LUDLOW, Vermont ??” The waiting is over. Okemo Mountain Resort is open for the 2005/2006 ski and snowboard season with four trails and two lifts.

Bright, cloudless skies and seasonably cool temperatures welcomed the season’s first anxious skiers and riders as the Northstar Express high-speed quad began running at 9 a.m., Friday, November 18 ??“ making Okemo the only operating ski resort in Vermont. The Northstar and Glades Peak Quads are servicing the Buckhorn, Countdown, Upper World Cup and Drop Off trails with more terrain expected through the weekend and top-to-bottom runs very soon..

“We’re finally in a weather pattern that’s going to allow us to do what we do well here at Okemo,” says Vice President and General Manager Bruce Schmidt. “We’re focusing our efforts on making snow and opening more terrain as soon as possible.”

Lift ticket pricing for early season skiing and riding is offered at a discounted rate, which is being determined daily, based on availability of terrain. Current conditions and pricing may be found at www.okemo.com. Okemo’s Snowphone also offers up-to-the-minute information at (802) 228-5222.

With the start of the season, The Base Caf?В©, Sitting Bull Lounge and Summit Lodge are open. Also welcoming guests are The Okemo Express Rental/Repair Shop, Penguin Playground Day Care Center, Okemo Snowsports Shop and Mountain Services Office.

For more information, please call 1-800-78-OKEMO (786-5366).