Summer at Stratton Mountain Is Genuinely Underrated

Most people who know Stratton Mountain know it as a ski resort. But Stratton operates a full summer season from late June through mid-October, and the surrounding area in summer is one of the better outdoor destinations in the Northeast that doesn't get overrun the way the White Mountains or coastal Maine do.

Summer visitors near Stratton get the same landscape — the Green Mountains, the wooded trails, the small Vermont towns — without the crowds of peak ski weekends. Rental rates are lower. Hiking is excellent. The mountain itself runs gondola rides and mountain biking. And the region's proximity to Manchester, the Battenkill River, and multiple swimming holes means there's no shortage of things to fill a week-long trip.

If you've only visited in winter, the summer version of this area is worth experiencing on its own terms.

On the Mountain: What Stratton Offers in Summer

Gondola Rides

Stratton's gondola runs in summer for sightseeing — carrying guests to the 3,940-foot summit for views across the Green Mountains and into New York on clear days. The summit has a small observation deck and café. It's a straightforward 30-minute round trip and accessible to anyone, regardless of fitness level. Worth doing on a clear day early in the morning before any afternoon clouds build.

Mountain Biking

Stratton has developed its summer mountain biking terrain significantly in recent years. Lift-accessed trails let riders take the gondola up and descend on purpose-built singletrack. Trail difficulty ranges from beginner-friendly to technically demanding. Bike rentals are available at the resort for guests who don't travel with gear. This has become a meaningful summer draw for younger guests and cycling-oriented visitors.

Golf

The Stratton Mountain Golf Club is an 18-hole Robert Trent Jones Jr.–designed course at the base of the mountain. It's a proper course, not a resort afterthought — challenging enough to be interesting for regular golfers, and beautiful for the setting. Tee times are available to the public.

Summer Concerts and Events

Stratton hosts a summer event series including outdoor concerts and festivals. The schedule varies by year — check the resort's events calendar when planning, as major events can affect rental availability and rates in the surrounding area.

Off-Mountain Summer Activities Near Stratton

Hiking

The Green Mountain National Forest, which surrounds Stratton, offers some of the best hiking in Vermont. Trails range from short nature walks to full-day ridge hikes:

  • Stratton Mountain Trail (Long Trail/AT): The 3.8-mile trail from the forest road to the summit is the area's signature hike — well-maintained, achievable for fit adults, and rewarding at the top with the fire tower view.
  • Lye Brook Falls: A moderate 4.6-mile round trip from Manchester to the highest waterfall in Vermont (125 feet). Good for families and groups with mixed ability levels.
  • Bromley Mountain: An alternate summit hike from a different trailhead, shorter and less trafficked than Stratton.
  • Peru Peak and Baker Peak: A longer ridge traverse in the National Forest with excellent views from open summit ledges.

Swimming Holes

Vermont's swimming holes are one of the state's underappreciated assets. Near Stratton:

  • Hapgood Pond (Peru, VT): A USFS recreation area with a beach, swimming, and paddling access. Family-friendly and well-maintained. Small day-use fee.
  • West River (Londonderry/Jamaica): Multiple access points for swimming and wading in the West River. Jamaica State Park to the north has a popular riverside swimming area.
  • Battenkill River (Manchester/Arlington): One of the most beautiful rivers in Vermont — cold, clear, and perfect for hot summer days. Multiple access points between Manchester and Arlington for swimming and fly fishing.

Manchester: Shopping, Dining, and Culture

Manchester in summer is a different experience than Manchester in ski season — less traffic, more walkable, and the outdoor spaces are fully open. The Northshire Bookstore is one of the best independent bookstores in New England. The American Museum of Fly Fishing is quirky and genuinely interesting. The outlet district (Orvis flagship, plus many others) is the primary retail draw. Manchester has a solid concentration of restaurants for the area's size.

Kayaking and Canoeing

The Battenkill is a canoe and kayak river — class I-II, easily managed, beautiful scenery. Battenkill Canoe in Arlington rents gear and runs shuttle trips. A half-day float from Manchester down to Arlington is a classic Vermont summer experience that works for almost any group.

Farm Stands and Vermont Food

Summer and early fall is when Vermont's agricultural character is most visible. Farm stands selling produce, maple syrup, cheese, and prepared foods appear along most rural routes. Taylor Farm in Londonderry is the most well-known dairy farm in the immediate area. Grafton Village Cheese, 30 minutes northeast, is worth the drive for serious Vermont cheese.

Why Summer Beats Winter for Some Guests

There's a specific type of Vermont trip that summer enables better than winter: the trip built around active outdoor time, excellent food, and relaxed evenings at a private property — without the cold, the crowds, or the logistics of ski gear. Hiking, swimming, biking, and long evenings on a deck or in a hot tub is its own kind of Vermont experience, and one that costs less and has more availability than peak ski weeks.

For guests who've visited Stratton in winter and want to see the other side of it, a summer trip is a genuinely different and worthwhile experience.

Booking a Summer Rental Near Stratton

Summer availability near Stratton is generally better than peak ski weeks — but July 4th weekend, Labor Day, and fall foliage weekends in October fill early. For summer visits outside those windows, booking 4–8 weeks out is usually sufficient.

Far & Away Homes manages properties near Stratton Mountain year-round, including Whispering Pines Lodge (5BR/5BA, heated pool + hot tub + sauna, sleeps 10) and Stratton Chalet (3BR/2BA, fireplace + hot tub + sauna). Both are fully operational in summer — the pool at Whispering Pines Lodge adds an amenity in summer that's essentially unique in the local rental market.

To check summer availability and rates, reach out to the Far & Away Homes team directly.