Ludlow, Vermont — A longtime fan favourite terrain park characteristic at Okemo Mountain Resort received’t open this ski season.
Over the previous few weeks, rumors have been circulating that Okemo wasn’t planning to open the halfpipe this season. In response, a Change.org petition was began to attempt to garner assist for bringing the halfpipe again. The explanations the petition said for its significance have been that it supplies a beneficial coaching facility for locals, it attracts individuals from close to and much, and the historic significance of the halfpipe for snowboarders and freeskiers.
Among the many petition signatures is a longtime teacher. He described the significance of the halfpipe in direction of making the Okemo Distinction:
“I’ve been an Teacher and Coach of a Seasonal Program for nearly 15 years. The Halfpipe is an integral a part of our terrain primarily based educating/teaching methodology. This very Halfpipe will not be solely one of many final remaining Halfpipes on the East Coast, however has produced quite a few Skilled and Olympic Athletes! The Halfpipe is a part of Okemo’s identification and the Okemo Distinction. Please, please, please be a part of the petition and save the Okemo Halfpipe.”
After many commentators voiced their opinions, Okemo lastly spoke out on the matter. The Vermont ski resort formally said that it wouldn’t function the halfpipe this season to be able to deal with solidifying its base depths for an extended season:
“Although the current temperatures have been chilly on account of hotter early season temperatures and rain, we’re prioritizing the enlargement of terrain throughout the mountain for all company to take pleasure in. Consequently, Okemo is not going to offer a halfpipe this season. The halfpipe is a particular characteristic on the resort, however one which requires appreciable sources to construct, and we didn’t make this resolution calmly. Whereas we perceive this can be disappointing, our focus is on rising base depths to make sure an extended season, permitting everybody to proceed snowboarding and using into April… It’s about snow and the place we’d like it most. This resolution comes after a later than regular begin to the season on account of heat temperatures and rain. We’re not making much less snow, we’re simply focusing our snowmaking efforts to areas of the mountain that also want base depth to make sure that we are able to get each path open and maintain our season going so long as attainable.”
Whereas they have been as soon as a well-liked characteristic at ski resorts, halfpipes have step by step turn out to be rarer to seek out. Solely a number of examples exist of locations in New England that also have halfpipes, similar to Loon, Killington, and Stratton. It’s not a straightforward factor to construct, however there’s clearly nonetheless a requirement for them within the ski and trip neighborhood.
Picture Credit: Okemo Mountain Resort
