By Bonnie MacPherson
posted
Aug 22, 2012
Okemo Mountain Resort did not escape Tropical Storm Irene's fury
unscathed, but the damage was considerably less than what some of
our neighbors experienced. The community rallied in support of
those in need and the newly created motto, "I am Vermont Strong,"
took on the status of a battle cry. Many staff members, Okemo Owner
Diane Mueller among them, rolled up their sleeves and pitched in
where needed around the community.
Few of the Resort's guests were impacted by the storm. The
Jackson Gore Inn never even lost power and the Jackson Gore Base
Area suffered no damage at all.
Okemo Valley Golf Club was accessible and open for play on 18
holes starting at noon, just two days after the storm. Tater Hill
also reopened with 18 holes of play that same day.
A flooded snowmaking pond and washouts along Mountain Road were
repaired, and autumn leaf peepers were able to wind their way to
the summit of Okemo Mountain for colorful vistas during the foliage
season.
The town of Ludlow went from being one of the hardest-hit
Vermont villages to one of the quickest to recover. Residents and
visitors spent the first few days in the aftermath of Irene cut off
from the world due to washouts and road closures. All roads were
repaired and access to Okemo Valley and Okemo Mountain Resort was
restored in time for ski season.
Some damage can still be observed in the area, and some people's
lives were impacted significantly. Irene was a crisis that reminded
us what Vermonter's are really made of. For years to come, we'll be
telling stories about the impact of Irene … and we'll always
remember the unique experience of grocery shopping in a giant tent
in the Ludlow Shaw's Supermarket parking lot.
Bonnie MacPherson
Director of Public Relations, Okemo Mountain Resort
Ludlow, Vt.
Tagged:
hurricane irene, ludlow, Reflections
