Okemo Mountain Resort makes a family ski trip easy and fun, with convenient on-mountain lodging in a condo or the Jackson Gore Inn, excellent kids learn to ski and ride programs, some of the best cuisine in ski country, assured conditions with big snowmaking power, a friendly staff, and plenty to amuse you after the modern orange bubble-covered lifts stop spinning. The Mountain Resort is complemented by the quaint Ludlow village down the road with casual local dining and shopping. From each rolling ski trail spread across Okemo’s four faces, like Jolly Green Giant, Sapphire and Nor’Easter, you’re surrounded by pretty pastoral views of Vermont’s Green Mountains draped in white. “Okemo” translates to “coming home” and you will likely feel at home at this family-oriented ski resort, now owned by Vail Resorts – and part of the Epic Pass, along with Stowe in northern Vermont.
Rutland Southern Vermont Regional Airport
Okemo (0.5-1 hour)
Okemo has plenty for beginners and has a top-notch ski school! If you're staying slopeside, you could be near the easy Sachem run which gives you quick access to the Sachem Quad. Easy Rider to Mountain Road is the best winding, summit to base run in the resort! It's also the longest and is an easy cruiser. Bounder Terrain Park is great for beginner boarders with gentle jumps and ramps while Robin's Nest is a great beginner terrain park for families.
Intermediate skiers and boarders will enjoy the long, uninterrupted blue trails that traverse from summit to base. Hot Dog Hill is great for intermediate boarders looking to progress their skills. Our favorite intermediate trails are at the Solitude area, with its well-groomed corduroys on the Sidewinder and Heaven's Gate runs plus it has a fun blue glade,Tree Dancer!
Ungroomed trails and glades are all over at Okemo, however, those who really like a challenge will probably get bored easily due the lack of steep terrain. The steepest (and our favorite) area is the Jackson Gore Peak which has the best perks of being the least crowded area since most of the trails are black or double blacks. Tree-skiing experts will enjoy Okemo's 48 ac of glades; some are unmarked and waiting to be discovered! Expert boarders can find challenging terrain at the OMS Crazy Train Park.
Freshies can be found in the glades. The Jackson Gore Peak areas are the least crowded so the freshies are less likely to be skied off. There is some tree-skiing not marked on the trail maps making for exciting backcountry skiing.
The orange bubble lifts attract quite the crowds since they provide relief from the cold with the heated seats and covers. The base lifts near the clock tower also see queues as they allow access to easier terrain. Staying on Jackson Gore Peak will help avoid the worst of the crowds with most beginners avoiding the peak.
There are so many activities at Okemo such as riding the mountain coaster, tubing, pools with slides, hot tubs, fatbiking, ice skating, outlet shopping in nearby Manchester, sleigh rides, spa, hiking and the list goes on! The snowcat excursions are quite enjoyable, especially the Snowcat Dining Adventure - traveling by snowcat across the mountain to a 5-course fireside meal, paired with specific wines.
What makes Okemo great for families is its excellent ski school, the magic carpet area and the easy ski-access back to the lodging to take a break! Also, the condos at Jackson Gore are conveniently close to everything you need. For those with beginners, the A, B and Sachem Quad lifts provide access to multiple beginner trails. Child care facilities are also available if you have little ones who aren't ready for the slopes.
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