LUDLOW, Vermont — Despite the highs and lows of the stock market and a fluctuating global economy, pre-season indicators are pointing to a good winter ahead for Okemo Mountain Resort.

October 13 marked the cutoff date for early-bird savings on season pass sales at Okemo. In comparing sales of season passes to the same early-bird deadline last year, Okemo recorded an increase of 12 percent in units sold and a 16 percent increase in revenue.

“Pass sales are up in all categories,” says Okemo Vice President of Marketing Scott Clarkson. “We’re seeing the greatest growth in College Passes, Peak Passes, Midweek Passes and Super Senior Midweek Passes. Maybe people have decided to invest in themselves instead of the stock market right now.”

Okemo reported its best season on record last winter. Skier visits for the 2007/2008 ski season were ahead of the previous winter by nearly 25 percent. Clarkson attributed last season’s success to early snowfall and a 30 percent increase in season pass sales.

Although incoming call volume to Okemo’s Reservations Call Center has had its ups and downs in recent weeks, winter bookings at Okemo’s Jackson Gore Inn and mountainside condos are strong.

“Although year-to-date lodging reservations are slightly off compared to last year, and considering the fluctuations in call volume, the number of reservations we have are better than we expected,” said Okemo Lodging Director Michael Normyle. “As usual, the larger units are being gobbled up for holiday periods and the Canadian holiday periods are especially strong. We’re now just starting to see an up tick in non-holiday lodging reservations as well.”

Another department witnessing positive trends is Okemo’s Group Sales. Year-to-date group lodging bookings are 40 percent ahead of last year.

For more information about Okemo Mountain Resort, please call (802) 228-1600 or visit www.okemo.com.