Three words:
Totally sick pow
Last night snow fell (after midnight), dropping the first 10" of fresh pow on March 1. I woke up this morning with a HUGE smile on my face and came to 'work' with my ski pants already on.
Let me put it to you like this. This morning was absolutely as good as it gets. First chair at South Face and it was fresh tracks everywhere. The woods were amazing. It's so deep in there that you can literally go anywhere you want. I went into a stream bed. That was probably not the best decision as I found myself buried in waist high powder with no way out. Okay, but the rest of the glades are amazing. You're just floating through the best snow we've seen all year. The grooming machines were out this morning, and it some places knocked down the powder into the worlds best corduroy. The whole mountain is, in one word, epic.
If you're not here enjoying the best winter we've seen in years, get in your car NOW and head for Okemo. More snow expected next week so the fun isn't going to end anytime soon!
Back to the pow pow.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Friday, February 29, 2008
A New February Record*?
Geez, it seems like four years since we last had a February 29th with snow this good.
Get it? 'Cause it's a leap year? And there's only one February 29 every four years, anyway? Get it? Get it? OK, it's early.
We've got ANOTHER big storm moving in here tonight, and as I type these words, we're looking at another six to nine inches of snow on top of the three and a half feet we've already gotten this February. How big a deal is that? Consider this: last year's February was the snowiest February we'd seen here in a decade... and we're on the verge of beating even THAT number.
(Oh, it just makes my inner Weather Channel geek heart go all a-flutter!)
So here's my question: if we surpass last year's total, can we still count it as a new record? Or will the extra day skew the results? Will we have to put an asterisk next to it, like every Cy Young award Roger Clemens won after 1998? Or do we get extra credit for posting, ahem, legitimate ski resort snowfall results in the first place?
(See, these are the kinds of things that actually keep me up at night. Maybe I should make sure my carbon monoxide detectors are working properly...)
Ah, well. I guess it really doesn't matter, since the end result still means a whole heckuva lotta snow on the mountain, right?
OkeDokey
Get it? 'Cause it's a leap year? And there's only one February 29 every four years, anyway? Get it? Get it? OK, it's early.
We've got ANOTHER big storm moving in here tonight, and as I type these words, we're looking at another six to nine inches of snow on top of the three and a half feet we've already gotten this February. How big a deal is that? Consider this: last year's February was the snowiest February we'd seen here in a decade... and we're on the verge of beating even THAT number.
(Oh, it just makes my inner Weather Channel geek heart go all a-flutter!)
So here's my question: if we surpass last year's total, can we still count it as a new record? Or will the extra day skew the results? Will we have to put an asterisk next to it, like every Cy Young award Roger Clemens won after 1998? Or do we get extra credit for posting, ahem, legitimate ski resort snowfall results in the first place?
(See, these are the kinds of things that actually keep me up at night. Maybe I should make sure my carbon monoxide detectors are working properly...)
Ah, well. I guess it really doesn't matter, since the end result still means a whole heckuva lotta snow on the mountain, right?
OkeDokey
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
08/09 Season Pass Sales
Next year's passes go on sale this Saturday, March 1st. Stay tuned to our season pass page for details and early bird pricing you don't want to miss!
Sunday, February 24, 2008
As Fernando used to say
It is better to look good, than to feel good, and you...you look mahvelous. No, I'm not looking in the mirror..ha-ha. I'm talking about the view of Okemo when you drive up Rte 103 in the morning...what a gorgeous view in the sun, with no wind and white, white, white...everywhere.
If you are still hemming and hawing over whether to come to the hill and go sliding on the snow (ski, snowboard or telemark)...stop it.....the mountain's in great shape. I was on the snow during this past holiday week, and because there was so much terrain available, you couldn't tell it was a huge week for the number of guests who came and enjoyed their holiday.
Do you have this week off, from work and school? YES! Well, what are you waiting for? Come on up, over or down. and come play on the snow. as a New Englander, I can tell you it's been wicked decent.
Did any of you get some of that free maple cotton candy last week? That stuff rocked! I have a backyard sugaring "operation" (if you can call it that) and it makes about 1-2 gallons from the 10 trees that I tap. it's fun to do, but requires patience, because you are literally watching water boil. If you come to Okemo in March, look around the valley for Maple Sugaring operations....with all the hoses connecting the trees. It makes some yummy stuff.
See you on the snow. We're due for more this week!
If you are still hemming and hawing over whether to come to the hill and go sliding on the snow (ski, snowboard or telemark)...stop it.....the mountain's in great shape. I was on the snow during this past holiday week, and because there was so much terrain available, you couldn't tell it was a huge week for the number of guests who came and enjoyed their holiday.
Do you have this week off, from work and school? YES! Well, what are you waiting for? Come on up, over or down. and come play on the snow. as a New Englander, I can tell you it's been wicked decent.
Did any of you get some of that free maple cotton candy last week? That stuff rocked! I have a backyard sugaring "operation" (if you can call it that) and it makes about 1-2 gallons from the 10 trees that I tap. it's fun to do, but requires patience, because you are literally watching water boil. If you come to Okemo in March, look around the valley for Maple Sugaring operations....with all the hoses connecting the trees. It makes some yummy stuff.
See you on the snow. We're due for more this week!
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Park n Pipe Artists
It's funny how our world has changed from face to face meetings to phone, internet and video conferences. Doesn't anyone like that personal touch anymore? Sure it saves time and money, but it's obviously easier to disagree with people when you can hide behind a computer or phone. Yes, work is still getting done, but constructive criticism is better taken when face to face. All this said, I'm hangin with my man Ross Powers today and we were discussing the Terrain Parks here at Okemo. We've ripped many a mountain and both were in agreeance that our Parks and Pipe crew is killer. These guys are out there everyday (no matter the conditions) maintaining their works of art. Not many people know that these artists sweep thru the parks a couple times a day manicuring each feature to their high specifications. Ross and I were quite impressed with the meticulous dedication to their canvas. You don't get ranked 4th in the COUNTRY and 2nd in the EAST sitting around on your butt so, if you have any suggestions just ask them - don't hide behind your computer - they're human, I swear.
GravityHound
GravityHound
Spring is a Many-Splendored Thing
It's hard to believe, but as I type these words, we are currently enjoying Day 97 of Okemo's winter season. 97 days! Giuliani's presidential campaign didn't last that long! Since we plan to stay open at least through mid-April, that means we've got -- wait, gimme a minute, I can figure this out -- carry the three, subtract the remainder, amortize the cosine... uh... 87 days left in the season! Or twelve days! I don't really know... I wasn't a math major.
Look, my point is that we've still got a lot of season ahead of us, including my favorite time of the season: Spring. (Yeah, I know, "Spring" doesn't officially start until March 20... humor me here, folks. I work at a ski resort in Vermont. Up here, we have three seasons: Winter, Mud Season, and July.) Don't get me wrong... I love the entire winter season, which is a good thing, as I am a ski resort employee and would be a pretty miserable person if winter wasn't really, you know, my bag. But I LOVE Spring.
How MUCH do I love Spring? Let me count the ways... one, two, three, four... twelve... seventeen... pi... hey, I told you I wasn't a math major. OK, lemme list just a few:
1. Warmer temperatures. As the Earth continues its course of approach back toward the sun, a strange thing happens... the mercury on the thermometer begins to rise. (Kids, ask your parents what a "mercury thermometer" is.) The sun comes out a bit more up here in the Hinterlands. The sky begins to acquire a strange shade of what non-Vermonters have informed us is the color "blue". People start wearing fewer clothes. (Two words for ya, folks... "abdominal crunches". Seriously. Start now.) The smell of barbecue begins to waft through the air as Smokey Jo's opens for weekend business. (Uh -- maybe crunches AND an occasional jog wouldn't be a bad idea.) Vegetarians bring their own hummus-filled pita sandwiches instead. It's all good, people!
2. Softer snow. I love Spring snow... hero snow... whatever you want to call it. It's an entirely different sliding experience, and anyone who's never skied Spring snow owes it to themselves to give it a shot. It's a great time to learn, too.
3. Did I mention the fewer clothes? Man, there's nothing like skiing down a still-heavily-blanketed trail wearing nothing but ski pants and a long-sleeve shirt. And a helmet, of course. Just open the vents. It'll be just like having the wind rush through your hair, unless you no longer have any hair, in which case, you can enjoy the wind rushing past your scalp.
4. Spring events. Come springtime, it seems like Okemo loses its collective mind just a little -- seventeen straight months of winter will do that to a person -- and Okemo the Friendly Family Mountain starts hosting, well, some pretty weird events. Check the calendar if you don't believe me.
Heck, I'm getting ahead of myself, here. It's still February. We're still in the middle of what has turned out to be an terrific season. But March, April, and Spring skiing and riding is just around the corner. Personally, I can't wait.
I'm outta here. I gotta go do me some crunches...
OkeDokey
Look, my point is that we've still got a lot of season ahead of us, including my favorite time of the season: Spring. (Yeah, I know, "Spring" doesn't officially start until March 20... humor me here, folks. I work at a ski resort in Vermont. Up here, we have three seasons: Winter, Mud Season, and July.) Don't get me wrong... I love the entire winter season, which is a good thing, as I am a ski resort employee and would be a pretty miserable person if winter wasn't really, you know, my bag. But I LOVE Spring.
How MUCH do I love Spring? Let me count the ways... one, two, three, four... twelve... seventeen... pi... hey, I told you I wasn't a math major. OK, lemme list just a few:
1. Warmer temperatures. As the Earth continues its course of approach back toward the sun, a strange thing happens... the mercury on the thermometer begins to rise. (Kids, ask your parents what a "mercury thermometer" is.) The sun comes out a bit more up here in the Hinterlands. The sky begins to acquire a strange shade of what non-Vermonters have informed us is the color "blue". People start wearing fewer clothes. (Two words for ya, folks... "abdominal crunches". Seriously. Start now.) The smell of barbecue begins to waft through the air as Smokey Jo's opens for weekend business. (Uh -- maybe crunches AND an occasional jog wouldn't be a bad idea.) Vegetarians bring their own hummus-filled pita sandwiches instead. It's all good, people!
2. Softer snow. I love Spring snow... hero snow... whatever you want to call it. It's an entirely different sliding experience, and anyone who's never skied Spring snow owes it to themselves to give it a shot. It's a great time to learn, too.
3. Did I mention the fewer clothes? Man, there's nothing like skiing down a still-heavily-blanketed trail wearing nothing but ski pants and a long-sleeve shirt. And a helmet, of course. Just open the vents. It'll be just like having the wind rush through your hair, unless you no longer have any hair, in which case, you can enjoy the wind rushing past your scalp.
4. Spring events. Come springtime, it seems like Okemo loses its collective mind just a little -- seventeen straight months of winter will do that to a person -- and Okemo the Friendly Family Mountain starts hosting, well, some pretty weird events. Check the calendar if you don't believe me.
Heck, I'm getting ahead of myself, here. It's still February. We're still in the middle of what has turned out to be an terrific season. But March, April, and Spring skiing and riding is just around the corner. Personally, I can't wait.
I'm outta here. I gotta go do me some crunches...
OkeDokey
Sunday, February 17, 2008
It's A Busy Day - Top 10 Don'ts
TOP 10 THINGS YOU DON’T WANT TO DO ON A BUSY DAY...
Here’s some helpful hints from someone who’s a frequent visitor to Okemo for nearly 15 years. Okemo does have some busy days (like today), but the trail layout and the lift system are designed to handle it. Pay attention and a busy day can be just as fun and rewarding as any other.
1. DON'T plan to arrive at the mountain between 9 and 10 AM on a Saturday, Sunday or during a holiday week. Try to come early, even if one person from the family or group becomes the organizer to buy lift tickets, and escort the family through the rental shop.
2. DON'T start your day without a plan. You’ll make the most of your day on Okemo if everyone has some idea of what’s happening when, who’s skiing with whom, where everyone’s meeting for lunch, etc.
3. DON'T ski like you own the mountain. You may be very familiar with the terrain and the flow of Okemo, but others may be visiting for the first time. Think about your first visit here, or to another mountain… it can be a little unnerving until you figure out a ski resort’s unique code. Help out the first time visitor. Share a little insider knowledge with them and above all, be patient!
4. DON'T wait until morning to get your rental gear. The Okemo Express Rental Shop is open with very convenient hours. You can rent skis/snowboards for the next day beginning at 3:00 PM. The Shop is also open until 10:00 PM on Friday nights through February. Most ski/snowboard rental shops in Ludlow and throughout the Okemo Valley have nighttime hours too.
5. DON'T ski the main lifts all the time. Okemo’s lift system is designed to balance skier/rider flow with fixed-grip lifts in between hi-speed lifts. For example, on a holiday it might be more efficient for you to ride the F-10 Carpet to the Sachem Quad to the Glades Peak Quad to access Okemo’s summit. While these lifts might run more slowly, you’ll be accessing trails with less-traffic.
6. DON'T zone out. Pay attention and anticipate when trail traffic is busy. Don’t assume the skier or snowboarder near you knows you’re there. Ski or ride conservatively, almost defensively as if you are invisible.
7. DON'T forget to use a Trail Map. This helpful guide can be a tremendous resource in planning alternate routes, scheduling family meeting places, or deciding where to have lunch. And Okemo sure has enough great places to eat!
8. DON'T forget to visit Okemo.com before your visit and keep regular tabs on the snow report and Steals & Deals so you maximize your enjoyment and the value of your stay.
9. DON'T venture into Okemo’s parks or SoBe Superpipe unless you are experienced enough to be in there. (If you are not, you should take a parks & pipes lesson.) Don’t stop in the landing area of park features. You will not be visible from above to the skiers or riders on course and you could be responsible for a collision. Head’s up!
10. DON'T assume anything… don’t assume others on the same trail can avoid you. In fact ski or ride as if you are the only one on that trail who’s in control. Take this approach, ski/ride defensively, use your head, and ski smart!
Take it easy. Know The Code…. Be Safe!
Here’s some helpful hints from someone who’s a frequent visitor to Okemo for nearly 15 years. Okemo does have some busy days (like today), but the trail layout and the lift system are designed to handle it. Pay attention and a busy day can be just as fun and rewarding as any other.
1. DON'T plan to arrive at the mountain between 9 and 10 AM on a Saturday, Sunday or during a holiday week. Try to come early, even if one person from the family or group becomes the organizer to buy lift tickets, and escort the family through the rental shop.
2. DON'T start your day without a plan. You’ll make the most of your day on Okemo if everyone has some idea of what’s happening when, who’s skiing with whom, where everyone’s meeting for lunch, etc.
3. DON'T ski like you own the mountain. You may be very familiar with the terrain and the flow of Okemo, but others may be visiting for the first time. Think about your first visit here, or to another mountain… it can be a little unnerving until you figure out a ski resort’s unique code. Help out the first time visitor. Share a little insider knowledge with them and above all, be patient!
4. DON'T wait until morning to get your rental gear. The Okemo Express Rental Shop is open with very convenient hours. You can rent skis/snowboards for the next day beginning at 3:00 PM. The Shop is also open until 10:00 PM on Friday nights through February. Most ski/snowboard rental shops in Ludlow and throughout the Okemo Valley have nighttime hours too.
5. DON'T ski the main lifts all the time. Okemo’s lift system is designed to balance skier/rider flow with fixed-grip lifts in between hi-speed lifts. For example, on a holiday it might be more efficient for you to ride the F-10 Carpet to the Sachem Quad to the Glades Peak Quad to access Okemo’s summit. While these lifts might run more slowly, you’ll be accessing trails with less-traffic.
6. DON'T zone out. Pay attention and anticipate when trail traffic is busy. Don’t assume the skier or snowboarder near you knows you’re there. Ski or ride conservatively, almost defensively as if you are invisible.
7. DON'T forget to use a Trail Map. This helpful guide can be a tremendous resource in planning alternate routes, scheduling family meeting places, or deciding where to have lunch. And Okemo sure has enough great places to eat!
8. DON'T forget to visit Okemo.com before your visit and keep regular tabs on the snow report and Steals & Deals so you maximize your enjoyment and the value of your stay.
9. DON'T venture into Okemo’s parks or SoBe Superpipe unless you are experienced enough to be in there. (If you are not, you should take a parks & pipes lesson.) Don’t stop in the landing area of park features. You will not be visible from above to the skiers or riders on course and you could be responsible for a collision. Head’s up!
10. DON'T assume anything… don’t assume others on the same trail can avoid you. In fact ski or ride as if you are the only one on that trail who’s in control. Take this approach, ski/ride defensively, use your head, and ski smart!
Take it easy. Know The Code…. Be Safe!
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