Photo by Donald Dill
The torchlight parade at Okemo is a preview to the fireworks show that follows.
LUDLOW— Okemo Mountain Resort is hosting a plethora of activities each day, as families are visiting for the holiday week.
On Thursday, Dec. 27, skiers and riders will traverse Okemo’s Open Slope trail with lights, in a torchlight parade. Following the parade, the light show continues with a fireworks display at 6:30 p.m. in the Okemo Clock Tower base area.
Want to see the show from a high point? Join a guided snowshoe tour that head’s up to Bull Run trail to watch the fireworks. Meet inside the Okemo Express Rental Shop (Main Base) at 4 p.m. to be fitted for snowshoes (or bring your own). Tours depart the Okemo Base Area beside South Ridge Quad A at 4:30 p.m. Snowshoe Rental is $15. The snowshoe tour is first come first served, reservations are recommended. Call 802-228-1956 to reserve a spot.
Friday, Dec. 28 sees two different events: First, there’s the Shake ‘N’ Skate from 6-9 p.m. in the Ice House at Jackson Gore including a live DJ and games for the whole family. Rentals are available on a first come, first served basis. Then, from 7-9 p.m., join a Paint and Sip with a local artist in the Roundhouse Cafe at Jackson Gore Village. There’s full instruction, so no experience is needed, and all materials are provided. Grab a drink early at the in-studio bar. Sorry, no outside alcohol allowed. Doors open at 6:45 p.m., and the cost is $50. Limited space is available. RSVP at okemo.com.
VINS will be at the Roundhouse Cafe on Saturday, Dec. 29 at 7 p.m. for a first-hand encounter with live falcons, hawks and owls. Learn about the natural history, ecology and adaptations of these efficient predators. It’s a free presentation that kids will love.
On Sunday, Dec. 30, catch the latest ski film from Warren Miller Entertainment – “Face of Winter” – in the Cornerstone Room at Jackson Gore Inn. The 69th installment from the iconic ski film company brings new and veteran athletes alike together to pay tribute to the man who started it all. Watch as the world’s best skiers and riders cover ground in some of the most legendary destinations to honor a face that launched a thousand quips and got us all started on this long, crazy ride. Tickets are $20 each, and it’s open to all ages. Get tickets at okemo.com, or at the door if not sold out.
To end the year, take the whole family to the New Year’s Eve bash, an Okemo family tradition. Midnight arrives early for friends and family enjoying a whole host of activities: a magic show, horse wagon rides, bingo games and trivia. Families can ring in the New Year early with a DJ dance party and still get the kids to bed in time for a full day on the slopes the next day. Balloons, photo booth, and fireworks add to the New Year celebration, complete with a kid’s dinner party including pizza, mac and cheese and a few other chef selections in the Roundhouse at Jackson Gore. Get tickets at 802-228-1600, or okemo.com.
