Unlike the higher elevation mountains of Colorado and Utah, where ski season extends well into the summer, the Green Mountains of Vermont are like an avocado in terms of the ski season: perfectly ripe in March and early April. Then a warm spell comes and the season ends abruptly, but those last two to three days leave a blissful memory to end the ski season with, when the snow is soft and the weather is (relatively) balmy. It’s like celebrating winter and summer all on the same day!
“This is the time to soak in the sunshine, work on your tan, and enjoy the season’s most relaxed vibe,” according to Bruce Schmidt, general manager of Okemo. “There’s nothing like the vibe of spring skiing in the mountains.”
Schmidt should know. He started working at the resort in 1987 doing all kinds of jobs, including running the massive snowmaking operation. He eventually worked his way up to lead the entire resort, which he has done for the past 20 years. Schmidt shared his excitement in a recent email interview: “Picture this: the sun shining, the snow softening, and the air warming up as you cruise down the slopes. It’s a laid-back, carefree experience that combines breathtaking views, outdoor barbecues, and unforgettable après-ski moments with friends.”
Sounds enticing! Compared with January and February, spring skiing has much to offer, indeed. The crowds are lighter, and March in Vermont consistently has the most snowfall, making for great ski conditions.
“Springtime in Okemo is perfect,“ he said. ”We have budding trees, warming temperatures, fresh maple syrup, optimism abounding, and more of an easy-going atmosphere, compared to the hectic winter!”
Carving a Niche in the Ski World
Okemo has built a name for itself among East Coast destinations. It boasts the tallest vertical drop among its southern Vermont peers and has a longstanding reputation as the best family ski area in New England. However, according to Schmidt, Okemo is more than just a family destination.“Okemo’s uniqueness lies in its variety—there’s something for everyone, whether you’re an individual or a family,“ he said. ”From diverse trails and tree skiing to perfectly groomed runs, we offer a wide range of experiences. Our snowmaking and grooming are second to none, and we take immense pride in our guest service.”
Okemo was founded in 1955 in the post-war era, which saw a boom in ski development. However, it was its 1982 acquisition by Tim and Diane Mueller, a husband-and-wife team, that transformed the resort. They tripled the size of the skiable acreage and invested in state-of-the-art snowmaking and chairlift systems, making Okemo a model for modern-day ski resort management.
They emphasized a family-friendly atmosphere and put a laser focus on service and convenience. After 36 years of ownership, the Muellers sold Okemo, along with two other mountain resorts to Vail Resorts in 2018, ensuring its economic future. Though Okemo is now part of the Epic Pass portfolio, the Muellers’ influence is still felt today. According to Schmidt, the “mom and pop” vibe coupled with Vail resources provide today’s visitors with the best of both worlds.
“We strive to provide our guests with an unforgettable experience that they’ll remember for a lifetime,” he said.
When asked for some insider tips for visitors, Schmidt said: “You can’t go wrong starting your day at either of our two base areas, but if you’re a family or group trying to go from the slopes to après-ski without having to get back in the car, head for Jackson Gore. If you have the time and energy, I would recommend hiking up to the Okemo Fire Tower for amazing views of the area.”
Part of the Okemo experience is the variety of comfortable lodging. Families can rent out a slope-side condo or stay on-site at the hotel at Jackson Gore Base Village. There you’ll find dining, a massive fitness center, an indoor skating rink, and all of the amenities needed so that you can park your car and forget about it for the whole vacation.
Ski Town Vibes
Okemo sits up the hill from the town of Ludlow, a quintessential laid-back ski town without the booming nightlife and traffic typical of many larger ski resorts. It’s also known for its excellent dining. There are many quick-serve restaurants where you can dine in or take food back to your condo. It also has an arcade for the kids and lots of fun shopping.Although it’s everything you’d hope for in a quirky ski town, Ludlow’s history predates the ski industry by more than 200 years. The town was chartered in 1792 and became a milling town, processing wool from the millions of merino sheep in Vermont. The old mill building at 145 Main Street boasts a classic clock tower. It’s the largest building in the town’s National Register Historic District.
A notable former resident is President Calvin Coolidge, who was born just outside of Ludlow in 1872. A fifth-generation Vermonter, Coolidge grew up on land that his family had cleared in the area during the American Revolution. His grandfather owned a general store and his father served in the Vermont House and Senate. Coolidge went to the Black River Academy in Ludlow, and the original building is also on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Okemo Valley is known for waterfalls, lake activities, and fishing. When the ski season finally ends, a whole new set of activities becomes available, including hiking, biking, golf, and adventure ropes courses.
When You Go
For More Information: Visit Okemo.com.We also made a dinner stop at Goodman’s American Pie, where my kids enjoyed eating pizza at a table with ski lift chairs from the resort, shooting pool, and listening to music. We capped off the evening by going to the arcade Game Bird, for new and classic video games. The next day, after a great day on the mountain, we stopped at Tacos Tacos, a local Mexican quick-serve restaurant, before driving home. We took a gamble by trying the extra hot sauce. The heat was formidable, but we lived to tell the tale.
