Okemo Mountain Resort

Vermont has many fine resorts, but Okemo is simply outstanding. It's big enough to offer terrain & conditions that will satisfy skiers & boarders at any level. There's an elegant base lodge at Jackson Gore; a more rustic base at Bull Run; a six-pack heated quad that goes to the summit; magic carpets for beginners. There's a pool & fitness center, an ice rink, snow tubing, the four-season mountain coaster, summer music festivals & fireworks, golf, mountain biking... Okemo is the perfect family resort--in fact many locals who ski & ride benefited from Okemo's partnership with area schools. And it's priced reasonably enough to allow you to buy a second round or a fancy dessert. Ludlow is about 30 minutes from Springfield, on Route 103. Take River Street west which becomes Route 10, then turn right onto Route 103 in Gassetts. If you're looking for the alpine downhill experience and don't need to stay slope-side, Springfield will be happy to serve as your home base for adventure. Years ago, Springfield had some modest ski runs (including jumps) on the ridges around town. Hartness Park (up above Summer Street) is still good for Nordic touring & mountain biking, as are the trails on the east side of the Black River in North Springfield & Weathersfield off Reservoir Road.