Lead Photo Credit: Okemo Mountain Resort
Ah, après ski – the perfect way to unwind after a day carving up the slopes! Whether you’re a seasoned skier seeking post-shred relaxation or a family looking for some extra fun, après ski offers something for everyone. At Okemo Mountain Resort in Vermont, their Après Afternoons provide the ideal combination of family-friendly activities and a vibrant atmosphere for adults.
Unwinding Together: Family Fun at Okemo’s Après Afternoons
Photo Credit: Okemo Mountain Resort
Located in the heart of the Jackson Gore Village, Okemo’s Après Afternoons take place every Saturday until the end of the season, offering a delightful way to cap off your ski day.
Live Music Sets the Scene: As you approach the courtyard, the lively tunes of local musicians fill the air, creating a cheerful and welcoming atmosphere. Settle down with a hot cocoa or a beer and grab a bite to eat from the on-site restaurants while enjoying the music.
Keeping Kids Entertained: While parents enjoy the music and social scene, kids can have a blast with a variety of activities specifically designed to keep them entertained. Face painting transforms little faces into whimsical characters, while the Jackson Gore Snowground can keep them playing in the snow even after the lifts stop spinning. And if you are looking for some friendly competition, the cornhole boards are always ready and waiting.
Photo Credit: Okemo Mountain Resort
Thrills for All Ages: Want to add some extra excitement to your afternoon? As previously mentioned, the Jackson Gore Snowground offers a variety of features from tractor tires to tunnels that are fun for the little ones. For a unique family experience, send it down the Timber Ripper Mountain Coaster. This high-speed coaster winds through the forest, providing breathtaking views and exhilarating twists and turns along the way.
Relaxation and Refreshments for Adults
When it’s time for some adult-oriented downtime, Okemo’s Après Afternoons have you covered. Gather around the crackling fire pits with a refreshing drink from the pop-up bar inside the Roundhouse Cafe. Whether you prefer a cold beer or local wine by the can, the diverse selection caters to different tastes. If cocktails are more your speed, the Coleman Brook Tavern just inside the Jackson Gore Inn lobby stirs up some really tasty cocktails including a body warming Whistle Pig Old Fashioned.
Photo Credit: Okemo Mountain Resort
A Family-Friendly Atmosphere with Adult Appeal
Okemo’s Après Afternoons strike the perfect balance between catering to families and offering something special for adults. The live music creates a lively atmosphere without being overwhelming, making it enjoyable for all ages. Additionally, the availability of food and beverages allows parents to unwind and socialize while their kids are kept entertained by other activities in the village.
Comparing Okemo’s Après Ski with Other East Coast Vail Resorts
Photo Credit: Mount Snow
Okemo Mountain Resort is on the Epic Pass (on sale now for 24/25!) and part of the Vail Resorts family, offering similar après ski experiences to other East Coast destinations, like Mount Snow and Attitash Mountain Resort.
Mount Snow is well known for its craft beer and live music scene. If you are looking for some of Vermont’s finest beers, Canned, the Station Tap Room and the new Zero Gravity Beer Garden have you more than covered. They also offer plenty of music options including a DJ in the afternoon on Cuzzins Deck, rotating bands at the Station Tap Room, and the ever-popular Bruce Jacques inside Cuzzins every Saturday. Beyond the extensive music scene, Mount Snow’s snow tubing park is a mere steps away from Main St.
Photo Credit: Mount Snow
Switching mountain colors from green to white you’ll find that New Hampshire’s Attitash Mountain is also quite fun for all ages. Take a scenic train ride through the White Mountains to the charming village of North Conway on the new Conway Scenic Railroad Snow Train. Wanting to stay on mountain? Then enjoy live music and delicious food slopeside at Ptarmigan’s Pub every Saturday while you watch your kids learn new tricks at the beginner terrain park below. On March 23rd, there is even an 80’s costume contest for a blast from the past!
Photo Credit: Attitash Mountain Resort
Families can also unwind after a day of adventure at Bear Peak. With live music on Saturdays you can hang out and enjoy the views from the outdoor patio with snacks and drinks while you skiers and snowboarders wrap up their day. Don’t miss the complimentary s’mores every Sunday afternoon to cap your weekend off the right way.
Embrace the Après Ski Spirit at Okemo & Beyond
So, whether you’re a family seeking quality time together or a group of adults looking to unwind after a day on the slopes, Okemo’s Après Afternoons provide the perfect ending to your Vermont ski adventure. But remember, this vibrant après ski scene isn’t unique to Okemo. Vail Resorts’ other East Coast destinations, Mount Snow and Attitash, offer their own brand of après fun, from live music and fireside relaxation to snow tubing and scenic train rides. No matter which mountain you choose, you’re sure to find a delightful way to extend your ski day and create lasting memories with loved ones. So grab your gear, hit the slopes, and get ready to experience the après ski spirit of the East Coast!
About the Author
Rich Stoner is the founder of the après-ski lifestyle clothing and media brand, All About Après. He is also the co-host of the Beyond the Après podcast. No stranger to the ski and après-ski scene, Rich has been a long time contributor for many publications on topics like skiing, gear, beer and food. However, his passion is on the slopes and enjoying good times with good people. You can find him perfecting his craft carving turns and drinking beers in the Green Mountains of Vermont. @allaboutapres