From Ski Vermont, by Jen Butson

STRATTON MOUNTAIN, VT. – Stratton is still reaping the benefits of the MLK Weekend’s big storm. Having received 12 inches of fresh snow, the mountain is blanketed in inviting snow. In the midst of a cold front, the resort is blowing snow at every opportunity, expanding terrain almost daily. With the recent opening of the Coca Cola Tubing Park and the Stratton Nordic Center, offering snowshoeing and cross country skiing, the resort’s winter activities are in full swing. Head up to Stratton to cash in on the winter the calendar has promised; whether snowmobiling, carving turns or going on a snow mobile turn, it’s winter white at Stratton.

President’s Week is right around the corner and Stratton is bringing back its famed February Fire and Ice Festival, February 18-26. In celebration of Stratton’s 50th Anniversary, every day will highlight a different decade.

Kicking off with the 60s, the resort will be dancing to 60s music at every lift. Games will include Decade Trivia in the Gondi Cabin (a daily activity) and name that Beatles tune. The 70s will feature a tie dye party in the Main Base Lodge and the 80s will be a chance for everyone to showcase their best neon ski one piece. A full week of events including daily hot cocoa with the Stratton Bear and Sugar on Snow displays in the Main Base Area, stay tuned for a full schedule.

Can’t miss events anchoring the week include:

Sat, Feb 18 Grizzly’s Apres, the Dave Keller Band

Sat, Feb 25 Cold Wars Rail Jam

Registration from 9 – 10:30 am in the overflow room, rider meeting at 10:45 (top of Tyrolienne). Competition begins at 11 am.

Red Bull Butter Cup

Red Bull Butter Cup is a contest series that showcases creativity in technical flatland trickery. Born in the northeast in 2009, it’s all about going back to the basics of what made us all fall in love with shredding in the first place: FUN! Butter up and cut loose on the custom Red Bull butter pads and bring your bag of tricks. Registration: 10am-12pm. $10 entry fee for Ams, $20 entry fee for Pros. Practice: 12-1pm. Amateur Qualifying Jam: 1-2pm. Pro Qualifying Jam: 2-3pm. Finals: 3-4pm. Awards: 4:15pm.