Mom Travel with Suzanna Keith

Please welcome Suzanna Keith, Blogger at RevolutionaryMarketingideas.com and Brand Director, EVP of OnlineMomMedia.com.

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Hardly roughing it in the East

Stratton Mountain, VermontLooking for a way to hardly rough it while skiing on the East Coast? Stratton can be the Deer Valley or Beaver Creek of the East with its luxurious accommodation options, heated stone village and valet parking. With more than 94 ski trails, Stratton truly has something for everyone from steep verticals to beautiful glades to incredible racing programs to outstanding daycare.

Get ready to love Stratton Mountain Ski Resort

Let your relaxing ski weekend begin with the hubbies dropping off the kids at the ski school. The moms head to yoga at the Stratton Sports Center followed by a fun ski before meeting the men for a leisurely lunch. After a delicious meal at the back room at Grizzly's, which highlights the history of the Resort, the moms ski hard on the black slopes by Tamarack or hit the wonderful shops in Stratton village like First Run, Equipe, Dashing Bear Apparel and Von Bargen's jewelry.

Before picking up the children, shop at Provisions in the village to ready a home cooked dinner for the troops. Afterward, consider an ice skate on Mill Pond in the commons below the Long Trail Lodge or dip into an outdoor hot tub or stroll to the hill for live music.

What's happening on Stratton Mountain

Not sure when to visit? The resort features a calendar of fun activities and entertainment all season long. Some of the key annual events are:

• The Vermont Open - Snowboarding and music festival for boarders of all ages and experiences. Riders compete in three events: rail jam, half-pipe and banked slalom.
• The 24 Hours of Stratton - Round the clock skiing and riding event to raise money for the Stratton Foundation. Teams of 6-12 hit the slopes with games & entertainment in the base lodge for all.
• Season Closing - Features a traditional pond skim, BBQ and music.

Helpful tips to help plan your family's fun

Rising Bear, StrattonReserving lodging is easy either by calling 1-800-STRATTON or booking online. Our favorite place to stay is Rising Bear, which features an outdoor pool and hot tub and complimentary coffee and muffins in the morning.

We've also used VBRO or Dwellable.com for family friendly rentals & B&B options. American Express Concierge can also help book lodging and a reservation at some of the nicer adult only restaurants in the area.

Parking can be a bear so arrive as early as you can. If you want to be stress free and avoid lugging equipment, valet parking is available for $35 non-holiday and $40 holiday.

Ski lift tickets, ski rentals and ski school

• Stratton's offers savings up to 50% and especially good deals in March in the online ticket store. Check out the deals and packages for further savings
• Starting Gate at the bottom of the access road is the best for high-end demos and equipment for the hard-core racing crowd. Owners Gary and Dede Longely are true alpine equipment experts! They also sell the finest and hippest skiwear.

• Kids get rentals and lift tickets right in the ski school building, which saves you a stop in the morning. Lift tickets are included in the ski school price for Little Cub, ages 4-6

outstanding ski conditionsStratton has an outstanding ski racing school for children (our gang just loved it). The seasonal programs (including racing & Allegro for freestyle) turn out exceptional winter athletes. Dave Edry, the director, does an amazing job nurturing talent. Over at the Stratton Mountain School, they have burgeoning Olympians in the Nordic, freestyle and snowboarding programs as well.

• Don't be afraid to take beginners to the top because there are green runs that go top to bottom. Be sure to carry a face warmer since it can be windy and cold at the top
• If you want gentle slopes for beginner skiing and riding or want to live it up at the Coca-Cola tubing park, try parking at the Sun Bowl

Three no-fuss family friendly restaurants

• Organic Pizza - The name says it all and the location in the village can't be beat.
• Mulligan's - With locations in Stratton Village and in Manchester you count on this fun restaurant for delicious Americana food at affordable prices.
• Zoey's Double Hex - On Route 11/30 towards Manchester is one of our favorite places for delicious kiddie friendly food. They have the best grilled cheese around.

Unique attractions on Stratton Mountain

• shopping in StrattonThe candy shop called Mountain Sweet in the village is a great post-skiing treat for your children. But only if they promise not to whine about ski school or the cold.
• The Carlos Otis Clinic provides emergency and general services as well as x-rays in memory of our dear brilliant friend and mentor Lammie Williams. We really miss her!
• The waffle hut provides the perfect mid-morning snack while you wait for the gondola.
• Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and dog-sledding are offered at the Nordic Center.
• While sleigh rides are not offered on resort, the Stratton Hub can book them nearby.
• The outlets in Manchester twenty minutes down the road are "a must do". The Armani, Polo and Coach outlets have incredible deals.
• Manchester also offers interesting art galleries, book stores and museums complete with the world-famous Equinox Resort.
• Stratton is also a great get-away in the summer with terrific tennis & golf camps that we highly recommend.

Ways to save money

• Stratton's can be a steep ticket price so be sure to book in advance and on-line for discounts. Sign up for resort e-mail alerts for specials.
• Pack your lunch with food from home and store in coin-op lockers in the lodge.
• Consider doing après ski in the village followed by light dinners at home.
• Rent your ski equipment locally and buy hand & feet warmers at Costco.

If you like cruising well-groomed slopes and low-key family luxury, Stratton is the perfect ski getaway or seasonal rental.

About Suzanna Keith

Suzanna Keith @skconceptsSuzanna Keith is an experienced marketing professional who believes in revolutionary insights and ideas to grow brands. Her expertise includes researching consumer insights and building on these insights to drive long-term strategic direction in all aspects of brand management. Prior to starting her own consulting company, Suzanna served as Brand Manager for Mitchum AP at Revlon in NY, NY. She has also worked in brand management at Sterling Withthrop and Cadbury Schweppes. Suzanna graduated from Bryn Mawr College and received her MBA in marketing from New York University.

Catch up with Suzanna online:

• OnlineMomMedia
• Revolutionarymarketingideas
• Facebook: RevolutionaryMarketingIdeas
• Twitter:@skconcepts 

Where else do you like to take your family for a ski vacation? We'd love for you to write about your experience or drop us a comment below.  We're always on ~ Facebook, Twitter

Stratton and Bromley Ski Areas on Dwellable