LUDLOW, Vt. – Seventy years ago, on Jan. 31, 1956, Okemo Mountain Resort first welcomed visitors for their inaugural season. At that time, the ski area featured four trails and two surface lifts, including what was then the longest surface lift in the country, the Red Poma lift, measuring in at 6,207 feet.
Improvements and expansion continued through the years at the popular winter destination, and, at the start of the 1961-62 season, the mountain reported a record 4,700 skiers over the three-day New Year’s weekend. By early 1969, Okemo opened the new summit complex, and by Christmas of that year, the mountain was reporting that ticket sales were 40% ahead of the previous winter.
Tim and Diane Mueller took over as sole owners during the 1992-1993 season, and kept pace with current ski trends and innovations. Okemo installed the area’s first triple chairlift, the first detachable quad, advertised as “the world’s fastest high-speed quad,” and constructed a $1.2 million summit lodge. The Sunburst Express was installed in 2014, featuring the landmark Orange Bubbles, a six-pack chairlift with heated seats.
In 2018, Vail Resorts purchased Okemo, and has continued to commit to making improvements at the mountain, including significant snowmaking upgrades, the most recent via a partnership with Efficiency Vermont.
“These upgrades mean more snow, faster coverage, and a better start to the season, all while operating more sustainably,” reported Samara Sausville, communications manager for Vail Resorts. “This directly supports our Commitment to Zero, Vail Resorts’ sustainability goal of achieving a zero net operating footprint by 2030.”
These days, Okemo sees between 500,000-600,000 visitors annually, and manages more than 120 trails and 21 lifts. Vail continues to host signature events throughout the year, including upcoming celebrations in recognition of Okemo’s 70th anniversary.
The mountain is excitedly preparing to commemorate opening day on Jan. 31, with an apres party in the Jackson Gore courtyard. Festivities will be kicking off at 2 p.m., and guests are encouraged to take the morning to enjoy the mountain, then apres the afternoon away.
Before the end of the 2026 ski season, Okemo visitors can look forward to several signature events, including the Let it Glow Winter Ice Festival, scheduled for March 14; the Okemo Parks Halfpipe Jam, set for March 28; and The Snowmelt: Slush Cup and Spring Fling, planned for April 4. Additionally, surprise, pop-up experiences are planned throughout the season.
With the recent storm dumping around 18 inches of fresh powder on the mountain, the current season is shaping up to be an excellent one – not too shabby, for 70.
CORRECTION: A previous version of this article said that the apres party at Jackson Gore on Jan. 31 would feature a set by DJ Fly Ty. In fact, he will not be performing. We apologize for this error.