LUDLOW, VT ??” The excitement is beginning to build as Okemo preps for the start of the 2004/2005-winter season. The mountain operations crew plans to “fire up” the snowmaking system in October in preparation for opening day. The resort hopes to open for skiing and riding in early November (Nov 5 or 12) with top to bottom skiing and riding.

New trails, an increase in snowmaking, a variety of season pass options, innovative instructional programs and Jackson Gore, it’s all happening at Okemo Mountain Resort this season.

• New trails
• Season pass and program additions
• Snowmaking upgrades
• Cutting Edge Instructional programs
• Indoor Nordic expansion

The Magic Continues:
The Jackson Gore area has fast become a favorite among skiers and riders. New terrain, an assortment of culinary options and the fully open, fully functional Jackson Gore Inn and base facility have made Okemo a bigger version of the place everyone has come to know and love. The core has changed, but not Okemo??в„ўs core values.

The new Jackson Gore Inn and base facility is fully open and combines the warmth and allure of the Vermont countryside, with the ambiance of a fine hotel. Inn rooms range in size from artfully appointed standard guestrooms to 3-bedroom suites and most are fully equipped with all of the amenities of home and more. This season, when guests arrive at the Jackson Gore Inn, they can drive up to the lobby entrance to unload and then proceed to the underground-parking garage that accesses the main lobby by elevator. No more brushing the snow off the car or scraping the windshield!

New Terrain & Snowmaking Efficiency:
Going from peak to peak is now easier than ever with more trails, an expanded beginner area and a newly paved road connecting the Okemo base to the Jackson Gore base. Two new gladed trails have been added at Jackson Gore that includes the 3,200-foot long “Supernova” and 1,500-foot long “Black Hole.” Steep, undulating and loaded with excitement, these new glades will provide nearly 10 acres of “au natural” tree skiing to challenge any expert. The new glades are located off Tuckered Out and Upper Limelight.

Providing the finest quality snow experience possible is a top priority. To insure consistently good snow conditions all season long, Okemo has increased its snowmaking firepower again this season. Various pipe replacements and system enhancements will result in more energy-efficient and dependable snowmaking. A brand-new Bombardier BR grooming machine has been added to the fleet.

“Try Before Your Buy”
Skiers and riders have been asking for it, and this season it’s back! Every morning the first hour (60 minutes) of lift operation is FREE so Okemo skiers and riders can “check out” the snow conditions before they purchase a lift ticket. Try Before You Buy first hour free is only valid midweek (non-holiday) from 9:00 am until 10:00 am, and on weekends and holiday periods from 8:00 am until 9:00 am. Convenient on-mountain ticketing locations can be found at the Sugar House, Solitude Village, Okemo Base Lodge and at the Jackson Gore Base.

Telemark Skiing:
It’s new! The Okemo Cutting Edge Learning Center is now offering Telemark Private Lesson instruction for beginners and advanced skiers. Atomic TM 22 Telemark skis are available for rent so participants can free their heel and see what the excitement is all about. Advanced reservations are required and lessons and equipment are subject to availability.

Expansion at Okemo Valley Nordic Center:
It’s new and bursting with options. Guests visiting the Okemo Valley Nordic Center will notice a newly expanded Rental/Repair area with a full line of Rossignol cross-country equipment and Atlas snowshoes. Rentals are offered half-day, full-day and multi-day. Mix and match cross-country skis and snowshoes for the same low price. Cross-country skis and snowshoe equipment demos are also available through the Okemo Valley Nordic Shop.

Now We Have 3 Great Mountains!
Tim and Diane Mueller are the owners of the highly successful Okemo Mountain Resort in Ludlow, VT and Mount Sunapee Resort in Newbury, NH, and owners of Crested Butte Mountain Resort in Mt Crested Butte, CO. By reinvesting a major portion of the revenue each year back into the mountain operations and by placing the quality of the product and guest service as a priority, Okemo, Mount Sunapee and Crested Butte continue to receive national acclaim in the snowsport and golf industries.