STRATTON- As the Vermont maples burst into color, Stratton Mountain is preparing for a busier Columbus Day weekend than ever before. Young, old, and everyone in between will be entertained as we celebrate all things fall and the season that brings us one step closer to winter.

For all ages, Harvestfest is a fall spectacular with hay rides, pumpkin painting, and caramel apple dipping, plus sand art, facepainting, henna tattoos, a magician, and the Vermont Raptors Show in the Village.

Refined palates will sample the finest local brews and stews at Brewfest and the chili cook-off. Over two dozen regional and local Vermont breweries will pour pints and samples, while the Stratton community serves up a dozen chili recipes for taste tests.

The North Face Race to the Summit, a two-mile uphill climb through breath taking foliage, keeps the energy high on Sunday morning, followed by a brunch in Grizzly’s.

Free live music all weekend, featuring Twiddle on Saturday, guided hikes, a summit art class, wine tasting, and donut making put the icing on the cider donut, the foam on the beer, the paint on the pumpkin. Plus the summit gondola will run all weekend for a bird’s eye view of the legendary fall colors of southern Vermont.

Now that fall is in full swing, it’s also time to snag the best selection and rates on winter with the chance to save up to 30% off on winter lodging before October 31 with Stratton’s early booking offer. Get all the details on Columbus Day weekend and fall lodging specials on Stratton.com.