Ski areas: Bromley, Stratton
Population: 3,622
Road and weather conditions: (802) 362-3000
Snow report: (802) 229-0531
Annual snowfall: 150"
Ski season: November-March
Chamber of Commerce: (802) 362-2100
Average cost 1-bedroom apartment: $300
Cost of adult 1-day lift ticket: $61 Bromley, $75 Stratton
Local newspapers: The Manchester Journal, (802) 362-2222; The Vermont News Guide, (802) 362-3535

Area Profile

The town of Manchester, nestled neatly between the two ski mountains of Bromley and Stratton, is an old New England town gone chic. It is somewhat isolated, twenty minutes from Bromley and forty minutes from Stratton, filled to the brim with charming inns, bed-and-breakfasts, manors, and marble sidewalks, but it is hip enough that blue jean attire is the norm.

Guests to the Manchester area are generally upscale, and children are scarce at nearly all the accommodations.

Winter Activities

Together, Bromley and Stratton have 2,003 vertical feet of skiing and 637 skiable acres. While Bromley is more of an intermediate-level skier's mountain, Stratton is perfect for beginners with its smooth surface and gentle slopes. Stratton is a great mountain for building confidence and egos, as everyone looks good becoming a cruiser. The area also has excellent cross-country trails that wind through the gorgeous Vermont countryside.

Manchester is heaven on earth for shoppers, hosting many factory outlets and smaller boutiques, but offering little outdoor winter activity other than exploring the surrounding towns and farmlands. One of the most popular activities is strolling along main streets of town, hunting out original artworks, eating ice cream, and people-watching.

Summer Activities

Summer brings trout and world-renowned fly-fishing on the Battenkill River. The Manchester area has many hiking and biking trails and guided walking tours for those who want to surround themselves with nature. In Stratton, playing golf or tennis is very popular. There are also water sports at Emerald Lake, such as windsurfing and canoeing, and some good day trips. For something different, take a tour of Hagelberg's Maple Farm, where exhibits show how sugar is made. Manchester also sponsors many summer concerts, art shows, antique shows, and festivals.

Apr�s-ski

Most of the mountain nightlife is centered in Stratton, but the place to bar-hop is in town. Candeloros has world-famous margaritas, and there is always good dancing at Mulligan's. Manchester has good meals to fit any budget. Gourmet dining is found mostly at the mountain bases to cater to the area's guests.

Transportation

Killington is conveniently located at the junction of U.S. Highway 4 and Vermont Highway 100 in Sherburne. Traveling by airplane to the resort involves flying into Vermont's Rutland Airport, eighteen miles from the mountain. Eastern Express has flights from Boston's Logan Field and the Newark International Airport, both of which are served by many major airlines; or call Mountain Aviation, (802) 775-5591, or Northwest Link, (802) 773-2735, for other options. Shuttle buses are available to get visitors from the airport to the resort. Albany airport is closest for flights.

Although there is taxi service in town, there is a lot to be said for having your own car or other mode of transportation.

Housing

Finding an apartment in the area for the season can be difficult, but persistence pays off. Rentals can be found, and they are relatively inexpensive in relation to rates at other ski resort areas. The state parks in the areas also offer camping as an alternative. For more information call the U.S. Forest Service at (802) 362-2307.

Employment

The largest employers in the area are the ski resorts themselves. In the summer these employers hire for golf and tennis schools, fitness programs, massage, food and beverage service, custodial, and Bromley's summer alpine slide. There are many retail shops and services that support the area as well, and these should not be overlooked as possible job opportunities. Read the following listings for information on seasonal resort employment.

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