Section Contents - Quick Links to Articles

• 1 - The OKEMO REVIEW for WHAT'S NEW in WINTER 2008

• 2 - MOUNT SUNAPEE RESORT SOARS in NATIONAL MAGAZINE RANKINGS - in SNOW QUALITY & GROOMING

• 3 - OKEMO HAS GREAT DEALS ALL SEASON

• 4 - LOON MOUNTAIN OPENS NEWEST TERRAIN in NEW ENGLAND

• 5 - WHAT IS THE WATERVILLE EFFECT?

• 6 - SUGARLOAF GETS LARGEST SINGLE CAPITAL INFUSION IN MORE THAN A DECEADE

• 7 - SUNDAY RIVER SPENDS $4.8 MILLION PRIOR TO SEASON

• 8 - GUNSTOCK MOUNTAIN RESORT - CELEBRATES 70 YEARS of SKIING HISTORY

• 9 - WACHUSETT MOUNTAIN IS AWARD WINNING KIDS PROGRAMS and MORE

• 10 - WHITEFACE RANKED SECOND in EASTERN U.S. by SKI MAGAZINE READERS and THIRD IN EASTERN NORTH AMERICA

• 11 - WHAT'S NEW IN VERMONT

• 12 - CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS UNDERWAY at NEW HAMPSHIRE SKI AREAS

The OKEMO REVIEW for WHAT'S NEW in WINTER 2008

LUDLOW, VT – It is said that success is a journey, not a destination. Therefore, it is no surprise that improvements slated for this winter at Okemo Mountain Resort continue to focus on the snow and ways for resort guests to enjoy it.

Snowmaking

With 97 percent of its terrain equipped with snowmaking capabilities, Okemo is focusing this year on making snow more efficiently. The resort is exploring viable ways to make snow at closer-to-freezing temperatures, allowing the resort to open more lower-elevation terrain earlier in the season. Thirty new HKD tower guns, designed to project snow with pinpoint accuracy, will be installed in areas like narrow slopes and real estate access trails requiring focused, directional throw.

Okemo will also be testing a variety of new snowmaking guns on its Open Slope, just above the Clock Tower base area. Skiers and snowboarders will be able to sample the snow from guns produced by Snow Economics, with four different configurations. The guns feature adjustable water flow levers, nozzle versatility and new valving technology. Okemo will add 15 of the HKD’s premiere snow guns to the arsenal as demos. This will enable the toprated snowmaking team of the resort to have a chance to thoroughly test the newest technology, providing feedback to further develop this specialized snowmaking equipment.

Grooming

Okemo’s reputation for grooming excellence continues this winter with the introduction of another new grooming machine. Last year, four new Prinoth B350 grooming machines, one outfitted with a Sherpa overhead winch, were introduced to upgrade the fleet of nine machines. This year’s upgrade will ensure that the mountain is groomed out with those wide ribbons of corduroy for skiers and riders who love to make tracks on the near-seamless carpets of snow Okemo is so famous for.

Terrain Variety

This winter, the operations team at Okemo will be devising ways to create more terrain variety on alpine trails. “A lot of the excitement of skiing is terrain change,” says Vice President of Mountain Operations Barry Tucker. “We’re planning to build more character into some of our trails.” The resort will allow a few of the more difficult trails to take on characteristics that are more natural by grooming less often.

Some trails will receive some extra grooming attention to create gradual swales with subtle fluctuations that will make the snow surface more interesting. On the Lower Tomahawk trail, a FamilyCross park will offer intermediate skiers and riders a chance to enjoy a playful assortment of big bank turns, rollers and snow mounds as they wind their way down the trail. For more adventurous snow sliders, Okemo features six terrain parks. They range in difficulty from the introductory Hot Dog Hill to competition- worthy Nor’easter and the Dew Zone, as well as the SoBe Superpipe, the longest superpipe in the east with 18- foot-high walls.

Surface Lift

A new 400-foot surface lift will offer additional access to the newly extended and re-graded Bright Star Basin beginner trail at Jackson Gore. In addition to serving as an access lift for owners and guests of Jackson Gore’s new Adams House and Bixby House, the new magic-carpet style lift will open up more teaching terrain for beginner skiers and snowboarders at Jackson Gore. A long and wide trail, with a 10 percent grade, serviced by two novicefriendly surface lifts, creates an optimal learning environment.

Slope-side Lodging

Okemo Mountain Resort was one of the first ski areas to develop ski in/ski out slope-side lodging in 1961. An American Indian name, Okemo means “all come home,” and with the completion of the Bixby House, 28 families will have a new, slope-side vacation residence to come home to this winter. The Bixby House, slated for occupancy starting in December 2007, is the first of two whole-ownership buildings that are part of Jackson Gore’s Phase II development plan. The 84,000-square-foot layout will include 28 elegantly appointed residences, heated underground parking and owner locker rooms.

In spring 2006, plans for the Bixby House and Coolidge House debuted in a successful real estate selection event that witnessed a commitment of $32 million at pre-construction prices, in just over four hours. Residences varying in size from studios to three-bedrooms sold for $378,000 to $2.181 million.

Base Lodge Retro Revisited

Forty years after it was built, the base lodge at Okemo is receiving a retro re-do. What is old will be new again as the circa-1968 base lodge gets outfitted with some fresh, stylin’ colors, new carpeting, and Formica countertops. Okemo owner Diane Mueller is the mastermind behind the base lodge retrograding. Skiers and snowboarders who thought they would never live to see avocado green again are in for a hip trip down Memory Lane.

Snow Tubing

Although Okemo started offering snow tubing with a soft launch during the middle of the season last winter, this year marks the official introduction of inflatable, snow-sliding fun at the Jackson Gore base area. Three contoured lanes of totally tubular delight are accessed by the 400-foot-long Stargazer Carpet surface lift. Snow tubing is available starting at 3 p.m. on weekends and during holiday periods. Inflatable snow tubes are available for rent at the Jackson Gore Mountain Services Center.

For more information about Okemo Mountain Resort, please call 1-800-78-OKEMO (786-5366), or visit www.okemo.com.

MOUNT SUNAPEE HIGHLIGHTS FAMILIES, SNOWMAKING and SERVICE FOR 2008

INNOVATIVE FAMILY PROGRAMS

NEWBURY, NH – Mount Sunapee has earned its top ranking in the East for family programs by providing cuttingedge programs and facilities that make it easy for families to learn and enjoy the mountain together. In 2006, Mount Sunapee was ranked 10th in North America for family programs by SKI Magazine.

Families First, which received a national award from the National Ski Areas Association, is entering its fourth season and has quickly become one of Mount Sunapee’s most popular learning programs. Families First allows families (ages 8 and up) to learn how to ski and snowboard together in the same class. If there is a mix of skiers and snowboarders, then two instructors are assigned to the family. “With a bunch of people who don’t know each other, the only thing they have in common is that they are beginners,” says Peter Ettenborough, Mount Sunapee ski instructor. “With a family, everyone is comfortable with each other. The parents know the kids are safe, and the kids know their parents are right here, so their confidence level is higher.”

Another innovative family offering is the Tag-A-Long Lesson. This program takes the private lessons available for 3- and 4-year-old children through the Mother Goose Child Care one step further. One parent will be able to “tag-a-long” with the child and the instructor so he or she can learn some of the techniques that are used to teach their kids how to ski or snowboard. “Parents want to be involved in teaching their children,” says Maura Gorman, director of the Learning Center, “and the Tag-A-Long program will help them be successful.”

Anchoring the family programs at Mount Sunapee is the Children’s Learning Center located at the base of the South Peak Learning Area. This state-of-the-art facility, built in 2003, puts all programs for children ages 1 to 7 under one roof. The building houses the Mother Goose Childcare for children ages 1 to 5. It is also headquarters for Mount Sunapee’s half- and full-day Snow Stars instructional program for children ages 4 through 7. There is even a children’s rental equipment shop in the Center. Registration for the halfday and full-day Mountain Explorers program for children ages 8 to 12 is also at the Children’s Learning Center.

For more information about Mount Sunapee’s Family programs visit www.mountsunapee.com or log on to their website via an easily found link on the home page of www.skiernews.com.

INCREASED SNOWMAKING

NEWBURY, NH – How does the ski resort ranked with the best snow surfaces in the East in 2006 by SKI Magazine prepare for the 2007-08 season? By adding even more snowmaking coverage and production.

This season, snowmaking pipe is being added to the Eastside trail in the popular Sunbowl area. Eastside trail is rated more difficult and covers almost 2.5 acres of terrain. With snowmaking, another terrain park will be created on Eastside, which will complement the SoBe Freeride Zone. “The terrain park on Eastside will be built 100 percent out of snow with no hardware (rails, boxes, etc.),” said Alan Ritchie, assistant mountain manager. “It will be a series of elements that will flow from the top of the trail to the bottom.”

The addition of 18 energy efficient snow guns from Snow Economics will increase snowmaking production when making snow in temperatures above 25 degrees. “During the early season a lot of the time we are making snow between 25 to 28 degrees,” said Chris Corliss, mountain manager. “These new guns produce the same amount of snow as some of our older guns using only 12 to 25 percent of the compressed air. This will allow us to run more guns and make more snow during these early season temperature scenarios.”

Freeriders commonly use the word “amped” to describe how they feel about the SoBe Freeride Zone at Mount Sunapee. This winter they will be amped both literally and figuratively in the Zone with the addition of a $20,000 sound system being installed this season. Thanks to our title sponsor, SoBe, the Zone will be wired with speakers from top-to-bottom along Pipeline trail. The system features a wireless microphone that will work anywhere in the Zone for events and impromptu sessions.

Mount Sunapee will also introduce a tubing park on South Peak this winter. The tubing park will operate on weekends and holidays. It will open at 3 p.m. and hours will vary depending on available daylight. The park will be accessed by the Flying Carpet lift. A new warming hut serving hot beverages and soups will be open at the base of South Peak to serve the South Peak Learning Area.

NEW PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

NEWBURY, NH – At Mount Sunapee this winter, you will be able to try before you buy, pamper yourself a little, or rub elbows with an Olympic gold medalist. Moreover, you can slide down the hill on something other than skis or a snowboard, or just get a great cup of coffee.

From opening day through Friday, Dec. 21, Mount Sunapee will be offering its popular Get Into Skiing/Snowboarding and Families First one-day introductory programs free. The Get Into program is for individuals ages 13 and up. Families First teaches families together with children at least 8 years old. The one-day introductory program includes a two-hour group lesson, an all-day lift ticket to the South Peak Learning Area and specially designed rental equipment that aid in the learning process. Call 603-763-3500 to confirm availability.

“We are committed to growing our sport and introducing as many people as we can to one of the few forms of outdoor, physical recreation that families can enjoy together for their entire lives,” said Bruce McCloy, director of marketing.

The beautiful new Hearthstone Room, featuring a large fieldstone fireplace, will be made available to individual guests on weekends and holidays when it is not rented for a function or to a group. Parties of two or more can reserve space for $30 per person (not including a lift ticket) and receive a light continental breakfast, buffet lunch and après-ski appetizers in a cozy atmosphere shared with no more than 30 other guests. Availability and reservation information will be posted on the web site.

Olympic gold medalist Ross Powers brings his posse of pros and top instructors to Mount Sunapee Feb. 23-24, 2008, for a two-day snowboard camp that will propel young riders to that next level. Proceeds from the camp benefit the Ross Powers foundation.

Mount Sunapee will introduce a tubing park on South Peak this winter. The tubing park will operate weekends and holidays. It will open at 3 p.m. and hours will vary depending on available daylight. The Flying Carpet lift will access the park. A new warming hut serving hot beverages and soups will be open at the base of South Peak to serve the South Peak Learning Area.

In addition, if you just want a good cup of coffee, there will be two new coffee bars at Mount Sunapee this winter. Located in the Sunapee Lodge and the Summit Lodge, the coffee bars will feature premier coffee grinds, espresso and specialty coffee drinks.

For more information about Mount Sunapee’s Family programs visit www.mountsunapee.com or log on to their website via an easily found link on the home page of www.skiernews.com.

OKEMO HAS GREAT DEALS ALL SEASON

LUDLOW, Vt. – There are many ways to save on skiing and riding at Okemo Mountain Resort. From daily offerings to special events to season-long savings, Okemo has a great deal designed to fit every ski trip budget.

Try Before You Buy

The snowmakers and groomers of Okemo have got the mountain covered. Every morning the first hour of lift operation is free, allowing Okemo skiers and riders to check it out before they purchase a lift ticket. Try Before You Buy is valid midweek, non-holiday from 9 until 10 a.m. and on weekends and holiday periods from 8 until 9 a.m. Convenient base area ticketing locations are located at the Okemo Clock Tower base and Jackson Gore base areas.

Frequent Skier Flex Card

Okemo has flexible savings all season long for frequent skiers. When skiers and snowboarders purchase an Okemo Flex Card, they save 50 percent on weekday, non-holiday (Monday through Friday) single-day lift ticket rates. In addition, they save 25 percent on weekend and holiday single day lift ticket rates; and 50 percent on single-day lift ticket rates on all weekends in November and April, plus select weekends in January and March. Discounts also apply to single day, full day, afternoon half-day and Sunday Solution morning lift tickets. On all midweek, 50-percent savings days, Flex Card holders also save $10 on a Group Lesson or Adventure Clinic. They also save $10 on a Ski Demo at the Okemo Snow Sports Shop; and $10 on High-Performance Ski Rental Package (skis, boots, poles) at the Okemo Express Rental Shop. Flex Card holders also receive Email notification of special deals throughout the season. In addition, as a bonus, Okemo Flex Card benefits are available at Mount Sunapee Resort. Moreover, Flex Card holders can present their card at the Crested Butte, Colo., lift ticket office to receive 20 percent off multi-day lift tickets all season long. The Flex card is $99 for adults, $89 for young adults and seniors, and $79 for juniors and super seniors.

Okemo 8-Pack

The resort offers eight days of skiing and riding for the price of seven. The cost for adults is $518; young adults/seniors $441; and juniors/super seniors $336. The Okemo 8- Pack is a pre-purchase of eight unrestricted, single, full-day lift tickets for the price of seven. The 8-Pack is valid every day of the season with no restrictions, and it is transferable between family and friends. It may be applied toward the purchase of one or two tickets per day.

Okemo 12-Pack

Twelve days of skiing and riding for the price of ten is quite a bargain. The cost for adults is $740; adults/seniors $630; and juniors/super seniors $480. The Okemo 12-Pack is a pre-purchase of 12 unrestricted, single, full-day lift tickets for the price of ten. The 12-Pack is valid every day of the season, with no restrictions and it is transferable between family and friends. It may be applied toward the purchase of up to three tickets per day.

The College Card

Full-time and part-time college students will save 50 percent on the price of a full-day adult lift ticket during weekdays and $15 on weekends and holidays. By presenting a valid college ID from an accredited college, community college, or university at the Okemo Mountain Services Center, students can save all season long. Best of all, the College Card is valid at both Okemo and Mount Sunapee. The College Card is the same price as an adult, one-day lift ticket and includes free skiing or riding on the day of purchase. Since the price is based on a given day’s lift ticket price and is therefore variable, the best time to purchase a college card is early in the season when tickets are offered at a rate according to available terrain.

Three Great Mountains and One Great Ticket

When skiers and riders purchase a minimum three-day lift ticket or lodging/ticket package, they can ski one day during the life of the lift ticket at either Mount Sunapee or Stratton Mountain. By presenting a valid three-day (or longer) Okemo lift ticket to Guest Services at either Mount Sunapee, N.H., or Stratton, Vt., the guest receives one complimentary lift ticket for that day.

They Don’t Call It “Ultra” for Nothing

When it comes to season passes, the Ultra Pass at Okemo covers it all – including this winter’s Colorado ski trip. Skiers and snowboarders can enjoy the slopes every day at Okemo, Mount Sunapee, Stratton and even Crested Butte, Colo., with no restrictions for only $1,399 for adults. It is like getting four season passes for the price of one – with added benefits at Okemo. Additional Ultra Pass privileges include $15 off group lessons, morning specialty clinics, and full-day highperformance rentals and ski/snowboard demo packages. Firsttrack fanatics will especially enjoy early access benefits that include 7:45 a.m. lift access on weekends and holidays at Okemo and Stratton.

In addition, save 15 percent on lodging accommodations with Crested Butte Mountain Resort Properties when booked through Crested Butte Vacations. Call 1-800-341-5431.

Okemo Skier and Rider Appreciation Days Are Back – Just $39

Skiers and riders of all ages can enjoy an entire day on the slopes at a special discounted lift ticket rate on select Thursdays in November, December and March for just $39; and in April for just $29. The dates are Dec. 6, 13, and 20, 2007; March 13, 20, 27, 2008; and April 3, 10, 2008.

Active Duty Military Discount

Okemo offers a military discount for United States military personnel who are on active duty and their immediate families. When active members of the armed services show their active duty ID at the Mountain Services Center, they receive: 50 percent off full-day lift tickets, Monday through Friday, non-holiday; and $15 off full-day lift tickets, weekends and holidays

January Tribute - U.S. Military Veterans, Fire, Police and Ambulance Personnel

Okemo pays tribute to the United States Military veterans, police officers, firefighters and ambulance personnel every Tuesday and Thursday during the month of January 2008, with a special half-price discount on lift tickets. They must show their ID card/badge and a photo ID at the Mountain Services Center at the Okemo Clock Tower base area or the Jackson Gore base area. Qualified personnel will receive 50 percent off the price of an adult full-day, full price lift ticket. The dates are Tuesday, Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29; and Thursday, Jan. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31. It is Okemo’s way of saying “thank you” for all that our civil servants do.

Ladies’ Days – Calling all OKEMOMMAS!

Tuesdays are officially Ladies’ Days at Okemo. All ladies can ski and ride all day on select Tuesdays for just $39. The savings continue with a group lesson for just $25. It is better than a day at the spa or a clearance sale. Girlfriends, sisters, mothers and grandmothers will enjoy a ladies’ day out on the slopes Dec. 4, 11, 18; Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29; and March 4, 11, 18, 25.

Sunday Solution Morning Half-Day Lift Ticket – Vermont’s Original Morning Ticket

This package at Okemo is a popular solution for weekend warriors who want to head for home early, but still want to ski without paying for a full-day lift ticket. The cost is adults (ages 19-64) $63; young adults/seniors (ages 13-18 and 65- 69) $52; juniors/super seniors (ages 7-12 and 70+) $41; and children 6 and under ski/ride for free every day. The package is offered from 8 a.m. through 1:30 p.m. As a bonus, Monday Solution Morning Half-Day Lift Tickets will also be offered on these Mondays: Dec. 31, Jan. 21, and Feb. 18.

For more information about Okemo Mountain Resort, please call 1-800-78-OKEMO (786-5366), or visit www.okemo.com.

LOON MOUNTAIN OPENS NEWEST TERRAIN in NEW ENGLAND

LINCOLN, NH -- This December, Loon Mountain in New Hampshire will open South Peak, the newest ski terrain in New England. A generation in the making, South Peak opens with a new high-speed express quad, three trails, a base facility and a connector lift. The new terrain represents only 35 percent of the total planned terrain on Loon Mountain that will open in subsequent years.

“This certainly is a special time to be part of Loon,” said general manager, Rick Kelley. “After years of starts and stops, a lot of us are pinching ourselves that it’s really happening.

Over the past 10 months, crews at Loon Mountain have blasted rock, cleared trails, dug water bars, installed 29,580 feet of snowmaking pipe and worked with Doppelmayr/ CTEC to install two chairlifts. “Many members of our own staff have been involved with the construction on this project, which makes it even more meaningful to see the fruits of their labor,” said Kelley.

To access the 2,450-foot summit of South Peak this winter, guests can take the Lincoln Express Quad from the base of South Peak. An alternative is to hop on the Tote Road Connector Quad, which is located at the junction of Upper Bear Claw, Upper Speakeasy and Exodus on the main mountain. From the summit of South Peak, look west to Mt. Moosilauke and look north to Cannon Cliffs, Mt. Lafayette and Franconia Notch. Look down to the town of Lincoln; you feel like you could just ski right onto Main Street.

The three options down South Peak include two groomed runs with snowmaking – Crusier and Boom Run – or the gladed trail, Undercut. Head to skier’s right for Boom Run. The wide expanse of the summit narrows at the ledges as Boom Run turns into a classic New England ski trail with twists, turns and intermediate steeps before the run out back to the base. Head to skier’s left for Cruiser. Many locals have been poaching fresh powder on this trail since it was first cut in 1996. The terrain is wide open, and this trail will have the best afternoon light.

At the base of South Peak, guests will find parking for 150 cars, as well as the Pemigewasset Base Camp, a fabric structure similar to the Governor’s Pavilion. Pemigewasset Base Camp will have full food and beverage offerings, rest rooms, lift ticket sales, and registration for Snowsports lessons. For those who choose not to take the Tote Road Connector Quad back over to the main mountain, a shuttle bus will bring guests to the Governor’s Lodge or Octagon Lodge.

“This is just the beginning of our expansion plans,” added Kelley. “Next year we will be adding three additional trails on South Peak. This terrain will rival what is found on North Peak and will be some of the most challenging at Loon and in New England.”

While you are at Loon, also check out these new programs:

WOMEN’S BREAKTHROUGH

The Women’s Breakthrough Program at Loon Mountain is designed for women who are comfortable on all green terrain, and have not yet “broken through” to the intermediate trails. This three-hour program meets every Sunday morning and starts with coffee and muffins between 8:30 and 9 at Wanigan’s Slopeside Deli. After meeting each other, group participants head onto the snow. This program is exclusively coached by some of Loon’s top female, PSIA-certified instructors.

FIRST TRACKS

This brand-new program is designed for those who have always wondered what it would be like to look uphill and see their tracks in the fresh powder or freshly groomed corduroy. Up to six people meet at 7 a.m. at the Gondola and head to the summit to experience the purest powder and velvety-smooth corduroy. First Tracks is available weekends and holidays, and guests must pre-register at a Snowsports Desk by noon the day before. Skiers and riders must be of intermediate or advanced ability.

CUSTOMIZED PRIVATE LESSONS

A three-hour private lesson gives guests the power to become better skiers and riders in just a morning or afternoon and break through to the next level of skill and enjoyment. Loon’s highly trained Snowsports staff provides instruction and coaching to conquer the toughest terrain and the most ambitious personal goals. Participants can choose their lesson time, coach, terrain and the techniques they want to learn or improve. Each lesson offers a unique experience on the mountain and includes VIP perks such as express lift line privileges. Three-hour private lessons are offered daily and as the name implies, these lessons can be totally customized by being split to accommodate different ability levels or interests of the participants – making this a unique option for families.

Loon is home to the longest gondola in New Hampshire. Check it out for yourself at www.loonmtn.com or log on to their website via an easily found link on the home page of www.skiernews.com.

WHAT IS THE WATERVILLE EFFECT?

WATERVILLE VALLEY, NH – You have probably heard the term “Lake Effect”. At Waterville Valley, N.H., they have the “Waterville Effect”. It refers to how, at Waterville, the 4,000-foot mountain elevation and its unique valley location come together to form an ideal snow pocket. This makes for more natural snow and the ability to make snow when other resorts cannot. It also explains the effect that the entire Waterville Valley experience has upon its guests, bringing on big smiles and lots of shared laughter. The experience includes the variety of terrain, friendly employees, and amenities on and off the slopes and its charming resort village. The same effect has had many Olympic and other highly competitive athletes in freestyle skiing, snowboarding and alpine racing proud to call Waterville home.

No matter what level skier or rider you are, Waterville Valley has made sure there are groomed trails, glades, moguls and terrain parks that fit you just right. Fun features are located on novice, intermediate and expert terrain. Never skied moguls before? Try the mini moguls at Waterville. If you want to see what tree skiing is like, you can try the Greenhorn Glades. First time in a park? Try the Burton Progression Park. In Old T Trees, there are 4.5 acres of intermediate glades and a field of intermediate bumps on Tyler Too. Expert skiers should head over to the black diamond Sunnyside Slopes, home of the famous True Grit trail and Sunnyside Glades. Exhibition Park is Waterville’s signature park and host to annual events like the Volcom PB&J Rail Jam, Burton Jib & Jump and Oakley’s Boarding for Breast Cancer.

The key to the popularity with families of Waterville Valley is the Kids Venture Kamps. Kids Kamps are all about ventures on the mountain for all ability levels. Kamps head into kid-sized Venture Zones, complete with small terrain features that build skiing and snowboarding skills in a fun way. Each Zone has a special pin for kids to collect.

The Waterville Effect continues off the slopes, nestled in a valley surrounded by the White Mountain National Forest. No fast food restaurants there. Most inns, lodges and condominiums in Waterville Valley are within walking distance or a complimentary shuttle ride from Town Square, hub of activity in the Valley. Here you will find a complete Nordic Center with 65 kilometers of groomed trails for skiing and snowshoeing, an indoor refrigerated ice arena with skate rentals and horse drawn sleigh rides. There are also restaurants, shops, I Dream of Beading for kids and Legends 1291 Nightclub. Most lodging packages also give guests access to the White Mountain Athletic Club with its indoor pool, whirlpools, saunas, and game room.

Waterville Valley Provides Plenty of Online Rewards and Entertainment

From lodging packages to lift ticket deals and Kids Venture Kamp savings, to daily ski videos and photos, there are many reasons to visit waterville.com. Be sure to bookmark waterville.com/lodging for deals of the week for last minute ski-and-stay deals at the Golden Eagle Lodge, Black Bear Lodge, Snowy Owl Inn and Town Square Condominium. Here is a quick rundown of the special deals and information you will find online:

Purchase your daily Waterville Valley lift ticket online 48 hours in advance of your visit, and save $10. This online ticket offer is valid seven days a week, including holidays.

Reserve two consecutive days of Kids Venture Kamps online, and get $15 off the second day. Kamps are conveniently located in the base lodge and include lessons, rentals and lunch.

Waterville Valley’s multi media section on the web is the best. Daily videos are filmed and posted every morning at waterville.com along with a “Weekly General Manager’s Report” from Tom Day and twice weekly park report from Terrain Park Manager Luke Mathison. There are also event videos and galleries, a photo of the day, daily snow conditions report and daily parks and pipe report.

Waterville Valley makes it super easy to book lodging reservations online. Each inn, condominium or lodge has a full description with a collection of photos at www.waterville. com/info/winter/hotels. Lodging deals for 2007- 08 include a Snow-vember/December ski-and-stay package from $77 per person per night for two nights. In addition, you will find WV Fab Feb from $99 per person per night for two nights, Kids Ski Free from Feb. 24-28 and Spring It On from $56 per person per night in March. More deals are posted weekly at waterville.com/info/deals.

Nordic skiers can purchase a one-day trail fee online 48 hours in advance and save $2 on their trail pass. Online you will also find “The Inside Track: Director’s Diary” updated each morning along with daily Nordic snow conditions and winter events page.

You can bookmark them directly at www.waterville.com/info/nordic/nordiccenter.

For lodging deals, please call 1-800-GO-VALLEY (1-800-468-2553) or you can easily log on to www.waterville.com via an easily found link in the New England section on the home page of www.skiernews.com.

SUGARLOAF GETS LARGEST SINGLE CAPITAL INFUSION IN MORE THAN A DECADE

More snow, expanded grooming, new learning lift part of $4 million of improvements at Sugarloaf

CARRABASSETT VALLEY, ME – Sugarloaf has embarked upon the resort’s largest single-season capital expansion in more than a decade. The resort is the tallest skiable peak in Maine and home of the only lift serviced above tree line skiing and riding in New England. Sugarloaf enters the 2007-08 winter season with greater snowmaking capacity, enhanced grooming, facility upgrades and a new learning surface lift. The $4-million investment also includes a new public transit system and a major expansion and renovation to the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center.

Getting more snow on the ground early in the season has been the driving force behind significant upgrades to the snowmaking system. Sugarloaf has introduced a number of Boyne proprietary, high-output, energy efficient fan guns to maximize early season coverage. In addition to the fan guns, Sugarloaf has added 70 new traditional low energy snow guns to the snowmaking system and boosted pumping capacity with the construction of a new pump house on the mountain. In total, these improvements will increase snowmaking capacity by as much as 20 percent.

“The changes we have made will allow us to produce much greater quantities of snow at higher temperatures, which is critical to getting more terrain open at the start of the winter season,” said John Diller, general manager of Sugarloaf. In support of the enhanced snowmaking capacity, the resort has added two new state-of-the-art Prinoth groomers to its grooming fleet to ensure the best snow surface possible, while expanding the total amount of groomed terrain.

Beginning skiers and riders will appreciate the addition of a magic carpet lift on the east side of The Birches trail. This surface lift is simple to ride, making it easier to get up the hill for new snow enthusiasts of all ages.

Elsewhere on the mountain, work is underway to expand and renovate Bullwinkles, the midmountain lodge. The addition will increase the overall capacity and include a table service restaurant. The Sugarloaf Mountain Hotel, formerly the Grand Summit Hotel, has undergone significant renovations that include new bathrooms in all guestrooms and the addition of a grand entrance facility.

Off the slopes of the alpine resort, the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center is undergoing extensive renovations and expansion. The $1.4-million project, funded through the Town of Carrabassett Valley, will double the square footage of the lodge and include an Olympic-size skating rink, making it the premiere Nordic skiing, skating, and snowshoeing facility in New England.

Getting around the greater Sugarloaf area will be easier with the creation of a public transportation system that will operate from Kingfield to Sugarloaf. The system was created in partnership with Western Mountains Transportation, the Town of Carrabassett Valley and Sugarloaf to make it easier for skiers and riders to get to the mountain.

“Each of these projects heighten the overall Sugarloaf experience on and off the slopes,” Diller said. “Our guests will see the improvements from the moment they arrive at the resort to when they turn in for the night.”

To learn more about Sugarloaf, please call 1-800-THE -LOAF today, or visit their website www.sugarloaf.com or via an easily found link in the New England’s Favorites section on the home page of www.skiernews.com.

Located in Carrabassett Valley, ME, Sugarloaf is recognized as one of the top winter and golf resorts in the world and is home to the only lift-serviced above tree line skiing and riding in the East. It is one of Golf Digest’s America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses. Sugarloaf is a member of the Boyne USA Resorts family of resorts and attractions.

2008 U.S. ALPINE CHAMPIONSHIPS SET FOR SUGARLOAF'S FAMED "NARROW GAUGE" TRAIL

CARRABASSETT VALLEY, ME – The Nature Valley U.S. Alpine Championships are returning to the East for the second time in three seasons with title races March 22-26 at Sugarloaf/USA. Olympic champions Ted Ligety of Park City, Utah; Julia Mancuso of Olympic Valley, Calif.; World Championships double medalist Lindsey Kildow of Vail, Colo.; and emerging star Steven Nyman of Provo, Utah will be looking to hold off challengers.

The championships, which mark the third Eastern setting in six years, giving developing skiers a chance to measure themselves against U.S. Ski Team athletes in the quest for national titles. Sugarloaf hosted them in 2006 and brought thousands of ski racing fans to the slopes for one of the best U.S. Championships. The championships in the East started with Lake Placid and Whiteface Mountain in 2003.

John Diller, president of Sugarloaf/USA said, “The entire Sugarloaf community is thrilled to once again welcome America’s best to Sugarloaf as they compete for the national championships. Sugarloaf’s proud racing heritage and unequalled commitment from Sugarloafers of all ages will no doubt make the championships a highlight of the 2008 winter season.”

Many racers will be familiar with Sugarloaf and its Narrow Gauge speed run because, in addition to nationals, the mountain has staged many Junior Olympics and Eastern Cup development level events. Sugarloaf held men’s and women’s World Cup races in 1971.

Sugarloaf also hosted the first official FIS Alpine Junior World Championships in 1984. Diann Roffe, who would go on to win Olympic and World Championships gold medals, was silver medalist in giant slalom at those inaugural Junior Worlds.

Since hosting the 2006 U.S. Championships, Sugarloaf and the Sugarloaf Ski Club have made significant on-mountain improvements to make the resort the premiere venue in the East for world-class competition. The Jean Luce Competition and Timing Center was built last year to house timing and announcing as well as race headquarters. The fabled Narrow Gauge trail has been modified to create better sight lines for racers, officials and spectators, and to improve safety.

To learn more about Sugarloaf, visit them online at www.sugarloaf.com or call 1-800-THE-LOAF. You can also log on to Sugarloaf’s web site via an easily found link on the homepage of www.skiernews.com.

SUNDAY RIVER SPENDS $4.8 MILLION PRIOR TO SEASON

Largest total resort investment in 10 years - Nearly $1 million dedicated to snowmaking

NEWRY, ME – Operated by Boyne USAResorts since the beginning of August, Sunday River will benefit from over $4.8 million in investments to upgrade the guest experience. Highlights include night skiing operations additional fan and low-energy snowmaking equipment, building upon the resort’s reputation for the most dependable snow in New England. Sunday River will also install a new magic carpet lift to improve the learn-to-ski and ride experience.

Other significance expenditures include extensive refurbishment of both Grand Resort Hotels and the Snow Cap Inn and Ski Dorm plus new resort ticketing systems that will speed guest check-in and access to slopes. Total spending at the Resort is the highest since 1997 when the Jordan Grand Hotel was built and the Perfect Turn Express Quad was installed.

“We already have the reputation for top quality snow, an expansive resort and a wealth of amenities, which has solidified us as a regional leader,” said Dana Bullen, general manager at Sunday River. “The improvements underway for this year will further increase our snowmaking competitive edge and enhance the overall guest experience.”

Nearly $1 million for Snowmaking

Sunday River is investing heavily in its renowned snowmaking system. Low energy snowmaking equipment continues to be a major focus to reduce effectively the amount of compressed air needed for snowmaking, thus reducing energy consumption while expanding output. The Resort has purchased 25 mobile Ranger sled units and 30 Ranger head units designed to be used on Sunday River’s extensive tower gun system. In addition, it will add 30 SV10s, which use a brand new technology designed to increase low temperature production when compared to traditional low energy heads.

The resort has purchased a fleet of 10 SMI fan guns, and it is outfitting numerous trails with the capability to power the fleet. Fan gun trails are used primarily on lower mountain locations that see greater skier numbers and slightly warmer temperatures.

The fleet of fan guns will be used on Lower Sunday Punch, LowerMondayMourning, the lower part of Broadway, and from the bottom of the White Heat Quad to White Cap Base Lodge. Additional fan guns are likely in coming years.

New Lift in Learning Center

A500-foot Kaser magic carpet lift is replacing the handle tow in servicing Sunday River’s Sundance learning terrain. Magic carpets are the ski lifts that beginners find easiest to ride. The new lift is located steps from the Sprint Perfect Turn Discovery Center, which is the home base for the Resort’s learn-to-ski and ride programs.

Hotels and Condos

The Jordan Grand Resort Hotel, Grand Summit Resort Hotel and slope-side condos are all receiving numerous aesthetic upgrades totaling over $1.3 million. Improvements include, but are not limited to, new lobby carpeting and exterior staining at the Jordan Grand and a new pool deck, room renovations, and new carpet in Legends Restaurant at the Grand Summit.

Extensive upgrades are also on their way to the Snow Cap Inn and Ski Dorm, including new mattresses, windows, televisions, lobby and room furniture, and exterior siding.

Miscellaneous Spending

Three new Bison by Prinoth 355 horsepower grooming machines will replace older models for the coming year. These models offer more power with fewer emissions than the retiring grooming machines. The resort is also purchasing new snowmobiles and a new resort shuttle.

Bathrooms at South Ridge and the Peak Lodge are being renovated and new carpeting is on the way to the Barker Pub.

Additional spending is occurring to change ticketing and tracking systems to those used by Boyne USAResorts, along with numerous other behind the scenes projects associated with the change in ownership.

Envisioning + Storytelling, a firm based in West Vancouver, B.C., been contracted to assist in building a longterm actionable vision for the Resort that will be mutually beneficial to the Resort, the guests, the community, and property owners.

Sunday River is located minutes from picturesque Bethel Village inWestern Maine’s Mahoosuc Mountains. A true four-season destination, the Resort offers eight interconnected peaks of world class skiing and snowboarding, two Grand Resort Hotels and golf at the acclaimed Sunday River Golf Club. Sunday River is a member of the Boyne USA Resorts family of resorts and attractions.

Please call 1-800-543-2SKI (1-800-543-2754) or log on to their website, www.sundayriver.com. You can also easily find their link in the New England Favorites section in the home page of www.skiernews.com.

GUNSTOCK MOUNTAIN RESORT - CELEBRATES 70 YEARS of SKIING HISTORY

GILFORD, NH – Gunstock Mountain Resort celebrates 70 years of skiing history during the 2007-08 season. What began as the Belknap Recreational Area in 1937 with the first chairlift in the East, now has the Panorama High Speed Quad, the third longest lift in New Hampshire. Friendly atmosphere, away from crowds, yet close to all that the Lakes Region of New Hampshire has to offer – Gunstock Mountain Resort has something for everyone. Do not end your ski day feeling that you need a vacation from your vacation. Only a short 1.5 hours from Boston means you will be home before dinner. Five hours from New York and three hours from Hartford means that you will spend more time cruising and less time traveling.

Gunstock Mountain Resort, Easy to get to, hard to leave

When Mother Nature along with incredible snowmakers have painted the peaks white with snow, the Panorama High Speed Quad takes skiers and riders on a 6-minute scenic ride to the summit. The resort has 51 trails, on 220 acres, with incredible views of Lake Winnipesaukee.

Looking for something to do in the evenings? Come out for Gunstock Rocks Saturday Night. When other mountains go to sleep, Gunstock Mountain Resort comes alive. Catch the winter thrill of night skiing and riding on 21 trails and 5 lifts, tubing, rentals, live music, and more – a different party every Saturday night for one low price. Moreover, new for the 2007-08 season, cure the midweek blues with Wall-to-Wall Wednesday Nights – all inclusive skiing, riding, and tubing.

Spend the day or stay for the weekend

Buy a Multi-Day Pass to save and ski or ride on Friday night free. Come spend the weekend in the Lakes Region and make it your base for your winter vacation. Book your stay online at www.gunstock.com with the most comprehensive online lodging service of the Lakes Region. You will find great restaurants, great skiing and riding, and hotels and B & B’s will all the amenities of home.

Winter Fun – Pure & Simple

Award Winning Learn to Ski/Ride Programs. Make This Season Your Turn To Learn.

Know a First Timer? Gunstock invites you to try the nationally recognized award winning learn to ski or ride program – Mountain Magic™ – the best way to learn guaranteed. Whether you are 6 or 106, your first day is magical. The equipment is customized; and the instructors are patient, fun, and they have a love for the sport. Let the PSIA/AASI instructors take you to the next level of skiing and riding and build confidence in the Mountain Adventure and Mountain Excitement Programs. Gunstock’s Learn to Ski/Ride free weeks are Dec. 8 through 21.

Receive your first lesson for free when you sign up for the three-day Mountain Magic Program. Regularly priced at $150, the program allows you to learn to ski or ride for $75. This program includes three two-hour lessons, three lift tickets, and three rentals of customized equipment for the first timer.

Gunstock Mountain Resort offers a variety of programs for all ages and abilities. Even if skiing or riding is old hat; there is always room for improvement. The youngest generation is introduced to the sport at Base Camp. Explore Gunstock from the base to the summit.

Looking for a place to learn air grabbing and gravity defying moves? Look no further than the Sick Trick Sessions at Gunstock Mountain Resort. One-hour sessions with a pro will add more moves to your trick list. Then test out your new moves in Blundersmoke Park and Rail Garden, the closest 12 acres of freestyle terrain to Boston.

You learned at Gunstock, now it is time to teach your kids and grandkids about the sport of sliding and riding. Reconnect with your family at Gunstock Mountain Resort.

For more information on Gunstock Mountain Resort’s programs and events, visit www.gunstock.com or call 1-800-GUNSTOCK (1-800-486-7862).

Gunstock Mountain Resort’s programs are highlighted on their website at www.gunstock.com or via an easily found link on the home page of www.skiernews.com.

Or for more information, please call either 1-800-GUNSTOCK or (603) 293-4341.

WACHUSETT MOUNTAIN IS AWARD WINNING KIDS PROGRAM,

ONE OF SKI MAGS TOP 10 RESORT,

and ADDS NIGHT TRAIN FOR 2007-08

PRINCETON, MA – SKI Magazine already considered Wachusett Mountain the most accessible ski area in the Eastern United States. Getting there this season just got even easier.

In conjunction with the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) and the Massachusetts Bay Commuter Rail Company (MBCR), Wachusett Mountain is expanding its weekend commuter rail service to the mountain this winter to include a night train. Skiers and snowboarders from Boston can take the commuter rail from Boston’s North Station to nearby Fitchburg, Mass., on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the ski season.

The current scheduled weekend ski train service will leave North Station at 8:35 a.m. and arrive at the Fitchburg commuter rail station at 10:06 a.m. Wachusett Mountain will have customers picked up by a free shuttle and taken directly to the mountain, approximately 20 minutes away. Wachusett will shuttle customers back to the Fitchburg station for a 5:35 p.m. departure back to Boston, arriving at North Station at 7:00 p.m. The season service is scheduled to kick off Nov. 24 and will continue through the end of March. Each train includes a designated “ski” car, which will allow for easy storage of ski or snowboard equipment.

New for the 2007-08 season, Wachusett will introduce a night shuttle service for the train. It will leave North Station at 3:30 p.m. and arrive at Fitchburg at 5:02, with the return leaving Fitchburg at 9:45 p.m. and arriving back in Boston at 11:10 p.m. The Ski Train has also been expanded this year to include Martin Luther King Holiday (Jan. 21) and Presidents Day (Feb. 18).

“In this day of high gasoline prices, the ski train provides our Boston area customers with an incredible option for public transportation to the mountain,” said David Crowley, Wachusett general manager. “We hope the addition of a night train will be especially attractive to all the college students in the Boston area. There hasn’t been a transportation option available like this since the era of the gasoline shortages.”

Daniel Grabauskas, general manager of the MBTA, echoed enthusiasm for the ski train. “The combination of Wachusett Mountain and the MBTA in offering this service is a prime example of the benefits that can be attained by collaborative efforts,” he said.

“The ski train is an excellent opportunity to highlight the entire North Central Massachusetts region,” said Dave McKeon, president of the Johnny Appleseed Trail Association, the local travel tourism trade group. “Tourism is an important segment of our local economy, and this will not only help provide easy access to the mountain but give visitors a chance to spend the weekend.”

The Ski Train fare is only $7.75 oneway (subject to change). The new service is scheduled to be in place when the mountain opens for the season in late November and will continue through the end of the season in late March or early April.

For details, visit www.wachusett.com or www.mbta.com.

WACHUSETT EXPANDS AWARD WINNING POLAR KIDS PROGRAM

PRINCETON, MA – SKI Magazine readers recognized Wachusett Mountain as the No. 2 ski resort in North America for Family Programs in the 2008 Reader Resort Survey. In that category, Wachusett placed ahead of such prestigious resorts as Deer Valley, Utah, and Snowmass, Colo. It placed second only behind Smugglers’ Notch – one of the best-known mountains in the country for kids programs. For the 2007-08 season, the programs for kids at Wachusett are going to be even better. Some of the improvements this winter include:

Polar Cub Den: The home for the Polar Kids Program, the Den has been expanded and renovated this season with easier check in and check out. Moreover, a 400- square-foot indoor space for off-hill activities has been added.

PK Club: This special online program is for parents who wish to reserve in advance three all-day Polar Kids sessions. It will guarantee that space will be available during popular sessions. In addition to Polar Kids, Wachusett Mountain has expanded its two popular seasonal kids programs.

New Polar Kids Director: John Mullaney, formerly children’s director at Bromley Mountain for the past eight years, has joined the Wachusett staff as director of the Polar Kids Children’s Program.

Dev Team: The Development Team at Wachusett helps children learn proper skills and technique. Designed for kids age 6-15, it is offered weekends with halfor full-day sessions. The Dev Team now includes four new squads: SnowMasters is designed to help kids build overall skills. Carving Cats is for young skiers who want to develop racing skills and tactical training. Park Monsters focuses on alpine park and half-pipe skills. ACE Cadets is specifically designed for older kids, age 13-15, who wish to train to be instructors.

XTREME Team: This is a 12-week program designed for skiers and snowboarders age 9-18 with a focus on competitions. It includes half-pipe, slopestyle, freestyle and boarder/skier cross. Team members may join and compete in USASA sanctioned events.

KIDS VACATION BREAK Program: Available for both the December and February vacations, the program includes three-day sessions for Snow Stars or fourdays for Mountain Masters. Available dates are Dec. 24-28 and Feb 19-22

For details on all of Wachusett’s Family Programs, visit www.wachusett.com. You can also log on to their website via an easily found link on the home page of www.skiernews.com.

For details, visit www.wachusett.com or www.mbta.com.

You can also link to Wachusett’s web site from an easily found link on the right side of the homepage of www.skiernews.com.

WHITEFACE RANKED SECOND in EASTERN U.S. by SKI MAGAZINE READERS and THIRD IN EASTERN NORTH AMERICA

Olympic sites also give Whiteface/Lake Placid No. 1 off-hill rating

LAKE PLACID, N.Y. – The survey is complete and the numbers are in as resorts prepare for the 2007-08 winter season. According to a record-setting 7,000 readers of SKI Magazine, Whiteface in Wilmington, N.Y., accompanied by nearby Lake Placid, ranks second among resorts in the Eastern United States and third in Eastern North America. An independent research firm conducted the survey. On average, the respondents skied 23 days last winter. Readers of SKI also ranked the region tops in North America for off-hill activities.

The Whiteface / Lake Placid region, which hosted the 1980 Olympic Winter Games, Winter Goodwill Games and continues to conduct many World Cup competitions, is highlighted in the October issue of the publication. Additionally, a feature on Adirondack skiing – touting both Whiteface and Gore Mountains –appears in the same issue. Only Mont Tremblant, Que., in the top spot and Smuggler’s Notch, Vt., second, stood ahead of Whiteface / Lake Placid in the SKI survey.

From 2000-03, Whiteface held the top spot in the Eastern U.S. In 2003-04, Whiteface was ranked seventh; in 2004-05, it improved to sixth.

In the highlights of the 2008 report, the 225-acre mountain was ranked 10th in terrain variety, fourth in challenge, and fourth in lifts. Moreover, it was ranked third in dining, third in après ski, seventh in family programs, third in scenery and sixth in overall satisfaction.

For the 15th consecutive year, the Whiteface / Lake Placid area graded tops in off-hill activities in North America, thanks to its menu of Olympic-style sports. Bobsled and luge rides, ice skating, cross country skiing, ski jumping, World Cup events, hockey, figure skating, shows, and concerts complement the skiing and snowboarding.

“These experiences continue to differentiate Whiteface / Lake Placid from other resorts,” said Ted Blazer, President and CEO of the Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA), in Lake Placid, which operates all ORDA venues, including Whiteface. “The venues are offered not only to the world-class athlete but to the recreational visitor as well.

“We thank the survey respondents for considering us so highly,” continued Blazer. “Ultimately, those who read publications such as SKI are among the most passionate and savvy skiers and boarders. Making them happy gives us the impetus to advance our resort experience.”

Added Whiteface General Manager Jay Rand, “Whiteface management and staff will continue all efforts to maintain our status as a premiere resort. It is these types of surveys and guest feedback from the most astute skiers and riders that will enable us to provide the best experiences possible in the future.”

To that end, Whiteface has currently embarked on another round of upgrades. For the upcoming winter campaign, visitors and residents will see further improvements in snowmaking capacity and grooming. Air compressors and snow guns are being changed over to incorporate environmental sustainability with eco-friendly, low-energy, high-output equipment.

Mountain management has also succeeded in recent years in bringing more water to the snowmaking intake, thus running more guns at one time. In addition, the grooming fleet has increased over the past several seasons with four new cats thus enabling the mountain staff to better farm this new-found, additional snow.

Patrons of Kids Kampus, growing in popularity in recent years for the self-contained nature of its operation, will now benefit from an expansion for children and families. The advantages are evident, particularly during holiday periods. In addition, a new, 350-car parking lot opened last winter near Kids Kampus.

In the midst of the coming season, Whiteface will celebrate its 50th anniversary in January 2008 and will mark the occasion with weekend celebrations into March.

Upcoming winter events include World Cup mogul skiing in January, followed by World Cup snowboarding (parallel giant slalom and snowboardcross), Masters ski races and the North American Alpine Series Finals, all in March.

Looking beyond 2007-08, Whiteface is currently moving into its next frontier: Lookout Mountain. Located to the northeast of The Slides, Lookout Mountain will open in December 2008. It will have a 1,600-vertical-foot expert run, a 2,200-vertical-foot intermediate trail, a new triple chair starting just below the first pitch on Easy Street, snowmaking and another 55 acres of glades. This will increase the skiable terrain from 18 miles to 21.7 miles. The state-mandated ceiling at Whiteface is 25 miles.

If you would like to enjoy the Olympic Region experience complete with on and off snow activities, then you can view web cams from five locations and up-to-date weather by logging on to www.whitefacelakeplacid.com

WHAT'S NEW in VERMONT

MONTPELIER, VT – This season, Vermont resorts have expanded terrain offerings, made upgrades and renovations, built new lodging and increased snowmaking coverage. Along with Vermont’s unique charm and hospitality, guests will continue to enjoy up-to-date facilities, conveniences, services and amenities. That translates into a great ski experience.

BOLTON VALLEY RESORT

The secret is out: Find out what locals know. Bolton Valley Resort (BVR) has some of the best powder stashes, backcountry and tree skiing/riding in New England. With the highest main base elevation of any full-service mountain resort in Vermont, Bolton Valley gets more snow, more often, and it comes sooner and stays later on the resort’s trails and woods. Known by many as a great family resort with exceptional value, Bolton Valley is so much more. Bolton has some of the most challenging terrain in New England, with a multitude of chutes, tree runs, glades, manmade natural features (log rails, jibs and quarter pipes) and ice falls that challenge the most seasoned skiers and riders. Liz Hollenbach, former assistant Nordic coach at UVM, will be heading the Nordic Center and 100K of trails. There will be a full slate of Nordic racing and events to take advantage of the elevation-induced early and late snow. Also new for this year is Tranquil Heights at Bolton Valley, a sanctuary for massage and body treatments in a soothing environment.

BROMLEY MOUNTAIN

New Glade, Capital Improvements at Bromley: Bill Cairns, Bromley’s director of mountain operations at Bromley, announces the improvements for this season. They include the introduction of a freshly cut intermediate glade, snowmaking expansion on Lower Shincracker and Run Around #1 and #2, 20 new HKD Tower Guns and a new BR350 Snow Cat to keep all that new snow groomed right. “It’s all about snow here at Bromley. These capital improvements, at close to $330,000, show our dedication to that.” The new glade, Spring Fling, connects Spring Trail with Lower Twister. “It’s a nice run,” says Cairns. “A terrific spot for skiers and riders who want to learn to ski the trees, or learn to ski them better.”

BURKE MOUNTAIN SKI AREA

Connected: Burke offers complimentary high-speed Internet access in both lodges, and an Internet Café in the Sherburne Base Lodge. Ski Green: All departments are involved in the Ski Green effort at Burke from mountain operations and maintenance, to food and beverage and office administration. Besides an employee recycling program, Burke uses energy efficient snowmaking guns and bio-diesel, and works closely with Efficiency Vermont to reduce its carbon footprint.

JAY PEAK RESORT

The Triple Major Season Pass: Get unlimited access to Jay Peak, Bolton Valley Resort and Mad River Glen with the new Triple Major College Season Pass. The pass allows access all three resorts every day of the 2007-08 season with no restrictions to full-time college students. In addition, students get night access to Vermont’s most extensively lit terrain at Bolton Valley every Wednesday through Saturday until 9 p.m. Students must show valid photo ID and valid proof of enrollment, with minimum of 12 credits to be considered full time. The cost is just $269 plus tax. The Jay Peak Facelift: Jay Peak will begin its first phases of refurbishment and redevelopment of its Tram Base Lodge and Skier/Rider Service facilities in Spring 2008. Along with additional slope-side lodging units, skiers and riders will have access to new rental, repair, retail and demo facilities, new childcare and skier service amenities and new pub and restaurant options. Full build-out of this first phase is expected to be completed by the 2009 Holiday season. More details are available at www.jaypeakresort. com

KILLINGTON RESORT/ PICO MOUNTAIN

Improvements: For the 2007-08 winter season, Killington has invested $3 million in behind-the-scenes items, including snowmaking upgrades and new carpet and paint throughout the resort. In addition, more than $2.5 million has been invested at the Killington Grand Resort Hotel and Spa over the past two years with room renovations and a brand new spa.

MAD RIVER GLEN

Mad River Glen Gets New Single Chair: The 2007-08 season marks a new era as Mad River Glen unveils its “spanking new” Single Chair. This past summer Old Faithful received a $1.54- million historic rehabilitation. The Single Chair has long been the embodiment of the rugged, practical, and unique personality of the mountain. “Ski Green if You Can:” – Mad River Glen Goes Carbon Neutral: Mad River Glen, with the help of its non-profit partner, The Stark Mountain Foundation, has implemented the Ski Green If You Can carbon offset program for the 2008 ski season. Mad River Glen, Jay Peak and Bolton Valley Team Up for College Pass: The new Triple Major Pass offers college skiers and riders unlimited access to Jay Peak Resort, Bolton Valley and Mad River Glen for $269.

MAGIC MOUNTAIN

New Ownership: Magic Mountain will come into the 2007-08 season under new ownership. JLS Magic LLC, directed by President Jim Sullivan, plans to bring Magic Mountain back to the forefront of southern Vermont skiing and riding. More Water: In an effort to combat low periods of natural snow, Magic Mountain is quadrupling the size of the snowmaking pond. The new pond will provide much needed relief as Magic Mountain increases the quality and quantity of manmade snow.

MOUNT SNOW RESORT

New Beginnings: In April 2007, Peak Resorts acquired Mount Snow along with Attitash for $73.5 million. The new owners have wasted little time putting their stamp on their new purchase, spending over $6 million to improve the resort in time for the winter 2007-08 season. Investments include $3.5 million in energy efficient snowmaking technology. Mount Snow will have the most fan guns in New England. They have also purchased a Pisten Bully 600. The resort is spending an additional $2 million to refresh all the buildings in the base area. This project includes new interior and exterior paints, roofing, carpeting, tiles and a new face for the clock in the Clocktower.

OKEMO MOUNTAIN RESORT

A Focus on the Snow: It is said that success is a journey, not a destination. Therefore, it is no surprise that improvements slated for this winter at Okemo Mountain Resort continue to focus on the snow and ways for resort guests to enjoy it. New this winter: Okemo is adding more snowmaking, a new surface lift at Jackson Gore and a new grooming machine. Also new this year is afternoon snow tubing, an operational focus on creating more terrain diversity, a base lodge retro re-do, and additional slope-side lodging with the opening of the Bixby House at Jackson Gore. Last, but not least, Okemo is energizing its commitment to families, snowboarding and the alpine lifestyle with the naming of Olympic Halfpipe Gold Medalist Ross Powers as Okemo Snowboard Ambassador.

SMUGGLERS’ NOTCH RESORT

We’re Number One: Smugglers’ Notch Resort announces its ninth year of winning the No. 1 place in North America for Family Programs in the October 2007 survey by SKI magazine readers. Smugglers’ is presenting skiers and riders with still more glades this winter, bringing the total gladed area to over 45 acres and 22 percent of the total skiable and patrolled area. Some of the new gladed terrain will be on the skier’s right of the venerable Doc Dempsey’s trail on Madonna, a challenging area. The FunZone: The FunZone is getting a makeover with new inflatables. It will include a giant obstacle course, a child’s obstacle course, a fidget ladder, a crawl-through for the 8 and under crowd, and an indoor mini-golf course. This indoor play area has been a hit with families since its creation eight years ago, and its use is included in the Club Smugglers’ Advantage Package. The Little Rascals: The Little Rascals on Snow program offers parents the option to put their toddlers on snow at Treasures. This year, a new 22-foot Magic Carpet lift will be installed in the child care center’s playground for easily accessible sliding on snow.

STOWE MOUNTAIN RESORT

Stowe Mountain Lodge: The Stowe Mountain Lodge is located at the heart of the new Spruce Peak at Stowe alpine neighborhood at the base of Stowe. When it opens this winter, the new 139-room lodge will be the first true luxury resort hotel to open in the Northeast in more than 50 years. The ski-in/ski-out, golf-in/golf-out property offers guests convenient access to a 21,000-square-foot excellent spa and Cooper Institute-endorsed wellness center. In addition, the guests will enjoy an 18-hole mountain course designed by the legendary Bob Cupp. Artisan inspired fine and casual dining, approximately 12,100-square-feet of state-of-the-art function space, an upscale retail plaza, an outdoor ice skating rink and performing arts center round out the amenities.

STRATTON MOUNTAIN RESORT

Renovations: Stratton’s Tamarack beginner area receives a facelift this season with one new beginner trail, 12 new slopeside homes and a 560-foot covered magic carpet lift. The entire Tamarack area will also be covered from top to bottom with 100 percent snowmaking coverage, expanding on Stratton’s already stellar 90 percent snowmaking and Great Snow Guarantee.

SUGARBUSH RESORT

A Commitment to Excellent Food and Drink: With the ‘Bush entering its second season of Lincoln Peak Village, they have hired a Resort Executive Chef Gerry Nooney, a former teacher at the New England Culinary Institute. He ran the most popular restaurant in the Mad River Valley. This past summer, he donned the toque at Timbers and has been perfecting some signature dishes ever since. The International Association of Culinary Professionals has named the institute the Best Cooking School of the year.

Complied and presented by Vermont Ski Areas Association.

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS UNDERWAY at NEW HAMPSHIRE SKI AREAS

NORTH WOODSTOCK, NH – Every summer the ski areas in New Hampshire roll up their sleeves and get to work improving their resorts for guests. The past summer was no different with many improvements underway across the state.

Following is a list of projects in the Granite State for the exciting 2007-08 winter season.

Attitash

Attitash spent more than $3 million over the summer on improvements, including $2.5 million on snowmaking upgrades. The snowmaking improvements target several premier trails including Illusion, Moat, Spillway, Thad’s Choice, Upper Highway, the Learning Center, and the base area on Attitash. The focus is on adding energy efficient fan guns. Other improvements include an extension to the Abenaki Lift, two new grooming machines and improvements to the Adventure Center Base Lodge.

Crotched Mountain

This winter, Crotched Mountain plans to open three new trails, including one that links Super Nova with the Launch Pad Learning Center. Work is continuing on the summit of the mountain to add more terrain and expand the vertical drop to 1,000 feet. A new snowmaking line is being installed on the west side of the mountain in order to increase snowmaking capacity and bring snowmaking to new terrain including the summit area. Other improvements include a new entrance, base lodge enhancements, chairlift overhauls and new terrain park features.

Loon Mountain

This summer Loon has spent more than $10 million on its South Peak expansion. The expansion will link South Peak to Loon’s existing trail network. The terrain will include nearly 50 acres of new intermediate and advanced terrain. A high-speed quad chairlift will service South Peak with a new connecting quad chair to transport skiers and riders to the new terrain. The area is expected to make its grand opening in December 2007. These new lifts and terrain only represent 35 percent of the total planned expansion.

Mount Sunapee

Mount Sunapee is focusing on improving snowmaking. Thanks to the increase in snowmaking, Eastside trail will host a terrain park created completely out of snow elements – without rails, boxes, etc. Twelve energy efficient snow guns are being added that specialize in making premium snow at temperatures above 25 degrees, which is very common during early season snowmaking. The resort is adding a $20,000 sound system to the Sobe Freeride Zone Terrain Park with speakers running top to bottom on Pipeline Trail. Guest will also find a new tubing park on South Peak that will operate on weekends and holidays. A new warming hut will serve hot beverages and soups at the base of South Peak.

Pats Peak

Pats Peak has invested more than $5 million in the past six years and the improvements continue for this winter. Among them are snowmaking upgrades, increased lighting for night skiing, new rental equipment, a reconfigured beginners’ area, and expanded tubing hours. The snowmaking improvements include two additional high-capacity water pumps, additional HKD tower guns, and six new SMI snowmaking fan guns. The rental fleet includes 300 new pairs of skis and bindings as well as 200 new snowboards. The additional lights are on the Vortex Trail, providing night skiing and riding on 21 of 22 trails.

Waterville Valley

Waterville Valley spent a total of $525,000 this summer. Among the improvements, guests will find 20 more snowmaking guns on the mountain in order to open additional early season terrain. The resort added a new winch cat to help groom the famous steep trails on Sunnyside. The signature element in Exhibition Park, Street Hubba, has received a face-lift. Skiers and riders who have worked up a hunger can now dine at Buckets Restaurant on weekends and holidays.

The Kids Venture Kamp check-in and rentals also have been improved. Sport Thoma will now be the on-mountain ski shop with extensive demo equipment to sample

The Nordic center at Waterville Valley added two new trails: Swayzeytown Trail for intermediate skiers, and Connection Corner Trail for beginners.

Dartmouth Skiway

Dartmouth Skiway is boosting its snowmaking capabilities by adding 20 HKD snow guns along with an SMI SuperPolecat fan gun. In order to power these new snow guns, the snowmaking pumps and pump motors were rebuilt and reconditioned. In the interest of athlete safety, the race trails were altered according to FIS recommendations; safety netting has also been added.

Jackson XC

Thanks to a generous donation from a benefactor, Jackson XC is smoothing many tails to enable the area open with as little as four inches of natural snow. The Wave Trail was redesigned in order to continue to meet FIS regulations. Jackson’s racecourse will be one of only six homologated racecourses in the United States, meeting the FIS’s highest standards.

Dexter’s Inn Trails by Norsk Outdoors

Dog lovers will be happy to know that a loop for leashed dogs has been added to the trail network. A new YTS Ginzu Groomer has been added to help ensure smooth snow conditions. Additional kids’ skis and a pulk have been added to the rental fleet.

Ski NH is the statewide association representing 37 alpine and cross country resorts and more than 200 lodging properties in New Hampshire. For more information on ski areas, lodging packages, and updated winter events at Ski NH mountain resorts, call Ski NH at 1-800-88-SKI-NH (1-800-887-5464) or visit the Ski NH website at www.SkiNH.com.

For statewide media relations assistance, visit the New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism’s media room at www.visitnh. gov under Travel Industry.