Mary Crozier et al. | Published on 2/22/2024
with contributions from Dorrie Thompson, Agnes Evans, Steve Liberman, and Janice Irby
Okemo is Native American for "all come home." Our Peninsula Ski Club indeed felt right at home on this 3,344 ft. mountain in the snowy Green Mountains of southern Vermont. It was great to have everyone along for our “epic” first trip of ski season 2024. We welcomed fellow skiers from the eastern shore of Maryland,
Mary and
Bernie, friends from Mt. Snow, and returning skiers
Rita S. and
Ritchie.
The first two days of hard groomed, fast snow were typical for Vermont skiing, with below freezing temps, and a good day for carving skis.
Agnes’ luck ran out on day two with a fall that seriously injured her right ankle, ultimately requiring surgery. The three to four inches of powder on the third day was a welcome surprise for Okemo. The snow conditions were great, but day three offered up a wintry mix. Fog and icy goggles made for limited visibility, only 25-50 yards. Fellow skiers disappeared into thick, inky shadows. Still, it was a good day for all-mountain skis as the fresh snow got pushed around into small piles. Our fourth day brought early rain, making snow soft but skiable. Conditions became more overcast and foggy.
So, with varying conditions, many of us had a fall, took skis off to ride our butts down a steep area. The trail signage was more confusing: small, difficult-to-distinguish arrows; inconsistent trail ratings. Some of the greens should have been blues; some of the blacks should have been blues. Surprisingly, we loved it all. Mid-week lift lines were minimal. The bubble lift chair had heated seats. The base lodge had ample space and seating, with great locker room facilities. Food prices were high, even with Epic discounts. Most everyone eventually got to explore Jackson Gore and the South Face.
Dorrie and
Jeannette captured Blue Moon and Lower Limelight, while
Tom,
Mahyar, Rita S., and
Jay carved up Vortex and Eclipse.
Cathy M. (our esteemed PSC ski pro) enjoyed helping club members
Lee,
Abby, and Rita S. improve their skiing skills. She got around to ski with most everyone to provide a timely pointer or two. “I’m always a better skier after a few runs with Cathy,” exclaimed Dorrie.
We also loved Dorrie’s après-ski gatherings, the hotel’s hearty breakfasts, and the Ludlow restaurants (despite some being closed due to summer flooding and mud slides.) For her part, Dorrie thanks all the behind-the-scenes shoppers, sandwich makers, vegetable carvers, furniture movers, and dish doers! Many hands made light work.
But wait, there’s more to Ludlow, Vermont than skiing on Okemo Mountain!
Janice and
Rita K. spent three days snowshoeing at the Fox Run Nordic Center (which is also a golf course during milder months). They walked over 21,000 steps each day on groomed trails that wound through the hillsides of the Black River. It was Rita’s first time snowshoeing and Janice was very pleased to have some company. For future reference, the Fox Run Nordic Center rents snowshoes, and offers cross country skiing and snowmobiling.
You can’t beat the green mountains of Vermont for memorable affordable first tracks where ever your ski season travel plans take you. We will definitely circle back to Okemo.
Photo albums: Highlights (public) |
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Photo credits: Tom Crockett, Mary Crozier, Bernie Miller, Mahyar Malekpour, John Schmerfeld, Janice Irby