LUDLOW, Vermont — Okemo Mountain Resort Season Passes for the 2009/2010 ski season are available for purchase now and early-bird skiers and riders can save money when they purchase their season passes on or before Oct. 12, 2009. Some Okemo season passes offer added 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 this winter as well.

As an added incentive to purchase season passes by the early-bird cutoff, Okemo Mountain Resort is hosting its third annual end-of-summer Parrothead Party on the Saturday Oct. 10 and season passes will be available for sale from 10 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. at Okemo’s Mountain Services Desk.

The Parrothead Party kicks off at 1 p.m. with a performance by Spiritual Rez. Changes in Latitudes, a Jimmy Buffett tribute band, will take to the stage at Okemo’s Jackson Gore Inn after an intermission. There will be booze in the blender to render those frozen concoctions. Beer and wine, as well as soft drinks, will also be available to wash down some lip-smacking barbecue prepared by Jackson Gore’s Coleman Brook Tavern. Admission to the Parrothead Party is free and open to the public.

With special thanks to Land Shark Lager, a drawing for a pair of Jimmy Buffett concert tickets will take place during intermission on Oct. 10. Anyone who books a stay, which includes October 10, through Okemo Mountain Resort Properties will automatically be entered to win two tickets to see Jimmy Buffett live at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn., on Nov. 21, 2009.

Drawing eligibility details are listed at okemo.com.

Spiritual Rez, the Reggae Horn Funk Party is a six-piece band that has tirelessly toured the country promoting positive music and attitude. Having released two independent records, the band has played with international acts like Jimmy Buffett, Culture, Israel Vibration and Buju Banton. Winners of the 2007 Boston Music Award for Best World Music Act, the band provides a unique blend of Reggae, Funk and Afrobeat to give one of the most energetic live shows around. Jackson Gore Outdoor Music Series fans may remember Spiritual Rez from a spirited performance earlier this summer.

Changes In Latitudes is one of America’s premier Buffett tribute shows. A nine-piece band with a singular plan, Changes in Latitudes take partygoers on a journey filled with good clean fun to ??“ where else? ??“ Margaritaville. Every musical set is a party with beach balls, conga lines and leis galore.

So, for a “Latitude Adjustment” and a great deal on an Okemo Season Pass, it’s time to don those grass skirts and Hawaiian shirts, and join the Parrothead Party at Okemo’s Jackson Gore.

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 $1,429 for adults, if purchased by Oct. 12. 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.

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 $1,139 for adults if purchased by Oct. 12. As a bonus, Okemo Peak Pass holders receive three free days of skiing or riding at Crested Butte, Colo., when lodging and airfare is booked through Crested Butte Vacations.

The Okemo Value Pass Plus is aptly named for its tremendous value. When purchased by Oct. 12, $689 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 airfare is booked through Crested Butte Vacations.

The Okemo Midweek Superpass is an adult and senior super value. For $359, if purchased by Oct. 12, 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 $259 when purchased by Oct. 12. 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 $279 through Oct. 12.

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.