*Blog Post Updated 9/24/24
It has been a minute since I have truly skied Okemo Mountain Resort. I remember going there for weekends when I was a kid but sadly, that was quite a long time ago. That's not to say that I have not been to Okemo in recent years. I have visited a few times as a member of the media during their Okemo Media Weekends. A fun weekend-long event pre-Vail, it was a great way to kick off the winter while exploring a wide variety of the mountain's offerings and connecting with other media. The one caveat, however, is that it was held in early December. Therefore, the amount of terrain they had open was limited. About as limited as my other most recent visit during the pandemic when the top of the mountain was not open due to a wind hold.
That said when given the opportunity to visit Okemo Mountain Resort during the height of winter 2024, I jumped on it. With most of the mountain fully open, we could not have been more stoked to ski actual snow. Beyond skiing solid conditions, Jackson Gore Village Okemo offered up a wide variety of excellent food and beverage options as well as a 90s-themed Après Afternoons at area that more than delivered the goods on an excellent weekend.
Vermont Skiing at Okemo Mountain Resort
Okemo Mountain Resort has long been renowned for its diverse terrain, making it perfect for both families and solo skiers. Arriving on Friday to clear skies and ideal temperatures, we couldn't have asked for a better day. Skiing the trails off the Sunburst Six and Sachem chairs, we enjoyed the soft snow that allowed us to tackle more challenging terrain. Ledges, despite its thin coverage, was still in excellent condition, offering enjoyable bumps, drops, and features.
As temperatures plummeted overnight, the soft snow from the previous day transformed into more typical East Coast conditions. Hard-packed snow with a thin layer of powder dominated the terrain on Saturday, making it ideal for ripping groomed runs. Exhibition, a direct route under the Solitude Lift, and Lower Lime Light in Jackson Gore were particularly impressive. By the end of the day, Lower Lime Light had been sufficiently skied, creating softer snow on the sides that felt almost like fresh powder.
Okemo's Food and Beverage Scene Offers Up A Culinary Adventure
With the temperatures as cold as they were on Saturday (4 with the wind chill), it was tough to stay outside for prolonged periods. This ultimately made it even more feasible to explore my other passion...food and beverage. If you are looking for unique things to do, Okemo Mountain Resort has long been at the forefront of the on-mountain culinary scene. I have always been a fan of their food scene and after this weekend, that continues to be the case.
On-Mountain Pop-ups
What I really enjoyed were all the pop-up food stands that Okemo has installed throughout the resort's many lodges. New since my last visit a few years back, I could not overlook the convenience of these offerings. One such example is the Base Side Biergarten, located right inside the main base lodge. Exhausted and hungry from my long ride up Friday morning I walked right up and had a beer and monster Bavarian Pretzel with a massive cup of beer cheese within minutes.
My daughters, on the other hand, preferred the Coffee Exchange inside Solitude Lodge whose decadent muffins and Cappuccinos served as a nice grab-and-go breakfast on Saturday morning.
Lunch at 43 North
For a more leisurely dining experience, 43 North, located within Solitude Lodge, is always a popular choice. With a prime mid-mountain location and just steps from the Solitude Lift, this restaurant offers stunning mountain views, making it the perfect spot for a scenic lunch. While some dishes I tried were a bit inconsistent, my overall meal, which included Ahi Tuna Nachos, Lobster Bisque, and a Club Sandwich, was satisfying. The Bloody Mary special, served with five chicken wings, was a delightful accompaniment.
Dinner at Coleman Brook Tavern
That evening we had the pleasure of dining at the Coleman Brook Tavern, conveniently located inside Jackson Gore Inn at Okemo Mountain Resort. Like 43 North, Coleman Brook has always been one of my favorite restaurants at Okemo Mountain Resort. My wife and I still talk about the crostini with steak cooked on heated pink Himalayan salt rocks back during the Okemo media weekend events. It was to die for!
This time around I found myself indulging in the Red Snapper special. Made by the Jamaican chefs in the kitchen, its authenticity screamed Caribbean in the green mountains of Vermont. It was hands-down the best dish I had all weekend. Meanwhile, my daughters loved their dinner but were far more excited about the always popular Build Your Own S'mores dessert. Fun and delicious, it was the perfect way to end the evening.
Après Ski Okemo: 90s Throwback for Après Afternoons at Jackson Gore Village
When it comes time to après ski Okemo, there are never a shortage of options. As luck would have it, the Saturday we visited happened to be 90s Day at Okemo. In addition to the retro vibe, they were also hosting a double dose of their weekly Après Afternoons. Jackson Gore Village, Okemo hosts these après ski gatherings on weekends throughout the winter and this particular weekend they even included a second location in the main base area. As a bonus, Okemo Mountain Resort giving out prizes to the skiers and snowboarders with the best 90s outfits.
I love a good throwback day on the mountain and, of course, I enjoy a good après ski party. Competitive as I am, I channeled my inner Jonny Moseley and rocked my OG neon CB Sports pullover and highlighter yellow pants. The fit was fire and needless to say, eye-catching. With the CB jacket as the crown jewel, it sparked multiple conversations throughout the day, especially après ski when the beers were flowing and everyone was getting a bit loose.
Sliding into Après Afternoons clad in neon and CB the 90s-themed Jester Jigs had the predominantly Gen X crowd whipped into an alternative rock frenzy. From Lit to Miley Cyrus the boot dancing and singing added a level of camaraderie that was enough to keep the crowd warm on the bitterly cold day. And, when the band took a break it was cornhole games and conversations by one of the multiple fire pits and the Jackson Gore Snowground for the kids.
With so much to do for all, Après Afternoons is the ultimate in post-ski family fun and an absolute must when visiting Okemo Mountain Resort.
And, just in case you were wondering how my outfit did in the 90s competition? I won! Quite easily, I may add. Within seconds of stepping in line to order my first beer, a resort rep walked up to me, handed me a pair of Oakley sunglasses, and said I had, "hands down" the best outfit of the day.
The Charm of Jackson Gore at Okemo Mountain Resort
Hot off my big win, I hung out at Après Afternoons for the remainder of the day before heading to my aforementioned dinner at Coleman Brook Tavern. However, if I'm being honest, as fun as the 90s party was, I would have probably hung out in the Jackson Gore Village Okemo regardless. The setting there with the firepits overlooking the mountain creates a welcoming vibe for all. As adults huddle around the fire sharing a few hop-induced stories, the kids explore the village, climb and play in the Snowground or even join the adults around the firepit with some hot chocolate and do-it-yourself s'mores.
It's atmosphere and convenience like this that makes the Jackson Gore Inn at Okemo Mountain Resort the ideal place to stay when visiting. I know Okemo has other on-site residences that I'm sure are wonderful. However, if you are looking for convenience that includes the ski check and being steps from the lift as well as an inviting après ski atmosphere, Jackson Gore Inn is the way to go.
A Weekend to Remember at Okemo Mountain Resort
This trip to Okemo Mountain Resort wasn't just your average ski weekend; it was a full-blown winter experience. From perfectly groomed trails to delicious on-mountain dining and a killer 90s après ski party, Okemo delivered on all fronts. If you're a family looking for a fun getaway or a die-hard skier seeking challenging terrain, Okemo has something for everyone.
Whether it's a good old theme party or just a typical winter getaway, you won't regret packing your skis or snowboard and staying at Jackson Gore Inn for an unforgettable winter weekend at Okemo Mountain Resort. With so much to do for all, you are guaranteed to have a great time.
Cozy Up Après-Ski at Okemo in Style
Whether you're dancing the afternoon away at Okemo's Après Afternoons, unwinding by the fire at the Coleman Brook Tavern or kicking back at one of the après bars Okemo has to offer , our Après-Ski Fleece Sweatshirt is the perfect companion.
This versatile sweatshirt keeps you warm on the slopes and cozy indoors. Plus, the name itself captures the spirit of après-ski relaxation.
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