LUDLOW, Vermont -??“ Although Okemo Mountain Resort offers a variety of specialty clinics and ski and snowboard adventure workshops, it is the Women’s Alpine Adventures that has women returning year after year to take part in programs designed exclusively for women and led by some of the best female ski and snowboard coaches in the business. The two-, three-, and five-day programs allow women skiers and snowboarders to take their enjoyment of the sport to a new level. Participants quickly overcome fear, boost their confidence and meet new friends in a supportive and social environment. This season’s first session begins January 8.

Maria Tomaselli heads the Women’s Alpine Adventures program at Okemo. Honored by Skiing magazine as one of “America’s Best Instructors,” Maria has been a member of the Okemo family for many years and has a strong personal dedication to sports education for women. She is PSIA certified in both ski and snowboard instruction and has extensive experience coaching other sports as well. Maria is uniquely qualified to direct this program and has developed it into a truly memorable experience for all those who take part in it.

“When I find myself on a trail that pushes my comfort level, it’s Maria’s voice that I hear telling me to ???just keep your feet moving’ or reminding me, ???you are an athlete,'” says internet marketing manager and program alumnus Jennifer Cota. “Okemo’s Women’s Alpine Adventures gave me the tools to improve my skills and overcome fear and self doubt.”

Okemo offers three programs from which to choose: Premier Five-Day Week, Complete Three-Day Program or the Intensive Two-Day Clinic. Program participants also enjoy a private and secure base area meeting room, catered breakfast and lunch daily, preferred daytime parking, free overnight ski storage, special discounts on overnight accommodations at the Jackson Gore Inn with free use of the resort’s recreational and fitness facilities, plus welcome bags with lots of goodies and coupons.

Premier Five-Day Adventure Program: $639

This five-day weekday immersion in the skiing and snowboarding lifestyle includes personalized instruction and coaching, a five-day lift ticket, a welcome party, farewell banquet, and breakfast and lunch served daily. The Premier Five-Day Ski/Snowboard Program is ideal for skiers of any ability level and snowboarders who ride at level three and up. (Offered Mondays through Fridays, Jan. 8-12 and Jan 22-26, 2007)

Complete Three-Day Adventure Program: $479

A long weekend can make all the difference. The Complete Three-Day Program includes personalized instruction and coaching, indoor development presentations, morning stretch sessions, a three-day lift ticket, a welcome party, breakfast and lunch served daily. Skiers and snowboarders of all ability levels are welcome.

(Offered Jan. 5-7; Jan. 17-19; Feb. 2-4; Feb. 12-14, 2007)

Intensive Two-Day Adventure Program: $319

For women who can get away during the week, a couple of weekdays on Okemo’s un-crowded slopes provide ample opportunity to practice new skills in this intensive two-day clinic that includes personalized instruction and coaching, indoor development presentations, morning stretch sessions, a two-day lift ticket, a welcome party, breakfast and lunch served daily. The concentrated nature of this program makes it best-suited to skiers and snowboarders who are of an ability level three and up. (Offered Feb. 8-9, 2007)

Reservations for Women’s Alpine Adventures programs are required and can be made by calling Okemo’s Cutting Edge Learning Center at (802) 228-1600. Visit www.okemo.com for more information about Okemo Mountain Resort.