LUDLOW–Early forecasts for a mild El Niño are calling for a snowy winter in the Northeast. Snow sports enthusiasts are already thinking about snow-covered trails and winter gatherings with friends and family. “It’s almost Okemo time and one of the East’s best-loved resorts is getting ready with some big improvements for the upcoming season,” Okemo stated in a recent release.
New six-passenger bubble chair
Skiers and snowboarders visiting Okemo this winter will be viewing the snowy landscape through the bright orange tint of a retractable, transparent dome when they ride in the comfort of a new, high-speed, six-person bubble chairlift with heated seats–the first of its kind in North America. The Sunburst Six replaces the Northstar Express Quad.
Improved snowmaking
Okemo’s Operation Snowburst returns for a second season of snowmaking improvements with the addition of 100 new, energy-efficient HKD tower guns and snowmaking pipeline upgrades. Operation Snowburst Part 2 follows a $1 million snowmaking investment that allowed Okemo to open early with top-to-bottom skiing and riding last winter. Utilizing energy-efficient, state-of-the-art technology allows Okemo to maximize its water-pumping ability and snowmaking potential from the very start of the ski and ride season.
Terrain park makeover
Jibbers and freestylers will enjoy Okemo’s re-energized commitment to terrain parks this winter. Okemo’s park makeover includes moving its signature Rockstar Terrain Park from Nor’easter to Upper and Lower Tomahawk. This move includes the introduction of many new features that are sure to attract seasoned park enthusiasts and welcome aspiring athletes with a venue to challenge themselves. For families, and skiers and riders who are new to terrain park features, Homeward Bound will be transformed into a winter playground of berms, swales and bank turns–all beneath an encouraging audience, riding Okemo’s A Quad from the Clock Tower base area.
More partnership benefits with Killington and Pico
New this year, skiers and riders who purchase an Okemo Ultra, Peak or Millennial season pass can visit Killington three days during the season at no additional cost. With the creation of 4.0 The College Pass last winter, a new partnership was forged between Killington Resort, Okemo Mountain Resort, Pico Mountain at Killington and Mount Sunapee Resort. The affordable season pass offers full-time college students unlimited access at all resorts all season long. Last year’s partnership also created a multi-day lift ticket benefit. With the purchase a three-day or longer Okemo lift ticket or lodging/ticket package, skiers and riders can spend one of those days at Killington, Pico or Mount Sunapee.
Sushi, anyone?
Okemo Executive Sous Chef Jason Tostrup is the mastermind behind the introduction of a sushi bar at the Jackson Gore Roundhouse this winter. He developed a passion for sushi and sashimi as a result of his friendship with Nobu Matsuhisa and Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto when he worked as a chef in Aspen, Colo. Chef Jason is hiring certified sushi chefs and sourcing fish from one of the best seafood companies in the country, Honolulu Fish Company. Okemo’s commitment to bring the best quality sushi and sashimi to its guests includes participating in the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch program to offer only seafood that is caught or farmed in ways that don’t harm the environment. In addition to sushi and sashimi, the bar will serve miso soup and Japanese salads.
