Okemo Ski Resort Profile
Summary: For skiers in the Northeast looking for a great place to bring the family, they have an abundance of
convenient options. For years, we've been touting the virtues of places like Smugglers Notch, Killington, and
Stowe. It is high time we add Okemo, Vermont to that list.
While not a large resort by acreage standards, Okemo has what many resorts long for: Location. Just three hours from Boston, two hours from Hartford, two hours from Albany, and around four from New York, Okemo is an easy weekend trip for literally millions of people. No planning involved, just hop in the car and go.
Another thing Okemo has going for it is an abundance of lodging options and an active base area, especially relative to its size. While some lament the fact that the condo development boom built Okemo up, consider it a blessing that you have all the lodging choices you would need (even a Four Seasons resort if you are so inclined). The family programs are great, too, as Okemo has catered to the family skiing crowd. The policy for kids 6-and-under to ski free is just one of many great features of the resort. Lessons are given by excellent instructors, and the programming includes an array of options you would expect to see at the large Colorado resorts.
While experts may say that there is not enough challenging terrain at Okemo, the beginners and intermediates in the group will love the runs. Green and Blue runs dot the entire mountain, meaning that newer skiers are not relegated to the bottom 20% of the mountain, something that we've seen happen in the Rockies more than once.
Terrain / Highest Elevation / Vertical Drop: 700 acres / 3,350 feet / 2,000 feet
Activities for Non-Skiers: Okemo offers enough pampering to keep the non-skier of the group relaxed for the entire trip. Full spa services and excellent dining options ensure that nobody is left out of the fun.
Ski School: Okemo offers private lessons for children aged 2 and up, and group lessons starting at 3 years old. Prices are $110 for a full day and $80 for a half day, and reservations are required.
Day Care: The Penguin Playground day care is available for children ages 6 months to 4 years. Prices are $85 for a full day, and reservations are recommended.
Getting there: Okemo is driving distance from Hartford, Boston, Albany, and (longer drive) New York. If you are flying, the jet service to Hartford/Springfield is good and will leave you with a short trip to the mountain.
Insider Tip: Okemo historically offers a free ski and ride program during the first 2-3 weeks of December. While the snow might not yet be ideal at that time, let's just say can't beat "free".
While not a large resort by acreage standards, Okemo has what many resorts long for: Location. Just three hours from Boston, two hours from Hartford, two hours from Albany, and around four from New York, Okemo is an easy weekend trip for literally millions of people. No planning involved, just hop in the car and go.
Another thing Okemo has going for it is an abundance of lodging options and an active base area, especially relative to its size. While some lament the fact that the condo development boom built Okemo up, consider it a blessing that you have all the lodging choices you would need (even a Four Seasons resort if you are so inclined). The family programs are great, too, as Okemo has catered to the family skiing crowd. The policy for kids 6-and-under to ski free is just one of many great features of the resort. Lessons are given by excellent instructors, and the programming includes an array of options you would expect to see at the large Colorado resorts.
While experts may say that there is not enough challenging terrain at Okemo, the beginners and intermediates in the group will love the runs. Green and Blue runs dot the entire mountain, meaning that newer skiers are not relegated to the bottom 20% of the mountain, something that we've seen happen in the Rockies more than once.
Terrain / Highest Elevation / Vertical Drop: 700 acres / 3,350 feet / 2,000 feet
Activities for Non-Skiers: Okemo offers enough pampering to keep the non-skier of the group relaxed for the entire trip. Full spa services and excellent dining options ensure that nobody is left out of the fun.
Ski School: Okemo offers private lessons for children aged 2 and up, and group lessons starting at 3 years old. Prices are $110 for a full day and $80 for a half day, and reservations are required.
Day Care: The Penguin Playground day care is available for children ages 6 months to 4 years. Prices are $85 for a full day, and reservations are recommended.
Getting there: Okemo is driving distance from Hartford, Boston, Albany, and (longer drive) New York. If you are flying, the jet service to Hartford/Springfield is good and will leave you with a short trip to the mountain.
Insider Tip: Okemo historically offers a free ski and ride program during the first 2-3 weeks of December. While the snow might not yet be ideal at that time, let's just say can't beat "free".