I've been skiing Okemo over the past 20 years and can attest that this mountain is a fantastic one, great for families or advanced skiers looking to shred steep terrain!   Whenever we stay at The Arched Chalet it's pretty much guaranteed that we'll ski Okemo. We've been enjoying it so much that we bought the Epic pass to get unlimited skiing.  For those who are interested in staying at our chalet,  I'll break down the various features that we love about Okemo.

Okemo is just around 17 minutes south from The Arched Chalet. Making it very accessible.  The resort is  situated in the picturesque town of Ludlow, nestled in the Green Mountains.

Quick overview of the stats:

• Elevation: Base at 1,144 ft; summit at 3,344 ft, offering a vertical drop of 2,200 ft—the largest in southern Vermont.

• Terrain: 667 skiable acres with 123 trails, catering to all skill levels: 32% beginner, 37% intermediate, 23% advanced, and 8% expert.

• Snowfall & Snowmaking: Average annual snowfall of 200 inches, complemented by 98% snowmaking coverage for consistent conditions.

• Lifts: 20 lifts, including high-speed quads and six-packs, ensuring minimal wait times and maximum slope time.

Given the varied terrain, it's perfect for skiers of all abilities. From first timers, to advanced skiers. It's large enough where it has something for everyone.

Our youngest has been to their ski school numerous times this past year and can vouch for their program.  They have three core offerings, which include:

• Little Dippers (Ages 3–4): Introductory lessons focusing on fun and safety.

• Snow Stars (Ages 5–6): Building foundational skills in a supportive environment.

• Mountain Explorers (Ages 7–14): Tailored lessons to enhance technique and confidence.

For the thrill seekers there are a variety of awesome trails.

Double Blacks

For expert skiers and snowboarders, Okemo's double black diamond trails present the most formidable challenges. Double Diamond and Outrage is a lot of fun, especially after fresh powder. All of the experts know to hit up this area after fresh snow drops. 

• Double Diamond: A glade run with tight trees and steep sections, demanding precise navigation and control.

• Outrage: Characterized by its steep grade and natural terrain, this trail offers a thrilling descent for experts.

• Forest Bump: A tree-lined trail with moguls and variable snow conditions, testing agility and technique.

• Big Bang: Known for its steep pitch and natural obstacles, it's a favorite among seasoned skiers seeking adrenaline.

Freestyle

• Blackout Progression Park: Tailored for advanced riders, this park features medium to large slopestyle elements, including jumps and rails, providing a competition-style training ground. 
• Crazy Train: Serving as the primary training arena for Okemo Mountain School's freeski and snowboarding teams, Crazy Train offers an advanced slopestyle course with design input from athletes and coaches. A dedicated surface lift allows for efficient lap training. 
• Hot Dog Hill: Ideal for beginners and families, this park includes small to medium features with smooth transitions, fostering a fun and safe environment for learning.
• Broken Arrow: A natural terrain park nestled between the trees of the Broken Arrow trail, featuring elements like wall rides, jibs, and log features, offering a backcountry feel within the resort boundaries. 
• The Dew Zone: A versatile park that caters to a range of skill levels, featuring a variety of freestyle elements to practice and progress.

The fun doesn't stop in the summer. In the summer there is a ton to check out, including:

Jackson Gore Summer Music Series

During the summer on most Friday evenings, enjoy live music performances on the Jackson Gore Inn courtyard. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets, and relish the tunes under the stars.

Taps & Tastes

Held at the Jackson Gore Inn courtyard, this annual event celebrates the region's craft beer, cider, and wine scene. Attendees can enjoy live music, local food vendors, and various activities, making it a perfect outing for families and friends.  We frequented this past summer to taste all of the great brews Vermont is known for!

Hops in the Hills Beer & Wine Festival

Recognized as a Top 10 Summer Event by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, this festival offers a wide range of beer, cider, and wine tastings. Set against the scenic backdrop of Okemo, guests can also enjoy live music, food trucks, and craft vendors.

Timber Ripper Mountain Coaster

Experience the thrill of Vermont's first mountain coaster. The ride begins with a 1,600-foot ascent, followed by a 375-foot vertical drop along a 3,100-foot track, reaching speeds up to 25 mph. 

Sawyer’s Sweep Zipline Tour

Embark on a two-hour zipline adventure featuring seven segments that soar over 50 feet above the ground, with lines stretching up to 900 feet and speeds reaching 30 mph.

Mini Golf

Challenge your putting skills on the Lumberin’ Cal mini-golf course.

Bungee Trampoline:

Experience the sensation of weightlessness and perform flips in the air.

Disc Golf

Navigate through the 18-hole Maples disc golf course set amidst the natural beauty of Okemo.

Evolution Bike Park

Designed by trail-building experts, this park offers a mix of trails suitable for all skill levels. From the beginner-friendly lower sections to the more challenging summit trails like "Scrambler" and "Shake and Bake," riders can enjoy diverse terrains.

Hiking & Scenic Chairlift Rides

Explore the Healdville Trail, a 2.9-mile hike leading to a historic fire tower with panoramic views. Alternatively, take a scenic chairlift ride to the summit and enjoy the vistas without the hike.

Golfing

Tee off at the Okemo Valley Golf Club, an 18-hole, par-70 course recognized as Vermont's top public course. The course offers a challenging yet enjoyable experience for golfers of all levels.

In the town of Ludlow, there are a bunch of great restaurants and bars. Some places to check include:

Eight oh Brew : small bites and good beer (30 taps!)

Goodman's American Pie - Great spot for the family to pick up a pizza pie and wash down with some local beer. Fun fact, I frequented this since college over 20 years ago!

Killarney - Classic Irish pub and restaurant

Off the Rails - Pizza, beer and live music

Echo Lake Inn -  Just down the road from Ludlow. An establishment with a TON of history. Fun fact, Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, Harvey Firestone, Andrew Carneige and William McKinley frequented the Inn back in the day.

Best part of all of this is that Okemo Ski Resort and the town of Ludlow is just a short drive from The Arched Chalet. Total drive time is just 17 minutes.