>Calendar of Events

OKEMO MOUNTAIN RESORT WINTER 2010/2011 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Nov. 19-21: 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. 19, 4-7 p.m.; Nov. 20, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Nov. 21, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Call (802) 228-1513 for more information.

Nov. 25: Thanksgiving Dinner at Coleman Brook Tavern. A traditional repast will be served from 3-8 p.m. Reservations are recommended. Call (802) 228-1435.

Nov. 27: 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 the Vermont Fuel Dealer Association's Patch Chit Neighbor in Need Fuel Assistance Program. 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 4: Rome Rail Jam 

Dec. 5: Okemo Cares & Shares Food Drive Day. When skiers and snowboarders donate at least three non-perishable food items, a new child's toy or new clothing item, they receive a coupon for a $35 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 snowless 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.

Dec. 23: Visit with Santa. Santa Claus makes a Jackson Gore grand entrance at 4 p.m. for a final 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. 26: 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 29: Nature Museum at Grafton Free Family Presentation. This complimentary, one hour presentation features "Animals in Winter" Discover how animals survive throughout our 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. 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 $20; Activities and Roundhouse Dance Party, $35 for adults. Call (802) 228-1600 or visit http://www.okemo.com/okemowinter/ourmountain/events/newyearseve.asp for more information.

Jan. 1: EPIC Snowcat Dining Adventure. Okemo offers Snow Cat Dinners Saturday evenings through March 12. Departure from the Jackson Gore Inn lobby is scheduled at 6:30, 7 and 7:30 p.m. Seating is limited and reservations are required. A prix fixe of $125 per person does not include tax or gratuity. Call (802) 228-1435 for more information or to make a reservation.

Jan. 7-9: Women's Alpine Adventures - Three-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. 8: EPIC Snowcat Dining Adventure. Okemo offers Snow Cat Dinners Saturday evenings through March 12. Departure from the Jackson Gore Inn lobby is scheduled at 6:30, 7 and 7:30 p.m. Seating is limited and reservations are required. A prix fixe of $125 per person does not include tax or gratuity. Call (802) 228-1435 for more information or to make a reservation.

Jan. 8: Labatt Blue Pond Hockey Tournament. Calling all hockey players, all levels! Join Labatt Blue and Okemo Mountain Resort for a four-on-four format with specific rules of play. Outback Pizza hosts a mandatory captains' meeting and pre-tournament party. The post-game awards party will take place at The Killarney, with food, prizes and ice cold Labatt Blue.

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 or  in the Sitting Bull, located in the Okemo Clock Tower base lodge.

Jan. 15: EPIC Snowcat Dining Adventure. Okemo offers Snow Cat Dinners Saturday evenings through March 12. Departure from the Jackson Gore Inn lobby is scheduled at 6:30, 7 and 7:30 p.m. Seating is limited and reservations are required. A prix fixe of $125 per person does not include tax or gratuity. Call (802) 228-1435 for more information or to make a reservation.

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. 15-21: 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. 15, and running through 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, or 50 percent off a group lesson or specialty clinic. 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. 20-21: 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.

Jan. 22: EPIC Snowcat Dining Adventure. Okemo offers Snow Cat Dinners Saturday evenings through March 12. Departure from the Jackson Gore Inn lobby is scheduled at 6:30, 7 and 7:30 p.m. Seating is limited and reservations are required. A prix fixe of $125 per person does not include tax or gratuity. Call (802) 228-1435 for more information or to make a reservation.

Jan. 24-28: 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. 29: EPIC Snowcat Dining Adventure. Okemo offers Snow Cat Dinners Saturday evenings through March 12. Departure from the Jackson Gore Inn lobby is scheduled at 6:30, 7 and 7:30 p.m. Seating is limited and reservations are required. A prix fixe of $125 per person does not include tax or gratuity. Call (802) 228-1435 for more information or to make a reservation.

Feb. 4-6:  Women's Alpine Adventures - Three-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.

Feb. 5: EPIC Snowcat Dining Adventure. Okemo offers Snow Cat Dinners Saturday evenings through March 12. Departure from the Jackson Gore Inn lobby is scheduled at 6:30, 7 and 7:30 p.m. Seating is limited and reservations are required. A prix fixe of $125 per person does not include tax or gratuity. Call (802) 228-1435 for more information or to make a reservation.

Feb. 5-6: 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. 12: EPIC Snowcat Dining Adventure. Okemo offers Snow Cat Dinners Saturday evenings through March 12. Departure from the Jackson Gore Inn lobby is scheduled at 6:30, 7 and 7:30 p.m. Seating is limited and reservations are required. A prix fixe of $125 per person does not include tax or gratuity. Call (802) 228-1435 for more information or to make a reservation.

Feb. 14: Valentine's Day Celebration. Find the Liftie with a Heart Contest and Heart Scavenger Hunt. When kids find the lift attendant wearing a Valentine heart, they must get his name and report it to the Okemo Ski + Ride School desk for a special prize. Another ten hearts are hidden somewhere along Okemo's trails. When kids find one and bring it back to the Okemo Ski + Ride School desk, they win a special prize bag filled with goodies!  Confections provided by M&M Mars. Couples can celebrate romance with a cozy candlelight dinner at Coleman Brook Tavern.

Feb. 14: 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. 15: 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. 16: 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. 19: EPIC Snowcat Dining Adventure. Okemo offers Snow Cat Dinners Saturday evenings through March 12. Departure from the Jackson Gore Inn lobby is scheduled at 6:30, 7 and 7:30 p.m. Seating is limited and reservations are required. A prix fixe of $125 per person does not include tax or gratuity. Call (802) 228-1435 for more information or to make a reservation.

Feb. 24-25: 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.

Feb. 26: Pro-Tour Comedy Night at The Clocktower Base Lodge. 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. Advance tickets available by calling Vermont Properties at (802) 228-8877.

Feb. 26: 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 $250 in prize money and they're throwing an after-competition party at the base of Mountain Road.

Feb. 26: EPIC Snowcat Dining Adventure. Okemo offers Snow Cat Dinners Saturday evenings through March 12. Departure from the Jackson Gore Inn lobby is scheduled at 6:30, 7 and 7:30 p.m. Seating is limited and reservations are required. A prix fixe of $125 per person does not include tax or gratuity. Call (802) 228-1435 for more information or to make a reservation.

March 5: 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 5: EPIC Snowcat Dining Adventure. Okemo offers Snow Cat Dinners Saturday evenings through March 12. Departure from the Jackson Gore Inn lobby is scheduled at 6:30, 7 and 7:30 p.m. Seating is limited and reservations are required. A prix fixe of $125 per person does not include tax or gratuity. Call (802) 228-1435 for more information or to make a reservation.

March 12: EPIC Snowcat Dining Adventure. The final Snow Cat Dinner of the season. Departure from the Jackson Gore Inn lobby is scheduled at 6:30, 7 and 7:30 p.m. Seating is limited and reservations are required. A prix fixe of $125 per person does not include tax or gratuity. Call (802) 228-1435 for more information or to make a reservation.

March 15: 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 their Canadian, or not).

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 27: Joey Jam. Okemo's tongue-in-cheek celebration of all things Joey. Known as Gapers, Front Rangers or 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 - last year it was an '89 Camero!

April 1: April Fool Food Drive. It's no joke! Donate a minimum of three nonperishable food items and ski or ride on April Fools Day, Thursday, April 1, for $10. All donations go to local food banks.

April 2 - 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 2 - Splash for Cash. Skiers and riders go big and get wet!  A kicker built at the edge of the Slush Cup pond will provide contestants with a launch pad to make a big splash. Best freestyle tricks and biggest splashes will win top honors. Two age category winners will split the registration fees and go home with some soggy cash in their pockets!  Contestants can register for both the Splash for Cash and the Slush Cup for only $30. Splash for Cash starts at 1 p.m.

April 3: Okemo's Annual Easter Egg Hunt. At Okemo'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 permitting.
Events may be added or cancelled. For updates or more information, please visit events.okemo.com or call (802) 228-1600.