Stratton– The waiting is almost over. On Wednesday, November 25, the day before Thanksgiving, the big day finally arrives as Stratton’s lifts crank up for the ski and snowboard season. The first snowfall dropped on the summit in mid-October and the snow guns started to pepper the resort last week.

According to Stratton Slopes and Trails Manager Al Desroches, “We typically choose the day before Thanksgiving to open because not only is it a festive time, but it will allow us ample opportunity to make enough snow, groom it out, and present the best possible conditions to our guests.”

As temperatures begin to fall over the next few weeks, Stratton’s mountain snowmaking team will work to cover over 90% of the mountain’s terrain in high quality machine-made snow. In fact, Stratton is so confident in the quality of their snow, it’s guaranteed. Guests may ski or ride for an hour any time, any day, and if they’re not happy, they can exchange their ticket for another day.

“In our ever-changing world there is a constant, November is the time to make the snow,” said Stratton President and Chief Operating Officer Sky Foulkes.

The resort has been bustling in preparation for the much anticipated season, tuning up the snow cats, running the lifts, hiring new employees, sprucing up the lodges, renovating lodging properties, priming the snow guns, and taking care of the rest of the business as usual.

Visit www.stratton.com for more information on season passes, the X2, cards and lift and lodging packages.

And just in case the pure joy of getting back out on the hill isn’t enough, Stratton’s activities and events team plans to hit the ground running with a full slate of fun activities that will run through the Thanksgiving weekend.

On Thanksgiving Day is the fourth annual Stratton Gobble Gobble Wobble 5K. The pre-Thanksgiving-meal road race is a popular tradition that allows participants to get a little exercise and work up a good appetite before gorging themselves on all of the Thanksgiving fixings. This family-friendly event welcomes runners and walkers of all ages, starting at the flags by the welcome center, making a round trip journey to the Sun Bowl. The run starts at 9:15 am and registration is from 8 to 9 am at the Mill House on the Village Common, giving runners ample time to take a few runs before heading home to feast.

Pre-registration can be done online at www.active.com. Registration fee is $20, and includes commemorative T-shirts for pre-registered participants, along with prizes for winners.

The catwalk makes a Stratton debut on Friday as New York City runway models will showcase the latest in 2009-10 ski and snowboard apparel, followed by the premiere of Level 1’s “Refresh” at 5:30 pm.

Saturday marks the return of the “Fire and Lights” series, complete with a Village Rail Jam, late-night shopping in the slopeside village, a torchlight parade, hot chocolate, and, of course, fireworks. Other “Fire and Lights” nights will take place on December 31, January 17, and on February 13.