Enjoy frosty fun at Vermont resort

Is your family’s idea of the perfect holiday gift several feet of fresh powder beneath their feet? At a time of year when cabin fever attacks, the freedom and exhilaration in skiing is the perfect antidote. When you drive up with your folks or the kids, you want the rest of your vacation to be spent having fun, not more driving around. A resort with all the amenities to please everyone fits the bill: Okemo Mountain Resort in Vermont. We had a great time checking out all that the resort had to offer — and there was quite a bit to do.

Nestled in the heart of the Green Mountains, it offers eight styles of accommodations — many with ski in-out availability. Choices range from classic mountain lodge rooms to multiple options for larger families — perfect for those family reunions.

At Jackson Gore Inn at the resort, amenities such as deep soaking tubs help loosen up sore muscles after a run down the slopes. An indoor pool and game arcade keep the kids occupied during inclement weather or after skiing.

All that fresh-air exercise is sure to work up your appetite. Okemo has well over a dozen options sure to please everyone in your group. Start your day with a hearty breakfast to give you the energy you need at Base68 or, if a skinny latte’s all you need, they’ve got Starbucks. All your favorite barbecue meats are on the menu at Squeels on Wheels — don’t you just love the name? Sen Den Sushi and Siena boast international flair.

But, what about the snow? Wintertime is special at Okemo, with Alpine and Nordic skiing for all levels (featuring Vermont’s highest drop), snow tubing, fat bike rentals, a hockey rink, snowshoeing and, when your legs have given out, special SnowCat excursions. These require reservations and are weather-dependent, so plan ahead. Kids are able to participate in most activities, and lessons are available. Mom and Dad: when you’re ready for your own date night, the Kids Night Out Program (ages 6 months to 6 years) and Kids’ Night Out X (ages 7-12) is a fully state-licensed child care facility with movies, pizza and even skating for the older kids. Nonrefundable reservations are required.

At this time, cost is $129 for unlimited skiing for the rest of the season with the “real easy” card. Call Okemo for more information and to get yours, 802-228-5222, or visit okemo.com.