If you’ve been putting off planning a winter ski getaway because you thought Vermont hasn’t had any snow, think again. Snow accumulations have been slow and steady and resorts have been making snow all season.
Bonnie MacPherson, Director of Public Relations at Okemo Mountain Resort explains, “Okemo’s state-of-the-art snowmaking system has the capability of covering 98 percent of Okemo’s trails. Okemo opened for the season with top-to-bottom skiing and riding for the third year in a row. [The resort] has held the position of offering the most open terrain in Vermont most of this season. As an added testament to Okemo’s snowmaking prowess, the resort has 7 terrain parks open and debuted its superpipe this week. No other resort in the Northeast has a halfpipe this year.” For up-to-the-minute conditions, consult Okemo’s Snow Report.
However, when talking about a resort such as Okemo, skiing is only a part of the story. MacPherson continues, “Okemo prides itself in offering a diverse winter vacation experience. We want to make certain that every member of the family can enjoy a winter getaway – regardless of their skiing ability or interest. In addition to alpine skiing and snowboarding, Okemo offers Nordic skiing and snowshoeing at its Nordic Center. At the Resort’s Jackson Gore base area, families can enjoy ice skating, snow tubing, a roller-coaster-like mountain coaster, kids’ snowmobile tours, fat bike riding and more.”
Valentine’s Day weekend is a special event at Okemo this year. Saturday night features a fireworks display followed by an amazing torchlight parade of skiers and riders traversing Okemo’s Open Slope trail. (A special kids Light Parade is planned prior to the fireworks.)
On Sunday, Valentine’s Day, Okemo celebrates with an on-snow scavenger hunt. Red hearts will be “hidden” along ski trails for skiers and riders to find. Hearts can be redeemed for a prize from the resort’s services staff. For a special romantic adventure, make reservations for the Aphrodite Dinner prepared by Executive Sous Chef Jason Tostrup. Board an Okemo snowcat at Jackson Gore and embark on a starlit ride to Epic Restaurant in Solitude Village. There you will enjoy a five-course culinary adventure that features ingredients with reputed aphrodisiac properties.
Other events scheduled for February include Okemo Paint and Sip on February 16 where you will, under direction of a local artist, create your own painted masterpiece while sipping on adult beverages. February 17 offers a chance to meet and learn about falcons, hawks and owls presented by Vermont Institute of Natural Science Raptor Encounter. Shakin’ Skate Night takes place on February 18 for an evening of ice skating to the accompaniment of music from a live DJ. (Skate rentals are available.) Comedy Night at the Tower Base Lodge, a side-splitting night of professional comedy, is scheduled for February 20. (Appropriate for 21 and over.)
For complete details of February events, see the Okemo’s Events Calendar.
With so much to do at Okemo, you might even forget you came for the skiing. Which brings us back to where we started – Okemo has a lot of great skiing right now. Don’t miss out.
For more information:
Okemo Mountain Resort
Vermont.com’s Snow & Ski Report provides snow conditions throughout Vermont. For more information on special events in Vermont this winter, consult Vermont.com’s Calendar of Events.