Things to do near Okemo, Killington and Pico, season by season
Ten Acres sits in the middle of it all: Okemo about 20 minutes one way, Killington and Pico about 30 the other. Winter is for skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling straight from the backyard. Spring and summer are for the land itself, ten acres with beautiful views, plus waterfalls and lakes nearby. Fall is for foliage and the scenic byways.
December – MarchWinter: skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling
You don’t have to choose a resort for the week. Ski Okemo one day and Killington or Pico the next, then come home to two cozy fireplaces.
randomduck · CC BY-SA 2.0Okemo
~20 minFamous for its grooming and long cruisers. The Jackson Gore base is on the near side. okemo.com
EgorovaSvetlana · CC BY-SA 4.0Killington
~30 minThe biggest ski area in the East, with a season that often runs into late spring. killington.com
Henning Supertramp · CC BY 2.0Pico
~30 minKillington’s quieter sister mountain, with fewer crowds and classic Vermont trails. picomountain.com
Jared C. Benedict · CC BY-SA 4.0Bromley & Stratton
Day tripSouthern Vermont classics for a change of scenery. bromley.com · stratton.com
The VAST trail runs right through the backyard. Ride the statewide network all day, then come home to the fire.
A small hill in the backyard is made for sleds after a fresh snow.
Head out on the property’s own trails between the old stone walls.
Two cozy fireplaces: a front-opening wood stove and a glass-front pellet stove.
March – MaySpring: sugaring season and the first green
The sap runs, the sugarhouses fire up, and the ten acres around the house come back to life. Killington often keeps spring skiing going after the valleys turn green.
placeuvm · CC BY-SA 2.0Maple sugaring
NearbyWatch the boil and taste fresh syrup at local sugarhouses. See the farms & maple guide.
Your own trails
On siteWalk the woods and meadow, and forage for ramps and fiddleheads in season.
EgorovaSvetlana · CC BY-SA 4.0Spring skiing
~30 minSoft snow and sunny afternoons at Killington.
June – AugustSummer: ten acres and beautiful views
This is when the land shines: long evenings in the meadow, Green Mountain views from the lawn and the fire pit after dark, with waterfalls and lakes a short drive away.
Dougtone · CC BY-SA 2.0Buttermilk Falls
A series of cascades and swimming holes in Okemo State Forest, just off Route 103 across from Okemo’s Jackson Gore. Upper, middle and lower falls each spill into their own pools.
- • A short, rocky walk of about half a mile from roadside parking
- • No bathrooms or trash cans, so pack it in and pack it out
- • Rocks are slippery and jumping is prohibited; swim with care
briantf · CC BY 2.0Swimming holes
~20 minThe lower pools at Buttermilk Falls are the classic summer-afternoon cool-off.
Nobrauch · CC BY-SA 3.0Lake Rescue
~25 minSwimming, paddling and fishing just north of Ludlow. Star Lake in Belmont is about 5 minutes away.
Ascended Dreamer · CC BY-SA 4.0Okemo & Ludlow in summer
~20 minThe mountain coaster and summer activities at Okemo, then dinner in Ludlow village.
Your own ten acres
On siteOpen meadow, wooded trails and Green Mountain views, plus outdoor dining and a fire pit.
Summer theater in the village of Weston.
Cheese, meat and maple a few minutes from the house. See the farms guide.
ATV & side-by-side riding
Trade skis for four wheels. Club trail networks and guided tours are an easy drive from the house.
Roughly 55–80 miles of club-maintained, multi-terrain trails with scenic views and picnic spots. The Ira trailhead is on West Rd in Clarendon Springs.
Guided UTV and ATV tours in Polaris RZRs into the Killington peak area, from Bridgewater Corners on Route 100.
About 25 miles along the ridge of Woodlawn Mountain between Danby and Pawlet, with scenic overlooks and technical ledge sections.
Club trails need a current VT ATV registration and club membership or trail pass. Check trail status before you ride.
September – NovemberFall: foliage and scenic byways
Ten acres of hardwoods turn color around the house, and every road out is a scenic drive. Pack a thermos, pick a loop and stop at a country store on the way.
vtpaul420 · CC BY 3.0Route 100 Scenic Byway
~20 minVermont’s classic foliage route runs through Ludlow and Plymouth, right past Okemo.
Jerrye & Roy Klotz MD · CC BY-SA 3.0Crossroad of Vermont Byway
~30 minRoute 4 past Killington and Pico to the village of Woodstock.
chensiyuan · CC BY-SA 4.0Covered bridges
Day tripAdd a few to your loop. They’re at their most photogenic in peak color.
HABS · Public domainOver the hill to Weston
~20 minThe Vermont Country Store and the village green. See the country stores guide.
Sfoskett · CC BY-SA 3.0Crowley Cheese
~5–10 minPick up cheddar at the historic factory just down the road.
Anthony Quintano · CC BY 2.0Peak color, everywhere
Late Sep – mid OctTypical Vermont peak color. This shot is from Smugglers’ Notch, but the back roads near the house look much the same.
Stay in the middle of it all
A whole house on ten private acres that sleeps 12, with two cozy fireplaces, room for trucks and trailers, and small pets welcome. Book direct and skip the booking-site service fees.