Okemo Gets Major Snowmaking Upgrade as Vail Tries to Improve Northeast Reliability

Vail Resorts is making a major snowmaking investment at Okemo, one of its key Northeast properties.

The company says the project includes more than 700 new snow guns, replacement of 15 diesel-fueled compressors with two high-efficiency electric units, pump-station upgrades, and other infrastructure work.

Vail says the new system should allow Okemo to make snow at temperatures roughly 10 degrees warmer than the previous equipment could handle, creating more opportunities to build and recover terrain during marginal weather.

That matters in New England, where warm spells, rain and rapid temperature swings can make snowmaking capacity a major part of the customer experience.

The investment is positive for skiers if it delivers more reliable terrain. It is also worth noting that large capital projects like this come as Vail continues to face criticism over pricing, customer service and the broader guest experience.

Source: Vail Resorts Newsroom, August 31, 2026.