OKEMO RESORT GUIDE
Images courtesy of Okemo Mountain Resort
Okemo Resort Overview
November 2020
**Okemo will not have a mountain reservations system and lifts will operate at full capacity. Face coverings will be required in indoor settings. Proof of vaccination will be required for indoor, on-mountain restaurants. Transactions will remain cashless. For the latest on Okemo's operating guidelines view their Winter 2021-22 Winter Experience Page.
One of New England’s most family oriented resorts, Okemo is known for its friendly vibes—"Welcome Home"—and flawless groomers. A worthwhile drive from Boston, much of Connecticut and New York City, Okemo is both a destination and a weekend warrior resort (beloved for decades, the resort has many multi-generational second homeowners). The terrain, while approachable, is expansive enough to warrant several visits. Easy to do as the Epic and Epic Local passes offer unlimited access.
Okemo also has some of the most comprehensive children's lesson programs in the Northeast. From the Snow Stars Program (ages 3 - 6) to premier seasonal programs such as the freeride and freestyle focused Amplitude program, Okemo's instructors specialize in building lifelong skiers and riders. From pristine corduroy, to navigable glades, there is terrain for everyone. Even the seasoned jibber will find excitement in Okemo’s terrain parks. With an abundance of slopeside lodging, families can choose to stay in and cozy-up by the fire or roll down the hill into Ludlow. A quintessential Vermont town, Ludlow offers a wide range of AirBNB options, including some expansive old colonials with tons of charm and room for large groups.
Resort Ratings
EARLY Season
Snow Reliability
Snow-Making & Grooming
Travel Convenience
Terrain Variety
Extreme / Off-Piste Terrain
Ski School
Accommodations
On Mountain Dining
Quick Take
Let's Go
Reliable snow-making and grooming —98% of trails have snowmaking coverage
The warmest, most comfortable lifts around. Two covered high-speed lifts and the Sunburst Six even has heated seats
“The Okemo Difference” (though recently retired) is real; experience the friendliest service around
An abundance of slopeside condos - convenient, cozy and family-friendly
Easily accessible by car from most major urban areas in the Northeast (drive times: Boston - 2.5 hrs, Hartford - 2.25 hrs, NYC - 4.5 hrs)
Hesitations
This is a mellow mountain. Serious expert terrain, outside of the terrain parks, is limited
Though bountiful, ski-in ski-out lodging comes at a premium
The après activities are very family oriented; think s’mores and acoustic sets. Late night fun is contained in the town of Ludlow
Harder to reach from far away. The closest major airport is in Albany, NY, nearly two hours away by car
Insider Tips
Weekends and holidays are busiest (no different than other Eastern resorts). For a more serene experience, try to make it a mid-week escape
For perfectly manicured trails, head straight for Sapphire or Heaven’s Gate. The resort often tops these trails off with more snow to improve the surface
Advanced reservations are highly recommended for for ski and snowboard lessons. Lessons are available at both Bases, though Day Care is only available at the Jackson Gore Base.
Okemo is part of the Epic pass, which also provides unlimited access to 34 resorts in North America
Take some time to explore Ludlow. This charming Vermont town is home to many little gems including exceptional dining (try Homestyle Hostel for seasonal dishes or the Downtown Grocery for delicious local cuisine and cocktails)
Trail Map
For an in-depth breakdown of Okemo's terrain, head to our Mountain Guide. Top trails and mountain stats included.
Getting To & Around
Though Okemo does offer shuttle service from several in-town locations, we highly recommend a car if you want to experience all the area has to offer.
Getting To
Closest Major City: Boston, MA
Distance: ~155 miles South East
Travel Time: ~ 3 hours drive
Manchester, VT: ~32 miles, ~50 minute drive
Albany, NY: 90 miles, ~1 hr 55 minute drive
New York City: 235 miles, ~4.5 hours drive
Neighboring Resorts
Okemo is part of the Green Mountains and has many neighbors that make a good day trip.
Closet Neighbors on the Epic Pass
Mt. Sunapee, NH (~40 miles, ~1 hr)
Mt. Snow (45 miles, ~1 hr)
Stowe (~95 miles, ~2 hrs)
Other Nearby Vermont Resorts (Less than 1.5 hrs)
Killington (22 miles, ~35 mins)
Bromley (24 miles, ~30 mins)
Stratton (35 miles, ~52 mins)
Travel by Plane
Closest major commercial airport: BOS (Logan International Airport)
~155 miles South East, ~3 hrs
Regional airport: ABL (Albany International Airport)
~90 miles South West, ~1 hr 55 minutes
Cape Air offers flights from Boston to Rutland Regional Airport (RUT)
RUT is only 25 mins away and Okemo offers Express Shuttle service
Travel By Bus
Okemo offers free shuttles between the different Bases and the town of Ludlow.
Travel by Car
We prefer to have a car here, its an easy drive from Greater NYC and Boston and most places have free parking.
Pros: Free parking at base; access to wider selection of restaurants, stores and visits to other nearby resorts
Cons: None (though a car wash will be needed)
Ride shares: (e.g., Uber, Lyft) are not reliable here