Getting to Okemo

[orsonab]

I think I'm going to take advantage of their cheap Sunday morning deal for NH residents this season as I've never been but I have a question for those in the know: Mapquest says I should take (from Sthrn NH) 93 to 89 then south on 91 for the fastest route but taking Rte 11 off 89 would seem to be a lot shorter - is Rte 11 that much slower to justify taking 89 all the way to 91 and then down?

Also - any tips on navigating Okemo and avoiding the crowds? (I'm an Intermediate who likes the zen of just carving and cruising).

 

[KevinF]

Also - any tips on navigating Okemo and avoiding the crowds? (I'm an Intermediate who likes the zen of just carving and cruising).

From the main base lodge area there are two deathly-slow chairs that take you over the beginner area. Secret#1 to Okemo: save the trouble of riding those chairs again by never returning to the main base lodge until the day is over

There's a couple chairs servicing the main mountain to skier's right once you're off those chairs. The main one is the Northstar High-Speed Quad. It will get crazy crowded before 10:00. Do a couple laps off of it and then start fanning out. The chairs on the edges of the resort -- South Ridge (I think that's what it's called... as far to skier's right as you can get) and Jackson Gore tend not to get that crowded. A lot of terrain off those two chairs is marked black-diamond, but they're really just "dark blue"'s at best.

There are lodges with restaurants, etc. at various places. As mentioned above, don't return to the main base lodge until you're ready to leave. All of them are insanely crowded over lunch; eat either early or late. Use the lunch hour to hit the Northstar Quad area again if you'd like.

There are a couple fixed-grip chairs around that never get lines. Most notable is the fixed-grip triple that drops you off right next to the Northstar unloading area... If you want to ski that area once the Northstar quad gets crowded, then just do laps on the triple.

 

[TwinTips21]

Going all the way up to 89 is way out of the way. I would indeed get off at 11, i've never had any problems with route 11 that would justify trekking all the way up to 89 and back down.

 

[ckofer]

It seems to take about the same time. Going through Claremont is more interesting. On your way back check out http://www.arrowheadnh.com/ .

 

[Paul]

The Jackson Gore area as mentioned by Kevin is a good choice. Tuckered Out and Sunset Strip / Blue Moon are fairly good for intermediates. Blue Moon tends to get semi-crowded with yahoos occasionally, so T-O would be a better choice. Also, Vortex / Quantum Leap are easier blacks that don't get crowded much.
The South Face is another good option. The quad there rarely has a line and trails like Dream Weaver, Off the Rim, Stump Jumper and Rimrock (although you will have to skate along Catnap to get back to the quad) are good for intermediates.
Solitude is also a fairly overlooked area. Short to no line at that quad and trails like Sapphire, Tomahawk, Screamin' Demon and Sidewinder are fun as well.
Can't help with the driving, as I come-up 91 from CT.:sad:

 

[cbcbd]

I agree with sticking to the Jackson Gore, Solitude, and South Face area. The main mountain area is just too much of a madhouse. I was there this past weekend and spent the whole day at the SF and JG and lines were very small compared to what you have to deal with on the main strip.

 

[BeanoNYC]

From the main base lodge area there are two deathly-slow chairs that take you over the beginner area. Secret#1 to Okemo: save the trouble of riding those chairs again by never returning to the main base lodge until the day is over

Secret # 2 Ride the Magic Carpet with the kiddies to the Sachem Quad.

 

[bobbutts]

Do you like going fast for more miles or slow for less?
Their time estimates are grossly overstated unless you drive really slowly.

11
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=...2998&sspn=0.562609,1.374664&ie=UTF8&z=10&om=1
46.7 mi – about 1 hour 23 mins

89
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=...2998&sspn=0.562609,1.374664&ie=UTF8&z=10&om=1
66.2 mi – about 1 hour 18 mins

 

[jack97]

Just a heads up.... came back home on 89 last sunday the radar guns were in full use.

 

[davidhowland14]

better yet than only taking the quads once: park at jackson gore.

 

[BeanoNYC]

Just a heads up.... came back home on 89 last sunday the radar guns were in full use.

Lidar, actually. Radar detectors are powerless against them. And if your Lidar detector goes off...it's too late.

 

[jack97]

Lidar, actually.

It's comforting to know that NH's finest is using laser technology :-o

 

[billski]

Do you like going fast for more miles or slow for less?
Their time estimates are grossly overstated unless you drive really slowly.

I use their times as a baseline just like we use the AMC hiking guide times. I just adjust to my own offset times (usually faster). The relative road travel times still stand unless you are going through an area with a lot of obstacles (traffic lights, narrow roads, typically highly-traffiked.)

 

[billski]

It's comforting to know that NH's finest is using laser technology :-o

why aren't they on the slopes clocking us??? that's where the real need is

I'm sure the SP's would love to come to the base lodge and show off their gear and do a little PR. Clock a few of us in the process. (Hmm, is it not a good idea to shoot lasers at the human body vs. a vehicle?) Doubt that the resorts would be much interested though.

 

[Rushski]

If you take Rt.11/103 be careful going though the town of Warner (before Lake Sunapee) as they love to pull people over where they drop the speed limit...

Though if they do pull you over, lie and say you are skiing Sunapee and they should let you off.

 

[orsonab]

Thanks for all the tips - and I usually avoid speeding tickets with my "State Troopers Are Awesome" bumper sticker...

 

[NESkibum]

I have taken many ways from Boston. Although Exit 9 appears to be shorter than going up 89 to Lebanon and then south on 91, but both ways take just about the same amount of time. Staying on 89 to 91 is definitely easier than travelling 103 to 11. I have also taken exit 12 off 89 which took about the same amount of time as Exit 9. I've also tried Route 2 in MA to 91 and that took the longest. My suggestion is 89 to 91.

 

[Brettski]

Stay in the right lane in any case