Photo Credit: Rob Bossi
The end of ski season can be a drag. Gone are the masses of smiling people clad in snow gear all partaking in winter's awesomeness. Après ski bars, sadly, either close for the season or are significantly less crowded. Ski towns clear out leaving only local commerce. And, of course there is mud season to contend with. Good times. I can see how people would be depressed over this, it's miserable in so many ways. However, once these initial doldrums are in our rear view, summer in the mountains can be quite fun. This is especially true when mountain resorts like Okemo, strive to be a destination that every member of the family can enjoy.
Photo Credit: Adam Ford
Just like during the winter, Okemo's Jackson Gore plays host to a large variety of summer events. Summer fun begins on June 7 with the Jackson Gore Summer Music Series. Kick off every summer weekend with a free concert in the courtyard by setting up a lawn chair and enjoying some al fresco dining and drinks while taking in an eclectic mix of local and regional music artists. While these weekly concerts are a great time, they are just a taste of what Okemo delivers with their annual All Come Home Festival. Over the weekend of July 12, the Jackson Gore courtyard turns into outdoor concert venue for two days of live music, great food, drink, and family fun in the hills of Vermont. Finally, Okemo concludes their summer series with one of my absolute favorite summer festivals, Hops in the Hills. This multi-day celebration has previously been cited as a Vermont Chamber of Commerce Top Ten Summer Event and when you experience it for yourself, you will immediately understand why.
Photo Credit: Donald Dill
Day drink away from their impressive lineup of beer, wine and cider all while listening to live music and chowing down from their next level lineup of food trucks. Hops in the Hills is mountain fun at its finest, and one of the best parts is it's proximity to Okemo's Adventure Zone. This multi-activity center highlighted by their famous mountain coaster allows the kids to enjoy themselves just as much as mom and dad and right within their sight line.
Photo Credit: Steve Mulcahy
Okemo's Adventure Zone is also open daily and a highlight of their many other Okemo activities. Spend hours there playing mini golf, bungee jumping, zip lining, playing disc golf and more. If you would rather hit a little white ball than toss a frisbee around, then head down the road to Okemo's championship golf course at Okemo Valley Golf Club. Be sure to bring your A game though. I have played here and tight fairways coupled with fast greens make this course no joke. If you do start slapping the ball all over the green mountain state, you can always indulge in some tasty bevvies and calm your nerves at one of the coolest 19th holes, Willie Dunn's Grille.
Photo Credit: Rob Bossi
Beyond your adventures on the course and in the park, you can always indulge in more back at the mountain. Rent a mountain bike and enjoy Okemo's Evolution Bike Park or even hop on the Sunburst Six and ride up to the summit where you can hike around and take in the beautiful scenic views. Views that are sure to take your mind off the winter for a little while and along with the slew of activities and events make Okemo an excellent destination for family summer fun.
