The Big Question - When are you making snow?

Greetings,

It is that time when we all get a little more aware that the seasons are changing. The angle of the sun is lower, there is more wind and the days are shorter.  So that must mean skiing at Okemo won’t be too far away!  I can tell you that things are in heavy duty prep mode all around the resort.  The forecast for the next 10 days looks to be true fall like.  Temperatures in the 40’s and 50’s, frosty at night and some dips into the high 20’s at times.

                                            Okemo Summit 10/24/2013 - 7:45am

The big question I get this time of the year is when will Okemo begin snowmaking?  The question is never easy to answer with certainty, as there are so many variables.  What I can tell you is that we are watching both the short term and long term weather forecast and how the patterns are potentially going to play out.  Our target date for snowmaking is sometime next week.  There looks like a few cold nights early next week, and then some moderation with colder temperatures retuning the first week of November.  Okemo is planning on firing up the guns heading into November and this may be towards the end of next week.

As we talk about snow guns, the new HKD SV-10’s are in place and about ready to be turned on.  Work is finishing up in the snowmaking pump stations as is getting all the hoses on the guns and testing some repaired water lines.  Other projects finishing up are the new seats on the Green Ridge Triple, Load test on the Northstar is done, Squeels on Wheels barbecue has been moved to the base of the South Face Quad, Lifts and carpets tested and state approved, Rental shop carpet replaced, painting done and new skis and boards unboxed and bindings set, snow plows put on the trucks, groomer tracks put back on, and the snow tubing tubes have been checked for leaks!!  Those are just a smattering of the work that is going on.

Stay in touch with the Okemo Facebook page and web site for the most up to date news on snowmaking operations and the Blog will now be updated more often to keep you informed!!

Thanks for reading and we can’t wait to begin skiing and riding with you all!

Bruce Schmidt

Okemo GM

Barry Tucker - VP of Mountain Operations. After 32 Years we say Thank you.....

Greetings,

On Friday August 30^th, Barry Tucker will drive down the mountain one last time as an Okemo employee. Barry has worked at Okemo since February of 1982.  Being the humble man he is, he would always tell you that what was accomplished with him as the Mountain Manager and VP of Mountain Operations was because of the team. There is no doubt that is true. Barry always surrounded himself with good employees.  He always told me it is good to surround yourself with others who are smarter than you so they can do what you might not be able to.  Even though Barry always preached team, there is no doubt that the team would have never been as successful without the leadership he provided.  He knew when to lead in the front, but he also knew when to lead from behind and mentor and teach those around him.

There will be many memories shared, stories retold and all and all reminiscing about the years that Barry has been at the helm at Okemo.  He has only had two job titles at Okemo, Mountain Manager and Vice-President of Mountain Operations. To be honest, he would have been happy with no title.  Barry was never one to stand in the spotlight, but he was always been very proud of all that has been accomplished during the years.  Barry has always stood strong for Tim and Diane and Okemo Mountain Resort.  He required you to respect the company and while he would listen to concerns employees might have, he was always quick to let you know when he disagreed with you.  It was always eye opening for me when I would have a conversation with Barry about something that was on my mind or I was struggling with in my job and a few days later, he would come back with some additional feedback or thoughts. He has always been the type of guy who thought about you as an employee and cared for you as a person.

 

I know I speak for many of us when I say that I am the person I am because of Barry.  Many of us grew up in our families, were molded as individuals during our younger years and then we began to work for Okemo and learned so much more from Barry. Many times we never even knew he was mentoring us, it was just his way.  When we had tough choices to make, Barry would listen to us.  When we had career paths to choose, we sought out his advice.  I can honestly say that I am the Okemo VP & GM because of Barry’s support, guidance and direction. 

So we now must say goodbye and wish Barry Tucker the best of luck. He has earned an enjoyable retirement and years of doing what he wants to do with his family and friends.  We all know he will be hard at work on something and it is for that very reason that we respect and admire him so much.

Bruce Schmidt

Okemo GM

Okemo Happenings - Summer at the Big O!

Greetings,

Summer has arrived at Okemo Mountain Resort.  While it may not always seem like it because of the wet weather we have had, the Adventure Zone, Okemo Valley Golf Course, Tater Hill and Sawyer’s Sweep Zip line all have been open for guests to visit. 

The snow has been gone for a while so the Mountain guys have been hard at work painting, replacing parts and doing all that is done on the lifts, the buildings and the snowmaking system that we do each summer.  This year’s capital projects include a considerable amount of work being done all around the resort. A few examples include new round tables and upgraded chairs in both the summit lodge and Sugar House, New seat pads on the Green Ridge Triple Chair, New Rental Skis and Snowboards, Enhanced and upgraded software for on-line sales and inventory control in the rental shop, a new Challenge Course to enhance the Adventure Zone. (Challenge course is similar to a ropes course to some degree, but guests are attached to a cable during the entire course and there are swaying bridges, balance beams and other fun features.)This will be available for guests 4 years old and up.   Okemos Haul Back Challenge Course will consist of a beginner course and intermediate course and will have 7-9 events per course. No doubt our most visible capital project is the finishing touches that were put on the Toll Gate Wedding Garden. Here is a photo of what the new site looks like in full use.

 

With July 4^th almost here, keep in mind that guests who stay at the Jackson Gore Inn or other Okemo Lodging properties receive a discount to visit the Adventure Zone, use the Zip Line or Segway tour as well as other discounts.  July and August are really stacking up to be busy with the highlight of the summer in August the Hops in the Hills brew fest.

Keep your ears open for some BIG news in August.  We have something planned that will enhance Skiing and Riding all season long…….. We hope to be able to announce around early August.  You heard it here first!

Summer in Vermont is fun, summer at Okemo is even better. Come and spend some time with us.  You will soon learn we provide the Okemo Difference all year round…….

Bruce Schmidt

Okemo GM

Time to put up the closed sign.........

          Greetings,

I wanted to let everyone know that we gave it a try and we have run out of guests.  We knew this day would come, we just thought it would be a little later.

Okemo's last day that the lifts will be turning will be Sunday April 14^th.  After a great run this season, a fabulous March and working at extending the season, our skier count has fallen below levels where it makes sense to stay open.  The weather for the past 10 days has been good, but even that has not brought out very many guests.  Between those who are buying a day ticket and seasons pass holders, it just doesn’t make sense for us to continue another week.

Closing for the season on Sunday April 14^th will give Okemo a 158 day ski and ride season.  That is great news and ranks right up amongst some of the better ones.  If you are wondering the longest season, it was the 1991-92 season when we closed on April 26, 1992 and had 172 days on the slopes.

Many thanks to our skier and rider guests who made this a tremendous season and thanks to all our staff for your hard work this past winter.  Seasons pass sales will continue thru our deadline of April 30^th.  Guests can go to Okemo.com or call 802.228.1600

 

Thanks for a great season

 

Bruce Schmidt

Vice-President & General Manager

Okemo Mountain Resort

 

 

Season Extended....

Greetings,

Easter is here and so is spring.  March was a great month for skiing and riding.  The conditions were top notch, some natural snow and the weather was not too warm.  A real recipe for success.  Okemo has received over 10 feet of snow this past winter and this will allow us to stay open until Sunday April 21^st!

Now April is upon us and there will be some operational adjustments as we finish up the season. 

Ø  Ticket pricing will be adjusted.  The best way to get an update on the latest ticket pricing is to go to Okemo.com. Reminder that the spring fling bonus bucks can be used during the spring and we will continue to have on line deals.

Ø  In regards to lifts and trails, South Face lifts and trails pod and the Morning Star lift and trails pod will be closed midweek beginning on April 1^st.  The plan will be to open up these pods for the weekend if the snow conditions continue to allow.

Ø  The Summit is closed for culinary operations Monday-Thursday beginning 4/1.  The Summit lodge downstairs will be open for our guests to use the rest rooms.

Ø  Epic is closed for the season. The building will be open for guests to use the restrooms.

Ø  Sugar House closed for the season

Ø  Coleman Brook Tavern Closed for Lunch Open for dinner 7 days a week until the 15^th. Then closed Monday and Tuesday’s until Memorial Day weekend.

Ø  What is open for Culinary beginning Monday April 1:  Base Café, Sitting Bull, Round House, Coleman Brook Tavern for Dinner

Ø  Lift Tickets can be purchased at the Clock Tower Resort Services Desk and the Jackson Gore Resort Services Desk.  All Ticket windows are now closed for the season. Seasons pass sales are conducted at the Clocktower Resort Services desk, Jackson Gore Resort Services desk and the Administration office.

Ø  Ski and Ride lesson operations will continue through Sunday April 7^th.  Snow stars will only be available in Jackson Gore for the weekend of 4/6 & 7.

Ø  Nastar Racing and the Amp Energy Air Bag will be closed for the season beginning on Monday April 1^st. The Amp Energy Big Air Bag will be closed for the season beginning on Monday April 1^st. Snow tubing is closed for the season beginning on Tuesday April 2^nd. Timber Ripper Mountain weekends only thru April 14^th.

I am hopeful many of you will extend your ski season and share some great times with us through April.  For those of you who can’t, thanks for your support this past season. We hope you will renew your seasons pass or purchase your first one.  Thanks for a great year and remember Okemo has lots going on in the summer too. Check out the summer activities at Okemo.com!

Bruce Schmidt

Okemo GM

The Changes in March

Greetings,

As I write this on St. Patrick's Day I think about how this past weeks weather is typical spring.  Warm weather, mixed precipitation and then back to cold weather, some snow, with always sun mixed in.  The word March come from the Roman God of War, “Mars”.  “Mars” was also the Roman name for Tuesday which is the third day of the week and March is the 3^rd Month.  It also means change as in changing weather. The Suns angle is changing as it leaves the Southern Hemisphere and heads towards the Northern Hemisphere for our summer.  So as the sun begins to change position, there is a lot of upheaval in the atmosphere and adjustments being made and thus we get all types of weather from Mother Nature.

Speaking of change, there is a lot of discussion on the change in seasons passes offerings at Okemo this year. Namely the fact that Okemo and Stratton are not offering a joint season’s passes.  The Okemo/Stratton pass offering was an added-value benefit we offered on select season pass options.   Okemo and Stratton had a gentleman’s agreement to offer skiing and riding, but unfortunately after lengthy discussions and compromise, Okemo and Stratton could not come to an agreement and we are no longer able to extend this added-value benefit to our pass holders. I'm sure you know that this does not detract from the full experience of skiing and riding.  Okemo will continue to do what we do best.  Great grooming, snowmaking, early season opening, skiing into April, helpful and friendly staff and an exceptional resort experience. 

The extended forecast is looking good with snow on the way this week and more spring like temperatures as we head into next weekend.  Okemo is remaining committed to providing some great spring skiing with continued nightly grooming; we will be running a good selection of lifts and keeping open our facilities. 

There is a lot of skiing and riding left to be done this spring and some great events happening.  We are looking towards an end date of Sunday April 14^th, but as we all know that is our target and things can change..

Thanks for your support and have a great spring skiing season.

Bruce Schmidt

Okemo GM

Week 16 & March is here!

Greetings,

We are skiing into the 16^th week of the season and heading into spring and it is looking like some great conditions.  Let’s hope that this year spring skiing will be strong. The last couple of years we have not seen the stars align which has meant a slower than expected March into April. This year is going to be different.

The new snow was welcome for all. The glades are holding up pretty good as are the natural trails.  This may change somewhat if the temperature gets to 40 or so by this coming weekend.  Ski patrol has been checking out the trails and does what they can to keep them open.  When we don’t have them open the SF checks them out anyway and gives a report on what we missed.  Okemo hasn’t put away the snow guns for good yet.  We have sent back all our rental compressors for the season.  The good news is that Okemo owns machines that can put out several thousand feet of compressed air, so if we need to touch up some areas, we will be able to do that.  The natural snow has been great to see as the surface is better and the making of it quieter.

What are our plans for the spring you ask?  Reservations are looking good as we head into the depths of March.  The next big event will be Festevol on Saturday March 16^th.  This two band concert will have the doors open at 3pm with DJ Logic coming on at 4pm, OAR around 4:45pm and Yukon Kornelius around 7pm. should be lots of fun.  A new addition will be tent material walls on the side of the Ice house.  A welcome addition as the temperature drops. We also will be running some large scale warm air heaters into the building to hopefully keep things toasty.  Of course the temperature will probably be around 50, but if it isn’t, we will be ready!  Get on line and get your tickets now.  The Slush Cup will be happening on April 6^th and the Mountain Dew Vertical Challenge finals are on March 23^rd.

As we get into March, we will be running lifts to access all of our trails.  At times there are adjustments that will be made depending on business, but with the great conditions, I am hopeful we can keep skiing lots of terrain.  Closing day on paper is forecasted to be April 14^th, but Mother Nature usually has some say in that.

Enjoy the sun and fun as spring arrives. Don’t forget to spring your clocks ahead on Saturday night March 9^th.

Bruce Schmidt

Okemo GM