When it comes to skiing in Vermont, two names consistently come up: Killington Resort and Okemo Mountain Resort. Both promise great snow, family-friendly environments, and ample opportunities for fun, but despite being only a few miles apart, the experience is vastly different. Knowing what each resort does best can make the whole trip smoother, especially when your group consists of varied skill levels and interests.
Let’s take a closer look at how each area stacks up so you can make the best decision for your family this winter.
Already thinking about Killington? Take a look at our Winter Activities for ideas on what to do beyond the slopes.
In This Article
- Terrain and Mountain Experience
- Snowmaking and Conditions
- Lessons and Family Offerings
- Kids’ Care and Family Activities
- Après-Ski and Dining
- Travel and Accessibility
- Lodging and Convenience
- Plan Your Killington Getaway
- Frequently Asked Questions
Terrain and Mountain Experience
Killington’s nickname, “The Beast of the East,” is well earned. With 1,977 skiable acres, seven interconnected mountain areas (including Bear, Ramshead, and Pico), and a 3,050-foot vertical drop, it’s the largest ski area in the eastern United States.
The variety here is also unmatched, with the resort featuring an excellent mix of green, blue, black diamond, and double black diamond runs—perfect for groups with a wide range of skills. Even beginner trails have some personality, which keeps things interesting for skiers who are learning but don’t want to repeat the same run over and over again.
Okemo, on the other hand, offers a more compact experience with 667 acres, 121 trails, and a 2,200-foot vertical drop. About one-third of its terrain is beginner-level, and much of the mountain is groomed every day. This makes it nice for newbies, but without the gradual wear from other skiers creating diversity in a trail, the runs lack character and can feel repetitive.
The bottom line: At Killington, there’s a real sense of exploration thanks to multiple peaks, trails that evolve with use, and glades or mogul runs that challenge you without feeling overwhelming. Add in access to Pico Mountain, included with a Killington lift pass, and you’ve got a much more encompassing resort experience.
Snowmaking and Conditions
Both resorts invest heavily in snowmaking, but Killington’s system is on another level. Its network covers 600 acres and can deliver 9 million gallons of water per day to more than 250 snow guns, capable of producing a foot of snow over 45 acres every 24 hours under ideal conditions. Combined with an average of 250 inches of natural snowfall, it’s easy to see why Killington’s season often stretches from November into late May or even June.
Okemo is also celebrated for its snow quality, with 98% snowmaking coverage and roughly 121 inches of average annual snowfall; however, it falls short of Killington despite its proximity. This is due to Killington’s elevation. With the highest vertical drop on the East Coast, the extra height means more consistent conditions and powder. Plus, as we just mentioned, overgrooming of the trails at Okemo leads to stagnant rides. If you’re entire group is brand new to the sport, this may be appealing as you can anticipate what’s coming, but for experienced riders, no amount of snow makes up for boring runs.
Lessons and Family Offerings
Both Vermont ski resorts cater to families, but the overall experience is quite different.
At Okemo Resort, lessons are run through the Epic Pass network. Guests can book child group lessons, adult group lessons, or private instruction, and while the instructors are well-trained, lift tickets and rentals aren’t included. Families often find that these add-ons increase the cost quickly. The programs are professional and organized, but can also be crowded, especially during weekends and holidays.
Killington’s Ski and Ride School is known for its range and flexibility. With lessons for ages three and up, including private, group, and seasonal programs, everyone in the family can find the right fit. The smaller class sizes and variety of offerings make it easier to get personal attention, and some lessons do include rentals and tickets, so you don’t have to piece everything together separately.
For families who want to ski together, Killington is ideal. The mountain layout lets parents on intermediate terrain easily meet up with kids in lessons or on beginner runs nearby, which simplifies planning and keeps everyone connected.
Kids’ Care and Family Activities
Families with young children often look beyond ski terrain when choosing a resort, and both Killington and Okemo have strong options for off-slope fun and childcare.
Okemo Ski Resort shines when it comes to structured kids’ programs. Its Penguin Playground daycare accepts children as young as six months, giving parents peace of mind while they ski. The resort also has a well-run tubing hill and an ice-skating rink at Jackson Gore, so even the youngest family members can enjoy the snow without stepping into skis. For families whose top priority is childcare convenience, Okemo has the edge.
Killington Resort, however, offers a wider range of family experiences overall. The resort provides childcare for toddlers, a full tubing park, scenic gondola rides, snowshoe excursions, and easy beginner zones near the base lodges. Older kids and teens can join group lessons while parents ski nearby or explore other peaks. Families can split up for part of the day and still meet for hot chocolate at the lodge or dinner in town without much coordination.
So, if your main goal is to find all-day off-slope kids’ activities in one spot, Okemo is hard to beat. But for families who want something for everyone, Killington makes it possible to enjoy the whole mountain together in whatever way works best for each person.
Après-Ski and Dining
Killington’s après scene is one of the best in the Northeast. The resort area is dotted with lively restaurants and bars like Preston’s, The Peak Lodge, Clubhouse Grill, and Roaring Brook Umbrella Bar. You’ll also find Waffle Cabins, food trucks, and cozy lodges that serve hearty comfort food between runs. After skiing, the fun carries into town with live music, craft cocktails, and tons of entertainment at places like the Wobbly Barn, Still on the Mountain, and the Pickle Barrel.
Okemo offers 13 dining options, including Summit Café, Coleman Brook Tavern, and several grab-and-go spots around Jackson Gore and the base area. The food is solid and family-friendly, but things can get crowded, with many visitors coming in from the city specifically for the après ski.
Travel and Accessibility
In terms of location, Okemo and Killington are only about 16 miles apart—roughly a 20-30-minute drive. Okemo tends to draw more visitors from the New York City area, which can make it busier on weekends and holidays. Parking can be tight, and the lift layout often requires extra planning to move between sections of the mountain.
Killington, on the other hand, benefits from multiple access points, larger base areas, and efficient lift systems. Even on busy days, lines move smoothly, and it’s easier to spread out across different peaks. The town itself also has better lodging, shopping, and entertainment options nearby, so you don’t have to leave the area to find something fun to do after skiing.
Lodging and Convenience
Featured Property: Sunrise Village East Glade B3 - Ski-In/Ski-Out
One of the biggest advantages of choosing Killington is how easy it is to stay close to the slopes and everything else you’ll want to do. At Killington Rental Associates, we offer a wide range of properties, including ski-in/ski-out condos at Sunrise Village and Pico Resort, plus rentals with hot tubs that make it easy to relax after a long day on the mountain.
In contrast, the area around Okemo feels much more compact. Ludlow has a few local spots, but dining, shopping, and off-slope entertainment are limited. Many guests end up driving to nearby towns like Stowe or Rutland for more variety, which can turn simple plans into much more time-consuming endeavors.
If you want to be close to it all, Killington is the winner for location and convenience.
Plan Your Killington Getaway
Now that you’ve seen how these two Vermont resorts compare, it’s clear why so many choose to return to Killington each year.
With winter fast approaching, don’t get left out in the cold. Browse our full inventory of Killington vacation rentals and secure your ski-trip home base today. We have private homes, condos, and hotel rooms perfect for every budget, and our local team is standing by to assist with everything from check-in to check-out. Plus, when you book directly with us, you’re getting the lowest rate on your stay. Don’t wait. Find your Killington rental today!
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Frequently Asked Questions about Killington vs Okemo
What is the number one ski resort in Vermont?
Killington is widely recognized as Vermont’s top ski resort. With the largest skiable area in the East, multiple peaks, extensive snowmaking, and lively après-ski, it consistently earns its reputation as the best all-around experience.
Is Killington a difficult mountain to ski?
Killington offers something for everyone. While it has challenging expert terrain, nearly 60% of the mountain is beginner or intermediate. The wide range of trails makes it perfect for mixed-skill groups.
What is the best month to ski in Vermont?
January typically offers the best snow conditions and full trail access. Killington’s powerful snowmaking system often extends the season into May, giving it one of the longest runs in the region.