The gondola operators at Stratton Mountain Resort have seen it all - three generations of the same family riding to the summit together, marriage proposals at the fire tower, and countless parents teaching their kids to read the mountain weather from 3,936 feet up. But this Father's Day weekend, something special is happening in the valley below: it's an itinerary packed to the brim with events and happenings sure to pique Dad's interest, as well as the rest of the crew.
This is Father's Day weekend at Stratton Mountain Resort, where three days of perfectly curated events turn a simple mountain getaway into the kind of weekend that becomes a family tradition. Whether your dad's the type who wants to tackle the uphill mountain bike race or prefers savoring local brews at the pig roast, Stratton's June 13-15 lineup delivers something for every kind of father - and every kind of family.
Here's how to make the most of every moment, from sunrise yoga on the summit to the final set of Saturday's concert under the stars.
Skip the usual traffic-induced arrival stress and head straight for the gondola when it opens at 10 AM. The Scenic Lift Ride to Stratton's 3,936-foot summit isn't just transportation - it's your weekend's opening statement. Take the short hike to the historic fire tower for those legendary four-state views, snap the obligatory photo with the summit bear, and let the mountain work its magic.
Tee Time Strategy
Here's what locals know: Friday afternoon golf at Stratton Golf Course hits differently. The 27-hole championship layout offers rotating 18 and 9-hole combinations, and with daily tee times from 8 AM to 6 PM, you can easily fit in a round before dinner. The Mountain, Lake, and Forest courses each offer distinct challenges - ask the pro shop which combination suits your dad's game.
Evening Logistics
Benedicts opens at 9 AM Friday for breakfast, but the Green Apron at the golf course runs until 6 PM if you want to extend that post-round conversation. Pro tip: Use Friday evening to scope out Saturday's farmers market location in the Stratton Courtyard - you'll want to know exactly where to find those local crafts and artisanal foods.
Morning: Choose Your Adventure
Saturday morning splits into two perfect paths. Adrenaline seekers should register for the Berm and Burn Uphill Mountain Bike Race by 8:30 AM - six hours to rack up as many laps as possible on Stratton's challenging terrain. This isn't your typical father-son bike ride; competitors push hard, and the mountain pushes back.
For a more zen approach, the 11 AM Mountain Top Yoga session takes place on Stratton's unique wooden yoga deck at the summit. The 90-minute class combines expert instruction with views that stretch across the mountain ranges. Take the gondola up, center yourself at the summit, then float back down renewed.
Afternoon: Village Life
The Stratton Courtyard transforms Saturday afternoon into Vermont summer magic. The Farmers Market runs 3-6 PM, featuring local crafts, art, and foods that capture the region's artisanal spirit. You know what we love? The timing works perfectly - browse the market, then transition seamlessly into the pig roast at 4 PM.
The Pig Roast Experience
Here's the thing about Stratton's luau-themed pig roast: it's not trying to be Hawaii, and that's exactly why it works. The mountain setting, the local crowd mixing with visitors, the smell of slow-roasted pork filling the courtyard - it's distinctly Vermont with just enough tropical flair to keep things playful. Runs 4-7 PM, setting up perfectly for the evening's main attraction.
Tower of Power: The Headliner
Since 1970, Tower of Power has been creating music that defies easy categorization - soul, funk, jazz, and rock blended into something entirely their own. The outdoor stage fires up at 6 PM (doors at 5:30), and here's what veteran concertgoers know: arrive early to claim your spot, because when Tower of Power hits their groove, the entire courtyard becomes one massive dance floor. Get tickets here.
Father's Day Proper
Sunday scales back the intensity but maintains the magic. The climbing wall returns (10 AM-4:30 PM), Mountain Top Yoga offers another session (11 AM-12:30 PM), and the village shops extend their Father's Day specials through the weekend.
Shopping Strategy
The retail deals deserve attention: The Dashing Bear offers 30-60% off select merchandise, plus new Goldbergh Luxury Sports pieces. Stratton Sports goes up to 50% off, while the bike shop hits 40-60% off select gear. New arrivals from Kuhl, Howler Brothers, and Prana mean you're not just shopping sale items - you're discovering what's next.
The Long Weekend Package
Stratton's offering something smart: book Friday and Saturday nights, get Thursday or Sunday free. This transforms a Father's Day weekend into a proper mountain retreat without breaking the budget.
Dining Rhythms
Benedicts handles breakfast duty (earlier hours on weekends), while the Green Apron covers lunch and dinner. Both locations understand mountain timing - hearty portions, efficient service, and menus designed for active days.
What really sets this apart is Stratton's position in the larger Manchester Vermont summer experience. You're 20 minutes from Manchester's designer outlets, historic inns, and restaurant scene. This weekend works as a mountain retreat or as the active component of a broader southern Vermont exploration.
Father's Day weekend at Stratton isn't just about the events - though Tower of Power alone makes it worth the trip. It's about that specific combination of mountain adventure and family time that only happens when everything aligns perfectly. The gondola rides, the yoga sessions, the pig roast conversations, the concert under the stars - these moments stack up into something larger than their individual parts.
Reserve your spot now, because some weekends are too good to leave to chance.
