LUDLOW, Vermont — An early-bird sales deadline had Okemo Mountain Resort skiers and snowboarders scrambling to purchase their 2009/2010 season passes before rates went up after Columbus Day. As a result, year-to-date season pass sales are at an all-time high, breaking all previous early-bird sales figures – in units sold and in revenues.

“Okemo is up more than 11 percent in the sale of season passes,” says VP of Marketing and Sales Scott Clarkson. “We’re also up nearly six percent in revenue. Due to our decision to hold some of our pass rates at last winter’s pricing, we saw brisk sales prior to our April 30 renewal sale when prices were lowest.”

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.

Although early-bird discount deadlines have passed, there is tremendous value in purchasing a season pass and there is an added convenience of direct-to-lift access for passholders. Okemo Mountain Resort offers several 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 $1,529 for adults.. 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 $1,339 for adults. 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. $789 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 $459, 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 $299. 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 through Dec. 21.

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. This season pass is priced at $359 for adults.

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