Okemo Women’s Spree - If you enjoy women’s ski clinics, the Okemo Women’s Spree is probably one of the best of its kind. First of all the cost includes three days of lessons, breakfast, lunch, a welcome party, overnight and day time ski storage, free hot cocoa, a souvenir, which can be a cup, a vest or head band and a raffle drawing. I won a pair of snow blades the second year I participated. You also get video analysis of your skiing. On the second morning of the workshop, you have the option of either trying snow blades, snow boards, taking a bump clinic, or just keep working on your skills. Groups are relatively small, and the instructors are great. Lisa Mercer 06'

Snowriding at Okemo/Jackson Gore is a multi-faceted experience. There are days when you have the whole mountain to yourself, and then there are days when you’re elbow to elbow and waiting in huge lift lines. Weekends are usually the latter, so be prepared.

The grooming is pretty good, and even in rough conditions, it’s never been bad. There’s lots of rolling gentle runs and a nice tree run, but nothing I would call challenging for anyone over a level 7. Even Jackson Gore, the newly expanded Expert area, isn’t all that steep. On a busy day, it would earn it’s black diamond name, though.

It’s a destination resort for lots of groups, and buses have their own parking lot. If this resort were not so crowded, it would be one of my favorites, however the crowds make it a nervous place to ski. I’d advise midweek skiing if you really want to explore and enjoy. Bonni 05'