Okemo has a reputation for turning snow grooming into an art form, and this day trip from New York City makes it easy to experience for yourself. Riders board a heated coach at one of several city pickups in the early hours and arrive in South-Central Vermont before the resort opens, ready for a morning on fresh corduroy. A trip leader travels with the group and is on hand at the mountain throughout the day.

The gift comes in two versions. The Roundtrip Bus Only package covers the ride for skiers and snowboarders who already hold a lift pass, while the All Area Lift & Bus package adds a full day lift ticket for the whole mountain. With one of the most efficient lift networks in New England, it's easy to move between peaks and spend the day on smooth, wide cruisers, with a sweet slopeside waffle never far away. When the lifts close, a complimentary drink is waiting before everyone settles in for the ride back to the city.

Any restrictions to participate?

• Age: All ages are welcome. Guests under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Guests aged 16 to 17 need a waiver signed by a parent or guardian, who must also give the trip leader a printed copy of their government issued ID before the trip.
• Experience level: All levels are welcome. Lessons are not included.

Who can you accommodate for?

• Children: All participants must pay to participate, children included.
• Pets: Sorry, no pets allowed. Certified service dogs are permitted on the bus.

What to expect on the day of the experience?

• Duration: Full day. The bus departs New York City in the very early morning and leaves the resort at 5:00 PM, returning to the original pickup point in the late evening.
• What's included:
  • Round trip coach transportation from New York City
  • A trip leader on the bus and at the mountain
  • Complimentary après drinks after the lifts close
  • A full day lift ticket with access to the whole mountain (All Area Lift & Bus package only)
• Who will be present: A trip leader will be with the group on the bus and at the mountain, and other guests will be joining on the bus.
• Photo/video: Photos and video are welcome; flash photography is not permitted.
• Specific rules to follow:
  • All guests must sign a waiver before boarding the bus
  • Smoking of any kind is not permitted on the bus
  • Guests must be back at the return meeting point on time, as the bus departs as scheduled

How to prepare?

• Weather dependency: This trip runs in winter conditions. As long as the roads are open, the bus will be running, though travel may take longer in snowy weather.
• Arrival: Plan to arrive at the pickup location 15 minutes before departure. Pickup times may shift slightly due to weather or traffic.
  • Downtown Brooklyn: 578 Atlantic Ave, departs 3:20 AM
  • Union Square: Paragon Sports, 857 Broadway, departs 3:40 AM
  • Upper East Side: 150 E 86th St, departs 4:00 AM
  • Return: Meet at the Main Base Area Parking Lot near the Clocktower by 4:30 PM. The meeting point may change due to resort events or conditions, and guests will be notified if so.
• Parking: Not needed, as round trip coach transportation is included.
• What to wear: Warm, layered winter clothing and ski or snowboard outerwear, including a jacket, pants, gloves and goggles. Clothing and accessories are not available to rent at the mountain.
• What to bring:
  • Valid ID
  • Skis or a snowboard, boots and a helmet (rentals are not included in this package)
  • Snacks, water and any personal essentials. Guests can bring their own food and drinks on the bus; no food or drinks are sold on board
  • Alcohol is allowed on the bus; please be considerate of other guests
  • Skis, poles, snowboards and boots go in the luggage bays below the bus
  • Bags can be left on the bus during the day, but it stays locked until the end of the day. Lockers are available at the mountain
• Restrooms/lockers/changing rooms: Restrooms and lockers are available at the resort.

Anything else I should know before going on this experience?

• The Roundtrip Bus Only package does not include a lift ticket, so guests need their own pass or ticket for the mountain.
• With the All Area Lift & Bus package, the trip leader hands out lift tickets on arrival. Lost lift tickets cannot be replaced, so taking a photo of the ticket is recommended.
• The bus may make a brief stop on the way to Vermont and typically makes up to two stops on the way back. It cannot drop off or pick up guests anywhere other than the listed locations.

Unused Experience Vouchers can be returned within 14 days for a full refund to the original purchaser, no questions asked.

If you have any unused Experience Vouchers, you can exchange them for any other experience in our marketplace, free of charge, no matter when. If you choose an experience that's more expensive, you'll need to pay the difference.

No refunds are allowed once the experience is booked, but you can reschedule up to 10 days before your trip, for another available trip date this season or next. To reschedule, use the link in the booking confirmation email or contact the experience provider directly. No-shows, missed buses or rescheduling less than 10 days in advance means losing the value of your experience.