Maple in Okemo Valley of Vermont

As the winter frost begins to thaw and the first signs of spring emerge, Vermont comes alive with a cherished tradition that celebrates its rich maple heritage. Late February and March is the perfect time to indulge in the sweet delights of sugar house tastings, sugar on snow, and maple tastings.

Visit maple businesses within Okemo Valley region and nearby: 

Green Mountain Sugar House (Ludlow) * Papa John’s Sugar Shack (Mount Holly) * Smith Crest Maple Farm (Shrewsbury) * Stewart Maple (Cuttingsville) * Sugar Bob’s Finest Kind (Chester) * Sugarbush Farm (Woodstock) * Billings Farm & Museum (Woodstock)

5 Way to Explore Maple this Spring

Join for Maple Open House Weekend

Come celebrate Maple Open House Weekend on March 21-22, 2026 where you can witness the fascinating process of sap boiling and explore the enchanting world of maple syrup production straight from the source! You’ll get to sample freshly made maple syrup, enjoy tours, and participate in family-friendly activities! See our events calendar for more special events in the area!

Try Sugar On Snow

A visit to a sugar house is complete without experiencing the quintessential Vermont treat known as “sugar on snow.” This delectable delicacy involves pouring hot maple syrup over fresh, clean snow, creating a sweet and sticky delight that is both nostalgic and irresistible.

Take a Taste Testing Tour

For those seeking a flavorful experience, maple tastings are a must. Discover the vast range of maple products available, from different grades of syrup to maple candies, creams, and even maple-infused hot sauces and beverages. You may even find the perfect souvenir or culinary pairing to take home with you!

Visit a Local Sugar House

Step into the heart of Vermont’s maple industry by visiting sugar houses. These rustic structures are where the magic happens, as sap collected from maple trees is transformed into the golden nectar we know as maple syrup. See our list of Sugar Houses below!

Learn From the Producers

Engage with knowledgeable producers who are passionate about their craft and learn about the honored techniques that have been passed down through generations. Maple sugaring is a time-honored practice that blends craft with science and local producers will be able to passionately tell you all about it.

Whether you’re a maple enthusiast or simply curious about this beloved tradition, Maple Season is a sweet treat in Okemo Valley!

Each Maple Sugaring operation has its own unique character, style, and expertise. Some are open daily for tastings, tours and/or shopping, and others are only open to the public for special occasions like Open House Weekend, which is filled with special activities across the region.

GREEN MOUNTAIN SUGAR HOUSE (LUDLOW)

True Vermont maple sugarhouse, with attached gift shop, featuring maple products, delicious creemees, and many Vermont food products and gifts. Open year-round from 9am–6pm daily.

SUGAR BOB’S FINEST KIND (CHESTER)

Known for their Original Smoked Maple Syrup and 4 varieties of Vermont Maple Srirachas, they offer taste testings + everything Maple! Many fun surprises, including a Birdseye Maple self-playing piano, micro-evaporator sugaring demos, and art installation. Open 7 days/ week 10am-5pm.

PAPA JOHN’S SUGAR SHACK (MOUNT HOLLY)

Family owned maple operation offering maple syrup, infused maple syrup, maple candy, maple sugar, maple cream, and other maple products! Call ahead for tour visits or drop by their shop to pick up some sweet treats!

SMITH MAPLE CREST FARM (SHREWSBURY)

Nestled in the Green Mountain countryside, the farm has an incredible sugaring operation. Stop by to take a tour of their sugaring production, learn about the Maple process, taste test all the grades they make on site, visit their shop, and more! Call ahead (802-492-2151) to check on the status of their boiling (weather permitting).

STEWART MAPLE (CUTTINGSVILLE)

Handcrafts, local, pure! Check out their online store and email list where they announce special deals and pop up events as well as places where you can purchase their syrup (like Singletons!) They ship anywhere in the world so it’s a great way to enjoy fresh maple syrup from the sugaring season even if you can’t make it up to Vermont. (Not hosting during 2026 Open House Weekend)

FURTHER AFIELD: SUGARBUSH FARM (WOODSTOCK)

Visit a maple syrup and cheese farm located further afield. Free samples, free admission. Enjoy samples of 15 different varieties of cheese and four grades of maple syrup.