It's On in the East: Deep Snow, and More Predicted
We caught up with Mad River Glen's Eric Friedman, one of the industry’s least bullshitty public relations guys, for his take on how good the skiing is. For fans of natural snow, now's the time.
Let the other resorts burnish their hardcore cred. Okemo isn’t afraid to pamper—moms especially. Given its decidedly mellow terrain (which reliably repels the reckless), Okemo makes families its mission. It’s famous for cozy slopeside condos, on-mountain food that’s a cut above, fun kids programs, and an excellent ski school and race club. January deep freeze? Bring it on: Heated seats and orange bubble enclosures on the Sunburst Six lift give the cold-averse the courage to get out there.
It might be symbolic that a “must do” while skiing at Okemo Mountain Resort is ordering up a tabletop S’more at the base. Because Okemo may just be the tabletop S’more of Eastern resorts: simple yet sublime; delightful in a kind of G-rated way; made for family but just so darn fun for all; and with three perfect ingredients: great grooming, amazing lifts, and friendly service.
Average Snowfall | Acres | Lifts | Trails |
200″ | 632 | 20 | 121 |
Okemo is on the Epic Pass. Pass holders get unlimited access to the resort with no blackout dates. Northeast Value pass holders get unlimited, holiday-restricted access.
From lodging and and dining to off-slope activities and local tips, here are the SKI editors’ picks for what to do in Okemo, Vt.
The central Vermont resort will see the completion of two projects that were tabled last year, including the replacement of the Quantum Four high-speed bubble chair with a six-pack. The current bubble chair will replace the Green Ridge Triple chair.
The mountain’s main access road can turn into quite the traffic jam. Sneak across Upper Cross Road, then down West Hill Road, for a quicker escape.
Some may say Okemo doesn’t have expert terrain. Head to the South Face, drop into Outrage (especially skier’s left), and you’ll find that hearsay is just hearsay.
Vermont-born Chef Rogan Lechthaler has a fine reputation on the Vermont culinary scene as an early adopter of the locavore movement. Now you have to choose between his original gem, Downtown Grocery, or his new Italian joint, Mama’s.
Tom’s Loft, an Okemo icon, is famously known for “warm beer, lousy food, and a grumpy owner”—and it just gets better from there.
If you forgot to pack either shotgun shells or enough chevre, you’re in luck. Wonderfully quirky Singleton’s General Store in nearby Proctorsville has both and much more.
Epic, in the Solitude Lodge. Order the daily trio special or the hearty and soul- warming Japanese veggie hot pot, tricked out with the sushi-grade tuna.
Hit the Killarney Pub and scarf wings and Guinness drafts with the ski patrol gang.
Introduce the kids to the three top-to-bottom terrain parks off the Black Ridge and Green Ridge triple chairs: The Rockstar, The Zone, and The Superpipe.
We caught up with Mad River Glen's Eric Friedman, one of the industry’s least bullshitty public relations guys, for his take on how good the skiing is. For fans of natural snow, now's the time.
Four-time Olympian AJ Kitt will be at Okemo as competitors battle to qualify for Nastar Nationals in Aspen, CO.
Okemo's new Sunburst enclosed sixpack has heated seats. Sign of the Apocalypse? Or just a sensible way to beat the Vermont winter cold?
Like a fine wine, these bars get better with age.
“An intermediate’s paradise, with everything groomed.”
On-hill upgrades to look forward to this season.
Thanks to extended operating hours, fresh snow, spring parties, and end-of-the-season savings, now is the time to go skiing. We've got tips on where to head this weekend, including Durango, Colorado, Taos, New Mexico, Okemo, Vermont, and Alta, Utah.
Skiers are spending less and searching for better values—forcing ski resorts to compete harder than ever. Could the economic downturn have an upside for skiing?