There’s always something happening at Stratton Mountain, Vt. during the summer, with live music slopeside and in the Village, mountain top yoga, and a season of special events from Fourth of July fireworks and family fun to brewfests and chili cookoff.
If those activities don’t tickle your fancy, how about scenic gondola rides, downhill mountain biking, pickleball and tennis. And, there’s great shopping and dining in Stratton Village.
Of course, the golf is superb at this all-inclusive resort, which boasts a scenic and challenging championship 27-hole course that played host to six LPGA tournaments.
There are three distinct nine-hole routings at Stratton, the Forest, Lake, and Mountain. All three have their own charm and danger, and are designed to be playable for any level golfer.
The third hole on the Forest course is a wonderful, short par-four. It measures only 317 yards from the tips, but position off the tee is critical to avoid the right fairway bunkers, or being blocked by trees on the left. A blind, uphill second shot follows to a green with grass bunkers left and a bunker right.
The following hole is a short, 139-yard par-three but don’t hit your tee shot with anything less than determination, as a stream closely guards the right portion of a two-tiered green. Three bunkers surrounding the green make accuracy important.
The Lake Nine’s fourth, a 291-yard par-four, does not require driver because of its short overall length. Make sure you avoid the trees on the right. A deep bunker protects the front of the elevated green, so take care with your short-iron approach.
On the Lake’s eighth, a very demanding 435-yard par-four, aim your tee shot at the right side of the fairway to set up the approach. A medium- or long-iron approach to a slightly elevated green must carry a bunker in front. Avoid going long on your approach because trees lurk very close to the green.
The Mountain Nine’s ninth hole is a good one. It’s a monstrous, 621-yard par-five where the drive must thread the needle between trees on both sides. A stream is on the right and small brooks cross the fairway in two locations. A well-bunkered green slopes front to back and concludes a challenging journey.
Stratton Mountain offers a number of golf programs and lessons and has great stay and play packages.
