Why we list rain and freezing rain back 5 days? The reason is that rain creates ice when it freezes and becomes part of the underlying base of a trail. It can remain there, despite grooming for at least week and as Jay Peak puts it : "remind you of that every so often when you make a turn."
In order to lessen the effects of an icy base, resorts use a renovator. This is a grooming tool used after thaw/freeze cycles. It is affixed to the front of the snowcats and its job is to bust up the surface crust, digging down into the snow about 12" inches. The tiller on the back of the cat takes over from there, grinding up the renovator chunks. Lastly, heavy, grooved rubber mats smooth out the resulting snow into corduroy. This works for morning skiers but by afternoon, the ice is exposed again.
Stratton Mountain attracts mostly New Yorkers, many of whom have expensive homes in the area and who don't want wind power. High prices for everything but particularly ski tickets which are usually the highest in VT. Lots of Boulevard Skiing along with fashion conscious skiers. More..
Main phone: 802-297-2200
Snow phone: 802-297-4211
Reservations: 1-800-STRATTON
Fax: 802-297-4125
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