The Ultimate 2026 Bucket List: 26 Unforgettable Things to Do in the Okemo Valley

Whether you are planning a snowy family retreat for early '26, a summer lakeside escape, or are chasing the legendary foliage of autumn, the Okemo Valley is ready for you. While specific event dates for 2026 are still under wraps, the best the region has to [...]

Why the Okemo Valley is the Perfect Bachelor/ette Weekend Destination

1. Convenient Location: The Okemo Valley is within driving distance of major cities like Boston and New York City, making it a convenient and accessible destination for a bachelor or bachelorette weekend getaway with friends from different [...]

Known as one of the most iconic landmarks of Ludlow, Vermont, it's only fair that we kick off our History Highlight series with this well-known and loved icon. Reaching 3,343 feet tall, Okemo Mountain boasts stunning views, excellent terrain, hiking trails, and over 600 acres to explore. At the summit of Okemo Mountain rests the base of the original fire tower from the 1930s. Climbing up the winding staircase is worth the trip as you'll find yourself in the center of a panoramic, 360-degree view of Vermont's Green Mountain, New York's Adirondacks, and New Hampshire's White Mountains. Rising above the ski lifts, the tower is the highest point on the mountain. Today, the fire tower is used only for soaking in the awe-inspiring views, a photo-op, and a quiet place to relax. 

According to the Green Mountain Club, a Vermont-based hiking organization that oversees the famous Long Trail and other local trails, the Okemo Fire Tower was erected around 1932-1934 and used to fight against forest fires. In 1920, the summit was used to spot fires near and far, and as this location was deemed successful, the Civilian Conservation Corps, a Depression-era work relief program, decided to construct the steel tower. The tower was thoroughly manned until the 1970s, offering onlookers a unique perspective of Ludlow, Cavendish, Mount Holly, and other surrounding towns, as well as out-of-state areas. As technology was brewing, the need for the fire tower was limited but never-the-less, it was named to the National Historic Lookout Register in 1998. 

Hikers and skiers alike continue to access the Okemo Fire Tower today! There are a few ways to get there, some including vehicles or lifts, and others only requiring you and your hiking legs. Here are our favorite ways to reach the tower:

1. The Healdville Trail:

Located just three miles from Okemo, the Healdville Trail is located off Route 103 in Mount Holly, Vermont. This small trailhead along the Green Mountain Railroad starts the excursion on the 5.8-mile round-trip hike. The well-blazed trail is named after the long-lost Healdville train station. This is a great hike for friends and family to enjoy with a moderate pitch, an easy-to-follow path, and a well-marked trail. Once you've reached the summit, you'll find a sign directing you to the Fire Tower!

2. Mountain Road via Vehicle:

This option is great for families with small children who want to get a bit of exercise, or for those who don't have the whole day to explore. In the summer months, you can drive up Mountain Road, a ski trail turned access road to the near top. You'll have to ditch your car and enjoy a ten-minute walk to the actual summit. From there, you'll find a trailhead leading you into the woods and off the road, which then filters out to the base of the Fire Tower. 

3. Scenic Chairlift Ride:

On a sunny and clear day, this is one of the best ways to get to the fire tower! Jump on the Sunburst Six chairlift and take a scenic ride to the top. From there, enjoy an easy hike up the ski trail to the actual summit at the Glades Peak Quad. You'll see the fire tower once you get here, and you'll just follow the path to the base of the tower.

4. Winter Ski Access:

Take a break from your ski day and pop off your skis or snowboard and take a quick walk through the woods to the fire tower! To get there, take the Glades Peak Quad to the true summit and then ski down to the trailhead. Or, take the Solitude Express Quad, and follow the trail to the fire tower. Ask any local and they can help direct you, too! 

Vermont and the Okemo Valley are beautiful in the summer. Thankfully, we are able and excited to welcome our summer friends once again. 
There is plenty to do, from the lakes region to mountain activities and beyond, you can find something for everyone. In The Village, your favorite restaurants are open for business. Even better, outdoor seating is available. It’s the best seat “in” the house!

The shops have opened their doors beckoning you in to find that something special. Take a drive out to the lakes region and pick a lake. Fishing, boating, and camping make for a great weekend getaway. Of course, the Mountain is always here waiting for hikers and bikers to tackle the snowless trails or take a leisurely ride up on the chairlift. And who can forget the Okemo Valley Golf Club? Enjoy a great lunch with your friends on the patio at Willie Dunn’s Grill, then head out to tackle the championship course. Vermont is open for business!

Welcome home to the Okemo Valley. We look forward to seeing you once again.

Have you noticed the nights getting colder already? This is a sure sign that summer is coming to an end. While many of you may be excited for autumn leaves and snowy trees, don’t rush the summer by just yet! There is still a lot of fun to be had and Labor Day weekend is coming up, giving you an extra day to enjoy the great [...]

Summertime is the best time for adventure. There are so many different kinds of adventures just waiting to be had, especially in our backyards in the Okemo Valley! Did you know that Okemo offers several summer activities that are fun for the whole [...]

It’s almost here, one of the biggest weekends of the summer in Ludlow, Vermont; Hops in the Hills! This awesome beer festival will be held this weekend, August 2nd-4th, at the Jackson Gore Courtyard on Okemo. The event runs Friday, 5-9pm, Saturday, 12-8pm, and Sunday, 11-5pm.

The 11th annual Hops in the Hills will have over 100 beers and [...]

    Can you believe that summer is already half over? You know the saying, “Time flies when you are having fun?” Well, this couldn’t be more true! However, the fun shouldn’t stop now! This weekend is the perfect opportunity to check out some other parts of Vermont, while enjoying the best wine and/or beer that Vermont has to [...]

One of my favorite days of the year is coming up; the 4th of July! First and foremost, Independence Day is a time to remember the history of America and what those that came before us went through to give us this beautiful country. It commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence when the thirteen colonies became free from [...]

Nothing makes it feel more like the start of summer than being able to go strawberry picking! It is finally time to head to your favorite local orchard or strawberry patch to pick your own strawberries.

My favorite place to go strawberry picking is Wellwood Orchards in Springfield, VT, only a 20 minute drive from Ludlow. During strawberry season, they are open 7 days a week, 8am-6pm, however, the best time to go is early morning before it gets too hot or busy. If you go on the weekend, you must go in the morning anyway because you can’t miss out on their homemade fresh cider donuts! Check out the other items in the country gift shop, anywhere from baked goods and cider to local crafts! They also have a petting zoo, making strawberry picking the perfect outing for the whole family!

This Saturday, June 22, is Wellwood Orchards Strawberry Festival from 10am-3pm, a must-see summer event! Spend some time picking your own strawberries and make sure you take a wagon ride through the orchard and then check out the live music by John Sullivan Band, Alison Turner, and Dan O and more! There will also be over 45 local vendors including food booths, artists, and more! Even better, admission to the event is free! Of course the country gift shop and petting zoo will be open, as usual! This is truly a fun event with something for everyone!

If you are looking for more strawberries, head to the Plymouth Strawberry Festival at Plymouth State Park on June 19th, from 5-7:30pm. This is a great community event sponsored by the Plymouth Volunteer Fire Department & First Response Services. All funds raised go to support various organizations within the community, including the emergency services. The festival offers a delicious BBQ and most importantly, strawberry shortcake for dessert! This is a family event with plenty of activities to keep your little ones entertained!

Don’t worry, if you don’t make the festivals or aren’t able to go strawberry picking, go to a local farm stand and I am sure you will find some of the sweetest berries around! While strawberries are so good without doing anything to them, make your own strawberry shortcake or try your luck at a delicious strawberry rhubarb pie! Happy picking (and eating)!