Okemo Mountain Vermont is known as the state’s
best family ski resort. Located in the former mill town
of Ludlow, Okemo Ski Mountain has avoided the splashy
nightlife and fancy restaurants of Killington
and other Vermont ski areas.
Okemo Ski Mountain was opened in 1956 and remained a small, sleepy ski resort for many years. It was bought in 1982 by the Mueller family and is today the last family-owned ski area in Vermont. The Muellers have kept the unassuming, family-friendly atmosphere of Okemo Mountain, but made substantial improvements to the facilities, snowmaking, and grooming.
Okemo Ski Mountain now has over 115 trails, with over 97% of the ski-able terrain covered by snowmaking, the most of any mountain on the East Coast. The trails at Okemo Mountain Vermont are mostly designed for novice and intermediate skiers, although advanced and expert skiers will find several challenging glade and mogul runs to keep them satisfied. The long, broad beginners slopes just above the main lodge are ideal for novice skiers and the well-maintained terrain parks and half-pipes are popular with snowboarders.
The base area at Okemo Mountain resort is perfect for families. The lodges and restaurants are all compact so it is easy to regroup after a day on the slopes. The main base lodge at Okemo Mountain resort has daycare facilities, ski shop, rentals, tickets, a cafeteria, and a bar. The Jackson Gore Base Lodge at the base of the newly Coleman Brook Express Quad, has similar facilities and a greater variety of dining options. Visitors will find shorter lines at the still-growing Jackson Gore side of the mountain.
Okemo Mountain resort has several slope-side hotel and condo accommodations and there are numerous Vermont Inns in the area. The new Jackson Gore Inn is particularly recommended. Okemo Mountain offers package deals combining lift tickets and accommodation.
Full-day lift tickets at Okemo Mountain resort are now over $60 a day a day, a large increase from the price of 20 cents in 1956, but there are many ways to enjoy discounted skiing. A special Sunday morning (8 am to 1:30 pm) pass gets you discounted skiing and lets you leave in time for a journey home. Children under age 6 ski free, and discounted junior (7-12) and young adult (13-18) tickets are also available. There are also discount tickets available for multi-day stays; these are also valid at Stratton Mountain (Vermont) and Mount Sunapee Resort (New Hampshire).
With discounted skiing for children, large areas of beginners and intermediate terrain, and a comfortable, family-friendly atmosphere, Okemo Mountain Vermont deserves its reputation as one of the best family ski areas on the East Coast.
