Shades of Grey, fading to Green

Living in Vermont in the Spring is such a confusing time of year. If you drive up into the mountains the trees are still grey and no leaves are out. But if you then drive down into the river valleys, the trees are green, the flowers are in bloom and people are mowing their yards.

As I drove north into Ludlow the other day, I had one of those, "huh, that's kinda neat" moments. In town, the grass is green and people are doing summertime stuff, but as you look up onto Okemo Mountain, the upper half of the mountain is still grey. EXCEPT that....all the trails, where the new grass is growing, are bright green. it's a really cool contrast.

I have to remember that for Vermont in May, we still have a chance of frost, like last night's temperature of 30 degrees at my house. And now today... the daytime high temp is forecast to be around 70 degrees. (that's a 40 degree temperature swing.)

So, we Vermonters have to pack a suitcase to go to work in May. In the morning it's a heavy fleece or a winter coat and by mid-afternoon it's shorts, t-shirts and flip-flops. Then by sunset, it's bug spray, a sweatshirt and jeans.

I wouldn't trade it for anything. I get to ride my bike in spectacular scenery, then head home and start up the wood stove to take off the chill in the house in the evenings. The peeper frogs are in their full glory.

And besides, it makes for great water-cooler conversation as to who's flowers and yards are in bloom and whose aren't. JSYK - I have yet to mow my whole yard. I finish it tonight.

CUL

Jackson Gore Music Series lineup announced!

Summer is right around the corner. I got out and played my first round of golf yesterday at Okemo Valley Golf Club and I'm planning my summer activities (Rodeo at Pond Hill Ranch, tubing in Stockbridge, etc). One thing is for sure though - I will be at Jackson Gore every Friday night for the free concerts - the lineup of bands at this season's Jackson Gore Music Series is the best yet!



Nobody can deny it. Times are tough and people are cutting back on the luxuries in life. Well one thing is still on the up and up and still FREE - the Jackson Gore Music Series presented by Bud Light. We're glad to welcome back some of the favorites from years past and bring in some new acts to the mix, so grab your lawn chairs or blankets, and bring an appetite because the Coleman Brook Tavern BBQ is back with their mouth watering ribs, bbq chicken, and all the fixin's to go with it.

The concert series kicks off on May 29th with local favorite Gypsy Reel. It's sure to be a good night of, as they put it, Celtic music in overdrive featuring a fiddle, banjo, mandolins, guitars, stand up bass, and special guest and master percussionist Hafiz Shabazz. Next up, on Friday the 5th of June its "The Grift" - it's Vermont Rock & Roll with a bit of electric funk mixed in. This dynamic band will get you moving with original tunes and a wide range of covers from Aerosmith to the Grateful Dead. June 12th we're back to blues with The Chris Kleeman Band. This local powerhouse has brought the best blues in the Okemo Valley to the Jackson Gore Music Series each year - and "if it ain't broke don't fix it". We're welcoming back Chris and the band for the 5th year of the series.

The blues continues on the 19th with The Nobby Reed Project. Nobby has been featured on VH1, the History Channel, and MTV as well as countless radio stations around the country. This Vermont performer has an AMAZING talent and shouldn't be missed.

On the 26th of June join Mary Davis Real Estate and Jackson Gore Development in welcoming back The Vermont Symphony Orchestra. This is the only ticketed Friday night show, but you'll be sure to get a great value with world class music and a great fireworks display. Tickets for this event are on sale at Coleman Brook Tavern or online at okemo.com. For the VSO performance we ask that you please leave your 4 legged friends back at the ranch.

Local favorite Twiddle returns to Jackson Gore to kick off the holiday weekend on July 3rd. This band drew a huge crowd last year and played past anyone's expectations. When they couldn't see the guitar strings anymore they decided to play just a few more songs. The band jams to originals and covers and will send you away musically satisfied.

One of my personal favorites makes the trip up from Boston again this year to bring a reggae beat to the series. Spiritual Rez, and the 7 members that make up the band, play original reggae and funk music complete with a horn section. This is one concert not to be missed - you'll be on your feet for the entire show!

The 17th of July we welcome back Adam Payne and 2Adam12. Adam blends together Funk, R&B, Folk, and Acoustic for a totally unique sound. Last year he broke out with an "Okemo" song in the middle of the set as well! Enjoy some of his music and amazing covers from your favorite artists. Leaning a little more towards the jazz genre but keeping the funk going we bring in Sly Geralds on the 24th of July. Sharing the stage with musical giants such as Maceo Parker, Al Green, Levon Helm, Richie Havens and Bob Dylan to name a few, Sly blends elements of blues, funk, soul and rock for your listening pleasure.

Local rock band Fry Daddy joins the linup on the last day of July. The band has been performing in the Upper Valley for the past ten years. Led by singer song writer, Carlos Ocasio, the band's music is a foot stomping, heart thumping stew of originals, soul, rhythm and blues, and Latin beats. Couple that with the reggae beats of Roots of Creation on the 7th of August and you've got music that will move you! ROC, with a horn section and great beats, will be sure to have you on your feet.

We welcome back Dr. Burma on the 14th of August. Dynamic vocals, stellar musicianship, and an irresistible groove have built their reputation as one of the area's premier rhythm & blues dance bands, playing clubs, concerts, festivals and parties throughout northern New England and New York.

This year we're excited to bring The Boston Horns to the series. With a mixture of Jazz & Funk this sextet will be sure to impress. Special guest Barrence Whitfield joins The Boston Horns on the 21st with his legendary vocals. We're back to funk for the last show in August. The New Groove Orchestra is making a special trip down from their home in Montreal to funk up Jackson Gore before the summer has passed. Let Meghan Patrick tie this 10 person (yes, 10) band together with her amazing vocals - do NOT miss this show!

BONUS WEEK! - As part of the economic stimulus package put forth by President Obama, Okemo is offering a bonus week this year! September 4th we close the series out with BuzzUniverse. An original eclectic blend of rock, jazz, latin & world grooves. BuzzUniverse features smoking horns and a rock-solid rhythm section.

Check back each week for more information on the upcoming show, and I hope to see you every Friday night this summer!

Looking to economize your skiing habit?

Buying a season pass now is the perfect way to lock in your expense for the 09/10 season - a "fixed expense" so to speak!

Here are a few other reasons to consider buying your pass now:

1. No price increase. Buy before this Thursday and pay this year’s rates!
2. Pays for itself. At pre-April 30th pricing, did you know our midweek pass pays for itself in just 4 visits? A Value Pass in just 8! (Remember that New Year’s resolution to ski more?)
3. No ticket windows. That’s a no brainer.
4. FREE companion tickets. With our Ultra and Peak passes you’ll get a complimentary ticket to bring a friend any day of the season.
5. Ski other mountains. Each of our passes has unique benefits, but with an Okemo pass you could enjoy privileges at Mount Sunapee, Stratton and/or Crested Butte.

Give all your options a look - maybe this is the year to make the switch to a season pass, and forget playing the daily lift ticket game.

Opening Days Announced

Okemo Valley opens for the season on Friday, April 24th, with Tater Hill close behind on Friday, May 1st.

Two things worthy of mention:
First, reduced springtime greens fees will be offered through Memorial Day. And second, if you book and complete a stay & play package by June 28th - we'll throw in a free golf clinic at Okemo Valley for each member of your booking party.

See you on the links!

Thanks for the Memories

It was a great ski and snowboard season! The lifts stop turning today at 4 p.m. and Okemo Valley Golf commences operations on Friday, April 24! Tee time, anyone?
Cheers!

Is it Winter or Spring?

Once again, I awoke this morning to frosted grass and residual snow in my yard. It snowed a few days ago and left my house completely white for two days. Then, it warmed up to over 50 degrees and I went for a bike ride. (just short one from the Jackson Gore Inn to the Plymouth General Store and back - 18 miles)

Sometimes Spring in Vermont can be a confusing season. Today it was 26 degrees when I went downstairs and the temps are forecast for 50+. Go Figure! I can't really complain though. I love spring skiing and I also just got a new road bike, so I'm itching to get out and spin the wheels too.

Sadly, Winter will end on Sunday, April 12th here at Okemo. It was a fun time with good snow, fun trees skiing, soft spring moguls and so far 143 of continuous operation. Even when the last chair loads and the final Ski Patroller sweeps the hill, we'll still be thinking about that next run and what next winter has in store for us.

So, I'll go ride my bike, rake my yard, swim at the local swimming holes, go to the Friday night concerts at Jackson Gore and patiently (or not) wait for winter to come again in the Fall of 2009.

Only three days left, get out there and play. (yes, I'm counting today) See you on the snow.

Lift tickets just $29 tomorrow

Join us for our final Skier & Rider Appreciation Day tomorrow - where everyone can ski & ride for just $29.

We're on 63 trails today and temperatures feel more like winter than Spring!

Enjoy today's photo of the day...