It's Swing Time!

The winter clothes are sealed up and packed away. And with each tub of sweaters, scarves and turtlenecks that went down into the basement, an equal number of clothing tubs and summertime toys came up. The back of my Jeep looks like I'm ready to set up a sports-themed flea market at a moment's notice: mountain bike, tennis racquet, court shoes, golf clubs, golf shoes and visor, hiking boots, dog leashes, water bottles ... and who knows what's hiding under the seats?

I think this is going to be the swing-sports summer for me, though. I took tennis lessons all winter and I think my tennis swing has me ready to take on some contenders. (Thanks, Bob - and West River Tennis - you are the master!) Last summer's thumb surgery cost me my golf game, so I was pleasantly surprised when my trip to the driving range this week was rewarded with golf swings that landed most shots on the target greens. I also tried a friend's No. 4 hybrid and now I gotta get me one of those!

Instruction is a specialty of Okemo Valley Golf Club's Head Golf Professional Michael Santa Maria. This is the summer I'm going to take my golf game to a new level ... with the help of Mike and that new hybrid. Mike's arrival last summer marked a new direction for golf instruction at Okemo Valley. The most noticeable is an "a la carte" approach to daily three-hour clinics being offered. Each day, students will be instructed on full-swing fundamentals and will be able to choose from a variety of topics they would like to work on, ranging from short game techniques to shot-making to course management and everything in between. This new “a la carte” approach to OVGC's learning program provides students with the opportunity to reserve their programs by the day or multiple days - whatever works best for their individual schedules.

New this year is Mike's introduction of a weekly women's clinic and a junior clinic, as well as a junior golf camp. More information is available online.

So, whether you find me on the court or the course, this year I'll be the one with the great swing. Cheers!

What's Up?

Greetings,

The leaves are starting to come out and stick season is behind us. Many departments have been working hard cleaning up from the winter be it either inside or outside. Spring-cleaning takes on a completely new meaning after the winter season.

Many of you are probably wondering what is going to be happening around the mountain this summer. I am here to tell you we are planning many projects. The capital budget will be in excess of $1.2 million with many of the enhancements directly affecting our resort guests both summer and winter. Now while these have been approved, there is still the “subject to change” clause depending on permits, cost estimates as well as timing during the summer.

There will be two new ski trails in Jackson Gore. These trails were laid out during the initial Jackson Gore construction, but never fully completed. The Mountain Operations staff has begun clearing the trails and will have them ready for the winter ski season.
Adding a loading and unloading carpet to one of the South Ridge Quad Chairlift. This will help with the loading and unloading for our newer skiers.
New HKD snowguns to be added to some of the snowmaking trails
Remodeling of the ski shop cashier locations. There will be a cashier island located near the front door to make for a smoother cashing out experience.
Adding some kitchen equipment and hood space to allow more culinary options in the Coleman Brook Tavern.
Addition of almost $150,000 in ski & snowboard rental equipment to our existing rental fleet.
Addition of new Nordic rental equipment to the rental fleet.
Add sprinkler fire suppression system to the Icehouse so it can be used for concert events.
Miscellaneous other items in many departments.

So look for these projects beginning around the mountain.

Bruce Schmidt
Vice-President & General Manager

Yet Another Sign of Spring

Sure there are buds on the trees, the golf courses are open, as is Willie's, but the surest sign of spring occurs (appropriately) at the Spring House at Jackson Gore where we hosted our first water aerobics class of the summer of 2008. Why does this simple form of exercise signify spring you ask- most of the swimmers have recently returned from warmer climates where they spend the winters...some call them snowbirds. And you can be sure that they don't return until spring has sprung!

Today we swam with 9 happy locals and we're always looking to add to our flock! Every Tuesday and Thursday from 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM we'll workout in the water. Coincidentally, Tuesdays and Thursdays are also Senior Days- a Spring House day pass for those 65 years young and up is only $3 plus tax and water aerobics is included!

Stop on by the Spring House and start getting your body ready for summer!

Changing of Seasons

Wow, things are really starting to green up around the resort. Yes, there is still a bit of snow on the mountain (it is amazing how much there really was!) but the golf courses at Okemo Valley and Tater Hill are both open for business!

I'm also excited that my favorite summertime restaurant is back open for business as of Friday. Willie Dunn's Grille at the Okemo Valley Golf Course is the perfect escape from the office on a warm day. You can sit out on the patio and enjoy a great view of the 18th hole, and the food is always amazing. My favorite? The Mulligan - a pannini style sandwich with roasted turkey, melted provolone cheese and pesto. It is awesome. In fact, I'm headed there today for my first lunch of the season!

It's like a ghost town around here....

Jeez, Louise! You turn off a few lifts and people stop going skiing and snowboarding. You'd think it's summertime already. Well, now that you mention it, it is 65 degrees outside...and sunny.

Despite the lack of people this week, did you see the press release the mountain put out?....regarding skier days this winter?...huge, huge, huge. Thanks to Mother Nature and dedicated Okemo fans (like yourself), the mountain had an awesome winter. We even beat our own record from back in 2002-2003. big, big, big!

So instead of reminiscing about what has been, get out there and do your part to reduce (or even reverse) global warming, so that winter 2008-2009 will be just as good or even better than 2007-2008. And remember to do your snow dance at least once a week. You can never start too early for next season.

BTW: I walked up around the base lodge yesterday, and they've already plowed the Mountain Road...wonder if I can get to the top yet? hmmmm.....

Have a good one!

Spring...Right into Summer

Another bluebird day and temps in the 70's. What a way to end a great winter. I hope you were able to get out and enjoy the last few days on the snow at Okemo.

I was out this week and discovered a little gem known as Solitude. The trails at Solitude were groomed everyday this week, but the lift is closed for the season...so you had to ski out and go down to the base of Jackson Gore. But let me tell you, the spring corduroy was sweeeet! I had so much fun. I will admit, if I had been on my snowboard, the flat parts would have been less than pleasant (maybe even downright crappy). But otherwise the snow was tons of fun.

Sadly, it is Sunday April 20th, which means no more skiing at Okemo after today....for winter 07/08. Then we have to wait another 210 days (my guess) until the lifts turn again.

Have a fun summer and keep stopping by the blog, to see what we're up to.

Now I have to go outside and enjoy a nice afternoon on the Okemo Beach and have fun at a BBQ.

See you on the snow!

-Dex

Who is the King of Spring?

Okemo has the most terrain and trails open, or “most Spring Skiing in Vermont” (as verified by amount of skiable acres reported on SnoCountry.com, and by the Ski Vermont snow report email). What are you waiting for?

Cheers!