Saturday, March 26, 2016

Easter Weekend Update & Looking Ahead

Greetings,

Spring skiing
Easter weekend is upon us which means we are heading into the final week of skiing and riding for the 2015-16 ski season. There have been many different words to describe this past ski season but I remind everyone that it is a marathon not a sprint and we all have short memories. So while many will tell their grandchildren, “I was there during the ‘El Nino year’ at Okemo,” I am also confident that the reputation of the resort as well as everyone’s support will make next ski season even better.

We are going to be making some changes to our operations here at Okemo beginning on Monday March 28th through our closing day of Sunday April 3rd.  All skiing and riding operations will be out of the Jackson Gore Base area. The Clock Tower base area lifts and operations will not be open for the remainder of the season beginning on Monday March 28th.

The operations open in Jackson Gore will be Culinary, Rentals, First Aid, Retail and Resort Services, as well as normal hotel operations. The Ski + Ride department will be offering private lessons only.Lifts operating will be Coleman Brook Quad, Quantum Four and Sunburst Six.  Depending on the trail count and access into Jackson Gore, we may operate Solitude.

Guests will be able to ski down to the Sunburst Six. They will not be able to ski down past the Sunburst Six into the Clock Tower Base area as there will be no lift access out of that base.It is looking like we will have around 40 trails beginning next week. Signage and staff will be out in the morning to let guests know of the change. We will also post on the website, social media, etc.

Our lift ticket pricing will be adjusted again beginning on Monday March 28th as we make these changes.

I understand that this will be a change to how we have operated in the past, but it is our feeling that we can provide a skiing and riding experience using the Jackson Gore Base Area that is equal to what we have offered at the Clock Tower base area in the past. Our services are similar and many of our guests will be staying at the Jackson Gore Inn.

While we are ending winter, summer isn’t far behind!  Okemo Valley Golf Course will be opening in early April and Okemo’s Adventure Zone is scheduled to open on Memorial Day weekend. Our plan is to bring back all the same attractions as well as some great special events including the weekly Friday night concert series, July 4th activities and Hops in the Hills Beer and Wine Festival in August.  Be sure to join us some time during your summer.

Thanks again for your support and loyalty this past winter season.

Bruce Schmidt
Okemo GM