Conditions Report
Okemo Report from February 28–March 1, 2026
Okemo, VT—one of the biggest ski resorts on the East Coast. A staple Northeast Epic Pass ski resort. Family-friendly and easy to access from New York City and Boston. And flat, so I was informed by many people.
Before I even stepped foot at Okemo for the first time this winter, I already had a preconceived notion of what this place was going to be like. “It’s flat.” “It’s boring.” “The runs all feel the same.” As the 6th biggest ski resort on the East Coast, I had my doubts, but I was also curious if these seemingly negative connotations regarding such an influential ski resort in the region were actually true.
And after spending the weekend there, I do indeed have many thoughts to share…
Quick Facts & History
- Date Opened: 1956
- Multi-Destination Passes: Epic Pass
- Number of Trails: 123
- Beginner: 33%
- Intermediate: 37%
- Advanced: 30%
- Skiable Acres: 667
- Vertical Drop: 2,200′
- Base Elevation: 1,144′
- Summit Elevation: 3,344′
- Number of Lifts: 21
- Night Skiing: No
- Other Activities:
- Mountain Coaster
- Snow Tubing
The more I get involved in the ski industry, the more I realize you can never win in pleasing skiers. That includes me. You see, we all have this fantastical vision of what the perfect ski day is—bottomless powder, bluebird day, no crowds, perfect temperature, our favorite mountain. As an East Coast skier my entire life, I can count on one hand how many days have almost fully fit that description. We are impossible to please, and if the ski industry were to do what we say we want, we’d get annoyed in a new way. Let me explain.
For an expert skier, the mountain may feel flat, boring, and mundane in comparison to other mountains in the region. That is not to say that it doesn’t have incredible groomers, nice views, multiple peaks, and great, consistent pitches that allow you to pack in vertical without long runouts.
But for a beginner skier who last skied Mt. Peter, NY, this is the first proper mountain where they can ride the high-speed lift to the top of and still have a green run to ski all the way down. For an intermediate skier who would otherwise be confined to, say, just a couple of trails off the top lifts at Jay Peak (which we obviously know is a great resort), they instead can choose from dozens of greens, blues, and even relatively moderate blacks off the top of any upper mountain lift. For most skiers, that is the dream—the feeling of choice, exploration, and variety. Okemo is a mountain that allows most skiers to feel that. And that is what makes skiing so special.
On the weekend I visited Okemo, I was joined by my fiancée, who is in her second proper year of skiing. She’s what I’d describe as a beginner-intermediate skier. I’ve dragged her around to over a dozen ski resorts throughout the Northeast, and she’s never been able to explore a resort like she did at Okemo. For her and other beginners and intermediates alike, Okemo provides a completely different type of ski experience, on a scale for that ability level that is hard to match on the East Coast. She skied more vertical the first day at Okemo than on any other day in her lifetime. And let me note that was also on a peak Saturday weekend, when you’d expect lift lines to be at their longest. It’s great for all ability levels, making it an obvious pick for families and large groups. And after spending a weekend at Okemo, I can understand and appreciate its place in the ski industry.
Would I go there on a guys trip with my expert-level ski buddies? No. Would I go back there with my wife, or if I ever had a family one day? 100%.
I find that nowadays, more and more ski resorts are trying to do everything. They are trying to sell us expert-level terrain, while still having great beginner-friendly options, but still do this and still do that. First off, when ski resorts do that, they blend into the mix. They lose their identity. And second off, if you look at any of the top ski resorts on the continent, they are ranked that high because they do something specific really well. Deer Valley delivers on luxury and great customer service. Alta is hardcore steep skiing. For skiers only. Waschuett is a local mountain that is easy and accessible to learn skiing and snowboarding.
Okemo is an intermediate’s paradise, a perfect stepping stone for most skiers and snowboarders. All of these ski resorts are highly successful, well-respected resorts. But they aren’t great for everyone, and don’t allow you to do everything.
While we don’t have publicly available numbers to state this for certain, it can be inferred that, because of its size, number of lifts, and number of accommodations in the area, Okemo is not only one of the biggest ski resorts on the East Coast but also likely does some of the most skier visits by volume in the region. If you identify as an expert skier, shouldn’t you be happy that there is such a large mountain out there dedicated to serving beginner and intermediate skiers? Or would you rather those people roll up to Mad River Glen or Jay Peak and crowd up your weekend? Okemo is a mountain that serves volume to the people that we are so unwelcoming towards, yet claim to want and need when we project that our sport is “dying.” And they do a damn good job at it.
Okemo Ski Day Stats
Okemo Conditions
Okemo Weather
Okemo Photos
For more information, check out Okemo’s website.
Kudos Liam for picking out the little nuggets and the big things that make Okemo the special mountain resort that it is. I served as Okemo’s VP marketing from 1995 to 2010 during the growth years of continuous terrain additions, new lifts, lift upgrades, lift relocations, embracing terrain improvements such as the earthen-sculpted superpipe (for a few years around 1999-2000, Okemo had two.) And slopeside beau coups lodging development such as Solitude and the addition of the Jackson Gore base area in 2002-03 and the relentless commitment to snowmaking and grooming that helped Okemo remain at the top of the charts, particularly after significant northeast weather events. I have not skied Okemo since 2013 when I visited for an event after having relocated to Crested Butte, Colorado in 2011 (same ownership back then), but if/when I do visit the east, I’ll be pointing my tips at Okemo!
Sounds like Okemo fills an important role in the Northeast ski scene, especially for families and progressing skiers.
Really thoughtful perspective. It’s refreshing to see a review that looks at a resort through different skill levels, not just from an expert skier’s point of view.
Looking at your gps track… Of course you would conclude its for beginner and intermediates if you dont ski any of okemos steep trails or glades