LUDLOW, Vermont — Despite economic uncertainties and fluctuating weather patterns, Okemo Mountain Resort welcomed more skiers and snowboarders to its slopes during the New Year holiday week this year than in 2007-08.

Okemo’s skier visits were seven percent ahead of the same Monday-through-Sunday period last year and six percent ahead of the five-year average for the same timeframe. The week ranked second in the past five years and fourth in the last ten years.

“Skiing is a lifestyle sport,” says Okemo VP of Marketing Scott Clarkson, “and the business levels we are seeing confirm that people will continue to hold on to the lifestyle values that are important to them.”

Okemo’s Ski + Ride School Director Dan Bergeron reported a good, solid vacation period with particularly strong children’s programs. The greatest increases were recorded in Okemo’s Snow Stars and Penguin Daycare programs, with participation up about ten percent and seven percent respectively.

Okemo’s real estate department generated more than 100 new leads. “Most of these were first-time vacationers to Okemo and most of them were referred by friends already familiar with Okemo,” said Okemo Real Estate Marketing Manager Jessica Citera. Okemo Real Estate sold its final developer-owned studio in the Bixby House at Jackson Gore over the holidays. Current sales for fiscal year 2009 are at 19 units.

On the culinary side of things, Okemo saw near-record days at some of its venues. Okemo’s base lodge food courts served 13,114 cups of hot cocoa and 6,575 orders of French fries. Okemo’s Coleman Brook Tavern at Jackson Gore put gooey marshmallow smiles on the faces of 700 families with their famous table-top S’mores. Coleman Brook Tavern is also well known for its extensive wine selection and served 852 bottles during the holidays.

Okemo’s retail operations saw booming sales figures that were initiated mostly by weather. During the holiday period between Christmas Eve and Jan. 4, The Okemo Snowsports Shops sold 5,921 hand and toe heaters, 915 goggles, 463 pairs of socks and 1,998 face masks. Skiers and riders also went home with nearly 3,000 Okemo logo items as souvenirs.

More information about Okemo Mountain Resort may be obtained by calling (802) 228-1600 or by visiting okemo.com.