Locals petition Okemo to bring back the halfpipe

By Katy Savage

Banners demanding “Save the Halfpipe” and “Build the Pipe” flutter across the balconies of Winterplace condominiums at Okemo Mountain Resort, as the community protests the closure of the popular halfpipe for a second consecutive year. A change.org petition with nearly 4,000 signatures reflects the outcry, spurred by Vail Resorts’ decision not to open the halfpipe.

“The Okemo halfpipe is more than just a feature on the mountain — it’s a vital part of our community and a beacon for snowboarders and skiers across the Northeast and beyond,” the petition reads. “Its absence this year not only diminishes the experience for local riders but also impacts youth programs, competitions, and the broader snowboarding culture.”

The halfpipe has long been a staple at Okemo, serving as the site for USASA events and fostering talent, including Olympic medalists Hannah Teter and Danny Kass. Ross Powers, another Olympic gold medalist and alumnus of Stratton Mountain School, has even led snowboard camps at Okemo in his retirement.

A coach from nearby Cavendish emphasized the halfpipe’s significance on the change.org petition.

“I’ve been an instructor and coach of a seasonal program for almost 15 years,” the coach, who just went by the first name, Tony, on the petition said. “The halfpipe is an integral part of our terrain-based teaching and coaching. This very halfpipe is not only one of the last remaining on the East Coast but has produced numerous professional and Olympic athletes. The halfpipe is part of Okemo’s identity.”

The decision not to open the halfpipe is seen by some as a cost-cutting measure. Vail announced a two-year plan in the fall to save $100 million after a drop in profits from last year’s lack of snow.  

Vail Resorts declined to provide a comment by press time and it’s unclear if the halfpipe will open in future years. The USASA website shows that all halfpipe events at Okemo for the 2025 season have been canceled, including a Futures Tour event slated for Feb. 7. The cancellations mirror those at Vail-owned Mount Snow, where scheduled pipe competitions on Jan. 25 and 26 have also been axed.

Meanwhile, Killington Resort opened a 180-foot mini pipe on Timberline on Jan. 17 with about 15 feet of vertical. Killington is scheduled to host a USASA competition there on Feb. 23, which has been the plan since the summer.

“At this time, we do not have plans to host any other pipe events this season,” said Amy Laramie, Killington’s vice president of brand marketing and events.

Killington has offered a variety of modified pipes on Dream Maker and Timberline over the past five years.

“We do not have plans to build a pipe on Dream Maker this year but will utilize that space for other features to conclude the park run,” Laramie said. “We plan to keep the mini pipe on Timberline open for the remainder of this season.”

Okemo, meanwhile, is scheduled to hold rail jams on Feb. 8 and March 1, but the halfpipe events leave a noticeable gap.

“People are heartbroken,” said Kara Ryan, a Cavendish resident. “They’re gutted. It’s just a beloved thing that everyone is heartbroken over.”