Stratton Mountain Announces $6.5 Million In Capital Improvements
s a member of the Alterra Mountain Company family, Stratton Mountain Resort is proud to announce more than $6 million in capital spending for the 2019- 20 season. With this investment, guests will see further refinement to the Stratton experience from mountain biking and terrain based learning, to paving and lift operations.
Continuing from last year’s investment, Stratton’s new lift serviced mountain biking is slated to open to the public in early August, pending permit approvals. Serviced by the American Express six-passenger lift to mid-mountain, the terrain will be family-friendly, offering 4.6 miles of beginner, intermediate and progression trails. Vermont based Sinuosity has designed the layout with a focus on hand building trails, a technique used by the company to minimize the environmental impact as much as possible. Phase one of the project will have eight open trails that will be lower mountain only.
Beginning this summer, Stratton will take the first steps in revamping the beginner learning area by dedicating a critical amount of space to improve the first time and beginner ski/snowboard experience. The snowmaking pipe in the current beginner area will also be replaced, ensuring that newcomers to the snow sports community will be able to take their first turns on the best snow possible.
“Stratton is proud to be a place where those looking to learn how to ski and snowboard can be comfortable and confident in their learning,” said Stratton Mountain COO, Bill Nupp. “When you visit the Green Mountains, we want you to embrace the region’s culture of exploration and the outdoors to the fullest. With this investment in mountain biking and terrain based learning, we’re able to expand our offerings to guests and anyone looking to be a part of the outdoor community.”
The $6.5 million in capital spending is part of Alterra Mountain Company’s half a billion dollar invest plan that spans over the next five years. Alterra Mountain Company has announced plans to invest $181 million across 14 North American mountain destinations for the upcoming season. Today’s announcement reinforces Alterra Mountain Company’s commitment to growth and investment in its family of destinations, including Stratton, by announcing significant capital improvements at each. Plans for each destination are based on current needs and input from guests that will enhance the on-site experiences, while retaining each mountain’s authentic character.
“Alterra Mountain Company’s unique year-round mountain destinations offer skiers, riders and summer visitors of all ages from all over the world special, memorable experiences, and each aspect of our business plays a part in bringing the guest back year after year and inspiring a lifelong love of the mountains,” said Rusty Gregory, Chief Executive Officer, Alterra Mountain Company. “We are committed to investing in everything from lifts to snowmaking to creative dining experiences, and technology that weaves it all together for a seamless visit.”
The latest round of capital investment for Stratton also includes upgrades to the Stratton Training & Fitness Center and a series of allocations to mountain operations. To update the guest experience, the fitness center will be receiving all new lockers that feature digital locks and are designed to optimize space. Three new Peloton bicycles will also be added to the fitness center, as well as new weight benches, a squat rack and dumbbells.
Around the resort, $1 million has been allocated for paving across the property. Mountain operations will add another Prinoth snow cat to the grooming fleet, as well as $10,000 of new safety pads that cover Stratton’s 2,000 snow guns and lift towers on the mountain’s 99 trails, an investment in skier safety. The Snow Bowl Express lift project also enters its second phase of conservation. As part of the new Snow Bowl lift, Stratton has returned part of Upper Wanderer and Lower Snow Bowl Alley back to nature, increasing Stratton’s overall conservation area. Hydroseeding and native flora will be replanted in these areas to help promote a lasting Boreal environment.
