For release at will
Winter 2007/2008
Contact: Bonnie MacPherson, director of public relations
Okemo Mountain Resort | 77 Okemo Ridge Road | Ludlow, VT 05149
802-228-1947 | bmacpherson@okemo.com
CUTTING EDGE INSTRUCTIONAL
PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS
LUDLOW, Vt. – Okemo's Cutting Edge Learning Center provides skiers and snowboarders with a full slate of learning options. Okemo’s professional teaching staff is passionate about the sport and shows a true commitment to fun instruction and encouragement to help conquer on-snow challenges and build confidence. Ski, snowboard and telemark instruction is available for every age and ability level. Program highlights include Okemo’s season-long Mountain Masters for skiers and riders age 50 and older, and the Trailblazers Club, a season-long weekend program for adults. Okemo’s Woman’s Alpine Adventures is a perennial favorite with women who return time and again for multi-day programs offered throughout the season.
NEW FOR 2007/2008
Learn to Ski or Snowboard for FREE! - First-time or beginner skiers and snowboarders visiting Okemo Mountain Resort early in the season are welcome to take part in a complimentary beginner program to learn to ski or snowboard absolutely free. This unique offer is designed to generate excitement for snow sports and encourage beginners to broaden their experience at the start of the winter season. Okemo’s beginner package includes a combination lower-mountain lift ticket, a level 1 or 2 beginner group lesson at 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. and introductory level rental equipment (skis, boots, poles, or boots and snowboard). This program is available for ages 7 and up at no charge every day, Monday, Nov. 26 through Friday, Dec. 21, 2007. Beginners should arrive at the Okemo Express Rental Shop located in the Okemo Clock Tower base area about an hour before lesson time to register and be fitted for equipment. As an added bonus, participants also qualify for a free First Tracks Plus card entitling them to continued discounts and benefits all season long on group lessons, lift tickets and rental equipment.
GROUP INSTRUCTION
First Tracks - With First Tracks, novices learn the basics of skiing or snowboarding. This one-day package is offered complete with two beginner group lessons, rental equipment and unlimited use of Okemo's beginner lifts. Available at 10 a.m., (11 a.m. weekends and holidays) and 1 p.m. Everyone who completes the First Tracks novice program receives Okemo’s exclusive First Tracks Plus Card for season-long savings on group lessons, rental equipment and lift tickets.
Double Tracks - The two-day beginner program allows participants to learn the basic skills and then build upon them with a second consecutive day of reinforcement and confidence-building instruction. Double Tracks includes three lessons, with two on the first day and one on the morning of the second day. On day two, the novice lift ticket can be upgraded to a full-day, full-mountain lift ticket at no extra cost. Available at 10 a.m., (11 a.m. weekends and holidays) and 1 p.m. Everyone who completes the First Tracks or Double Tracks novice program receives Okemo’s exclusive First Tracks Plus Card for season-long savings on group lessons, rental equipment and lift tickets.
Group Lessons - Now two hours long! Once skiers and riders have mastered the basics and are ready to ride the lifts and explore Okemo’s terrain, they can enroll in a group lesson to help gain confidence and improve skills. Group lessons for levels one through four are available at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Ski and Snowboard Specialty Clinics - Skiers and riders can select from a variety of clinics to take them to the next level: Beyond the Greens, True Blue or Black Diamonds. Specialty Clinics are designed to give skiers and riders different options based on the terrain and speed that they enjoy, as well as their skill level. Participants will receive innovative, fun and skill-specific instruction. Offered daily at 10 a.m. for intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders.
Ski Adventure Workshops - Personalized attention and top-notch coaching allow skiers to focus on specific skills and terrain: Bump it Up!, Park ‘n’ Pipe and Skier’s Choice. Topic-focused with a maximum of three participants, these workshops give skiers all the tips and pointers needed to attain their desired level of accomplishment. Offered from 1 to 3 p.m. daily for intermediate and advanced skiers.
Snowboard Adventure Workshops - Snowboarders can focus on their choice of terrain with a maximum of three riders per group. Three options are available: Advanced Park, Advanced Pipe or Riders’ Choice. Whether it’s learning to go big or finessing a tricky rail, the personalized attention and top-notch coaching of Okemo’s staff will take participants to their desired level of achievement. Offered from 1 to 3 p.m. daily for intermediate and advanced riders.
Women’s Alpine Adventures
Although Okemo offers a variety of specialty clinics and ski and snowboard adventure workshops, it is the Women’s Alpine Adventures that has women returning year after year to take part in the programs designed exclusively for women and led by some of the best female ski and snowboard coaches in the business. Their goal is to take skiing and snowboarding women to the next level in any snow conditions and on any terrain. Participants quickly overcome fear, boost their confidence and meet new friends in a supportive and social environment. Two-, three-, and five-day programs are available: Jan. 11-13 (ski and snowboard, all ability levels); Jan. 28-Feb. 1 (ski and snowboard, levels 4 and up); Feb. 8-10 (ski and snowboard, all ability levels); Feb. 14-15 (ski and snowboard, levels 4 and up); March 5-7 (ski and snowboard, all ability levels).
Teletracks – Telemark Skiing - Okemo’s wide, well groomed trails make it an ideal place to learn how to telemark ski or improve telemark skills. Teletracks is a group telemark lesson offered every Tuesday at the Okemo base area and every Thursday at the Jackson Gore base area. Both sessions start at 10 a.m. and include Atomic telemark ski rentals, a two-hour lesson and a lower mountain lift ticket. Advanced reservations are required and participation is subject to availability.
PRIVATE INSTRUCTION
More skiers and riders are recognizing that Okemo’s one-on-one instruction can make all the difference. The Cutting Edge Learning Center’s teaching pros can help skiers and riders build confidence and take their skills to a higher level.
Standard Private Instruction - Improvement occurs quickly with the right instructor and personal attention. These one-hour sessions provide the ultimate convenience for learning new skills on the slopes. Up to four people of similar ability can even make up a private group. Standard Private Lessons are offered daily at a variety of times starting as early as 8:30 a.m.
Advantage Private Lessons - Offered twice daily, at 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., this private lesson option provides the perfect warm up to start the day or a great end to a day on the slopes. Best of all, the discounted rate makes Advantage Privates a popular choice.
SEASON-LONG PROGRAMS
For skiers and riders who are determined to make this the winter they’re going to become better and more committed to the sport, Okemo offers a season-long program to fit the bill.
Season Sessions – Skiing or Season Sessions – Snowboarding - An entire season of acquiring new skills, learning techniques, concentrating on specific interests and meeting new challenges. The maximum student-to-instructor ratio is 7:1. Adults with an ability level of five and up can participate in two-hour sessions every Saturday and Sunday morning from Nov. 24 through March 16 (excluding Feb. holiday period).
Mountain Masters - Open to skiers and riders ages 50 and older, this program offers eight sessions over the course of 11 weeks. The program consists of a two-hour on-hill session each Wednesday, Jan. 2 through March 19 (excluding Feb. 20), for skiers and snowboarders with an ability level of four and up. Each session begins at 9:30 a.m. with a half-hour of socializing over coffee and muffins at Jackson Gore’s Roundhouse. Then, under the guidance and expertise of a mature Learning Center pro, Mountain Masters explore the trails while improving their on-snow performance, spending time with friends, meeting new people, and having fun. Participants will receive a discount lunch coupon and discounted access to The Spring House fitness and aquatic center at Jackson Gore for each session. Additional sessions or a ‘Bring a Friend’ option may be purchased separately.
Trailblazers Club – Skiing/Snowboarding – This weekend program for adults of all ages, level five and up, offers professional coaching for the intermediate or advanced skier and rider while exploring Okemo’s varied terrain. A great way to meet new people who like to ski or ride, this two-hour specialized clinic offers the same group of coaches each week and will take participants to the next level while emphasizing fun and social interaction. The Trailblazers Club includes eight two-hour sessions that may be enjoyed over the course of 11 weeks for maximum flexibility. Additional sessions or a ‘Bring a Friend’ option may be purchased separately. Offered 10 a.m. to noon, Saturdays and Sundays, Jan. 5 through March 30. (excluding Jan. 12, 13, and Feb. 16, 17).
For more information about specific programs or to make a reservation, please call Okemo’s Cutting Edge Learning Center at (802) 228-1600. For general information about Okemo, visit www.okemo.com.
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