Tuesday, April 10, 2018

2017-2018: 163 Days of Skiing and Riding!






Greetings,


As Okemo passes Day 150 of the season(4/09), we continue to have winter-like weather;  it isn’t very often that morning temperatures in April are in the mid-teens! The long range weather forecast looks great for some spring skiing and with riding, with more spring-like temperatures in VT heading into the weekend.

We've been asked about how we make decisions concerning our closing date, as well as how and when we decide to consolidate operations. I can tell you that these decision are made with forethought. We look at many factors, including the long range weather forecast, snow conditions, and yearly history, as well as lodging occupancy and advanced online ticket sales. Our decision to consolidate our ski operations down to one base area was done to concentrate on a smaller footprint, while still providing an enjoyable guest experience.  Business levels do come into play, but we also try to not be wasteful, which can happen with running lifts, grooming trails, and opening up cafeterias and restaurants that will see very limited use as we head into mid-April. There have been several guests who have voiced their displeasure and while we won’t be able to please everyone, I can assure you that we think through these changes in operation diligently and look to find a compromise. It's still our goal to provide some great skiing and riding for our loyal season passholders, as well as those who may only come and visit us a few times a season.

Extending our closing date was something that was embraced by ownership as well as our management staff.  Having such great conditions on the mountain, we all felt that this was the right decision. Extending the season required some managers to adjust their schedules and cancel or move their vacation time, but we knew it was what our guests would expect from Okemo. All Okemo employees were willing to do what was necessary to keep skiing & riding until April 22nd

Thanks for your support this past season ... I can’t thank you enough for skiing and riding with us. A 163 day season is a good one. There were no doubt some weather challenges in December & January. In February it felt like the season would end early, but March roared in and was one of the better months on record. 

Okemo prides itself on being a family for both our employees, as well as for all those guests who spend their time with us. We are truly humbled by and appreciative of the days you spend with us and for the confidence you have in our skiing operation, our lodging and all the other departments that make up this great resort. Skiing will continue for a while longer and while not all the trails, lifts, lodges or buses will be open or operating, we will continue to run some lifts, groom lots of trail and keep restrooms open in the Summit Lodge.

Golf will be opening in late April and the Adventure Zone on Memorial Day. Mountain Biking will soon follow!

Bruce Schmidt
Vice-President & General Manager
Okemo Mountain Resort