For winter sports enthusiasts, the thrill of skiing doesn't have to end when the sun goes down. Night skiing offers a unique experience, and while not all resorts offer it, some Vermont ski areas keep the slopes illuminated for after-dark adventures. Let's explore the possibilities for night skiing in Vermont, with a focus on Stratton and other notable locations.
Stratton Mountain: Special Night Skiing Events
While Stratton doesn't offer regular night skiing, it hosts special events that allow you to experience the mountain under the lights. Keep an eye out for these unique opportunities:
The 24 Hours of Stratton
The 24 Hours of Stratton is your ONLY chance to ski Stratton through the night under lighted trails and starry skies into sunrise for a great cause. The 24 Hours of Stratton is an epic festival weekend for the whole family. Start a team, join one, or participate as an individual. The 13th Annual 24 Hours of Stratton is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to ride Stratton at night under lighted trails into sunrise. Join in camaraderie with hundreds of winter enthusiasts from across New England for a magical weekend of fun-filled activities, fireworks, food, and charity. The event bib is your two-day and night access to riding lifts for an exhilarating amount of time. It's Snow much of a good thing for all ages and abilities.
This fun filled weekend also FEATURES the #SHRED4Nate, race for mental health. The #Shred4Nate alpine slalom race for mental health and suicide prevention is also on Saturday. Proceeds benefit The Stratton Community Foundation, caring about the health and well-being of youth across the region. The mission is to address the challenges that stand between a child in need and the opportunity to learn and succeed through innovative programs that support hunger, basic necessities, health, and education.
The Stratton Community Foundation cares about the well-being of children across southern Vermont. Our mission is to address the challenges that stand between a child in need, and the opportunity to thrive and succeed. To do this, we create and support programs to address: Hunger, Basic Necessities, Oral and Mental Health, and Innovative Education. Together, we can end the cycle of generational poverty.
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Special Evening Night Skiing
Stratton has special evening of skiing and riding under the lights from 5-9pm on March 20. Lower Standard and Suntanner will have lights on them for night laps out of the main base area. A special lift ticket is required to enjoy the nighttime laps. Free for Ikon Pass and Stratton Season Pass holders. Night tickets are $35 plus tax, or $20 for Vermont residents and and Ikon Pass Friends and Family tickets.
Other Vermont Ski Resorts with Night Skiing
Night skiing has been a part of the New England ski scene for decades but the largest mountains don’t offer night skiing anymore in Vermont. Some of the smaller hills have embraced this as part of their culture.
There is a total of 7 ski areas in Vermont with night skiing. Here are a few options for night skiing in Vermont:
- Bolton Valley: Bolton Valley is the largest mountain with night skiing in Vermont and the only mountain with real chairlift access after dark. Bolton Valley has two top to bottom routes that are open at night: Sherman’s Pass (green run) and Spillway (black diamond run). This allows both beginner and advanced skiers to all hit the slopes during the evening here. The terrain park is also open at night and so is the beginner’s rope tow at the base. You’ll find night skiing here 3 nights per week: Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights.
- Lyndon Outing Club: The Lyndon Outing Club is the next largest hill on the list and this is served by 1 T-bar and 1 rope tow. This historical ski hill has been active since 1937 and lift ticket prices max out at $15. The Lyndon Outing Club has just over 430 feet of vertical skiing which is more than some of the other hills on this page can claim.
- Middlebury Snow Bowl: New for the 2023-3024 ski season, Middlebury Snow Bowl is now offering night skiing! Lift tickets for night skiing are discounted and will cost $29 for adults and students this year.
- Cochran’s: Friday Night is when the gremlins come out to ski at Cochran’s. This is another rope tow-only ski area so please familiarize yourself before you just head here and become disappointed.
- Magic Mountain: Magic Mountain has a small terrain park near the base that is open for skiing at night.
The rest of these hills are only a few hundred feet tall but they do turn the lights on at night. Don’t expect them to post their operating hours like the other resorts.
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Other Amenities at Stratton
Besides skiing, Stratton offers various services to enhance your experience:
- Guest Services: Located at the outside windows of the Main Base Lodge, Guest Services helps with general resort questions, season passes, and lift tickets.
- Lost & Found: Stratton's Lost & Found can be found in the main Base Lodge at the Info Desk.
- Bag Check: Bag Check is located at the Guest Service Windows during the winter months.
- Season Locker Rental: Seasonal lockers are located at skier drop off. Lockers can comfortably hold equipment for a family of 4 and be securely locked with a combination lock of your choice. The entrance to the locker room is secured with a keypad and code.
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