Trails for all Levels Open28°
Base17°
Summit
calendar of events
OKEMO MOUNTAIN RESORT WINTER 2011/2012 CALENDAR OF EVENTSNov. 18-20: Annual Ski Swap and Sale. Here’s a great opportunity to purchase new and pre-owned ski and snowboard equipment, clothing and accessories at great prices! All proceeds benefit Okemo Mountain School. Sellers keep 75 percent of the selling price and OMS receives 25 percent. Nov. 18, 4-7 p.m.; Nov. 19, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Nov. 20, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Call (802) 228-1513 for more information.
Nov. 25: Thanksgiving Dinner at Coleman Brook Tavern. A traditional repast served from 3-8 p.m. Reservations are recommended. Call (802) 228-1435.
Nov. 26: Trot It Off 5k & Tots Trot. The Okemo Trot It Off 5k is a community-oriented event that takes place each year on the Saturday following Thanksgiving. This running/walking race is perfect for the avid runner or the recreational runner hoping to burn off the calories from that extra slice of Thanksgiving pumpkin pie. Registration is $25 per person and proceeds go to community assistance programs. All participants will receive an event t-shirt. The Tots Trot, a kids’ fun race for children 12 and younger, will take place just before the 5k. Race registration starts at 8 a.m., Trot It Off starts at 9:30 a.m.
Dec. 10-11: Ski Magazine Super Demo & Okemo December Demo Day. Test drive the latest gear. This equipment demo is open to the public at no charge but requires a credit card imprint to sample all the latest gear from top brand-name manufacturers.
Dec. 17: Mountain Dew Vertical Challenge. Okemo kicks off this popular eastern race series. The free, fun race on Okemo’s Bull Run, is open to all ages and abilities. Race registration opens at 8 a.m. The Mountain Dew Vertical Challenge Race starts at 11 a.m. Race awards and victory party begin at 3 p.m.
Dec. 18: Okemo Cares & Shares Food Drive Day. When skiers and snowboarders donate at least five non-perishable food items, a new child’s toy or new clothing item, they receive a coupon for a $39 lift ticket good that day.
Dec. 18: The Killarney What-I-Learned-This-Summer Rail Jam. A rail jam competition open to skiers and snowboarders of all ages. Participants are encouraged to showcase the new tricks they learned during the snow-free months. $20 entry fee. Registration 8 to 10 a.m. in the Okemo Clock Tower base lodge mezzanine. 11 a.m. start. Best trick wins $200 cash. Additional prizes provided by Swany.
Dec. 22: Visit with Santa. Santa Claus makes a Jackson Gore grand entrance at 4 p.m. for a pre-Christmas visit with children before the jolly old elf makes his way to the North Pole for final holiday preparations.
Dec. 25: Ski and Ride with Santa and Friends. Santa and his merry crew will be cruising the slopes on Christmas Day. He’ll have a sack filled with sweets for good little skiers and riders.
Dec. 27: Nature Museum at Grafton Free Family Presentation. This complimentary, one hour presentation features "Animals in Winter" Discover how animals survive throughout the long New England winters through interactive activities, slides, and observations of the museum’s natural history collection. The program is open to the public and starts at 7 p.m. in the Roundhouse at Jackson Gore.
Dec. 28: Torchlight Parade and Fireworks Display. A spectacular pyrotechnics show starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Okemo Clock Tower base area, following an amazing torchlight parade of skiers and riders traversing Okemo’s Open Slope trail.
.Dec. 31: Okemo’s Family New Year’s Eve. Midnight arrives early for friends and family enjoying a whole host of activities. Following early evening ice skating, snowtubing, snowshoeing, mountain coaster rides, horse-drawn wagon rides, cookie decorating, bingo games and a trivia tournament, families can ring in the New Year early with a DJ dance party - and still get the kids to bed in time for a full day on the slopes the next day. Party games, balloons, noisemakers and fireworks add to the New Year celebration, complete with a pizza party dinner in the Roundhouse at Jackson Gore from 5-9 p.m. Activities-only wristband $25; Activities and Roundhouse Dance Party; $40 for ages 7 and up, $30 for children 2-6. Call (802) 228-1600.
Jan. 14: Shake 'n' Skate Night. Enjoy a great evening of ice skating with a live DJ, games, and fun for the whole family in Okemo’s Ice House skating pavilion at Jackson Gore! 12 and up - $10, Under 12 - $8, Skate rentals - $3.
Jan. 15: Fireworks Display. Okemo’s kickoff to the holiday weekend. Prior to the spectacular fireworks show at 7:30 p.m., visitors can enjoy a winter warmer in the Sitting Bull, located in the Okemo Clock Tower base lodge.
Jan. 16: Nature Museum at Grafton Free Presentation for Families. This complimentary presentation investigates animal tracks. In the winter, animals leave clues about where they’ve been and what they’ve been doing. Learn about the track patterns animals leave and learn to identify them. The program is open to the public and begins at 7 p.m. in the Roundhouse at Jackson Gore.
Jan. 14-20: Okemo Celebrates National Safety Week. This event was the winner of the Best Helmet Safety Program - Heads Up National Ski Area Safety Awards.” Fun and educational activities focus on safety and awareness on the slopes with children’s clinics, safety messages and helmet demos. Starting Jan. 14, and running throughout Safety Week, anyone who purchases a new ski or snowboard helmet at Okemo's Snowsports Shop will receive a coupon for 50 percent off a full-day lift ticket, or 50 percent off a full-day equipment rental or high-performance demo. Some of the week’s highlights include Okemo’s “Helmet Head” contest, a visit from Vermont’s own PHAT (Protect Your Head at All Times/Protect Your Head on All Terrain) Team, and a Safety Scavenger Hunt.
Jan. 19-20: Women’s Alpine Adventures – Two-Day Program for all ability levels. This program is 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, build self confidence and meet new friends in a supportive and social environment. For more information, call (802) 228-1600.
Jan. 22: Okemo Family Giant Slalom. "Break out your race skis and speed suits for the Okemo Family Race Giant Slalom. Fun for all and prizes for the top finishers in each age bracket. Get your neighbors involved and make it a family challenge! Registration in the base lodge from 8-10 a.m., racing from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., and awards at 3 p.m. in front of the Sitting Bull. Parents must register kids under 18, helmets are required. Open to skiers and boarders of all ages and ability levels.
Jan. 23-27: Women’s Alpine Adventures – Five-Day Program for Level 4 and up. This program is 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, build self confidence and meet new friends in a supportive and social environment. For more information call (802) 228-1600.
Jan. 28: Flannel with Flair Fundraiser. Enjoy dinner and dancing to the music of The Master Cylinders at Okemo’s Jackson Gore Roundhouse. Proceeds benefit the Okemo Community Challenge. Call Vermont Properties at (802) 228-8877 for more information.
Jan. 30-31: Women’s Alpine Adventures – Two-Day Program for Level 4 and up. This program is 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, build self confidence and meet new friends in a supportive and social environment. For more information, call (802) 228-1600.
Feb. 3-5: Women’s Alpine Adventures – Three-Day Program for Level 4 and up. This program is 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, build self confidence and meet new friends in a supportive and social environment. For more information, call (802) 228-1600.
Feb. 9-12: Okemo Valley Winter Carnival. Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce celebrates winter with loads of fun all day and night. Festivities include snow sculptures, a parade, a snowman decorating contest, a bonfire and fireworks! For more information, call (802) 228-8530.
Feb. 18: Shake 'n' Skate Night. Enjoy a great evening of ice skating with a live DJ, games, and fun for the whole family in Okemo’s Ice House skating pavilion at Jackson Gore! 12 and up - $10, Under 12 - $8, Skate rentals - $3.
Feb. 19: Torchlight Parade & Fireworks Display. Spectacular pyrotechnics show starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Okemo Clock Tower base area, following an amazing torchlight parade of skiers and riders traversing Okemo’s Open Slope trail.
Feb. 21: PHAT Tuesday at Okemo. It’s Mardis Gras, Okemo style. Vermont’s own PHAT (Protect Your Head at All Times/Protect Your Head on All Terrain) team will be on hand to extol the virtues of wearing a helmet while skiing and riding. They’ll have stickers, posters and helmet raffles. Ten strings of Mardis Gras beads will be hidden along ski trails for a PHAT Tuesday Scavenger Hunt with prizes. Okemo’s Sitting Bull Restaurant will be serving up some
specials for après ski.
Feb. 22: Vermont Institute of Natural Science Free Presentation for Families. This presentation features an assortment of live animals for an informative and entertaining evening event for families. “Raptor Encounter” is a first-hand encounter with live falcons, hawks, and owls focusing on the natural history, ecology, and adaptations of these efficient predators. Participants learn what adaptations make a bird a raptor. The Raptor Encounter is a great introduction to these specialized flying hunters. Touchable artifacts and hands-on materials round out this special experience. The program is free and open to the public. 7 p.m. in the Roundhouse at Jackson Gore.
Feb. 24: Shake 'n' Skate Night. Enjoy a great evening of ice skating with a live DJ, games, and fun for the whole family in Okemo’s Ice House skating pavilion at Jackson Gore! 12 and up - $10, Under 12 - $8, Skate rentals - $3.
Feb. 24: Light the Night Rail Jam. Okemo will be throwing some light on Bull Run while competitors throw some tricks outside of the Sitting Bull starting at 6 p.m. Half of the proceeds from the $20 entry fee will go to support the Ludlow Fire Dept. for their help in supplying the illumination. The Killarney is throwing in more than $200 in prize money and they’re throwing an after-competition party at the base of Mountain Road.
Feb. 25: Comedy Night at The Clocktower Base Lodge with Rusty DeWees, The Logger. Co-sponsored by Vermont Properties & Development, this side-splitting night of professional comedy is sure to have ‘em rolling in the aisles. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. Appropriate for ages 21 and over. Proceeds benefit Black River High School Project Graduation and Okemo Mountain Scholarship Fund. Advance tickets are available by calling Vermont Properties at (802) 228-8877.
March 3: Shake 'n' Skate Night. Enjoy a great evening of ice skating with a live DJ, games, and fun for the whole family in Okemo’s Ice House skating pavilion at Jackson Gore! 12 and up - $10, Under 12 - $8, Skate rentals - $3.
March 3: Spring Demo Day sponsored by Mary Davis Realtor & Associates. This event is open to the public and features top brands of the latest gear from a variety of ski, snowboard and snowshoe companies. Snowsports enthusiasts can visit the demo tent area to test-drive the latest in equipment at no charge. A credit card imprint and signed waiver is required.
March 13: Canadian Week Scavenger Hunt. Okemo celebrates its friend to the North with a Canadian Week Scavenger Hunt. Ten red maple leafs will be hidden somewhere along Okemo's easy, green-circle trails. When skiers and riders return one to the Jackson Gore Real Estate Desk at the Clocktower Base, they win a special prize bag filled with goodies (whether they’re Canadian, or not).
March 14: Canadian Week Four-on-Four Hockey. Calling all Hanson Brothers wannabes. Teams of four are encouraged to participate in this four-on-four hockey tournament (pick up style) as Okemo’s Ice House divides the ice in half to allow four teams to battle it out in 10-minute games. Open to players of all ages and all abilities. Register at the Ice House. Tournament from 7-9 p.m. Prizes for winning teams!
March 17: The Killarney St. Patrick’s Day Shamrock Scavenger Hunt and Apres Ski Party. Ten shamrocks will be hidden along Okemo’s trails. When kids find one and bring it back to the Clocktower Base Lodge Ski + Ride School desk, they win a special prize bag filled with goodies. A St. Patrick’s Day Party sponsored by Guinness will feature musical guests Gypsy Reel from 3 to 6 p.m. in the Sitting Bull Bar & Restaurant. The party continues at The Killarney with more Celtic music and Guinness draught.
March 31: Joey Jam. Okemo’s tongue-in-cheek celebration of all things Joey. Known as Gapers, Front Rangers or by other regional monikers, in the Northeast it’s the Joey who provides skiers and riders with endless hours of entertainment with his bravado and ubiquitous sense of style. Joeys will be required to ski or ride an easy jump and a box. Big points are awarded for costume and attitude. Registration is limited to the first 50 adults and 20 juniors. A $20 entry fee is all it takes to vie for the grand prize – the ultimate sweet Joey ride. What will this year’s grand prize be. … another vintage Camaro or jet ski?
April 1: April Fool Food Drive. It’s no joke! Donate a minimum of five nonperishable food items and ski or ride on April Fools Day, Sunday, April 1, for $39. All donations go to local food banks.
April 7: Okemo Slush Cup. Costume-clad Slush Cup competitors schuss toward an 80-foot-long slushy pond and try to make it across without falling in. It’s a chilly spring dip for those who don’t make it. Open to the first 125 participants. Entry fee is $20. Participants win fabulous prizes in various categories. Registration starts at 8 a.m. and the pond skimming starts at 11 a.m.
April 7: The Killarney Tug-o-War. A single-elimination tournament; the last dry team standing wins $200 from The Killarney and bragging rights for a year. Register your team by calling (802) 228-1956 or emailing events@okemo.com
April 8: The Hatchery Annual Easter Egg Hunt. At The Hatchery’s annual Easter Egg Hunt, the trails are littered with colored eggs stuffed with prizes, including certificates for breakfast at The Hatchery - but there’s only one oversized Golden Egg hidden on one of Okemo’s trails. The lucky bunny who finds the golden egg wins a pair of skis or a snowboard.
Please note: events, times and dates are subject to change and may be weather dependent.
Events may be added or cancelled. For updates or more information, please visit events.okemo.com or call (802) 228-1600.
