Greetings,
We are experiencing some Vermont
November weather when it isn’t quite cold enough for snow and it stays
overcast, foggy and a little dreary. The
good news is that this is only temporary and colder weather is right around the
corner. Okemo is experiencing one of the
better starts to the ski season we have had in a long time. Research has shown
me that this is the first year, A.R.S (After real snowmaking), that we have skied
top to bottom on opening day. Before
snowmaking the resort did not open until there was skiing top to bottom! I have
not spoken to one person who has missed the shuttle bus ride, except our
shuttle drivers. Okemo staff worked
hard to have a great opening day, there were a few bumps, but my goal was to
not be skewered by the SF and we almost met our goal, but not quite.
So where are we headed once the
fog clears? Snowmaking temps look to
return early this coming weekend. The
plan is to head towards the Solitude area.
Work will begin on the Lower half of Sapphire, Village Run, Heaven’s
Gate, Screamin Demon & Sunburst. The
snowmakers will also work at doing sections of Mountain Road. This is being
done so as we head towards Jackson Gore in 10 days or so, we have a way out of
the Gore. If the temperatures hold, the
plan will be to work on Southern Crossing and into the Jackson Gore Base
area. We can make snow in the JG base area,
but cannot begin making snow above the upper railroad bridge as that property
is owned by the State of VT and there is no snowmaking allowed until 12/1 due
to bear migration.
In talking to Eb, our Director
of Mountain Operations, we will be working on moving the rails and features off
of Sapphire and onto Nor’easter trail during the next few days. It may take
some time, but should be done before Thanksgiving. I would anticipate having 30 or more trails
and 7 lifts for the Thanksgiving holiday.
This coming weekend we will be
skiing 18 trails and 4 lifts. Instead of operating the Green Ridge Triple, we
will be operating the Glades Peak Quad to give skier and riders an opportunity
to round trip Defiance and Upper World Cup if they would like.
Thanks for reading and enjoy the
snow either on your skis or board!
Bruce Schmidt
Okemo GM
