OKEMO PREPARES FOR OPENING DAY NOV. 21

LUDLOW, Vt. – Many sights and sounds around Okemo’s Clock Tower Base Area portend the start of the ski and snowboard season. Preparations are underway as Okemo Mountain Resort readies for a target opening day of Saturday, Nov. 21.

“It takes some effort to gear up for the start of the season and we’re ready,” says Okemo VP and General Manager Bruce Schmidt. “All we need now is some cooperation from Mother Nature in the form of cold temperatures.”

The roar of air compressors in the base area is one of the most noticeable signs of the season. Mobile air compressors were delivered to Okemo recently. They have all taken their places and they have been tested to ensure good working order when the time comes for them to contribute to the snowmaking effort.

Okemo’s snowmaking department is fully staffed for the season according to Okemo VP of Operations Barry Tucker. New snowmakers will be undergoing training and the entire team will be busy running hoses between water sources and snow guns in preparation for the drop in temperatures.

Out on the mountain, tower guns stand at the ready along ski trails. Protective blue padding is in place around their bases to keep wayward skiers and riders safe. Thirty new Ranger tower guns have been added to Okemo’s snowmaking arsenal this year.

New seat pads have been installed on all the chairs of the Northstar Express Quad. Additional work is taking place on one of the South Ridge Quads to ensure that the loading and unloading conveyors are in top working order.

Okemo shows its deep purple passion for parks this winter. Terrain park features have received a fresh coat of purple paint and are ready to take their positions on the snow in the six terrain parks at Okemo.

The countdown is on and Okemo is ready for opening day of the 2009/2010 ski and snowboard season.

More information may be obtained by calling (802) 228-1600 or by visiting okemo.com.