Of course I love being on a golf course. The fresh air, green surroundings, varied landscape and even some wildlife from time to time are all a part of why I love the sport.

But then, as a ski gal, I do so love a mountain.

Good news for me and for all who love the slopes as much as the fairways: Mountain golf is a thing.

Ski areas partnering with or even creating their own courses is a super popular combo. And just like when the chocolate fell into the peanut butter, the combo takes two amazing things and morphs them into one delightful new commodity. Mountain region golf courses are plentiful throughout New England.

One of the first to find that perfect combo was Stratton Mountain Resort (https://www.stratton.com), where the golf history dates back to 1964. Two of the men who founded Stratton, Tink Smith and Frank Snyder, had a shared vision for a beautiful yea- round mountain resort and ski area. One hitch: Smith wasn’t a skier, but was an avid golfer.

That launched the first 18-hole set up of what grew to be – in the 1980s – a 27-hole course made up of three distinct nine-holers, each with its own personality, challenges and vibe. Mix and match them on any visit and you can come away with all kinds of different looks at mountain golf.

Stratton sits in Southern Vermont and is a community within itself. Condos, homes and other lodging dot the roads that surround the ski area itself. The golf course is tucked into that lush, green base area.

The Lake, Mountain and Forest courses each spread out over nine holes, with Mountain (ironically), being the most flat. It is named not for a mountainous terrain, but for its sweeping views of Stratton Mountain itself, a delightful view for the golfer.

Lake is the longest of the courses, clocking in at 3,066 from the white tees. It demands your driver, with only two par three holes (and each of those at over 160 yards).

Forest is the shortest in yardage at 2,978, and features two highly-savored holes. First, Forest 4 is one of those super fun, super downhill Par 3’s that, at just 129 yards and downhill, you can just feel that birdie coming on (not that it always does! But it’s fun to dream). Then there’s Forest 8, where the course gives you payback for that fun 4. You’ll be hitting very uphill toward a blind pin on a wildly elevated green. It’s the kind of hero shot demanded of the pros. Think you’re ready?

You’re going to want to pull out the driver and find birdies when you can to break par on this course.

And then there’s Mountain, the middle size in length but also home to the club’s No. 1 hole: Mountain 5. At 545 and somewhat downhill, a creek comes into play. Should you splash, you’ll still be able to savor that mountain view while taking your medicine.

Stratton offers lessons – both private and clinics, club rentals, play and stay packages and special events. There’s bragging rights to be had too: these courses are challenging enough to have been home – many times—to LPGA headline events.

You won’t just play golf either. Dining is fabulous both in the region and at the resort itself. Meander through their cute clock-tower centered village and you’ll find everything from kicked back wings and burgers to top gourmet choices. You’ll find outdoor and indoor pools as well.

There’s hiking, fishing and all kinds of live music all summer long. Down the road in Manchester you’ll find shopping and lots more dining.

Most of all, there’s the setting. Mountains and golf. Who says a gal cannot have it all?