Okemo Mountain Resort has dancing, skiing bridesmaids, parades and snowcats

February is fantastic at Okemo Mountain Resort. Just ask Okemo Events Manager Sarah Ebbott. In addition to being the month in which she celebrates her birthday (Feb. 11), Sarah says, “February is fantastic because it is the shortest month of the year, it is the month that gets an extra day on leap year, and February is full of fun events.”

In honor of 2012 being a leap year, Okemo Mountain Resort has recently installed its new Amp Energy Big Air Bag, so skiers and riders can launch themselves off a ramp made of snow, into the air, and land on a giant inflated pillow. Sarah was one of the first skiers to leap into Okemo’s Amp Energy Big Air Bag and she says, with an ear-to-ear grin, that she can’t wait to do it again! The Amp Energy Big Air Bag is located at the bottom of Okemo’s Lower Chief trail. Tickets are sold individually for $6 a jump or three for $15. The Amp Energy Big Air Bag is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends. Website visitors can watch live-action leaping online at okemo.com.

Fantastic February Fun

Feb. 3-5:  Women’s Alpine Adventures – Three-Day Program for Level 4 and up. This program is designed exclusively for women and led by some of the best female ski and snowboard coaches in the business.  Their goal is to take skiing and snowboarding women to the next level in any snow conditions and on any terrain.  Participants quickly overcome fear, build self confidence and meet new friends in a supportive and social environment. For more information, call (802) 228-1600.

Feb. 9-12: Okemo Valley Winter Carnival. Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce celebrates winter with loads of fun all day and night.  Festivities include snow sculptures, a parade, a snowman decorating contest, a bonfire and fireworks!  For more information, call (802) 228-8530.

Feb. 10: Shake 'n' Skate Night.  Enjoy a great evening of ice skating with a live DJ, games, and fun for the whole family in Okemo’s Ice House skating pavilion at Jackson Gore! 12 and up - $10, Under 12 - $8, Skate rentals - $3.

Feb. 11: Light the Night Series, Part II – Amp Energy Big Air Bag. Shredders and Park Rats of all ages are invited to the second event of Okemo’s Light the Night Series. Okemo will illuminate the night sky while competitors go big into the AMP Energy Big Air Bag starting at 5 p.m. with cash prizes, and more from RAMP, Swany, and others. Earn Series points toward a chance to win a cool $1500 as champion. After-party at The Killarney in Ludlow. Registration is slated from 3-5 p.m. on event day. The registration fee is $15 per event. Helmets are required for all competitors and participants under 18 need a parent or guardian signature.

Feb. 11: Okemo Family Challenge. Make your way around the mountain to a variety of checkpoints complete with different challenges. Complete all the challenges and win a prize! This event is part of the Okemo Valley Winter Carnival.

Feb. 14: Okemo’s Premiere Running of the Bridesmaids. Skiers and riders who show up at Okemo in their formal finery (old bridesmaids dresses, wedding gowns, prom suits or tuxedos) will receive a discount on their lift ticket and a coupon for a special lunch event.

Feb. 14: Valentine Snowcat Dinner. Join Okemo for the most exciting dining experience … a Snowcat Dining Adventure! Enjoy an evening snowcat ride up the mountain to a romantic, fireside dinner at Epic. After an adventure of the palate, your coach awaits for the return trip to Jackson Gore. Reservations are required.

Feb. 18: Shake 'n' Skate Night.  Enjoy a great evening of ice skating with a live DJ, games, and fun for the whole family in Okemo’s Ice House skating pavilion at Jackson Gore! 12 and up - $10, Under 12 - $8, Skate rentals - $3.

Feb. 19: Torchlight Parade & Fireworks Display. Spectacular pyrotechnics show starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Okemo Clock Tower base area, following an amazing torchlight parade of skiers and riders traversing Okemo’s Open Slope trail.

Feb. 19: Snowcat Dinner. Join Okemo for the most exciting dining experience … a Snowcat Dining Adventure! Enjoy an evening snowcat ride up the mountain to dinner at Epic, and after an adventure of the palate, return to Jackson Gore. Reservations are required.

Feb. 21: PHAT Tuesday at Okemo. It’s Mardis Gras, Okemo style. Vermont’s own PHAT (Protect Your Head at All Times/Protect Your Head on All Terrain) team will be on hand to extol the virtues of wearing a helmet while skiing and riding. They’ll have stickers, posters and helmet raffles. Ten strings of Mardis Gras beads will be hidden along ski trails for a PHAT Tuesday Scavenger Hunt with fabulous prizes. Okemo’s Sitting Bull Restaurant will be serving up some PHAT Tuesday specials for après ski.

Feb. 22: Vermont Institute of Natural Science Free Presentation for Families. This presentation features an assortment of live animals for an informative and entertaining evening event for families. “Raptor Encounter” is a first-hand encounter with live falcons, hawks, and owls focusing on the natural history, ecology, and adaptations of these efficient predators. Participants learn what adaptations make a bird a raptor. The Raptor Encounter is a great introduction to these specialized flying hunters. Touchable artifacts and hands-on materials round out this special experience. The program is free and open to the public. 7 p.m. in the Roundhouse at Jackson Gore.

Feb. 24: Light the Night Rail Jam. Okemo will be throwing some light on Bull Run while competitors throw some tricks outside of the Sitting Bull starting at 6 p.m. Half of the proceeds from the $20 entry fee will go to support the Ludlow Fire Dept. for their help in supplying the illumination. The Killarney is throwing in more than $200 in prize money and they’re throwing an after-competition party at the base of Mountain Road.

Feb. 25: Comedy Night at The Clocktower Base Lodge with Rusty DeWees, The Logger. Co-sponsored by Vermont Properties & Development, this side-splitting night of professional comedy is sure to have ‘em rolling in the aisles. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. Appropriate for ages 21 and over. Advance tickets available by calling Vermont Properties at (802) 228-8877.