Most people hit Stratton Mountain for the wealth of good ski and trick-terrain trails. Many families dig the place for the friendly staff and the fact that the majority of the trails, regardless of difficulty, all deposit you back into the same main drag back to the lifts. Kids, parents, pros and novices can ride up together-spread out to take their own path down and rejoin as a group at the bottom. Despite this, when my 6-year-old and I hopped the enclosed gondolas at Stratton, we did so carrying very different gear – snowshoes.

I’d say “snowshoeing is so easy, even a kid can do it.” But us moms know those little rugrats can pick up any new sport without blinking. But if you can walk, you can snowshoe. And most ski hills offer waaaay discounted tickets to ride the lifts up and gain access to the many mountaintop trails just perfect for trekking.

We grabbed rentals, lift ticket and a quick demo on how to use the gear – all three usually for about $30 total – and headed up on a bustling weekend day. Leaving the gondola, we spotted our trailhead to the firetower and tromped between lines of swooshers to head out.

Within minutes and 50 yards, it was like the sea of skiers had disappeared and we were immersed in the quiet beauty of a winter canopy. The snowladen trees almost formed a tunnel as we explored deeper, deciphering animal tracks, taking breaks for snow angels and to admire the blue sky above—one of those “wow, I’m a good mom for connecting like this” moments.

My guy really was impressed at his newfound ability to walk on ice. With the jagged metal bottoms, the slickest flow can be crossed using a stomping technique. I also let him go at a 8 foot “snowmountain” to sap the last of his energy on the way back to the mountaintop hot cocoa oasis.

He was so into it, we were out for 3 hours. And we topped off our visit with a flail, er, skate around the cutest little ice pond ever, complete with outdoor bonfire and marshmallow roasting (pondside little cabin with rockers in front of the fire available for wusses). Truly fabulous time at the famous Stratton Ski area…um, not skiing.

February 2nd, 2009 | by Sascha Zuger 3 comments