LUDLOW, Vermont ??” Okemo Mountain Resort is slated to open for the start of its fiftieth season on Friday, November 18. With snowmaking teams working diligently at every possible opportunity, the mountain is ready to welcome skiers and snowboarders for opening day of the 2005/2006 season.

Okemo is planning to offer intermediate and advanced terrain on four to five trails: Buckhorn, Countdown, Drop Off, Upper World Cup and possibly, Defiance. Trails will be serviced by the North Star Express Quad and Glades Peak Quad. Initially, only the upper part of the mountain will be open and lifts will begin running at 9 a.m. on November 18.

Lift ticket pricing for opening day will be $30 for adults; $25 for young adults and seniors; $20 for juniors and super seniors. Special early-season lift ticket rates, determined daily by availability of terrain, will be offered through the weekend.

Snowmaking operations are continuing at every opportunity for additional terrain and to provide top-to-bottom skiing and riding as soon a possible.

The Base Caf?В©, Sitting Bull Lounge and Summit Lodge will be open. The Okemo Express Rental/Repair Shop, Penguin Playground Day Care Center, Okemo Snowsports Shop and Mountain Services Office will also be open.

Skiers and riders can check up-to-date lift ticket rates, weather and surface conditions by visiting www.okemo.com or by calling Okemo??в„ўs 24-hour snowphone at (802) 228-5222. For more information, please call 1-800-78-OKEMO (786-5366).