2025 Ride the Rails, Ski the Trails in Vermont

March 16-21, 2025
Stratton Mountain, Vermont

  

Join the Chagrin Valley Ski Club’s eastern six-day, five-night trip to STRATTON MOUNTAIN, VERMONT! All aboard the Lake Shore Limited! Forget the hassle of air travel, and make new friends on the train. Space is limited to 44 travelers, so sign up ASAP.

Highlights

  • 5 days of skiing to conquer the glades and 99 trails, with something for everyone: 40% Beginner, 35% Intermediate, 16% Advanced, 9% Expert Runs.
  • At the summit of Stratton Mountain, you will have a breathtaking 360-degree view of the Green Mountain range and the Taconic Mountains to the west.
  • 5 nights in Long Trail House, 2 bed/2 bath condos, or new lower-cost hotel option in Black Bear Lodge, nestled in the village of Stratton
  • Only steps from the lift and nightlife.
  • Midweek dinner will be included.
  • Day trip to Killington, also an Ikon resort.
  • Amtrak train and motor coach will transport us to Vermont in style and ease. No planes and no lost luggage.
  • 180 inches annual snowfall. Base at 1,872 feet and summit at 3,875 feet.

Included in the trip:

  • Lodging for five nights at Long Trail House Condos or Black Bear Lodge at Stratton
  • Private group motor coach from Albany train station to Stratton Resort
  • Bus trip to Killington Resort
  • Mid-week dinner
  • All this for $851 (condo) or $685 (hotel)

Guests will get their own train ticket, and lift tickets. See details below.

Itinerary

  • Sunday – Travel Day
  • Monday – Ski Day
  • Tuesday – Bus Trip to Killington
  • Wednesday – Ski Day, Mid-week dinner
  • Thursday – Ski Day
  • Friday –  Ski day / Bus leaves 3:00pm / Travel day / night
  • Saturday – Arrive back in Cleveland 3:53am

About the Train

We leave from the downtown Cleveland Amtrak station. We get free parking in their secure lot. Each person gets 2 free checked bags and 2 carry-on bags. Boarding the eastbound train just before sunrise on Sunday, March 16th. There you’ll find large comfortable recliner-type seating with plenty of legroom, no middle seat, electric outlets, free Wi-Fi, and large curtained windows at each seat. There’s a dining cafe and there are NO restrictions to getting up and walking around. The train stops at various cities along the way to Albany. (Do not get off the train prior to our destination.) The train is a great way to travel across the Empire State to Ski the East! Returning home, we’ll leave the resort around 3:00 pm on Friday, March 21st. The train departs Albany station at 7 pm arriving in Cleveland at 4 am (Saturday, March 22nd).

Amtrak Train Schedule

Sunday March 16, 2025
Departs – Cleveland, OH (CLE) – 5:50am
Arrive – Albany-Rensselaer, NY (ALB) – 2:53pm

Friday, March 21, 2025
Departs – Albany-Rensselaer, NY (ALB) – 7:05pm
Arrive – Cleveland, OH (CLE) – 3:53am (Saturday morning)

Amtrak Train ticket pricing –  Two free checked bags, (boot bag and ski bag is two bags) two free carry-on bags. Free parking at the train station, which is locked when the station is closed.

  • $196 Train (VALUE = Coach) Fares (round trip)
  • $178 Train Senior (Value) Fairs (round trip)
  • $TBD Train (SAVER) Fares (round trip)
  • $224 Train (FLEXIBLE) Fares (round trip)

The train sells a limited amount of Saver fares and Value fairs, so buy your train ticket right away for the best deal. The name of the train is the Lake Shore Limited. There are two train numbers (the 48 and the 448 East bound) Cleveland to Albany (and 49 and the 449 West bound) Albany to Cleveland.  Either one works for us. The reason for the two numbers is once the train gets to Albany, the train will split and half goes on to Boston (448), the other half goes to NY. (48).

Other options:

  • A ROOMETTE for $432.00 for 1 Room, Up to 2 Adults, Access to restroom, shower in your car,
  • A BEDROOM for $815.00 for 1 Room, Up to 2 Adults, 2x the space of a Roomette In-room sink, restroom and shower.

Included in all rooms:

  • Seating by day; upper and lower berths by night
  • Complimentary meals and a First Class attendant onboard

We recommend you join Amtrak Guest Rewards, (like an airline frequent flyer program).

Purchase Amtrak Train Ticket and see our purchase instruction sheet and driving directions.

Lodging

Condo Option

Features:

  • 2 bed/2 bath spacious condos for 4 people
  • Outdoor heated pool and hot tubs
  • Full kitchens / living room / dining area
  • Nestled in Stratton Village
  • Just steps to the lift
  • Coffee, muffins and fruit, a continental “nosh,” every morning

Nestled within the scenic embrace of the Stratton Ski Resort, Long Trail House Condos epitomize luxury and comfort against a backdrop of majestic mountain vistas. Offering a seamless blend of rustic charm and modern amenities, these condominiums provide the perfect retreat for ski enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. With convenient access to the slopes and a host of on-site facilities including a heated outdoor pool, hot tubs, and fitness center, guests can unwind in style after exhilarating days on the mountain. Each meticulously appointed condo exudes warmth and sophistication, inviting relaxation and creating cherished memories for families and friends. Whether reveling in the breathtaking views from the private balconies or cozying up by the fireplace après-ski, Long Trail House Condos offer an unparalleled mountain retreat experience.

Hotel Option

Features:

  • 2 Queen beds
  • Nestled in Stratton Village
  • Free Daily Breakfast
  • Free Shuttle to the slopes
  • On-site Restaurant
  • Game room
  • Indoor Hot tub & Sauna

The Black Bear Lodge is a full-service, clean, cozy mountain lodge. Everything you need is there: shuttle to the ski area, coffee, delicious breakfast, roaring fire, on-site restaurant, and so much more.

 

Skiing & Boarding

Nestled in the heart of the Green Mountains, Stratton Ski Resort stands as a beacon of winter wonderland allure. Renowned for its picturesque slopes and top-notch amenities, this Vermont gem offers a haven for ski enthusiasts of all levels. With a vertical drop that challenges even the most seasoned skiers and snowboarders, Stratton boasts meticulously groomed trails catering to both thrill-seekers and families alike. Its charming village exudes a cozy ambiance, adorned with inviting shops and eateries, perfect for après-ski relaxation. Whether carving through fresh powder or indulging in fireside cocoa, Stratton Ski Resort promises an unforgettable alpine escape.

Stratton Mountain Resort boasts an impressive array of ski stats that cater to skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. With a vertical drop of approximately 2,003 feet , it offers ample opportunity for thrilling descents. The resort features over 99 trails covering around 670 acres of skiable terrain, ensuring plenty of variety for both beginners and experts. The longest trail stretches over 3 miles , providing exhilarating runs for those seeking a challenge. With a summit elevation of approximately 3,875 feet and a well-developed snowmaking system covering 95% of the trails, visitors can enjoy reliable snow conditions throughout the winter season. Additionally, the resort offers a variety of terrain parks and gladed areas, adding to the excitement for adventurous riders.

Stratton Mountain, Vermont, Statistics:

  • Summit Elevation: 3,875 ft., the highest peak in southern Vermont
  • Vertical drop: 2,003 ft.
  • Number of trails: 99
  • Avg. annual snowfall: 180 inches
  • Skiable terrain: 670+ acres
  • Snowmaking coverage: 95% with 1,200 snowguns
  • Gladed terrain: 160+ acres
  • Longest trail: Mike’s Way to Wanderer at 3 miles
  • Trail Classification: Novice 40%, Intermediate 35%, Advanced 16%, Expert 9%
  • 14 Lifts

We have 5 skiable days in Vermont (Stratton & Killington combined), which are both Ikon resorts. A private charter is arranged to take the group to a neighboring resort, Killington on Tuesday, March 18th.

Lift ticket cost (as of 7-21-24) – Purchasing available through Sports America, during the online registration process:

  • 5 day Ikon day pass is $641 ADULT (AGES 13+)
  • 4 day Ikon day pass is $513 ADULT (AGES 13+)
  • 3 day Ikon day pass is $385 ADULT (AGES 13+)

If you already have an Ikon Pass or Ikon Base Pass, which are season passes, you will not need to purchase an additional lift ticket. You can purchase an Ikon season pass separately, for a limited time (password “snow”).

Cost & Payments

Condo Option Cost is $851 – (Including tips) does not include Ikon lift ticket, train ticket cost or optional travel insurance.

  • Initial Deposit Due upon sign up: $350
  • Second Payment Due 11/1/24:  $350
  • Final Payment Due 12/15/24: $151 or balance due
  • Condo Single supplement option is a private room in a shared condo for $1,402

Hotel Option Cost is $685 – (Including tips) does not include Ikon lift ticket, train ticket cost or optional travel insurance.

  • Initial Deposit Due upon sign up: $250
  • Second Payment Due 11/1/24:  $250
  • Final Payment Due 12/15/24: $183 or balance due
  • Hotel Single supplement $897

Membership in the Chagrin Valley Ski Club is required for this trip.

Cancellation policy:

  • All requests for changes, cancellations or refunds must be made in writing to the trip captain.
  • All deposits are non-refundable unless a replacement participant is found; either by the person cancelling or from a waiting list.
  • Cancelling individual may be reimbursed for the trip up to the amount paid less any unrecoverable expenses from vendors.
  • Cancellation at any time will result in the loss of travel insurance premium, credit card fees and $25 cancellation fee.
  • Amtrak Train ticket and Ikon pass are subject to their own cancellation policies.

Your trip leaders,