Seventy Years of Okemo Mountain

As Okemo Mountain marks its 70th anniversary, the milestone offers a moment to reflect on how a modest community ski hill grew into one of Vermont’s premier resorts—and how its steady rise has shaped the real estate market and the identity of the entire Okemo Valley.

From Community Lift to Regional Destination

Founded in 1955 by local citizens seeking winter recreation and economic opportunity, Okemo started with a single Poma lift and an all-volunteer operation. What it lacked in size, it made up for in community spirit. That foundation became the springboard for decades of thoughtful expansion—first under the Mueller family, whose vision and investment brought high-speed lifts, snowmaking, terrain parks, and a full-service resort experience, and later under Vail Resorts, which further integrated Okemo into a national pass system that attracts skiers from across the country.

Over 70 years, Okemo evolved from a small-town ski hill into a four-season destination known for grooming, family-friendly terrain, and consistent conditions. That transformation has had a profound impact on surrounding towns such as Ludlow, Mount Holly, Cavendish, and Weston.

A Market Shaped by the Mountain

Real estate in the Okemo Valley has long been tied to the health and growth of the mountain. In the early decades, demand centered around modest ski homes—A-frames, chalets, and village houses within a quick drive to the base lodge. As the resort expanded, so did interest in second homes and slopeside amenities.

The creation of base-area and on-mountain communities—including Okemo Village, Solitude Village, Winterplace, SouthFace Village, and several luxury slopeside communies—redefined what mountain living could look like. Over time, buyers began seeking not just proximity but lifestyle: ski-in/ski-out access, private shuttles, clubhouse amenities and year-round recreation.

The introduction of the Epic Pass in 2018 amplified demand even further. Okemo suddenly appeared on the radar of a national buyer pool—families who could now pair Vermont weekends with trips to Colorado and Utah under the same pass. That surge brought record pricing, historically low inventory, and a wave of investment in both vacation homes and rental properties.

A Lifeline for the Local Economy

The real estate market’s growth has supported construction jobs, property management companies, local tradespeople, and a wide variety of businesses across the valley. Restaurants, shops, short-term rental operators, and service providers all benefit from the steady flow of seasonal residents and visitors.

Even with the challenges of rising prices and competition for long-term housing, the mountain remains a cornerstone of the region’s economy. For many families, rental income helps offset ownership costs, while for others, second-home ownership has blossomed into full-time residency as remote work becomes more common.

Looking Ahead: Stability, Investment, and Community

After 70 years, Okemo continues to anchor property values in the region. High-quality snowmaking, modern lift infrastructure, and ongoing capital improvements help maintain confidence among homeowners and investors. Meanwhile, year-round offerings—mountain biking, golf, hiking, and expanding summer activities—continue to stabilize the market beyond the winter months.

As the Okemo Valley looks to its future, one thing is clear: the mountain is more than a resort. It is a cultural and economic engine, a gathering place, and a force that has shaped the rhythm of daily life here for seven decades. Its influence on the local real estate market is undeniable—and its role in the community only continues to grow.