After the snow has melted and the temperatures begin to rise, Winter gives way to Summer in Ludlow, VT. The best local-secret is that the summer months here are equally as beautiful and adventure filled as the previous. The area offers an abundance activities for the perfect summer escape, making Ludlow the premiere destination for your year-round travels. Our guide will take you through the lakes, hikes, and dining options that you can’t miss on your next visit north. 

Located a few miles north of Ludlow along Route 100, Echo Lake provides public beach access through their state park. There is a $4 entrance fee upon arrival, so make sure you bring cash with you before leaving town. The park offers a children’s playground, picnic tables, beach volleyball court,  canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards at a nominal charge. The area is relatively quiet and provides a serene backdrop of the Green Mountains for your Saturday afternoon. Closer to town and a short hike into the woods is Buttermilk Falls. There are three falls, each perfect for swimming and wading depending on the water levels that time of year. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy an afternoon of the peaceful sounds of the falls. Full directions to Buttermilk can be found here. 

In addition to the lakes, Ludlow provides some of the best spring-summer hiking trails. Healdville trail takes hikers up the backside of Okemo, ending at the historic firetower, which puts visitors at the top of the 3,343 foot summit. Aside from the promise of summer in full bloom, a trip of the tower also offers a panorama of Vermont’s Green Mountains, a view west to New York’s Adirondacks, and east to New Hampshire’s White Mountains. The trail begins in Mt. Holly and is moderate hike, roughly 5.9 miles roundtrip with stunning views along the way. In addition to Healdville, all of Okemo is open to hikers during the summer month. Park at either the main base lodge, Solitude, or Jackson Gore and make your hike as moderate or difficult as you please. 

After a long day of swimming, hiking, or enjoying the Vermont sunshine, Ludlow provides excellent dining options to unwind. For sit-down eats, Harry’s, DJ’s, Stemwinder, and Coleman Brook Tavern are among our personal favorites. For a quick bite to go Java Baba’s and Cookster are the best in town. Be sure to check the hours for each restaurant before heading there, as many spots in Ludlow have different hours in the summer months. 

Happy Summer!

Ludlow Vermont has a well earned reputation as a popular winter destination, but when the snow melts and the temperatures begin to climb, summer takes hold of the Okemo Valley. We begin to look at other activities this area has to offer. People come to fish, boat, cycle and play golf, but a favorite past time for all is exploring the various hiking trails in the area. There is something for everyone.

We are called the Green Mountain State for a reason. Don't limit your time with us to the winter season alone.

Okemo Mountain Hiking

Okemo specifically has its own hiking trail network. With easy access from both the base of Okemo and Jackson Gore you will find a couple of ways to get to the top. For the more adventurous, take one of the trails. If a more relaxed pace is what you are looking for there is a 4.5 mile road directly to the summit. Many people find themselves taking the "ski" trails to the top; trading in skis for hiking shoes. Just make sure you are ready for some work!

Another popular hiking location is the Healdville Trail which winds to the top of Okemo's 3,340 foot summit. Almost 6 miles round trip, you will use the better part of your day.  Features along the trail include a fire tower and several lookouts, which offer a bird's eye view of the local ski area.

There are a couple of vista points along the way. The first will give you a sweeping view of Mount Holly and the Green Mountain chain. Just past the next clearing where the trail merges with a work road you will find the reconditioned fire tower which is open to hikers. This hike is considered to be one of the best and most rewarding. Your reward is finding yourself above Okemo Mountain's 3,340 foot summit for a panoramic view of Vermont's Green Mountains, west to New York's Adirondacks and east to New Hampshire's White Mountains.

Before we realize it, the idyllic skyline found at the top of Okemo will welcome skiers and snowboarders as they come to make their snowy descents. But for now, come explore our area on any of our beautiful trails.

After a long day on the trails, do what the locals do, find a swimming hole and take a dip. Pitch your tent and enjoy a night under the stars.

Who knows, after a good night's rest out in the fresh Vermont air, you may even decide to stay! If so, stop by William Raveis Vermont Properties located across from the Okemo Golf Club. We will show you the best homes in the Lake's Region, Okemo Valley and Okemo Mountain.

Yes, there is another storm about to hit the Okemo area, but that is not the big news here in Ludlow VT. What is it you ask?

One year ago Vermont Properties became William Raveis Real Estate Vermont Properties and we could not be happier. Whether you are buying or selling, our Team has always worked hard to meet your needs and this has not changed. Now we are able to do it on a larger scale while remaining the top local real estate company you know and trust.

So what is the big news? In our first year as William Raveis Vermont Properties, we have been recognized as the Top Affiliate with the most sold/closed units company wide. In a word…EXCITING… okay, two words…PROUD. Proud to be an affiliate of William Raveis and proud of our entire Team.

Thank you to everyone who entrusted us with your real estate needs and especially for sending your family and friends to us. Our greatest compliment is your referral.

We’ll see you on the Mountain!

        

Ahhh... Springtime in Vermont.

There’s a delicate balance when March comes to Vermont. The ever changing temperatures, rain, snow and everything in between can make for a difficult challenge to ski areas. We have been very fortunate this year with higher than normal snowfall and cold temperatures to fill in the gaps. Of course Okemo is the best of the best when it comes to grooming natural snow and making it when there is a need.

What does all this mean? That the Spring season will be an extended one here on Okemo Mountain! With over 140 inches of snow this season and an average base depth over 2 feet, the season keeps going.

Don’t forget to grab your Spring Skiesta card from Okemo allowing for unlimited skiing from Saint Paddy’s day to the end of the 16/17 season. Given the conditions and extended forecast, it could be a long Spring season!

We predict that we’ll see you on the Mountain well into April.

In the past 17 days we have received almost as much snow as we did all last season. The Mountain is bustling with skiers and riders of all ages. This week there are many other extra activities to enjoy.

On Tuesday February 21st get ready for a new way to “paint the town”? Grab your paint brush and meet your friends at the Jackson Gore Roundhouse for the Paint and Sip event; sponsored by William Raveis Vermont Properties. Don't worry, no experience necessary - a local artist will instruct you step by step to create an original piece of art while you follow along with a cocktail! At the end of the night you'll take home your beautiful painting and hopefully a new found talent! They provide everything: paint, canvas, brush and apron. Don’t forget to come a little early and grab your drink, after all, it is Paint & Sip!

Check out the events calendar to see the other happenings on the Mountain. If you decide to venture into town, stop by 29 Locust Hill Rd, across from the golf course and say hi.

Brrrr...It’s cold outside!
We prayed for winter to arrive and boy did we get it, along with the freezing temps.
Vermont is famous for its winter activities from skiing and snowboarding to snowmobiling and hiking.
Whatever winter activity you choose, don’t forget to stay safe in these frigid temperatures.

As our mothers taught us, wear your coat, hat, boots and mittens. Stay bundled up. Take frequent breaks and come inside to warm up. While you are staying safe and warm, the folks at William Raveis Vermont Properties want to remind you to take some precautions for keeping your furry companions safe and warm too!

When the mercury dips, extra precautions need to be taken:
• Keep your cat inside. Felines can freeze, become lost or injured
• Thoroughly wipe off your dog's legs and stomach when he comes in out of the sleet, snow or ice. He can ingest salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals while licking his paws and his paw pads may also bleed from snow or encrusted ice
• Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. Cars act as freezers in the winter
• Puppies and elderly dogs do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs, limit the outdoor play time
• Make sure your furry companion has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafts

Dogs & cats lose most of their body heat from their paw pads, ears and through respiration, consider a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the neck to the belly. For some, a nice pair of paw booties will keep them warm and free from salt.

By taking some simple precautions, our furry friends will be as safe and comfortable as their human counterparts. At William Raveis Vermont Properties, we care about you and your pets. Stay safe out there!

Let is snow, let it snow, let is snow…

Winter is here! We are expecting a nice little storm tomorrow which should dump several more inches of fresh snow on the Mountain. The snow guns are in overdrive and creating the perfect winter wonderland for Okemo fun. The Okemo snow team has been able to capitalize on the recent cold front that continues to stick around, expanding the open terrain to 8 lifts, 36 trails, with 211 skiable acres. This means that there is terrain for all ability levels including the terrain park on Nor’easter and the mogul run over on The Plunge. Open terrain is expected to increase on a daily basis. Keep in mind, you can check out the daily ski report via our website and even look at the four live cams at any time to see if it's snowing on your favorite part of the Mountain. Pack your gear and head to Vermont! We’ll see you on Okemo!

Yes, the Mountain is officially open and people have begun to arrive in our little town. The real estate market never really took a break this year and we are gearing up for an even busier season than anticipated. Now that we have snow cover on the mountain,  we know there is no time to pause and catch our collective breaths.

Winter is bearing down on us and we are expecting conditions and cold weather that is perfect for Okemo to take full advantage of their massively upgraded snow making system when needed. With all the massive upgrades over the past year Okemo is now situated to open more terrain earlier in the season and improve their ability to recover more rapidly from unfavorable weather events throughout the season.

 Be sure to check out the live web cams on the mountain. William Raveis Vermont Properties is excited to be sponsoring the cameras for Jackson Gore, The Summit, Sunburst Six and Sugar House. What a great way to literally keep your eye on the mountain's conditions.

When you are in town, stop by and say hi. We’re easy to find; situated between the entrances to Okemo and Jackson Gore and directly across from the Okemo Golf Club.

Grab your winter gear; we'll see you in Vermont!

It's that time of year again! We’ve turned back our clocks and the days are getting shorter and colder. Our thoughts are now turning to Vermont's favorite time of year. Ski season!

We have had some fleeting snow here in the Okemo area and know that in the blink of an eye we can go from a few flakes to a full blown Nor`easter. My grandmother used to say "If you don't like the weather in Vermont, wait a minute, it will change."

According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, we are anticipating colder temperatures in the Northeast for the 16-17 season and are excited about more snow. But, even if there is a lack of natural snow no need to worry, Okemo's major snow making upgrades will allow the Okemo Snowmaking Team to step in at a moment's notice and make the conditions great no matter what Mother Nature has in store. What has changed for this year’s forecast? COLD TEMPERATURES. The snow making team can do wonders with the cold weather.

We have officially ushered out summer and Old Man Winter is moving in. Brrrrr...The change in the air is noticeable. So put away those summer toys, dust off the winter gear and get ready for what is expected to be an awesome ski season in Vermont.

We’ll see you on the Mountain!

The 2016 - 2017 ski and snowboard season is fast approaching!

Over the past months, Okemo has been working diligently to make improvements for the coming season. 

Okemo has expanded their snowmaking capabilities, and coverage is now at 98% of their trails! They also added  a new Prinoth Bison X Cat snow groomer. This groomer not only meets new federal emission standards, it is also extremely agile -- even on the steepest terrains; which means added grooming capabilities on sharp curves and the most demanding jumps making it possible to construct refined shapes in the terrain parks. Speaking of terrain parks, new jib features will be built and showcased throughout the coming season. 

In the rental shop visitors will find over 500 new pairs of Volkl skis, over 850 pairs of Dalbello ski boots, over 100 Burton snowboards, and over 270 pairs of Burton snowboard boots. You will also find a new Wintersteiger Micro 71 tuning machine. This machine has polishing, edge grinding, deburring, cold waxing, stone, and belt capabilities. At the base lodge, visitors will see new carpeting, fresh paint, and general improvements. 

For more information on the improvements made this summer click here. 

Not sure what pass is right for you? Okemo offers 7 season pass options!

Park Pass

Enjoy holiday, weekend, weekday, unlimited access to Mount Sunapee, and 3 days at Killington with no blackout dates! Additional benefits include:

• 25% off a stay at Crested Butte Mountain Resort Properties in Colorado
• Up to 5 days of free skiing and riding at Crested Butte Mountain Resort when lodging is purchased through Crested Butte Vacations 

Adult (19 - 64)	Young Adult (13 - 18)	Junior (7 - 12)	Senior (65 - 69)	Super Senior (70+)
$1,619	$1,345	$1,069	$929	$485

 

Millennial Pass 

Enjoy holidays, weekends, weekdays, and 3 days at Killington with no blackout dates! Additional benefits include:

• 20% discount on membership to the Spring House
• 25% off a stay at Crested Butte Mountain Resort Properties in Colorado
• Up to 5 days of free skiing and riding at Crested Butte Mountain Resort when lodging is purchased through Crested Butte Vacations

Adults (19 - 29)	Adults  (17 - 18)* *part-time college students eligible with proof of enrollment
$789	$789

Ultra Pass

Ski and ride every day at Okemo, Mount Sunapee, and Crested Butte with no restrictions. Also enjoy 3 days at Killington. Additional Benefits include:

• $15 off rates on demos and high-performance rentals
• 7:45 am lift access on weekends and holidays
• 10% off retail at Okemo snowsports, snowboard, and mountain outfitters shops
• 10% culinary discount for all Okemo-managed restaurants
• 25% discount on Spring House membership
• 25% discount on preferred parking
• 25% off a stay at Crested Butte Mountain Resort properties

Adults (19 - 64)	Young Adults (13 - 18)	Junior (7 - 12)	Senior (65 - 69)	Super Senior (70+)
$1,829	$1,619	$1,405	$1,099	$595

Value Pass

Ski and ride every day at Okemo and Mount Sunapee with the following blackout dates:

- December 24, 2016 - January 1, 2017
- January 14 - 16 2017
- February 18 - 24 2017

Additional benefits include:

• 15% discount at the Spring House
• 25% off a stay at Crested Butte Mountain Resort Properties in Colorado
• Up to 5 days of free skiing and riding at Crested Butte Mountain Resort when lodging is purchased through Crested Butte Vacations 

Ages 7+

$939

Sunday Plus Pass

Ski and ride Sunday - Friday at Okemo and Mount Sunapee with the following blackout dates:

- December 24, 2016 - January 1, 2017
- January 14 - 16 2017
- February 18 - 24 2017

Additional benefits include:

• 15% discount on membership at the Spring House
• 25% off a stay at Crested Butte Mountain Resort properties
• Up to 5 days of free skiing and riding at Crested Butte Mountain Resort when lodging is purchased through Crested Butte Vacations

Ages 7 - 69	Ages 70+
$699	$425

Midweek Pass

Ski and ride Monday - Friday at Okemo and Mount Sunapee with the following blackout dates:

- December 24, 2016 - January 1, 2017
- January 14 - 16 2017
- February 18 - 24 2017

Additional Benefits include:

• 10% discount on Spring House membership
• 25% off a stay at Crested Butte Mountain Resort properties
• Up to 5 days of free skiing and riding at Crested Butte Mountain Resort when lodging is purchased through Crested Butte Vacations

Ages 7 - 69	Ages 70+
$555	$385

4.0 College Pass

This pass is for college students enrolled full-time. You must provide proof of enrollment from your registrar's office as well as a valid college ID card. Benefits include:

• Unrestricted access to Okemo, Mount Sunapee, Killington, and Pico
• Includes 5 buddy passes (buddies must show valid college ID)
• Additional benefits are resort specific

Pass Bought Before December 15, 2016	Pass Bought After December 15, 2016
$379	$419

 

More information about season passes can be found here. 

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