Vermont is paradise in the summer. But as someone who has spent almost my entire Vermont life in Chittenden County, my family and I hadn’t ventured very far into southern Vermont until a recent trip to Okemo Mountain Resort.
I’ll admit that my husband and I were completely caught off-guard. We kept looking at each other and asking, “Why aren’t more people here?” The resort is packed with things to do, yet somehow still felt relaxed and uncrowded. There really is something for everyone. In my head I started planning a multi-generational family reunion at the lodge: Grandparents? Check. Toddlers? Check. Teenagers? Check. Parents who just want to sit in the hot tub while someone else entertains the kids? Very much check.
Jackson Gore Lodge: Family-Sized (and Parent-Approved)
Finding accommodations for a family of five usually involves either squeezing into one room or taking out a second mortgage. Jackson Gore Lodge solved both problems. My kids actually squealed when they saw our suite. There was a large bedroom with two queen beds for the kids, while my husband and I got our own bedroom and our own bathroom. Family travel luxury has been redefined!
The oversized closets would have no trouble accommodating an entire family’s winter wardrobe and gear. The suite was equipped with a kitchen with a full-size fridge, stove top, oven, microwave and dishwasher. Not having to eat every meal at a restaurant is a game-changer for families.
The undisputed champion of the suite was the washer and dryer. If you’re reading this than you likely have kids who can somehow go through four outfits before lunch… I’ll say no more.
Food Options That Make Everyone Happy
We arrived just in time for dinner and headed straight to Coleman Tavern inside Jackson Gore Lodge. It was one of those perfect July evenings, so we opted for a table on the patio overlooking the Jackson Gore base area. It turned out to be parenting genius. The kids happily ran around the lawn while we waited for dinner and when the food arrived we simply called them over like free-range chickens coming home for feed. My husband and I enjoyed what can only be described as a partial date night. The kids burned off their road-trip energy and everyone loved their meals. According to my extremely discerning (read: picky) children, the kids’ menu earned five enthusiastic stars.
The Outdoor Pool (All Year Round!)
Before bedtime, we squeezed in a swim because vacation rules state that you must swim every day. The heated swim-out pool was the perfect temperature. My husband and I rotated between the three hot tubs as the kids happily splashed nearby. Another pseudo date? I’ll take it.
Adventure Zone: Where Kids Have Endless Energy and Parents Borrow Some
The next day was packed from breakfast until bedtime, which happens to be my favorite kind of vacation day. We started with breakfast at Coleman Tavern (that’s how much we loved our dinner the night before!) The menu had plenty of kid-friendly favorites alongside creative options for adults.
Then it was off to the Adventure Zone.
Our first stop was the Timber Ripper Mountain Coaster. Our day passes included unlimited rides and my kids took the word unlimited as a personal challenge. The coaster is great because you control your own speed, so I could enjoy a leisurely scenic ride with my seven year old before flying down the mountain in terror with my older kiddo. One Okemo employee told us that someone once rode the coaster 56 times in one day; we briefly admired that commitment before I reminded the kids that we had 4,000 other activities to conquer that day including the Stump-Jumper Bungee Trampoline, the bounce house, the Haulback Challenge course, gem mining, and an afternoon hike to the Okemo Fire Tower.
When I later asked my kids which Adventure Zone activity was their favorite, the Haulback Challenge Course won out. My seven-year-old was especially proud of herself for finding the courage to ride the zip line. Forget about corporate team-building, it felt like a really nice family bonding activity.
Don’t Skip the Gem Mining
At one point I casually suggested maybe we skip the gem mining activity. The collective gasp from my three kids told me everything I needed to know. Of course we would be gem mining – how could I suggest otherwise? Each kid was provided with a bag of mining rough and headed to the sluice where they sifted through the water to uncover sparkling gems and minerals. They used an identification chart to proudly identify garnet, rose quartz, flourite, fool’s gold, emeralds and more. My favorite moment of the day was when one of my daughters screamed, “I found GOLD!”
Folks, they’re giving out gold at Okemo – you heard it here first.
Hiking to the Fire Tower
Eventually we pulled ourselves away from all the action happening in the Adventure Zone in order to fit in a hike to the Okemo Fire Tower. Since it was a hot day and our schedule was aggressively optimistic (we still had to get to the arcade and multiple pools before bedtime!), we rode the scenic Sunburst Six chair lift to the summit and hiked about a mile to the tower. If you’re looking for a bigger workout, there are several ways to hike all the way up the mountain!
As someone who’s visited a few Vermont fire towers, I have opinions about this one. The stairs here are steep, but sturdy, with solid railings. I felt completely comfortable taking my three kids up to the top.
If additional motivation is needed to finish the hike, Summit Lodge sits nearby the chair lift serving snacks, drinks, and plenty of outdoor seating with spectacular mountain views. We got ice cream (another important vacation rule – ice cream every day!)
Friday Night Music Series
By the time we returned to Jackson Gore, the Friday Night Music Series was in full swing. On Friday evenings during the summer, Jackson Gore Village comes alive with free live music, food from an outdoor grill, and families spreading out blankets and lawn chairs. It felt less like a resort event and more like a community gathering, with locals and visitors all enjoying the evening together. We grabbed black bean burgers and chicken tenders and picnicked on the lawn while listening to the music. Our kids enjoyed corn hole before remembering that we’d promised them one more pool session – this time at the indoor pool with a *frog slide.*
Saving the Arcade for Last
We intentionally saved the arcade for last because we wanted to spend as much time outside as possible. We stopped by to play a few games before discovering that there is a self-serve coffee and hot chocolate station near the Jackson Gore lobby. We each filled a mug and settled into the cozy lobby area to relax before calling it a night.
I’d like to think these are the core memories my kids will carry with them for years to come. Although, if you ask my kids years from now, they’ll probably tell you about the family vacation where they struck it rich mining for gold at Okemo. Honestly, I think we all found gold, just different kinds.
Bethany Vana is a freelance writer who has lived (and hiked) all over the U.S. with her kids. She shares her world travels and local adventures on Instagram @kiddosandcarryons.