Stratton Mountain announces $8.5 million base lodge project

STRATTON MOUNTAIN, Vt. — Just as the 2014-15 ski season wraps up, Stratton Mountain Resort work begins on an $8.5 million project that literally raises the roof on Stratton’s storied Base Lodge, adding a second floor to the east and west wings, bringing another 350 seats and approximately 4,000 more square feet.

Design and materials marry the traditional Base Lodge architecture with native stone, hardwoods,  barn style board and gates, Vermont-crafted energy-efficient lighting,  and a standing seam roof all in a color palette that complements the natural surroundings.  A larger kitchen has been designed to  serve the expanded Grizzly’s restaurant while the main floor will also be transformed with a new serving area, coffee shop, flooring and details that include wainscoting and Douglas fir columns throughout.  The work will be completed for the 2015-16 season which will begin with a grand opening of this new space at the heart of the resort.

“The design delivers the seating we need with revised floor plans to meet the demands of an evolving market while maintaining the solid structure and traditional elements of Stratton’s original Base Lodge,” explained General Manager Bill Nupp.  Jakober Haus 1642, a wooden structure discovered by Stratton founder Frank Snyder in Alpach, Austria, served as the model for Stratton’s Base Lodge which since 1961 has welcomed generations of friends and family.

“With state-of-the-art kitchens, modern food storage systems and advanced prep technology, guests can expect exceptional dining experiences with high quality meal options in the Base Lodge, across the mountain and throughout the resort  as well as in catering for special events,” he added.

This summer’s  expansion retains elements of  the original with updates throughout. In addition to winter music, après and dining,  the  expanded Base Lodge will offer new opportunities for summer conferences, weddings and meetings.