SPOTLIGHT : FALL FUN !
STORY BY CHRIS MAYS PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY STRATTON MOUNTAIN RESORT
Scenic lift rides show off beauty below and beyond
Scenic gondola and chairlift rides at Stratton Mountain Resort are a fun activity for all ages and a way to take in some majestic views .
“ We ’ re pretty specific in really looking at this experience from different perspectives ,” says Devon Cavagnino , director of skier and rider services at Stratton Mountain Resort . “ During the summer and fall , we have guests that are completely new to the resort . And then we also have wintertime guests that maybe haven ’ t experienced summer here as often .”
Part of her role at the resort involves discussing how to walk the pathway through the village and base area to get on to the gondola or American Express lift . That includes providing information about purchasing lift tickets , getting on the lifts , and following signage for further directions . camp programming , scenic lift rides , and mountain biking . Bike trails can only be accessed by the six-pack chairlift American Express , and guests who want scenic rides and hiking can use that lift , as well .
“ It ’ s pretty fun during the summer and fall to be sitting on a chairlift ,” Cavagnino shares . “ It ’ s just a different experience than it is in the winter .”
Cavagnino notes how guests can do a full loop on the chairlift and gondola ( unlike in the winter , when they have to ski down the mountain ). Dogs are welcome on the gondola for scenic rides and must be leashed at all times .
From the top of the gondola is a hike to a 70-foot fire tower , which is popular with locals and visitors .
“ It ’ s a mile-and-a-half out and back , and it ’ s pretty accessible ,” Cavagnino says of the trail leading to the structure . “ It ’ s pretty flat . It ’ s not the same pitch as the mountain .”
A section of the Appalachian / Long Trail travels to the summit of Stratton Mountain . The U . S . Forest Service says vista openings along the trail provide “ beautiful views of Somerset Reservoir to the south .”
The recently renovated fire tower was originally erected by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934 , according to the Forest Service .
“ The tower offers a breathtaking 360- degree view of the Green Mountain range and the Taconic Mountains to the west ,” the Forest Service shares on its website .
Cavagnino oversees base area operations , guest services , childcare ,
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