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. It was, however, held in early December so 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 this past weekend with my family, I jumped on it. With most of the mountain fully open, we could not have been more stoked to ski actual snow, a rarity this winter thanks to our crappy timing. Beyond skiing Okemo's solid conditions, they offered up a wide variety of excellent food and beverage options as well as a 90s-themed Après Afternoons at Jackson Gore Base area that more than delivered the goods on an excellent weekend.
Vermont Skiing at Okemo Mountain Resort
Okemo Mountain Resort has long been known for a wide variety of terrain that is appealing to those skiing with their kids or on their own. Rolling up on Friday to bluebird skies and temps just at the freezing mark we could not have asked for a better day. Taking turns lapping the trails off the Sunburst Six and Sachem chairs the snow was just soft enough to charge some of the more challenging terrain. Ledges, which although having thin cover, was still in good enough shape to enjoy its softer bumps, hits and drop-offs that the trail is known for.
With the temps taking a considerable tumble overnight, what was soft the day before turned into snow conditions more characteristic of the East Coast. Hard pack with a little dust on the crust dominated the terrain making Saturday a day to rip groomers. Exhibition, a straight shot under the Solitude Lift and Lower Lime Light in Jackson Gore were top-notch. By the end of the day, the latter had been chewed up enough to provide some softer snow on the sides that was fluffy enough to almost feel like fresh snow.
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. Okemo Mountain Resort has long been at the forefront of the on-mountain culinary scene. I have always been a fan of their culinary 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 appreciated the convenience of their offerings. For example, 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
If you are looking for more sit-down options, I have always enjoyed 43 North which is also located inside Solitude Lodge. The mid-mountain location, a mere steps from the Solitude Lift looks out over the mountains, setting the stage for your lunch with a view. I should note that some of the dishes that I ordered that day were a bit inconsistent. However, overall my meal which included Ahi Tuna Nachos, Lobster Bisque and a Club Sandwich that was on special was solid. And, the Bloody Mary special which came with 5 chicken wings was a nice way to wash it all down.
Dinner at Coleman Brook Tavern
That evening we had the pleasure of dining at the Coleman Brook Tavern, conveniently located inside Jackson Gore Lodge. 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 the 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.
90s Throwback for Après Afternoons at Jackson Gore
As luck would have it, that Saturday 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. Usually reserved for the courtyard at Jackson Gore Village, this weekend they included a second location in the main base area. As a bonus, they were 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.
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, I'm sure you've been wondering this whole time, Rich, how did your outfit do 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
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 regardless. The setting there with the firepits overlooking the mountain creates a welcoming vibe and, not just for adults. 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 make Jackson Gore the ideal place to stay when at Okemo. I know they have 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 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.
Theme party or 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 or unwinding by the fire at the Coleman Brook Tavern, 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.
Do you enjoy reading our Resort Life Blog? if so, don't miss another post. Sign up today, and if you have anything après-ski related that you'd like to read about, let us know in the comments section below.
