LUDLOW, Vermont ??” The highly anticipated moment has arrived. With snowmaking guns poised and staff at the ready, the call to start making snow at Okemo Mountain Resort went out late last night. Unseasonably warm temperatures have postponed the start of snowmaking efforts this season and Okemo’s projected opening day has been pushed back twice due to warm weather. The current target date for opening is Friday, November 18.

“The temperatures came in to where we like them at around 10 o’clock on Tuesday night,” says Okemo Mountain Operations Director Barry Tucker. “We’ve had staff on call and equipment in position for several nights now, and it looks like the temperatures are holding fairly well for us.”

Preliminary efforts are focusing on three trails on the upper mountain at Okemo but that will expand quickly, according to Tucker. “We’re staffed to make snow,” he said.

An added bonus for skiers and riders who choose Okemo for early-season runs is that they will receive a coupon for a discounted return visit in January. When an adult purchases a lift ticket any day at the regular price, opening day through Sunday, January 1, 2006, they will receive a coupon that allows them to ski or ride midweek in January for just $39. Coupon redemption is valid Monday through Friday, beginning Monday, January 2 through Tuesday, January 31, 2006 (excluding Monday, January 16).

Early-season skiers and riders may also reap the benefits of savings on slopeside lodging. Okemo Mountain Resort’s exceptional accommodations offer all of the amenities and niceties of home with the convenience and beauty that slopeside living provides. Pristine panoramas and pure mountain air are just one step outside the door where the winter wonders of Vermont await. Okemo’s Jackson Gore Inn combines the warmth and charm of the Vermont countryside, with the ambiance of a fine hotel. Inn rooms range in size from artfully appointed standard guestrooms to 3-bedroom suites and most are fully equipped with all of the amenities of home including ski-in/ski-out convenience with underground parking, health club, indoor/outdoor swimming pool, 24-hour front desk service and concierge/bell service.

Okemo’s Early Winter Weekend Warm-Up Package starts at $69.75 per person, per day, from opening day to Sunday, November 20 and Friday, December 2 through Sunday, December 11, with a two-day, two-night weekend stay (Friday through Sunday). Okemo’s Ski & Stay packages feature slopeside lodging and daily lift tickets.