- We are closed for skiing and riding. Thank-you for your support. Visit our summer website!
- Lumberin Cal's mini golf course is open daily (weather permitting) through the Spring. The mountain coaster and bungee jump will re-open Memorial Day weekend.
okemo mountain ski and ride tips
The busiest ski week is upon us here and with it comes a challenge unique to weekends and holidays, crowds. It isn't always easy to ski on a packed trail, but it can be done. And you can find the spots with the fewest people. All you have to do is follow a few handy tips.
First, if you find yourself on a busy trail don't panic. Just drop your speed down to about half of what you would go on an empty trail. At the same time keep moving. Too many people going at a snail's pace clogs up the trail, but too many people going too fast means collisions are likely and will probably hurt a lot. So keep that speed moderate and cruise your way down a lane. Keeping to one lane and making short radius turns is your best bet to survivng a crowded trail with minimal close calls.
Second, there are a few keys to avoiding those crowds. If you are skiing a Saturday/Sunday weekend, get in early on Friday and hit the bars. Talk to locals, and try to find out where the secret spots are. You may have to buy a round or two before they let you in on the secrets, but don't give up, there are plenty of good tips about where and when to ski across the mountain on busy days. Don't discount a trail you wouldn't normally ski, and don't discount a green or blue run because it is too easy. Some of the best turns on crowded days can be found on green runs that are off the beaten path.
Okemo Mountain Resort is home to over 400 ski and snowboard instructors and hundreds more employees who are passionate about winter sports. Each week we will showcase a skiing or riding tip gathered from our staff here at Okemo. We will offer tips on skiing and riding from beginner to expert, as well as good places to grab lunch, a beer, or the best activities and events for the weekend.
