering to the full spectrum of tennis players and rated in the top 10 family tennis resorts by Tennis Magazine, The Cliff Drysdale Tennis School offers year-round packages for adults and juniors of all levels. Lessons include video analysis.

Sports Center
The Stratton Sports Center offers a pool, hot tub, steam room and sauna, cardio and weight rooms, fitness classes including yoga and Spinning, tennis lessons and court time on indoor and outdoor courts. The Fitness Center is open daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. year-round with some variation in hours on holidays. There is a $15 fee per person for guest use of the athletic center.

Kayak Tours
Join an experienced tour guide for a leisurely paddle at nearby Lowell Lake State Park. Transportation is provided.

Paintball
In rain or shine, 10 year olds and up can head to the Sun Bowl to let off some extra energy with a game of Paintball.

Area Swimming
Stop in the Hub in Stratton Village to ask about the area's best swimming holes, ponds and lakes.

Saturday Under the Stars
Starting on July 10 and continuing through Labor Day, families bring along blankets and portable chairs to enjoy the live summer concert series held on Saturday nights in the base area.

Village Shopping and Dining
Enjoy world-class shops in Stratton Village in addition to seasonal entertainment and family and fine dining. You'll also have peace of mind knowing everything you need for outdoor activities is available for purchase in village shops.

Each unit in Long Trail House features a fully equipped kitchen and dining area with table and chairs. To save, bring along staples and purchase fresh foods in nearby Manchester. Alternatively, have your kitchen stocked by Partridge Deli and Provisions, which also sells frozen dinner entrees like chicken parmesan and lasagna.

From casual to fine restaurant dining, you'll find just about every type of dining venue at Stratton, and if you don't find what you're looking for, Manchester, Vt., is just a 25-minute drive away.

Stratton Mountain Inn
Bentley's
Located at the Inn at Stratton Mountain, Bentley's is a family-friendly restaurant offering a variety of standard American fare and weekly specials.

Stratton Village
Mulligan's
Mulligan's is a convenient and comfortable spot for a family dinner and offers an extensive casual menu with separate children's menu. Full service bar.

Organic Pizza Company
Select from almost every topping imaginable and enjoy with a salad. Don't like pizza? Try meat or veggie lasagna. Full service bar and nightly specials.

Patridge in a Pantry Deli
Serving breakfast and lunch, the Partridge deli offers eggs, bagels and pastries for breakfast and create-your-own sandwiches, soups and salads for lunch.

The Sushi Bar
Mix it up at this fun sushi bar serving lunch, apres and dinner.

Verde
Especially for mom and dad, Verde offers an unparalleled dining experience. Chef Thad Buck incorporates fresh locally derived fare, and you'll enjoy the regions most diverse wine list.

Stratton Mountain Golf Course
For the prettiest view at Stratton, head to Tenderloins for sandwiches, salads and barbeque. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Hours may fluctuate depending on business and weather.) A more extensive breakfast menu is offered on weekends and holidays. Lunch is served daily from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Outdoor grill open seasonally.

Nearby
For excellent Chinese food, head to Panda Garden in the heart of Manchester or for Italian cuisine, try Garlic John on Route 11.

All About the Extras
Ski Storage
Conveniently store your skis on property in a designated area on the ground level. Alternatively, take advantage of the storage facility by the gondola (fee).

Grocery Provisioning
Have your kitchen stocked for your arrival by Partridge Deli & Provisions

Ski Packages and Special Promotions
When making reservations, be sure to inquire on ski packages and specials. Frequently packages include ski rentals and lift tickets and afford significant savings.

Kids Ski School and Adventure Camp
Special programs for kids are offered year-round and offer a unique opportunity for kids to learn and play in the outdoors. These programs are popular, so be sure to make your reservations well in advance.

The Art of Smart Timing
Winter is the most popular season to stay at Long Trail House, for the close proximity to skiing and riding, but there's plenty to do year-round that will keep families entertained in any season. The quietest times of winter, and least expensive, are the week prior to Christmas and the last weeks of March, when attractive deals are frequently offered. If you don't like crowds, avoid the Christmas and New Years' holiday week and Presidents' Day Weekend. If your are visiting during these busiest times, be sure to make your lodging, ski school and daycare reservations early. It's also wise to make your dinner reservations in advance. In general, you'll get the best overall deal when you purchase a package including your lodging, lift tickets and rentals.

Getting There
Stratton is located approximatley four hours from New York City and just under three hours from Boston. The closet airport is the Burlington Vermont International Airport. If driving, take Route 30 into Bondville and turn at the 7-Eleven onto Stratton Mountain Road, a four-mile access road which takes you directly to the resort. Once at Stratton, it's easiest to get around the resort on foot or by shuttle. However, you may wish to drive into Manchester, just 30-minutes away, for outlet shopping, dining and additional off-mountain family activities.

For Mom and Dad
In winter, put the kids in ski school and don snow shoes for a romantic walk in the woods. Anytime of year, enjoy an equisite candlelit dining experience at Verde in Stratton Village.