Our Favorite Family Ski Resort In The East
We have been visiting Okemo Ski resort for a few years now. We absolutely love the layout of the mountain, the lack of crowds and the feeling of home when we’re on the mountain. Okemo is located in the town of Ludlow, VT. Ludlow is a short drive from Okemo Mountain and has multiple ski shops, restaurants, shopping and grocery stores. On the mountain, there are 121 trails and 20 lifts. And best of all, they have snowmaking capabilities on 98% of their skiable terrain so even when mother nature doesn’t bring fresh powder, Okemo’s snowmaking team has got you covered.
The resort has two main summits and best of all you can ski directly from the main clock tower base to the Jackson Gore base without having to pop off your skis. There is a resort shuttle that makes getting to the slopes super easy if you’re not staying at one of the many ski-in ski-out options.
There are dozens of housing options available on or near the mountain. We have stayed at the Jackson Gore Inn each time we’ve visited and absolutely loved it. A couple years ago, Okemo was acquired by Vail Resorts and they continue to make improvements on and off the mountain. On our last visit we were thrilled to find this snow playground to keep the younger snow bunnies entertained. I’m not going to lie, I also loved the slides 🙂 There are lessons, rentals and beginner carpets available at both the Jackson Gore base and Clock Tower Base.
Our older two boys like to head out early with their friends and hit the more challenging runs. We have never had a problem with crowds while visiting and we’ve been there over some busy days, like New Years Eve. The trails are all clearly marked and not confusing at all. I feel so comfortable with the kids on the mountain because it really is organized so well.
This is me and my mini me standing under the bubble lift with get this… heated seats! A few years ago when temperatures dropped into the negative teens, these lifts were my best friend. That and the hand warmers i had stashed in every glove and boot HA!
The Timber Ripper mountain coaster is always a hit. It zooms by skiers at almost 30 mph over at the Jackson Gore base area.
We have trouble getting the kids off the mountain to take advantage of the many other activities that are available at Okemo Mountain Resort. The Ice House ice skating pavilion and the Spring House pool both look amazing for some non skiing options.
If you pop off your skis at the Okemo Mountain peak. Follow a short trail back to climb the mountain’s fire tower.
Climbing stairs in ski boots was not the easiest thing ever, but the view was well worth it.
As we mentioned crowds are hardly ever an issue. Mid week days are amazing. Even during their busy times you can find yourselves on trails surrounded by nothing but the snow capped trees.
There are a ton of dining options available both on and off the mountain. We usually book a room with a kitchen and cook a few meals in the room. It’s so nice having all the kids meet for lunch up in the room to grab a quick bite then walk right back onto the slopes. Shaw’s grocery store is a couple miles down the road from the hotel and has everything you need during your stay.
Every time we go to Okemo we always visit Killarney, an Irish pub on the way into town. It’s a very short drive from the resort and their food and adult beverages never disappoint.
You absolutely CAN NOT come to Okemo and not try a waffle from Waffle Cabin. I’m pretty sure it’s the law. 🙂 Our kids would watch out the window and wait for the little “open” flag to appear then race down to buy breakfast waffles for everyone. In addition to the Waffle Cabin at the Jackson Gore base, there’s also a Waffle Cabin on the mountain on the Lower Mountain Road trail.
We have found our happy place ya’ll. We will continue coming back for years to come. If you’re looking for a family ski vacation spot in the northeast, you should definitely check out Okemo Mountain Resort.
If you’re researching different ski resort options, make sure to check out our post on Stowe, Vermont too!