Welcome to Duck Pond—our cozy, family-friendly slopeside escape at Okemo, and a little slice of Vermont heaven in every season.

In winter, ski right out the door. Spend the day on the slopes, send the kids past the locally famous Candy Mailbox—a magical little spot maintained by a family on the mountain and stocked with candy for passing kids—then come home to a wood-burning fireplace with unlimited firewood. There’s a jacuzzi tub for warming up, games and puzzles for après-ski afternoons, and TVs in the bedrooms for tired kids (and tired parents!).

The kitchen is fully stocked for actual family meals, with pots, pans, dishes, glassware and everything you need to settle in for a true vacation. Just down the hill—practically in the backyard—you’ll find a year-round heated pool and gym, plus 43 Degrees North, the seasonal winter restaurant and bar.

But Duck Pond isn’t just for ski season. Fall at Okemo is spectacular—ride the lift up the mountain for leaf peeping and, on weekends, grab a beer at the top while taking in the views. Ludlow has a small but sweet Main Street with good restaurants and shops, and the Sunday farmers market makes summer and fall weekends especially lovely.

About 10 minutes away, grab one of Vermont’s best maple creemees, then head to Echo Lake at Plymouth State Park. Rent paddleboards or kayaks, swim, or simply find a shady spot by the water and spend the afternoon doing absolutely nothing.

Ski days and fireplace nights, summer afternoons on the lake, farmers markets, maple creemees and spectacular Vermont foliage—Duck Pond is our family’s happy place, and we hope it becomes one of yours, too.