Trails for all Levels Open28°
Base17°
Summit
introductions and improvements
OKEMO MOUNTAIN RESORT
INTRODUCTIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS FOR WINTER 2011/2012
LUDLOW, Vt. – In its thirtieth winter season under the management of Tim and Diane Mueller, Okemo Mountain Resort continues to grow with improvements, program introductions and attractive, new ways to save on lift tickets.
Four-season Focus
It was a busy summer for Okemo Mountain Resort operations staff. Okemo’s new Adventure Zone was the primary focus as an 18-hole miniature golf course rose from the open space between Okemo’s Timber Ripper Mountain Coaster and Stump Jumper four-station bungee trampoline attraction. A new snack bar and picnic area completed the summertime enhancements in the Jackson Gore base area – with more in the plan for next summer.
Winter Upgrades
Winter visitors will benefit from improvements around the resort too. Upgrades to Okemo’s snowmaking system will include 15 new HKD Genesis guns, rebuilt pumps and motors, plus miles of new pipe. Okemo is investing $125,000 in new alpine and Nordic equipment for its rental fleet. The Clock Tower ticket plaza has received a makeover with some repairs and the creation of additional green space in that area. New technology improvements around the resort include: equipment upgrades for Ski Patrol, new computers, an improved ticketing system, plus new integrated services to create efficiencies in Okemo’s existing technology systems.
Cat-a-What?
This year, Okemo is delighted to introduce a new mascot – Calvin the Catamount. The furry, fun-loving feline made his debut with the introduction of his namesake miniature golf course, Lumberin’ Cal Mini Golf. The 18-hole course was just one feature in an entire Adventure Zone of fun introduced in summer 2011. Also known as a cougar, puma or mountain lion, this large, solitary cat that once roamed the Green Mountains of Vermont, was recently declared officially extinct by The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Department. The last documented sighting of a catamount in Vermont was in 1881, but Vermont Fish & Wildlife investigates up to 50 sightings a year. Many are thought to be false sightings of other big cats, particularly since it is believed the population most likely vanished in the 1930s. And so it appears that Calvin, Okemo’s mascot, is one of the last catamounts to prowl Vermont. He can be spotted most often on signs, in brochures, and on occasion, in real life wherever children are laughing and having fun.
A Change in the Terrain
Racer Ready! Okemo’s Nastar/Race Arena is moving to Homeward Bound and Bull Run this winter. Head-to-head racing will take place within view of the Sitting Bull and other base area locations. Lower Black Out is going to become a new progression terrain park! That means The Pull will access the Superpipe, the Dew Zone terrain park and a new park full of fun and exciting new features. Timberline cruisers will be delighted to learn that the progression park on lower Timberline is discontinued in favor of the new park on Black Out. Timberline is once again open for top-to-bottom cruising this winter.
TAKE 60
“If you don’t like the weather in New England, just wait a few minutes” … or an hour. Like Mark Twain, Okemo Mountain Resort is confident in the fickleness of Mother Nature. The resort is also so confident in its ability to offer consistent surface conditions, that they are providing skiers and riders with a flexible replacement for their Try-Before-You-Buy, First-Hour-Free program. It is called “Take 60.” New this winter, rather than limiting Okemo guests to sampling snow conditions only during the first hour of lift operations, Okemo intends to accommodate skiers’ and riders’ busy schedules by inviting them to take the entire first hour after they purchase their lift ticket – no matter what time they start their ski day – to decide if they are completely satisfied with their on-mountain experience. If skiers and riders choose not to continue their day with Okemo, they can just stop by the Resort Services Desk for a return-visit coupon.
New Ways to Save
Whether they’re brand new to the sport or an advanced skier honing their skills … or somewhere in between, snowsliders visiting Okemo’s Ski + Ride School can get a great new deal on lessons. Call (802) 228-1600.
20% Discount on Private Lessons
All Private Lessons beginning at 12:30, 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. (Sun. through Fri., non-holidays) will receive a 20 percent discount off normal pricing.
Learn-to Ski or Ride for just $39
Okemo’s new program for first-time skiers and riders this season runs from Mon., Nov. 28 through Fri., Dec. 23. The program includes two two-hour lesson sessions (10 a.m.-Noon and 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.), rental equipment, a lower mountain lift ticket and post program offerings for season-long discounts on future lessons, rentals and lift tickets. Reservations are recommended.
Midweek Madness
Midweek Madness continues this year with multi-day discounts on Ski + Ride School programs. Receive up to a 55 percent savings on programs when staying in an Okemo lodging property.
For more information, please call (802) 228-1600, or visit www.okemo.com.
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Contact: Bonnie MacPherson, director of public relations
Okemo Mountain Resort | 77 Okemo Ridge Road | Ludlow, VT 05149
802-228-1947 | pr@okemo.com
