LUDLOW, Vermont ??” There’s always something new and exciting happening each year at Okemo Mountain Resort and 05/06 promises to be OKE-MONUMENTOUS.

In addition to nearly $3.5 million in improvements and a variety of new program options, on January 31, 2006, Okemo will celebrate 50 years of history and tradition, and its emergence as one the most successful snowsport enterprises in the country. A 50th Anniversary Celebration, along with an exciting improvement line-up lies ahead for skiers and riders.

Here’s a preview of what’s to come this winter:

New Trails:
Two new trails have been added in the Jackson Gore Peak area increasing the resort’s total skiable acreage to 624 acres. Bib Bank and Eclipse (double black diamond trails) can be accessed from the top of the Jackson Gore Peak and promise plenty of challenge and excitement this season.

New Lift:
The new F-10 Carpet lift, tailor-made for beginner skiers and snowboarders replaces the F-10 Poma lift in the Okemo base. The new surface lift will enable novice skiers and snowboarders to access the learning area and lift network with ease and begin the thrill of downhill even faster.

Groomed to Perfection:
Okemo’s Mountain Operation team will be all smiles on the trails this winter with two new Camoplast Park Cats, and two new trail grooming machines added to their fleet. The new Park Cats will enable the grooming team to prepare the Parks, Pipes and trails with even greater efficiency.

Snowmaking Pond Upgrade:
Okemo’s massive 70-million gallon snowmaking pond is undergoing a major upgrade, bringing its total capacity to 153 million gallons. This massive increase in size will ensure that the Snowmaking team will have plenty of water for snowmaking during the winter season. Construction on the snowmaking pond will be finished in 06/07.

Cutting Edge Learning Center Programs:
New this season – Young Mountain Explorers and Young Riders (ages 7-14) are offering a full day option for all ability levels – including beginners. The full day program lets young adults explore Okemo’s vast terrain network and have fun with kids of their same age and ability. Young Mountain Explorers is offered every day as a full-day program, a morning lesson or an afternoon lesson for all ability levels. Lift ticket and rental equipment is additional.

The Penguin Playground Day Care Center is offering an expanded Mini Stars lesson program for children ages 3-4. A new 2-hour morning session has been added to the Day Care line-up of lessons for tots (running from 10 am until noon). Children can reserve a spot in the Mini Stars program as an add-on to their Day Care reservation, or take a Mini Stars lesson as a regular group lesson (without Day Care).

Okemo’s Culinary Services:
“Which wine tonight?” The Coleman Brook Tavern, located in the Jackson Gore Inn, features the perfect marriage of food, wine and ambience with the opening of their new Wine Room. The Wine Room’s decor is romantic and warm, giving the feeling of dining in an exclusive cellar. Fabulous selections of wines are displayed along the walls. Guests will enjoy exquisite entrees, delicious desserts and the most diverse selection of wines under one roof. With seating for up to 40 guests, the Wine Room is ideal for private parties and will cater to an adult clientele during the winter months. Whatever the occasion, the new Wine Room in the Coleman Brook Tavern will leave a lasting impression.

Gables Restaurant at Solitude is sporting a brand new look and new menu, all with easy access to the Solitude Express Super Quad. It just keeps getting better every year.

50 Years of History & Tradition:
On Jan. 31, 2006 Okemo will celebrate 50 years of history and tradition, and its emergence as one the most successful snowsport enterprises in the country. Lift ticket and lodging specials will be available on selected dates throughout the month of January. Stay in touch with okemo.com for more details.