I left for Stratton right after work. The drive took an hour longer than it should've because of some nasty driving conditions near Syracuse, NY. I finally arrived at the condo at around 11:30.
Ski Stratton '04 Trip Report
Trip Summary
My aunt and uncle invited me to stay with them at my uncle's cousin's condo (my dad's sister's husband's cousin's condo for those keeping score at home) at Stratton Mountain. I had never skied Stratton before, so I was greatly looking forward to this trip. And it didn't disappoint. Despite the subzero temps, the conditions were nearly perfect, and the skies were perfectly clear both Saturday and Sunday.
January 23, 2004
January 23, 2004
January 24, 2004
Freezing Stratton Ski Day
STRATTON, VT — After a fitful night of sleeping in a drafty room in the condo, I woke to subzero temperatures in southern Vermont. On the positive side, there were absolutely no clouds in the sky the whole day.
It's pretty difficult to describe the pain skiing at 40 mph through -20 degree temperatures causes to open areas of skin, but I'll assure you that it's not comfortable. Regardless, the ski conditions were impeccable. Our first run down Standard was an absolute ripper on perfect corduroy.
Later in the day we took the best run of the day down the Kidderbrook and Free Fall trails. We jumped on the (non-express) Kidderbrook lift after the run. What felt like an eternity later, we arrived at the summit freezing, hurting, and calling for mercy. We bolted down North American to the mid-mountain lodge right after unloading. I doubt I've ever been colder, or in so much pain in my entire life! (I'm not embellishing!)
Overall, Stratton is a relatively small mountain with excellent lodging and services, but with very little challenge.
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January 25, 2004
Stratton Ski Day
STRATTON, VT — I was warm and well-rested to start this day because I slept on the couch in the loft. A Cheerios and Red Bull breakfast hit the spot. The skiing, temperature, and weather were almost identical to the day before. A stiff 30-50 mph wind at the summit was the only difference.
After a few runs with my cousin and his friends, I went in the lodge to meet my friend, Melissa, who was coming from Hanover, NH. Melissa and I tried to meet up with my cousin and his friends, but our paths never crossed the rest of the day. The exceptional grooming and conditions were perfect for just absolutely ripping up the mountain. We all had a great time.
After loading up the car and cleaning up the condo, I headed back home to get a little sleep before returning to the "daily grind."
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