LUDLOW, Vermotn — Okemo Mountain Resort Season Passes for the 2009/2010 ski season are available for purchase now. Early-bird skiers and riders can lock in this year’s season pass rates for next year when they purchase by April 30. Some Okemo season passes offer benefits including skiing at Okemo’s sister resorts, Mount Sunapee, N.H., and Crested Butte, Colo. Okemo’s pass alliance with Vermont’s Stratton Mountain continues next winter as well.

“By committing early to the purchase of a season pass for next winter, skiers and riders can pay the same rate they paid last spring, or possibly less, depending upon when they purchased,” said Okemo Mountain Resort Vice President of Marketing Scott Clarkson. “Even though operating costs will increase, we feel it’s more important than ever to reward our most frequent skiers and riders for their season-long commitment.”

As an added bonus, skiers and riders who purchase a 2009/2010 Ultra Pass or Peak Pass by April 30 will receive one Companion Day ticket, so the passholder can bring a friend skiing for free, any one day during the entire 2009/2010 season.

In addition, Okemo is offering a Pre-Buy Plus Spring Season Pass option. For a slightly higher rate, skiers and riders can purchase a season pass for next winter that also includes the remainder of this great season. This option is available now through closing day in mid-April.

Okemo Mountain Resort’s Season Pass Options:

Okemo’s Ultra Pass covers it all. Skiers and snowboarders can enjoy the slopes every day at Okemo, Mount Sunapee, Crested Butte and Stratton with no restrictions for only $1,259 for adults, if purchased by April 30. They also get $15 off group lessons and full-day, high-performance rentals and ski/snowboard demo packages. First-tracks fanatics will especially enjoy early-access benefits that include 7:45 a.m. lift access on weekends and holidays at Okemo and Stratton. New this year, Ultra Passholders will receive a 10 percent culinary discount at all Okemo-managed restaurants and, if purchased by April 30, one Companion Day lift ticket to bring a friend skiing for free, any one day during the entire 2009/2010 season.

The Okemo Peak Pass is a seven-day, unlimited season pass that is valid every day, with no restrictions, at Okemo and Mount Sunapee. The Okemo Peak Pass is $1,029 for adults if purchased by April 30. As a bonus, Okemo Peak Pass holders receive three free days of skiing or riding at Crested Butte, Colo., when lodging and/or airfare is booked through Crested Butte Vacations. Pre-May purchases will also be rewarded with one Companion Day lift ticket to bring a friend skiing at Okemo for free, any one day during the entire 2009/2010 season.

The Okemo Value Pass Plus is aptly named for its tremendous value. When purchased by April 30, $589 gets skiers and riders of all ages on the slopes at Okemo, Mount Sunapee and Stratton, seven days a week, excluding peak periods (19 days). Okemo Value Pass Plus holders also receive three free days of skiing or riding at Crested Butte, Colo., when lodging and/or airfare is booked through Crested Butte Vacations.

The Okemo Midweek Superpass is an adult and senior super value. For $299, if purchased by April 30, this Monday-through-Friday season pass gets skiers and riders (19-69) on the slopes midweek, non-peak (with just 10 blackout days) at Okemo, Mount Sunapee and Stratton.

The Okemo Midweek Super Senior Pass is a super value for 70-and-older seniors. This midweek, non-holiday season pass is just $209 when purchased by April 30. Super seniors can ski or ride Okemo and Mount Sunapee Monday through Friday all season long, excluding 10 peak blackout dates.

The Okemo College Pass is an unlimited, seven-day season pass valid at Okemo, Mount Sunapee and Stratton. It is available only to full-time college students, up to 29 years old, who provide proof of enrollment from their Registrar’s office. The College Pass is priced at $299 for the Pre-Buy Plus Spring value option.

NEW. The Okemo Sunday One-Day Pass is valid on Sundays only at Okemo Mountain Resort (excluding four peak blackout dates) throughout the entire 2009/2010 season. When purchased before Oct. 12, this season pass is priced at $299 for adults, $259 for young adults and seniors, and $199 for juniors and super seniors. That means a family of four with two adults and two children under 13 can ski a season of Sundays for less than $1,000.

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