[blanka]

Hi All -

I'm driving from NYC to Vermont (Okemo) this Friday leaving at 6 p.m. (which I know is a terrible time to be leaving the city).

Any advice on which route to take to avoid as much traffic as possible?

Thanks!

[mustmove]

The Merritt Parkway/Wilbur Cross is usually faster than 95. You could come up 87 then through Albany over the hill and through the woods but I suspect traffic going out 87 is as bad as 95. And 95/91 will be faster on the top end when traffic thins out. I haven't dealt with NYC rush hour in a while, just realize that your arrival time in VT might be the same whether you leave at 6 or 8.

[tkln]

Where in NYC are you leaving from? I think that might be a factor...I usually take the Hutch-684-84-91 so I can avoid 95 but I'm coming from Eastern Queens...

[OhBeeHave]

Originally Posted by blanka

Hi All -

I'm driving from NYC to Vermont (Okemo) this Friday leaving at 6 p.m. (which I know is a terrible time to be leaving the city).

Any advice on which route to take to avoid as much traffic as possible?

Thanks!

As previously written -- the Merritt/Wilbur Cross will help you avoid much of the I-95 nonsense and bring you out onto I-91 north at about exit 17.

Personally, heading to Okemo I would rather come up I 91 and get off exit 6 in VT as opposed to going up 87 or the Taconic in NY and then having to wind my way north & eastward through southern VT.

[sugarmaple]

I concur, hutch to 91 in Meriden CT and straight up 91, get off exit 6 and go north 103..however, if there is a line on the exit ramp, then stay on 91 until exit 8 (Ascutney exit), turn onto 131W (will see signs for Cavendish/Ludlow), stay straight on 131, go through blinking light (and only blinking light--approx 6 mi from interstate), continue on 131 to end and turn R onto 103 and you will see the Mountain.

[OhBeeHave]

Exit 8 - 131's a nice ride (I love getting off on 8 coming from WRJ) but at night to someone unfamiliar it might be a little too curvy, also the speed limit picks up and drops down a lot.

[inputseeker123]

Help!!Trying to decide between Mt. Snow and Okemo for President's Week (Not the weekend- skiing tues-Friday!). First, driving time from Manhattan- I know Mt. Snow is 4 hours, maybe slightly less, but Okemo? I hear anything from 4 and change to 5 solid hours. What's the Usual? the difference between 4 hours and 4 hours 25 minutes - who cares, but if we're talking an hour's drive difference, that does make a big difference.
Anyone care to weigh in on the crowd factor and how easy/difficult it is to get away from lift lines at each resort?

[joe moving]

I haven't skied either but I've biked both. I think Okemo is better but would also be curious to hear. Okemo is lower in elevation but further north. Stratton is another option.

How do you drive from NYC - up 95 or 87?

[OhBeeHave]

Depending on where you are in NYC you're looking at 4-5 hours. I've made it from Okemo to the Queens side of the TNB in 4 hours. I couldn't tell you if it would have been the same in reverse.

If you're heading up via Merrit/Wilbur Cross to I-91, I'm guesstimating that Okemo is about 30-40 mins further than Mt. Snow.

[ebbe]

Okemo- should be really nice, not that crowded, especially if you get out a bit early.