Ludlow, Vermont — A longtime fan favorite terrain park feature at Okemo Mountain Resort won’t open this ski season.
Over the past few weeks, rumors have been circulating that Okemo wasn’t planning to open the halfpipe this season. In response, a Change.org petition was started to try to garner support for bringing the halfpipe back. The reasons the petition stated for its importance were that it provides a valuable training facility for locals, it attracts people from near and far, and the historical significance of the halfpipe for snowboarders and freeskiers.

Among the petition signatures is a longtime instructor. He described the importance of the halfpipe towards making the Okemo Difference:
“I’ve been an Instructor and Coach of a Seasonal Program for almost 15 years. The Halfpipe is an integral part of our terrain based teaching/coaching methodology. This very Halfpipe is not only one of the last remaining Halfpipes on the East Coast, but has produced numerous Professional and Olympic Athletes! The Halfpipe is part of Okemo’s identity and the Okemo Difference. Please, please, please join the petition and save the Okemo Halfpipe.”
After many commentators voiced their opinions, Okemo finally spoke out on the matter. The Vermont ski resort officially stated that it wouldn’t operate the halfpipe this season in order to focus on solidifying its base depths for a long season:
“Though the recent temperatures have been cold due to warmer early season temperatures and rain, we’re prioritizing the expansion of terrain across the mountain for all guests to enjoy. As a result, Okemo will not be offering a halfpipe this season. The halfpipe is a special feature at the resort, but one that requires considerable resources to build, and we didn’t make this decision lightly. While we understand this may be disappointing, our focus is on increasing base depths to ensure a longer season, allowing everyone to continue skiing and riding into April… It’s about snow and where we need it most. This decision comes after a later than normal start to the season due to warm temperatures and rain. We’re not making less snow, we’re just focusing our snowmaking efforts to areas of the mountain that still need base depth to ensure that we can get every trail open and keep our season going as long as possible.”
While they were once a popular feature at ski resorts, halfpipes have gradually become rarer to find. Only several examples exist of places in New England that still have halfpipes, such as Loon, Killington, and Stratton. It’s not an easy thing to build, but there’s clearly still a demand for them in the ski and ride community.

Image Credits: Okemo Mountain Resort