STATTON MOUNTAIN, Vermont — With the snow starting early this year, skiers and riders may be looking forward to Thanksgiving for something other than the turkey, stuffing, and football. On Wednesday November 26, the day before Thanksgiving, Stratton’s lifts will begin to purr and the official start of the ski and snowboard season will be upon us.

According to Stratton Slopes and Trails Manager Al Desroches, “We typically choose the day before Thanksgiving to open because not only is it a festive time, but it will allow us ample opportunity to make enough snow, groom it down, and present the best possible conditions to our guests.”

Early snow has graced the mountain’s presence a couple of times this autumn, and temperatures will begin to fall over the next few weeks, signaling to the mountain snowmaking team that it is time to fire up the guns, capable of covering 96% of the mountain’s terrain in high quality man-made snow. In fact, Stratton Mountain is so confident in the quality of their snow, it’s guaranteed. Guests may ski or ride for an hour any time, any day, and if they’re not happy, they can exchange their ticket for another day.

“In these uncertain times, one certainty for the 2008/2009 season is the extraordinary snow and consistent conditions at Stratton,” says Stratton President and COO Sky Foulkes. We stand firmly behind the quality of our snow product, utilize advanced and innovative techniques to groom it all down, and even guarantee our guest’s satisfaction. The entire Stratton community is looking forward to hosting a great season of skiing and riding, as well as the extraordinary memories that a Stratton vacation or day trip can provide.”

The resort has been bustling in preparation for the much anticipated season tuning up the snow cats, running the lifts, hiring new employees, sprucing up the lodges, renovating lodging properties, priming the snow guns, and taking care of the rest of the business as usual.

One of the best things about Stratton is the location. Residents in Boston, New York and other locations all over the northeast are less than a tank of gas away from first class skiing and riding, making for an easy weekend escape or vacation destination without the hassle of flying. Also, with two new trails, $1.2 million in on-mountain improvements, an impressive array of affordable ski and stay packages, and much more, a Stratton vacation is more fun and more affordable than ever.

Another easy way to save is by purchasing a Season Pass or an X2 card. X2 cards cost just $79, include a free day of skiing, and allow cardholders to save up to $30 every time they come to the mountain. Season Passes start at just $319 for an adult Sunday Pass, $759 for a three mountain Value PLUS Pass, or the Standard Pass with no blackout dates for $1109.

And just in case the pure joy of getting back out on the hill isn’t enough, Stratton’s activities and events team plans to hit the ground running with a full slate of fun activities that will run through the weekend??В¦

Thanksgiving Day

The following day, Thanksgiving Day, is day number two on the hill AND the annual Stratton Gobble Gobble Wobble 5K. The pre Thanksgiving meal road race is a popular tradition that allows participants to get a little exercise and work up a good appetite before gorging themselves on all of the Thanksgiving fixings. This family friendly event welcomes runners and walkers of all ages, starting at the flags by the Welcome Center and making a round trip journey to the Sun Bowl. The run starts at 9:15am, registration is from 8:00-9:00am at the Mill House on the Village Common, giving runners ample time to take a few runs before heading home to feast.

Pre-registration can be done online starting in November. Registration fee is $18. Commemorative T-Shirts for pre-registered participants, along with prizes for winners.

Friday Night Lights

Friday night, Stratton will debut the first annual Fire and Lights Night, complete with after hours food and entertainment at Grizzly’s, a torchlight parade, hot chocolate and snacks, bonfires, late shopping in the Village and Fireworks at 9 p.m. Stay tuned for more details about the rest of the Fire and Lights Nights which will be happening on Wed December 31, Sun January 18, Sunday February 15, and Saturday April 11.

Tree Lighting Ceremony and Village Block Party

Beginning at 3:30 p.m. patrons can come to the Village, visit with Santa and have their picture taken. All the while enjoying hot chocolate and s’mores cooked over the Village bonfire and listening to their favorite holiday music. There will be ornament decoration available for kids as well. Finally at 5:30, the lights on the Stratton tree will be turned on so everyone can enjoy the ushering in of the holiday season.