Stratton Mountain Snowfall Data: When Is There Actually Snow?

The honest question for anyone planning a ski trip: when is there actually natural snow, and how much does snowmaking compensate when there isn't?

Stratton's Annual Snowfall Average

Stratton Mountain receives an average of about 180 inches (15 feet) of snowfall per season. Vermont's snowfall is notoriously variable year to year -- a heavy season might see 220+ inches; a thin year might deliver 120. January and February account for a disproportionate share of natural snowfall.

Month-by-Month Realistic Expectations

November: Snowmaking dependent. Natural coverage is unreliable. Expect 15-25 trails open, not 99.

December (early): Still building. Check snow reports and be prepared for limited terrain.

December 26 to January 2: Typically in good shape. Natural snowfall has usually supplemented snowmaking by this point.

January: The most reliable month for natural snow. Conditions are most consistently good.

February: Historically the snowiest month in Vermont. The base is at its deepest. Generally excellent groomed skiing.

March: Variable. Early March often has the best base depth of the season. A warm rain event can take good snowpack to marginal conditions in 24 hours.

How Snowmaking Fills the Gaps

Stratton can cover about 80% of skiable terrain with snowmaking when temperatures cooperate (below 28F). What snowmaking can't replace: natural snow in the glades and off-piste terrain. The off-trail skiing opens reliably after a natural snowstorm of 8+ inches.

The Practical Answer

For the best combination of natural snowfall, reliable cold temperatures, and developed base depth: January or February. If Presidents' Week is impossible, aim for the first two weeks of February or the second or third week of January.

Far Away is available throughout ski season. Check availability for January or February dates.