STRATTON, Vermont ??” The equation is simple. Combine unbelievable value in lodging with new programs at the Golf University and that equals a great Green Mountain getaway. Add the village for shopping and music festivals, plus canoeing, kayaking, mountain biking, and hiking the Appalachian and Long Trails, and Stratton becomes the 2006 summer hub for Southern Vermont.

Even though Stratton is still blanketed in white from unprecedented snowmaking in recent months, on the golf course it’s a different story. From the top of the mountain, it looks like another world down there on the 27 holes??”green grass, foliage coming back to life, but watch out for those snow traps!

The snow season finishes with some of the biggest events in skiing and riding. Shaun White, Hannah Teter, Danny Kass, Gretchen Bleiler and other Olympic Medallists are coming back to Stratton for the US Open Snowboarding Championships. In fact, this year’s 22′ tall superpipe (largest in Open history??”four feet taller than Torino’s) will stay open until April 9th for all Stratton skiers and riders to use.

And though there’s plenty to do while snow is on the mountain, it’s hard not to get excited about summer too. The backbone of Stratton’s summer offerings is outstanding value in lodging. At as much as 75 percent off winter rates, summer guests will experience the same accommodations, hospitality, facilities and creature comforts as winter guests, from penthouses in the luxury Rising Bear Lodge to economy lodging.

Founded in 1969 by Arnold Palmer, the Stratton Golf School is celebrating its recent metamorphosis into the Stratton Golf University by offering a series of new programs that it calls core curriculum and specialty electives. Climb the ranks of higher education while focusing in on the specifics of your game. One-day electives to boost your long game, short game, decision-making skills, specialty shots or flexibility and strength start at $199.

Stratton is the perfect launching point for everything else Vermont offers in the summer too. Visit the Gunterman Tennis School, take a canoe or kayak lesson in local waters, mountain bike at the Nordic center, shop in the outlets and antique stores of nearby Manchester, VT, or take a hike on Vermont’s Long and Appalachian Trails that climb over Stratton Mountain to the historic fire tower.

Summer Vacation Packages include Robert Todd Lincoln’s Hildene Tour Package for an enriching encounter with the elegance of the Lincoln estate and its breathtaking views, the Family Fun Package that combines Stratton’s lodging with Bromley’s Thrill Zone, and an Arts and Gardens Package.

For those who just want to relax at the resort, Stratton’s 27-hole golf course, tennis activities, Sports Center and swimming pool run all summer, as well as music festivals ranging from bluegrass to the blues. With the “Break 100” package, two people stay and play a round of golf for $98.

For more information on summer at Stratton visit www.stratton.com or call 1-800-STRATTON.