LUDLOW, Vermont ??” Okemo Mountain Resort’s new source for relaxation and rejuvenation, the Fitness and Aquatic Center at Jackson Gore, is slated for completion October 11 ??“ ahead of schedule.

“This new Fitness and Aquatic Center, in addition to being an enhancement to our guest experience, is also designed to enhance the lifestyles of those living in the Ludlow community.” says General Manager Charlie Dickerman. “Senior swim days and swimming lessons are just part of the community schedule.”

The two-level, 18,000-square-foot building will house a regulation-length, two-lane lap pool measuring 15 feet by 75 feet. A children’s pool, ranging in depth from 6 inches to 18 inches and organically shaped like an hourglass, will measure 20 feet by 50 feet. The pool will offer a frog slide and numerous splash and water fountain features. There are also plans for a ten-person hot tub with an ADA-compliant accessible ramp.

In addition to men’s and women’s locker rooms, a “family locker room” will add to the convenience for parents recreating with small children.

“The family locker room is the perfect solution for the solo parent visiting with young, opposite-sex children,” says Okemo Director of Planning and Real Estate Development Ted Reeves. “Recognizing and meeting the needs of families is an Okemo trademark.”

A multi-purpose room within the building will function as meeting space or a classroom for aerobics classes or yoga. A racquetball court will be equipped with an observation window accessible by way of the upper level. Plans include a large room for weights and cardio equipment and there will also be space designated for an office and a retail store.

The new building is part of Phase II of the Jackson Gore construction project that also includes a multi-function sports center offering ice skating in winter and basketball, tennis and a running track in summer. Three new slopeside residential buildings, adjacent to the Jackson Gore Inn, round out the second phase of improvement to the facility.

Jackson Gore, one of five alpine skiing and snowboarding expanses that make up Okemo Mountain Resort, is the newest addition to the 620-plus acres of skiing and snowboarding terrain available to winter enthusiasts at Okemo. Of the resort’s 18 lifts, two surface lifts and two high-speed, four-person chair lifts service a variety of terrain for all ability levels at Jackson Gore. At the base area, where Phase II is underway, the Jackson Gore Inn features elegantly appointed slopeside accommodations and the Roundhouse, a day lodge with ample seating and a convenient on-the-go food court. Other base area amenities include full-service dining in the Coleman Brook Tavern, a guest services center, day care center, indoor/outdoor swimming pool, Snow Stars learning center, real estate sales office, ski/snowboard shop, sundries shop, equipment rental/repair shop, video arcade, meeting rooms and underground parking ??“ all accessible by covered walkways offering sub-surface heating for more efficient snowmelt during the winter months.

In its annual “Top 50 Resort Guide,” SKI Magazine named Okemo Mountain Resort one of the best in North America and one of the top ten resorts in the East. Ranked number eight, Okemo also made the East’s top ten in seven of the Reader Survey’s published categories: Grooming, Snow, Family Programs, Service, Lifts, Lodging and On-Mountain Food.

Having just celebrated its fiftieth anniversary, Okemo has been carrying over its model for success to the warm-weather months as well. Okemo operates two 18-hole championship golf courses and plans are currently underway for a nine-hole family-friendly course at Jackson Gore. Additional recreational pursuits in the area include hiking, biking, swimming, paddling, fishing and horseback riding.

Serving as a threshold to the resort, the authentic Vermont village of Ludlow invites shoppers to peruse eclectic boutiques and galleries or sample the local fare in its distinctly Vermont eateries. Local culture offers everything from art shows, summer lawn concerts and playhouse productions to museums and prominent historic sites.

For a listing of available real estate at Okemo’s Jackson Gore, or to learn more about planning a vacation, please call (802) 228-4041 or visit okemo.com.