Ludlow, VT – 2012 is a leap year, so it seems only fitting that Vermont’s Okemo Mountain Resort has added a new air bag for the new year to allow skiers and snowboarders to leap into the air and practice their jumps with increased safety.

With the resort’s new Amp Energy Big Air Bag, skiers and riders can launch themselves off a snowy ramp, leap into the air, and land on a giant inflated PVC pillow similar to the ones used by movie stuntmen.

The Amp Energy Big Air Bag is 30 feet wide and 50 feet long. It features two inflatable chambers. The bottom chamber is firm to maintain stability, while the upper one is soft for a soothing landing. Internal air pumps ensure a constant air pressure. Even if the upper chamber is too soft, the jumper will never hit the ground since the bottom chamber is there to absorb the fall. The Amp Energy Big Air bag is manufactured in The Netherlands.

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, and are available for purchase at the Clock Tower Resort Services Desk and at the on-mountain ticket booth located near the base of Okemo’s Northstar Express Quad Lift. The Amp Energy Big Air Bag operates from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends.

Helmets are required to use the Amp Energy Big Air Bag, and a release of liability must be signed by the user or a parent/guardian before use. A valid Park Safety Pass will satisfy this requirement.