Okemo Mountain VT Blog

Paradise Found!

2009-06-30T12:14:00.007-04:00

By a mere chance of fate I found myself at the Comcast Center in Mansfield, Ma on Saturday evening at 7:05 pm. I could not have imagined being in the presence of such greatness even 24 hours before. Yes, I am speaking of the inspiration for Okemo's own Parrothead Party (Oct. 10), Mr. Jimmy Buffet.

A close friend found me after the Friday night VSO performance and told that he had just been given four tickets to see Buffet - and did I know of anyone who might be interested in going at such short notice. So, being the good friend that I am, I offered to make the drive with him to Greatwoods and experience Jimmy live.

As much as I love winter, Jimmy Buffet reminds us that summer is a state of mind. We tailgated, caught up with old friends and made new friends. And I'll admit, I tried Land Shark Lager and enjoyed it. I've also learned that we have it on tap at the Friday night concerts at Okemo. (yeah, yeah, shameless plug - I know.)

And I learned something on Saturday, young Jimmy Buffet fans (as in little kids) or children of Parrotheads are know as Parakeets. Too cute. See you in Vermont's Paradise on October 10th. Bring your fin!

I'll be livin' on pastries, lobsters and love all summer long.

..or perhaps a cheeseburger and a cold draft beer.

Parrothead Paradise

2009-06-25T09:04:00.004-04:00

On my drive to work today I was glad to see this ever changing sign now reading "Parrothead Paradise". It prompted me to think about all the great activities going on at Okemo this year including the 3rd annual Parrothead Party on October 10th. We welcome back Changes in Latitudes to put you in a beach mood one last time before winter, and this year to get the party started we'll have the high energy reggae funk band Spiritual Rez opening for CIL.

You don't have to wait for October to enjoy summer and great music though. The Jackson Gore Music Series is in full swing. Tomorrow (June 26th) we host The Vermont Symphony Orchestra in their annual summer tour. Tickets are on sale at Coleman Brook Tavern, online at okemo.com, or at the gate. It's sure to be a great evening ending with a fantastic fireworks display!

July 3rd we welcome back local band Twiddle as the free Friday night series continues. Each Friday the Coleman Brook Tavern BBQ is cooking up the best ribs, chicken, and burgers around, and we have cold beer on tap from Bud Light as well as local favorites in bottles.

Speaking of the best brews, on August 8th Okemo will hold the first annual Hops in the Hills beer festival. We'll welcome local and regional brews by Harpoon, Long Trail, Magic Hat, Otter Creek, Sam Adams, and many others. The afternoon kicks off at 1pm, just about the time you'll be getting back from the Heart of the Valley bike ride, with a BBQ and great blues music from The Chris Kleeman Band and Nobby Reed.

That's the 411 from the events department. Summer is here (temps in the 80's today!) and we're ready to have some fun.

Only in Vermont

2009-06-24T08:33:00.004-04:00

For those of you who picture Vermont as the quintessential place to be, to get away from the daily rat race of life, then this is for you. As I drove to the mountain this morning, and turned up the Mountain Road toward the clock tower base area, I drove past a maple syrup sap bucket top. Yup, the top of one of those buckets you see stuck to the side of a Maple tree in early Spring. It's that piece that looks like a little a-frame house perched on top of the bucket.

In other places I've lived, I would likely drive by the mysterious "single sneaker", or other unique things like muffler parts, road kill, etc. Only in Vermont can you drive by sap bucket parts on the side of the road. And the odd thing is.....it's almost July. We don't tap trees this late in the year.

It just reminds me of what a wonderful place Vermont is. (yeah, I know...I left it dangling). The range of tradition and technology in this state is pretty dramatic. I'm writing this down in a blog, which sends out across the Internet and I just passed by a symbol of tradition which is hundreds of years old. That's pretty cool.

Today's Suggestion: Remember to look around you even on your way to work

Have a good day!

Hey kids, how about some golf?

2009-06-22T15:08:00.003-04:00

My dad was an avid golfer and my mom referred to herself as a golf widow. The shelves of our den were lined with Dad's trophies and tournament loving cups. Mom especially liked it when Dad brought home a new electric percolator or frying pan - what can I say? It was the '60s.

Dad turned our suburban backyard into a pitch-and-putt course for a few years. He planted some tin cans and even crafted pins. With such a passion for the sport, it was surprising to see his reaction when one of his golf buddies gave me a set of clubs for my eighth birthday. They were miniature clubs in a pint-sized bag that his daughter had long outgrown. My dad wasn't particularly thrilled by this kind gesture. He showed me how to hold the clubs and sent me off into the backyard to whack some colorful plastic balls around. I imagine he felt that I was dangerously close to infringing on the one thing where he found escape from his Leave-it-to-Beaver homelife. And I was somehow cognicent of that - even then.

Ironically, it wasn't until after my dad passed away and I claimed his clubs, that I took up the game of golf. I've been at it for a few years now and I can't help wonder how different things would be if I had showed a real interest back then. Here's a little encouragement to all you youngsters out there ...

Okemo Valley Golf Club is an ideal facility for introducing youngsters to the game of golf. Starting June 27, OVGC will host a series of junior clinics, from 2:30 to 4 p.m., every Saturday afternoon through August 1. The fee is $20 per clinic or $100 for all six. For more advanced young golfers, OVGC offers a Junior Golf Camp July 7-10. Instruction will run from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. each day. The fee is $350.

To reserve a spot in the camp or in one of the clinics, call (802) 228-1396. Cheers!

A Time and a Place

2009-06-17T09:26:00.003-04:00

There's a time and a place for golf. The time is now and the place is Tater Hill.

The height of the golf season is fast approaching and golfers know how tough it can be to secure an optimal tee time when the season is underway. Now is the best time to play a leisurely round at Tater Hill Golf Club in nearby Windham, Vermont.

Tater Hill is the Okemo Valley's best-kept golfing secret and the locals really like it that way. With the same attention to course conditions and maintenance as Okemo Valley Golf Club, Tater Hill offers a more casual setting with its white-clapboard farmhouse clubhouse, fieldstone fences and cottage gardens. It just feels more homey - something you'd naturally expect from a site that lived its former life as a potato farm.

But don't let the humble facade lull you into thinking that a round a Tater Hill is going to be a cake walk. Similar to Okemo Valley in yardage, par and USGA rating and slope, Tater Hill can offer some serious challenge - the greatest of which, is for golfers to keep their eye on the ball with the spectacular scenery that surrounds this championship course.

Now is the time to take the lovely drive down Route 100 or through the charming village of Chester, to Tater Hill Golf Club. Give Head Pro and Club Manager John Pawlak a call to set up a tee time or a lesson ... (802) 875-2517. FORE!

Great summer option for kids

2009-06-16T10:22:00.005-04:00

The last day of school is always a bit bittersweet for working parents. While we look forward to a break in the monotonous routines of a school day, the anticipation of filling our kids' days with active and interesting activities all summer long gets a bit overwhelming.

If you are looking for an alternative to your regular daycare routine, or would just like to try something different, Camp Gokemo is set to open its doors on Friday, June 26th for the season. The camp will be open 7/days a week, so even if your work schedule includes weekends, Okemo's summer camp program could be the opportunity you are looking for.

The camp is open to kids ages 6 months to 15 years - and days are filled with all kinds of themed activities, organized sports and games, swimming (indoor and out) and arts & crafts.

If Camp Gokemo sounds like something you might be interested in, check out all the details on okemo.com

Friday nights, Green Mountains and Happy faces

2009-06-09T12:14:00.003-04:00

Well, I got to my first Okemo Friday night concert last week. The Grift was playing at the Jackson Gore Base area. I arrived late, due to work and running some errands, but was pleased to discover that the concert was being held on the valley side of the Jackson Gore Inn. There's a depression in the ground, which will be the future conference center, but for right now, it makes a great amphitheatre.

There was a pretty decent crowd and the weather was good. I am pleased that I wore long pants, because the temperature dropped as the evening went on. With the slight breeze and the low temps, the bugs were not to be found. (yay!)

I had to chuckle, due to the number of young children who were sliding on their bottoms, down the grass, behind the stage. It was the perfect setting for a laundry detergent ad. I'm positive there were more than a few parents who were less than happy with the grass stained clothes which were dropped in the hamper that night.

The evening was capped off by a visit to The Killarney for some beverages and chicken wings. Boy did those wings hit the spot.

Have you played these holes?

2009-06-09T11:08:00.005-04:00

Okemo Valley's signature hole is definitely the 17th. According to Head Golf Pro Michael Santa Maria...

This hole offers golfers of all levels a spectacular challenge of both beauty and finesse. The beauty is the dramatic tee shot to a green that is well protected by water, bunkers, and fescue, the finesse is that the tee shot not only needs to carry all hazards but also needs to find the proper part of this rolling three level green to avoid a three putt. Enjoy the view, and good luck making a par.

Over at Tater Hill, Head Pro John Pawlak notes that the 15th hole is not only breathtaking but offers a risk reward like no other...

The Ladies start from a tee that is 30 feet above the fairway. The men enjoy a tee off at 70 feet with the Championship tee at 100 feet. The dog leg right par 5 gives you the perspective of not only hitting over the dog leg, but you are above most of the trees so watching if you clear the fairway visible from the teeing ground is enjoyable. The large landing area allows for the safe player to naturally "lay up" before the green with a 40 to 60 yard pitch on. Meanwhile, the gambler may have a 200 yard (or less) shot in to the heavily bunkered green that requires extreme accuracy. Otherwise, the errant tee shot may end up lost in the trees right, and suffer the dreaded "Stroke and Distance" penalty!

If you've played either of these holes, share your story and tell us about it!

Okemo Custom Google Earth Layers

2009-06-05T15:23:00.003-04:00

A special thanks to @mikepinkowish, who made some custom google earth layers of Okemo Mountain. He passed along this site to check them out.

Thanks Mike! We love creative guests :}

Shades of Grey, fading to Green

2009-05-19T13:35:00.002-04:00

Living in Vermont in the Spring is such a confusing time of year. If you drive up into the mountains the trees are still grey and no leaves are out. But if you then drive down into the river valleys, the trees are green, the flowers are in bloom and people are mowing their yards.

As I drove north into Ludlow the other day, I had one of those, "huh, that's kinda neat" moments. In town, the grass is green and people are doing summertime stuff, but as you look up onto Okemo Mountain, the upper half of the mountain is still grey. EXCEPT that....all the trails, where the new grass is growing, are bright green. it's a really cool contrast.

I have to remember that for Vermont in May, we still have a chance of frost, like last night's temperature of 30 degrees at my house. And now today... the daytime high temp is forecast to be around 70 degrees. (that's a 40 degree temperature swing.)

So, we Vermonters have to pack a suitcase to go to work in May. In the morning it's a heavy fleece or a winter coat and by mid-afternoon it's shorts, t-shirts and flip-flops. Then by sunset, it's bug spray, a sweatshirt and jeans.

I wouldn't trade it for anything. I get to ride my bike in spectacular scenery, then head home and start up the wood stove to take off the chill in the house in the evenings. The peeper frogs are in their full glory.

And besides, it makes for great water-cooler conversation as to who's flowers and yards are in bloom and whose aren't. JSYK - I have yet to mow my whole yard. I finish it tonight.

CUL

Jackson Gore Music Series lineup announced!

2009-05-05T08:47:00.007-04:00

Summer is right around the corner. I got out and played my first round of golf yesterday at Okemo Valley Golf Club and I'm planning my summer activities (Rodeo at Pond Hill Ranch, tubing in Stockbridge, etc). One thing is for sure though - I will be at Jackson Gore every Friday night for the free concerts - the lineup of bands at this season's Jackson Gore Music Series is the best yet!

Nobody can deny it. Times are tough and people are cutting back on the luxuries in life. Well one thing is still on the up and up and still FREE - the Jackson Gore Music Series presented by Bud Light. We're glad to welcome back some of the favorites from years past and bring in some new acts to the mix, so grab your lawn chairs or blankets, and bring an appetite because the Coleman Brook Tavern BBQ is back with their mouth watering ribs, bbq chicken, and all the fixin's to go with it.

The concert series kicks off on May 29th with local favorite Gypsy Reel. It's sure to be a good night of, as they put it, Celtic music in overdrive featuring a fiddle, banjo, mandolins, guitars, stand up bass, and special guest and master percussionist Hafiz Shabazz. Next up, on Friday the 5th of June its "The Grift" - it's Vermont Rock & Roll with a bit of electric funk mixed in. This dynamic band will get you moving with original tunes and a wide range of covers from Aerosmith to the Grateful Dead. June 12th we're back to blues with The Chris Kleeman Band. This local powerhouse has brought the best blues in the Okemo Valley to the Jackson Gore Music Series each year - and "if it ain't broke don't fix it". We're welcoming back Chris and the band for the 5th year of the series.

The blues continues on the 19th with The Nobby Reed Project. Nobby has been featured on VH1, the History Channel, and MTV as well as countless radio stations around the country. This Vermont performer has an AMAZING talent and shouldn't be missed.

On the 26th of June join Mary Davis Real Estate and Jackson Gore Development in welcoming back The Vermont Symphony Orchestra. This is the only ticketed Friday night show, but you'll be sure to get a great value with world class music and a great fireworks display. Tickets for this event are on sale at Coleman Brook Tavern or online at okemo.com. For the VSO performance we ask that you please leave your 4 legged friends back at the ranch.

Local favorite Twiddle returns to Jackson Gore to kick off the holiday weekend on July 3rd. This band drew a huge crowd last year and played past anyone's expectations. When they couldn't see the guitar strings anymore they decided to play just a few more songs. The band jams to originals and covers and will send you away musically satisfied.

One of my personal favorites makes the trip up from Boston again this year to bring a reggae beat to the series. Spiritual Rez, and the 7 members that make up the band, play original reggae and funk music complete with a horn section. This is one concert not to be missed - you'll be on your feet for the entire show!

The 17th of July we welcome back Adam Payne and 2Adam12. Adam blends together Funk, R&B, Folk, and Acoustic for a totally unique sound. Last year he broke out with an "Okemo" song in the middle of the set as well! Enjoy some of his music and amazing covers from your favorite artists. Leaning a little more towards the jazz genre but keeping the funk going we bring in Sly Geralds on the 24th of July. Sharing the stage with musical giants such as Maceo Parker, Al Green, Levon Helm, Richie Havens and Bob Dylan to name a few, Sly blends elements of blues, funk, soul and rock for your listening pleasure.

Local rock band Fry Daddy joins the linup on the last day of July. The band has been performing in the Upper Valley for the past ten years. Led by singer song writer, Carlos Ocasio, the band's music is a foot stomping, heart thumping stew of originals, soul, rhythm and blues, and Latin beats. Couple that with the reggae beats of Roots of Creation on the 7th of August and you've got music that will move you! ROC, with a horn section and great beats, will be sure to have you on your feet.

We welcome back Dr. Burma on the 14th of August. Dynamic vocals, stellar musicianship, and an irresistible groove have built their reputation as one of the area's premier rhythm & blues dance bands, playing clubs, concerts, festivals and parties throughout northern New England and New York.

This year we're excited to bring The Boston Horns to the series. With a mixture of Jazz & Funk this sextet will be sure to impress. Special guest Barrence Whitfield joins The Boston Horns on the 21st with his legendary vocals. We're back to funk for the last show in August. The New Groove Orchestra is making a special trip down from their home in Montreal to funk up Jackson Gore before the summer has passed. Let Meghan Patrick tie this 10 person (yes, 10) band together with her amazing vocals - do NOT miss this show!

BONUS WEEK! - As part of the economic stimulus package put forth by President Obama, Okemo is offering a bonus week this year! September 4th we close the series out with BuzzUniverse. An original eclectic blend of rock, jazz, latin & world grooves. BuzzUniverse features smoking horns and a rock-solid rhythm section.

Check back each week for more information on the upcoming show, and I hope to see you every Friday night this summer!

Looking to economize your skiing habit?

2009-04-27T10:58:00.002-04:00

Buying a season pass now is the perfect way to lock in your expense for the 09/10 season - a "fixed expense" so to speak!

Here are a few other reasons to consider buying your pass now:

1. No price increase. Buy before this Thursday and pay this year’s rates!
2. Pays for itself. At pre-April 30th pricing, did you know our midweek pass pays for itself in just 4 visits? A Value Pass in just 8! (Remember that New Year’s resolution to ski more?)
3. No ticket windows. That’s a no brainer.
4. FREE companion tickets. With our Ultra and Peak passes you’ll get a complimentary ticket to bring a friend any day of the season.
5. Ski other mountains. Each of our passes has unique benefits, but with an Okemo pass you could enjoy privileges at Mount Sunapee, Stratton and/or Crested Butte.

Give all your options a look - maybe this is the year to make the switch to a season pass, and forget playing the daily lift ticket game.

Opening Days Announced

2009-04-15T13:29:00.003-04:00

Okemo Valley opens for the season on Friday, April 24th, with Tater Hill close behind on Friday, May 1st.

Two things worthy of mention:
First, reduced springtime greens fees will be offered through Memorial Day. And second, if you book and complete a stay & play package by June 28th - we'll throw in a free golf clinic at Okemo Valley for each member of your booking party.

See you on the links!

Thanks for the Memories

2009-04-12T15:34:00.001-04:00

It was a great ski and snowboard season! The lifts stop turning today at 4 p.m. and Okemo Valley Golf commences operations on Friday, April 24! Tee time, anyone?
Cheers!

Is it Winter or Spring?

2009-04-10T09:46:00.002-04:00

Once again, I awoke this morning to frosted grass and residual snow in my yard. It snowed a few days ago and left my house completely white for two days. Then, it warmed up to over 50 degrees and I went for a bike ride. (just short one from the Jackson Gore Inn to the Plymouth General Store and back - 18 miles)

Sometimes Spring in Vermont can be a confusing season. Today it was 26 degrees when I went downstairs and the temps are forecast for 50+. Go Figure! I can't really complain though. I love spring skiing and I also just got a new road bike, so I'm itching to get out and spin the wheels too.

Sadly, Winter will end on Sunday, April 12th here at Okemo. It was a fun time with good snow, fun trees skiing, soft spring moguls and so far 143 of continuous operation. Even when the last chair loads and the final Ski Patroller sweeps the hill, we'll still be thinking about that next run and what next winter has in store for us.

So, I'll go ride my bike, rake my yard, swim at the local swimming holes, go to the Friday night concerts at Jackson Gore and patiently (or not) wait for winter to come again in the Fall of 2009.

Only three days left, get out there and play. (yes, I'm counting today) See you on the snow.

Lift tickets just $29 tomorrow

2009-04-08T13:59:00.003-04:00

Join us for our final Skier & Rider Appreciation Day tomorrow - where everyone can ski & ride for just $29.

We're on 63 trails today and temperatures feel more like winter than Spring!

Enjoy today's photo of the day...

Splish Splash - It's a Springtime Bash!

2009-04-04T13:50:00.002-04:00

The 2008/2009 ski and snowboard season is approaching its end but we wouldn't let is slip away without our annual excuse for springtime zaniness. It's time for slushpond skimming, making a splash and cardboard box racing at Okemo. What was originally scheduled as an entire weekend of wackiness has been condensed into a single-day triathlon of tomfoolery tomorrow, April 5.

Registration for the 2nd annual Harpoon Cardboard Box Race, the Okemo Slush Cup and the Killarney Splash for Cash will take place from 8-10 a.m. in the main base lodge.

10:30 a.m. - The Harpoon Cardboard Box Race
Contestants must build a snow-sliding racing sled out of only corrugated cardboard and tape (plus decorative features) for a wild ride down the slope on the Bull Run “Cardboard Box Raceway.” Teams of three (must be 18 or older) must accompany their sleds across the finish line. Sleds will be judged in two categories: artistry and construction. Bonus points will be awarded for team costumes. There will be awards for the fastest sled and best self destruction of a sled while on course. Join Harpoon Brewery in the Sitting Bull after the race for a frosty brew and great prizes. Discounts on Harpoon drafts will be available all day long!

Noon - Okemo Slush Cup
The object in this rite of spring is to ski or snowboard down a trail and skim across an 80-foot-long slush pond without falling into it! 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.

1:30 (or 30 minutes after completion of the Slush Cup) - The Killarney Splash for Cash
Go big and get wet! Three small kickers will be built at the edge of the slush-cup pond. Contestants will get one shot to splash big. 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 dollars in their pockets!

The Joeys have Jammed

2009-04-03T07:57:00.006-04:00

It's been almost a week now since the Joey Jam at Okemo, but only 2 days since I've seen the Camaro. Our winner, a local from Ludlow, drove the car back to Okemo on Wednesday to pick up his new ski rack from Thule and to do some riding on the mountain. The car is running great and he couldn't be happier.

The event was memorable to say the least. A total of 58 competitors skied, snoboarded, monoskied, snow skated, and most of all, fell down the mountain. The tricks were amazing. The butter box moves were delightful. The costumes were unreal. The judges had their work cut out, but managed to find a winner. A Joey among Joeys. King Joey if you will. The keys were handed over and our famed Joey drove off into the sunset in his new (to him) 1992 Camaro RS.

A big thank you to all who particpated, and a shout out to those who watched and cheered. The 60 degree weather, the sunshine, the cold Sam Adams Lager just feet away, the smell of the BBQ all made the event stand out as a great day at Okemo.

Check out the video of the week at Okemo.com for a hilarious recap of the event, or head over to youtube and see what CederSports put together!

That's a lot of creamed corn and tuna!

2009-04-02T16:32:00.002-04:00

Thank you to everyone who made Okemo's April Fool Food Drive such a tremendous success!We delivered way over 4,000 cans, boxes and packages of food to the Black River Good Neighbors Food Shelf yesterday afternoon. Those good folks provide assistance to the entire Okemo Valley region. In these difficult financial times, it's good to know that the pantry is well stocked. Thank you. Cheers!

Joey Jam - TOMORROW!

2009-03-27T15:30:00.001-04:00

Wassup skias and ridas? Da slopes wuh wicked awesome out there and my board was goin’ mad fast down da hill, for realz. I hit a massive big kicker in Hawt Dawg Hill and got like fifteen or thirty feet of supah huge air over a snowmobilah and did da sickest nose grab. Then ma baby gurl came runnin’ over and wuz all like, "Joey, baby, you da best riddah on da whole mountain."

Awe yeah, the Joey Jam is on! Sign ups are form 8 – 10 a.m. in the Clock Tower Base Lodge Mezzanine and online. The action begins at 11 a.m. on Bull Run!

7 days until the Joey Jam

2009-03-21T17:05:00.002-04:00

Just a quick note before I head back outside to enjoy the bountiful sunshine gracing Okemo today (and next week according to the forecast!):

We're 7 days away from the 1st annual Joey Jam at Okemo Mountain and I've got to tell you, with all the hype the odds of wining the car are surprisingly high. If you're 18 or over and in this thing to win the car your odds are 1 in 10. I'd say that's pretty good considering it's not just some cheesy old Camaro. No, it's a 25th anniversery edition of the Camaro RS. Yep, it's got 8 cylinders of raw power. It's got bucket seats for you and that special somone. And it's got a trunk big enough for all your ski gear.

Get on over to active.com and register!

Remember - even if you pre-register you still have to check in in the base lodge, but you'll be assured a spot in the Joey Jam and possibly a spot in the history books. This thing's gonna be big.

Okemo Ticket Deals Plentiful this Spring!

2009-03-13T10:50:00.004-04:00

Plan ahead and don't pay full price.

Ladies' Day Tuesdays: March 17, 24 & 31 for $39.

VT/NH Wonderful Wednesdays: Mar 18 & 25 for $39. April 1, 8 & 15 just $29.

Thursday Skier & Rider Appreciation Days - March 19, 26th for $39. April 2, 9 & 16 for $29

Ski for FREE - no joke. Bring 3 non-perishables on April 1 and ski free.

Online Deal! Family Sunday Ticket: On select Sundays in March – a family of four can ski Okemo all day for just $198! That’s a total savings of up to $86! (Combination may include one or two adults.) Offer may not be combined with other discounts, special price days or promotions. Must be purchased online, 48 hours in advance. Available: March 15, 22 & 29th.

Online Deal! Kids Rock FREE Ticket Offer: Parents: buy a regular priced Adult lift ticket and get a ticket for your child FREE (Ages 7-18 years) valid the same day. Limited to either one Junior or one Young Adult free ticket per paying adult. Child receiving free ticket must be present. Remember that children 6 & under ski free every day with a child’s lift ticket. Offer may not be combined with other discounts, special price days or promotions. Must be purchased online, 48 hours in advance. Offer valid Monday through Friday only, March 16 through April 3, 2009.

Online Deal! BOGOHO Lift Tickets: Party of two? Perfect. Buy one regular price adult full-day lift ticket and get half-off your second adult lift ticket! Offer may not be combined with other discounts, special price days or promotions. Must be purchased online, 48 hours in advance. Offer valid Sunday through Friday (excluding Saturdays) March 15 through April 3, 2009.

Online Deal! 2-days for $99: Pre-buy your lift tickets online and get a 2-day Adult midweek rate of $99! Offer may not be combined with other discounts, special price days or promotions. Must be purchased online, 48 hours in advance. Offer valid for redemption Monday through Thursday only, from March 16 – 31, 2009. (In other words, you may redeem your two day ticket for Mon/Tues, Tues/Wed, Wed/Thurs or Thurs/Fri tickets. Last day to redeem is Monday, March 30th.)

Get ticket deals online today!

Text Deals: Finally, be sure to text 'okemo' to 67463 and don't miss out on weekly ticket deals texted directly to your phone! Standard text messaging rates apply.

A Few Really Good Reasons To Smile

2009-03-03T09:30:00.013-05:00

As I sit and write these words, Okemo Mountain has just passed last year's total snowfall -- for the entire season. That's right: as great as last year was, and as much snow as Mother Nature dumped on Okemo last winter, we have now passed that number... by March 3.

We've got seven or eight more weeks in the season, people! We've just started what is typically the snowiest season of the month! We've got sunshine and longer, warmer days and barbecue on the decks and goggle tans to come! We've got soft spring snow and lighter jackets just around the corner and we've already gotten more snow than we got all last season! Things are still looking up, is what I'm saying! Why, you can tell how excited I am by my liberal use of exclamation points! I! Can't! Wait!

Toss in the fact that next year's Okemo Season Passes go on sale this Saturday, March 7 -- at the same rates as this season's early rates -- and I'm positively giddy. In fact, I may faint, so I'm just going to sit over here quietly for a few minutes with my head down between my knees.

[Sound of OkeDokey quietly hyperventilating]

OK, I'm back. Sun, snow, super savings... pretty good stuff, eh?

In Like a Lion?

2009-03-01T16:04:00.002-05:00

A few wisps of white in an otherwise bluebird sky makes me think that the old adage, "in like a lion and out like a lamb," may not apply to the month of March this year. But wait - snow is on the way and it could start before midnight. With any luck at all, we'll be skiing and riding in six inches of powder by morning.

As far as I'm concerned, March is the best month of the year for skiing. We inevitably get a big dump of snow in the first week or so and conditions are at their best. The stronger sun means fewer layers and lunch breaks on the deck. I'm all about the goggle tan.

Don't even think about your bike or those golf clubs in the garage . For real skiers and riders, the best is yet to come! Cheers!

What did you get for your birthday?

2009-02-24T13:02:00.003-05:00

Ross Powers rides with Kelly and Michael, two lucky twins who received the special day with an Olympian after winning an eBay auction for the memorable experience. All proceeds from the auction went to benefit the Ross Powers Foundation, and Kelly and Michael had a birthday present of a lifetime. The weather was beautiful, the snow was fantastic, and these lucky ones got to spend it with Olympic Gold Medalist Ross Powers.