Section Contents - Quick Links to Articles

• 1 - OKEMO HAS A DEAL for YOU

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

• 3 - at OKEMO, ART and INNOVATION ARE WHAT IS NEW for WINTER 2008-09

• 4 - LOON MOUNTAIN OPENS TWO NEW TRAILS for 2008-09

• 5 - WATERVILLE VALLEY CONTINUES A PASSION THAT IS SHARED

• 6 - ENHANCED SNOWMAKING and REDESIGNED TERRAIN PARKS TOP THE LIST of IMPROVEMENTS at SUGARLOAF for 2008-09

• 7 - SUNDAY RIVER ADDS THE FIRST CHONDOLA IN THE NORTHEAST

• 8 - GUNSTOCK MOUNTAIN RESORT - GENERATIONS OF FUN, CLOSE TO HOME

• 9 - WACHUSETT MOUNTAIN TACKLES THE ECONOMY WITH A 10-POINT PROGRAM

• 10 - THE MOUNTAIN NEXT DOOR: GREAT SKIING RIGHT INTHE HEART of NEW ENGLAND

• 11 - VERMONT IS SHINY & NEW for 2008-09

• 12 - at NEW HAMPSHIRE SKI AREAS - IMPROVEMENTS READY for 2008-09

• 13 - SADDLEBACK: BIG, AFFORDABLE, DIFFERENT and ON THE MOVE

at OKEMO, ART & INNOVATION ARE WHAT'S NEW for WINTER 2008-09

LUDLOW, VT – Art and innovation combine to address the challenges of creating a better resort experience at Okemo – all with an eye toward efficiency and sustainability. Laserguided superpipe cutting, first-in-the-East lift loading and grooming technologies, plus energy efficiencies in snowmaking and other operations, these are just some of the innovations that comprise the art of Okemo.

NEW TERRAIN

Okemo has saved the best for last. The final two trails of the original Jackson Gore layout are completed in time for this winter’s ski season. For years, skiers and riders traveling to the Jackson Gore summit on the Jackson Gore Express Quad have looked longingly upon the partially cleared trails located on skier’s right halfway down Quantum Leap.

“These are not your typical Okemo trails,” says Okemo Mountain Resort Vice-President of Operations Barry Tucker. “Offering some of the steepest pitch at Jackson Gore, they have lots of character with natural outcroppings and contours to enhance the way these trails will ski.”

Looking a little like a scene from the History Channel’s Ax Men, the summertime trail clearing at Jackson Gore took on an innovative approach to some timber removal challenges. To avoid a wetlands area located downhill from the trail-clearing operation, felled trees had to be hauled with a winch, uphill to a point where they could be loaded onto trucks and removed via Mountain Road.

Although they have not yet been named or officially ranked, Tucker thinks the new trails will be rated double black diamond. One of the new trails will measure about 1,000 feet long and the other will be about 2,600 feet long. The latter will have a vertical drop of 850 feet. Together, the new trails will add about eight acres to Okemo’s skiable acreage total – now 632 acres.

MORE SNOWMAKING

In addition to the 96 percent of Okemo’s trails that are equipped with snowmaking capabilities, 80 new snowmaking guns have been added to the arsenal this year. Okemo’s operational focus this winter is on energy-efficient, early-season snowmaking. With the help of HKD’s economic solutions and innovative technology, Okemo will continue to offer an outstanding snow surface at reduced energy consumption. Last winter, Okemo tested some new energy-efficient HKD guns. Featuring adjustable water flow levers, nozzle versatility and new valving technology, the HKD SV-10s and Genesis tower guns were a huge success. Due to the snow guns’ ability to make snow more efficiently at closer-to-freezing temperatures, Okemo was able to make the same amount of snow as in previous years using a reduced amount of energy and a fuel-cost savings of $140,000.

In addition, Okemo is upgrading its snowmaking systems on some of its most-skied trails and those that are traditionally the earliest to open. These infrastructure efficiencies are being done at minimal cost by re-using a large amount of previously discarded materials.

GROOMING

Okemo’s grooming fleet is the first in the East to include the new Prinoth BR500 grooming machine, affectionately referred to as “The Beast” by Resort operations staff. The 500- horsepower dual turbocharged behemoth is about eight feet wider and ten feet longer than the next largest model, the BR350. The Beast sports a 24-foot-wide tiller and a 20-footwide blade. With engineered efficiencies, additional width and an ability to travel at the same speed uphill and downhill, the newest machine in Okemo’s grooming fleet will bring the art of grooming to a new level.

In addition, Okemo is replacing three other machines with Prinoth BR350s, one of which will be outfitted as a park cat for grooming the terrain features in Okemo’s five ski and snowboard terrain parks.

LASER-GUIDED PIPE MONSTER

Okemo Vice-President of Operations Barry Tucker looks nothing like Buzz Lightyear of Star Command, but one thing the two have in common is laser technology. When Tucker and his crew were tasked with finding a more precise way to cut Okemo’s massive SoBe Superpipe, they found a technological solution that cost $50,000. “It simply wasn’t a $50,000 problem,” said Tucker. So with a heaping dose of Yankee ingenuity and a dash of frugality, the operations crew came up with a solution using the same laser technology they use in summertime construction-site grading projects. By affixing adjustable laser units with a vertical orientation to a stationary base at the bottom of the superpipe, and attaching a receptor device to the arm of the Zaug Pipe Monster, Okemo’s groomer operators can monitor superpipe shaping for better construction, upkeep and optimal vert. To infinity and beyond!

OKEMO’S “RED CARPET TREATMENT” LIFT LOADING AND UNLOADING CARPETS

Everyone loves the section of Warren Miller’s films when the camera positioned at the top of a chairlift catches the crashes of skiers trying to disembark. The more tangled the carnage, the louder the laughs. For beginner skiers and snowboarders, riding the lift can be a stressful part of the learning experience. Seasoned veterans grow increasingly impatient with each delay of elevation gain. Lift operators loading the uninitiated must be ever vigilant to maintain safety. As a way to make that first lift ride of the day less stressful and safer, Okemo is installing mechanized loading and unloading carpets on one of its base area South Ridge fixed-grip quad chairs. Although familiar to European skiers, the loading carpet is a rarity in North America. Okemo’s loading carpet will be the first one in the East and the unloading carpet will be the first of its kind in the U.S. A conveyor belt, marked with lanes and moving in sync with the chairlift, will make loading and unloading easier and safer. It will reduce lift-line lengths, minimize starts and stops, reduce ride time and improve overall lift capacity.

SKI AND SNOWBOARD RENTAL FLEET UPGRADE

A total of 30 percent of the Okemo’s rental fleet is being upgraded this winter with the newest skis from Atomic and Salomon. With its designation as an official Burton Learn-to- Ride Center, Okemo offers only the best rental snowboards Burton has to offer. All of the hottest new Atomic and Salomon skis will be available to demo for performance enthusiasts. The Tornado, Fury and Opal are sure to be this year’s most popular boards from Salomon and Atomic’s top-of-the-line demos will include Metron, Deviant, Stomp and Izor.

EPIC ART Skiers enjoying lunch at one of Okemo’s most popular and eclectic on-mountain restaurants will also enjoy the whimsical canvases of Vermont artist Donald Saaf. Hailing from Saxtons River, Saaf is a graduate of the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.

A painter, sculptor, musician and children’s book illustrator, Saaf creates lively textural fields that complement the detailed imagery in his compositions. His recent work has focused on the tree, and the abstracted spaces between the branches expand across his canvases. The resulting patterns span the gap between his subjects, drawn from every day life, and a realm of historical fable. Saaf has shown his work extensively in the Boston area and elsewhere in the United States. He has illustrated eight children’s books and has been reviewed in The Boston Herald and Art New England. Five paintings were commissioned and will adorn the walls at Epic starting this winter.

For more information, please visit www.okemo.com directly via this link or log on to their website via an easily found link in the New England section of the home page of www.skiernews.com or please call 1-866-74-OKEMO (1-866-746-5366).

SUNAPEE'S IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDE MORE SNOW WITH LESS ENERGY and DISCOUNTS

IT'S A FAMILY AFFAIR at MOUNT SUNAPEE

NEWBURY, NH – Mount Sunapee is entering its 11th season under the family ownership of Tim and Diane Mueller. It is no wonder that Mount Sunapee, with its proximity to New England’s largest cities, has become known for its cutting-edge family programs. Families First, which received a national award from the National Ski Areas Association, is entering its fifth 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.”

New for 2008-09 is the Bring the Grandchildren program. Baby boomers, who have been the mainstay of the ski and snowboard industry for the past 20 years, are starting to have grandchildren that are old enough to ski or snowboard. With their children immersed in a fast-paced, dual-income society, baby boomers have the time, means, and passion for the sport to take the grandchildren skiing or snowboarding. Anyone age 60 or over who purchases a full-price full-day lift ticket can bring a grandchild (ages 6–18) for half price. This offer is not valid during holiday periods and is limited to one grandchild per grandparent.

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

Another innovative program is the Tag-A-Long Lesson where an adult can accompany their 3 or 4 year old in a private lesson and learn some of the techniques that are used to teach young children how to ski or snowboard.

For more information about Mount Sunapee’s Family programs visit www.mountsunapee.com

SNOW GUNS, GRANDPARENTS & COLLEGE GRADS

NEWBURY, NH – More efficient snowmaking production tops the list of improvements for 2008-09 at Mount Sunapee. Thanks to recent advances in snowmaking technology, resorts are able to continue to make more snow each winter with less energy. Mount Sunapee has purchased 30 more highly efficient snow guns from HKD for the 2008-09 season.

These 30 snow guns, along with 18 purchased last year, can produce the same amount of snow in temperatures above 25 degrees (which are common during early season snowmaking) as older, less-efficient guns, while using only 12 to 25 percent as much compressed air per gun. These guns will continue to reduce the resort’s reliance on diesel air compressors and will reduce the total amount of air required during optimal snowmaking conditions. Mount Sunapee’s electrical KWH consumption is down almost 10 percent over the past two winters. Diesel fuel consumption is down almost 15 percent over the past two years.

Mount Sunapee is rolling out two new products this winter for grandparents and college graduates.

Baby boomers, who have been the mainstay of the ski and snowboard industry for the past 20 years, are starting to have grandchildren that are old enough to ski and snowboard. As baby boomers retire or semi-retire, they will have the time, means, and passion for the sport to want to take the grandchildren skiing or snowboarding. Anyone 60 or over who purchases a full-price full-day ticket can bring a grandchild (ages 6-18) for half price. This offer is not valid during holiday periods and is limited to one grandchild per grandparent.

Mount Sunapee discovered that many college students who purchase specially priced college season passes are dropping out of the season pass market after graduation. This is understandable when you consider that they now have a full-time job and probably some college loans. The new Graduate Pass is designed to bridge the gap between college pass pricing and regular pass pricing. The Graduate Pass allows recent graduates to lock into “graduated pricing” for the next two seasons following graduation. They can enjoy unlimited skiing and riding at Mount Sunapee for $499 in the 2008-09 season and $649 in the 2009-10 season. A regular Mount Sunapee Peak Pass for 2008-09 costs $899.

For more information about Mount Sunapee’s tickets and passes visit www.mountsunapee.com

EVERYBODY IS LOOKING FOR A DEAL

NEWBURY, NH – No matter what day of the week you like to ski or ride or how often you can get to the mountain, Mount Sunapee offers a wide variety of options and specials to match your needs.

The Flex Card offers significant savings every day of the season. Flex Card holders save 50 percent on midweek fullprice daily lift tickets (non-holiday periods) and 25 percent on weekend and holiday full-price daily lift tickets. There is also 50 percent savings every day early season and late season. In addition, Flex Card holders receive $10 off ski/snowboard workshops, rental packages and high performance rental packages. Flex Card ticket discounts even apply at Okemo Mountain in Vermont. Flex Cards cost $99 for adults, $89 for young adults and seniors, and $79 for juniors and super seniors.

The Mount Sunapee 6-Pack offers 16 percent savings every day, and it has lots of flexibility. You receive six weekend/holiday tickets for the price of five. All six tickets can be used daily from opening day through Dec. 19, 2008, and March 9, 2009, until closing day. Up to two tickets per day can be used Dec. 20, 2008, through March 3, 2009. The cost is Adult $330, Young Adult/Senior $275, Junior/Super Senior $205.

In addition, Flex Card and 6-Pack holders receive 20 percent off multi-day tickets at Crested Butte Resort in Colorado.

On Magic Monday, everyone can ski or ride for only $40. Excludes holiday periods.

On Ladies’ Day Tuesday, women can ski or ride for only $46 and enjoy a complimentary buffet lunch in Goosefeathers Pub. Ladies’ Day also includes half-price childcare and Learning Center discounts. Excludes holiday periods.

Every Wednesday is 2-for-1 Day. There are no restrictions, so bring a friend and two can ski or ride for only $62. Excludes holiday periods.

For Surf n’ Save Thursday, check the online special at www.mountsunapee.com, print out the coupon and save. Special varies each week. Excludes holiday periods. New Hampshire residents can enjoy super savings on Sunday afternoons. Residents can ski or ride every Sunday from 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm for only $32. Excludes holiday periods. Proof of residency required.

For more information about steals and deals at Mount Sunapee visit www.mountsunapee.com either directly or via an easily found link on the homepage of www.skiernews.com

OKEMO HAS A DEAL for YOU

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.

AGAIN THIS YEAR, LEARN TO SKI OR SNOWBOARD FREE

First-time or beginner skiers and snowboarders visiting Okemo Mountain Resort early in the season are welcome to take part in a complimentary learn-to-ski or learn-tosnowboard program at no cost. Okemo’s beginner package includes a free combination lower-mountain lift ticket, a free level 1 or 2 beginner group lesson at 10 a.m. or 1 p.m., and free special introductory-level rental of skis, boots, poles, or boots and snowboards. The Learn to Ski or Snowboard FREE program is available for ages 7 and up, at no charge every day, Monday, Dec. 1 through Friday, Dec. 19, 2008.

Reservations are encouraged and may be made by calling (802) 228-1600. Those without reservations may participate on a space-available basis. There are several restrictions, steps to complete and rewards including a free First Tracks Plus Card. Please call 1-866-76-OKEMO.

OKEMO.COM WEBSITE BANNER SPECIALS

Skiers and riders can get the inside scoop on specials at okemo.com all winter long. Value-packed coupon specials and otherwise-unadvertised deals are just a click away. Website banner specials are available only for a limited time or may rotate throughout the season. Restrictions may apply. Users must “accept coupon rules” prior to registering for the coupon and an ID must be presented at the ticket window at the time of coupon redemption.

TRY BEFORE YOU BUY

Okemo’s snowmakers and groomers have the mountain covered and every morning the first hour of lift service is FREE, so Okemo skiers and riders can sample the conditions 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.

OKEMO’S 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; 25 percent on weekend and holiday single-day lift ticket rates; and 50 percent on single-day lift ticket rates every day in November, and from March 16 through closing day in April. They also will save 50 percent on Jan. 4, 10, 11, 24 and 25, 2009. Discounts apply to single-day, full day, afternoon halfday and Sunday Solution morning lift tickets. Flex Card holders receive e-mail notification of special deals throughout the season. As an added bonus, Okemo Flex card benefits are available at Mount Sunapee Resort, and 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 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 2008-09 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

The Okemo 12-Pack is a pre-purchase of 12 unrestricted, single, full-day lift tickets for the price of 10. The 12-Pack is valid every day of the 2008-09 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 can 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 I.D. 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. That means that, since the price is based on a given day’s lift ticket price, 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., they receive one complimentary lift ticket for that day.

THEY DON’T CALL IT “ULTRA” FOR NOTHING.

When it comes to season passes, Okemo’s Ultra Pass 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 in Colorado, with no restrictions for only $1,469 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.

OKEMO SKIER AND RIDER APPRECIATION DAYS - 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. Appreciation Days are Dec. 4, 11, 18; March 12, 19, 26, April 2, 9 and 16.

ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY DISCOUNT

Okemo offers a military discount for United States military personnel who are on active duty. When active members of the armed services show their active duty ID at the Mountain Services Center they, and their immediate family members, 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 TO 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 2009, with a special half-price discount on lift tickets. When they 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. 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. Moreover, the savings continue with a group lesson for just $25. Girl friends, sisters, mothers and grandmothers will enjoy a ladies’ day out on the slopes Dec. 2, 9 and 16; Jan, 6, 13, 20 and 27; March 3, 10, 17 24 and 31.

SUNDAY SOLUTION MORNING HALF-DAY LIFT TICKET – VERMONT’S ORIGINAL MORNING TICKET.

Okemo’s popular Sunday Solution (valid from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) is for weekend warriors who want to head for home early, but still want to ski without paying for a full-day lift ticket. Adults (ages 19-64) pay $68; Young Adults/Seniors (ages 13-18 and 65-69), $58; Juniors/Super Seniors (ages 7- 12 and 70+), $45; Children 6 and under ski/ride for FREE every day. As a bonus, Monday Solution Lift Tickets will be offered on select Mondays: Jan. 19, 2009, and Feb. 16, 2009.

For more information, use this link to visit www.okemo.com or use an easily found link in the New England section of the homepage of www.skiernews.com or please call 1-800-78-OKEMO (786-5366).

LOON MOUNTAIN OPENS TWO NEW TRAILS for 2008-09

LINCOLN, NH – Following a record winter, New Hampshire’s Loon Mountain has invested over $3 million in improvements that will give skiers and snowboarders even more reasons to visit Loon this winter.

As part of its multi-year expansion, Loon will open two new trails on South Peak, adding 14 acres of terrain. Skiers and riders will experience spectacular views of Franconia Notch and the nearby town of Lincoln as they approach the steeps of Loon’s first-ever double black diamond, Rip Saw.

These new trails will be accessed from Boom Run. Ripsaw starts steep and ends with classic New England twists and turns before connecting with Cruiser. Escape Route, an intermediate trail, provides access from Cruiser to the South Peak parking area.

Twenty new proprietary Boyne high-output, energy-efficient fan guns, along with 50 new HKD Tower guns will add substantial firepower to Loon’s already powerful snowmaking system. The HKD’s will be placed on South Peak trails, and the Boyne guns are earmarked for the signature Loon Mountain Park and for trails on Loon Peak.

“The new equipment is six times more efficient than conventional snowmaking equipment,” said Ralph Lewis, director of operations. “The Boyne Fan Guns and the HKD Towers are a nice balance of technologies that allow us to open more of our mountain sooner, and provide an exceptional surface throughout the winter, even when the weather is marginal.”

The additional snow guns complement Loon’s prior investment in more than 150 energy-efficient snow guns. Rounding out Loon’s commitment to superior snow conditions, two new groomers will be added to Loon’s fleet.

Loon is making it easier for first timers to get up the hill with the installation of a new carpet lift to replace the lower of two handle tows on Sarsaparilla. Once new skiers and riders master the carpet, they can graduate to the handle tow, located on the upper Sarsaparilla trail.

Snowboarders and freeskiers will be excited about 10 new rails that are being constructed this summer to compliment the 65 existing rails, jibs and jumps found in Loon’s parks. The new rails will benefit all ability levels and will be placed in Loon’s six terrain parks, including the new Brookway Extension Park and the award-winning Loon Mountain Park.

Loon’s popular White Mountain Adaptive Snowsports School, which provides over 500 lessons a year for people with disabilities, is getting a spacious 4,800-squarefoot new home. An addition that has been built onto the Children’s Center now serves as the center for its winter activities. This new space will allow the program to store more equipment, allow better access for participants and visitors, and provide more indoor space for both students and coaches to get ready for lessons.

Wrapping up the improvements for 2008-09 is an investment in the resort’s fleet of rental equipment, featuring a new boot and skis system from Head. This new system will streamline the set-up process and get guests out on the hill faster. Also new this season: rental equipment reservations will be available online via Loon’s eStore and by calling 1-800-229-LOON. This will give guests the convenience of making their arrangements before they come to the mountain, so their equipment will be ready and waiting when they arrive.

Loon is home to the longest gondola in New Hampshire. For more information, up-to-date events info and snow conditions, go towww.loonmtn.com or log on to their website via an easily found link on the home page of www.skiernews.com or call 1-800-229-5666.

WATERVILLE VALLEY CONTINUES A PASSION THAT IS SHARED

WATERVILLE VALLEY, NH – It is the mountain. It is the town. It is the passion that winter enthusiasts share. Waterville Valley is known among locals for offering a truly genuine New Hampshire ski experience. And that experience starts with the resort’s spectacular location, a 500 acre valley surrounded by the peaks of New Hampshire’s White Mountains.

The ski area itself rises to 4,000 feet with a 2,020-foot vertical drop and terrain for all levels of skiers. Valley Run, rated the best learning slope in New England, has 1.2 kilometers of terrain for intermediate skiers and snowboarders. The North Side features wide intermediate ski trails like Tippecanoe and Tyler Too and intermediate glades, Old T Trees.

Expert skiers can head to the Sunnyside Slopes and black diamond trails like True Grit, Ciao and Gema. At Waterville, you will find 52 trails, 250 skiable acres, and three terrain parks are covered 100 percent by snowmaking and nightly grooming. All this ensures the best possible ski conditions.

Waterville Valley is also known as the place to learn to ski and snowboard. The staff is proud of its reputation for sharing the passion of sliding on snow with generations of skiers. Group and private lessons, Kids Venture Kamps and family ski clinics are offered daily. Waterville Valley’s Top Dog Ski and Snowboard Rental Shops conveniently serve guests right at the base and feature K2 shaped skis and Burton Snowboards.

The genuine New Hampshire experience continues in the small village of Waterville Valley, a short trolley ride away. There is Town Square, with a full service Nordic Center for cross country skiing and snowshoeing, an indoor ice-skating arena, horse drawn sleigh rides and selection of alpine shops like Mountains of Chocolate and Waterville Valley Shirt Company.

Restaurant choices range from “three courses and candles” at Diamond’s Edge, a burger and a beer at Legends to the always popular Olde Waterville Pizza Co. Most lodges, inns and condominiums are also within walking distance of Town Square and guests have access to the indoor White Mountain Athletic Club with its pool, saunas, Jacuzzis and racquetball courts.

The best way to experience all that Waterville Valley has to offer is on a ski and stay package. Stay in the village, park the car and enjoy a car-free weekend. Check out www.waterville.com for full descriptions and photos of the Golden Eagle Lodge, Black Bear Lodge, Snowy Owl Inn and Town Square Condominium. New for this season, if you stay three nights, the lodges will add fuel to your fun with a $30 gas voucher for the Waterville Valley service station. Be sure to check often online for last minute lodging offers also.

THE LOVE CONTINUES AT WWW.WATERVILLE.COM

Everything you need to know about Waterville Valley and more is online at waterville.com including daily mountain videos, current conditions, and specials events. You will also find specials like Waterville Valley’s 2 for 1 tickets and Wheel of Deals on Mondays and Fridays, which starts Jan. 5, 2009. On April Fool’s Day you can ski for $1. Purchase your daily Waterville Valley lift ticket online 48 hours in advance and you will save $10, this offer is valid every day. Reserve two days of Kids Venture Kamps online and get $15 off the second day.

There are many ways to save and many ways to have a great, fun time with your friends and family this season at Waterville. For information, lodging and the lift ticket special, please log on to www.waterville.com either directly or via an easily found link in the New England section of the homepage of www.skiernews.com or please call 1-800-GO VALLEY (1-800-468- 2553)

For lodging deals, please call 1-800-GO-VALLEY (1-800-468-2553) or also log on to www.waterville.com

ENHANCED SNOWMAKING and REDESIGNED TERRAIN PARKS TOP THE LIST of IMPROVEMENTS at SUGARLOAF for 2008-09

Sugarloaf receives more than $5 million in capital improvements for this season.

CARRABASSETT VALLEY,ME – For decades, skiers and riders from around the world have travelled to Sugarloaf, Maine, to experience mystique, the challenge and the unmatched sense of community that only Sugarloaf is able to offer.

Sugarloaf provides terrain to suit skiers of all abilities, from gut-checking steeps in the snowfields to family friendly beginner terrain and numerous terrain parks. The resort boasts the only lift-serviced above-treeline skiing in the East. Over the years, Sugarloaf has continued to improve its offerings, with new technology, terrain, and infrastructure.

When skiers and riders return to the slopes of Sugarloaf for the 2008-09 season, they will be greeted with more than $5 million in off season improvements, including enhanced snowmaking capacity, redesigned terrain parks and upgrades to on-mountain facilities. The off season investment makes a total of more than $9 million in capital improvements since Sugarloaf joined the Boyne Resorts family in 2007.

Following considerable improvements to the resort’s snowmaking system in 2007, Sugarloaf added further upgrades this summer in order to produce more snow early in the season. The resort added a sixth water pump to its pump house, replaced all existing pumps with new, more efficient ones, and augmented its snowmaking fleet with 25 new Boyne proprietary energy efficient fan guns, which specialize in producing large quantities of snow at higher temperatures.

Sugarloaf has also added 50 new low energy HKD snow guns, as well as new high flow snowmaking pipe to the summit, which will improve snowmaking in the resort’s above-treeline area. All told, the improvements to Sugarloaf’s snowmaking system will increase the resort’s overall snowmaking capacity by an estimated 20 percent.

“The replacement of all of our pumps plus the addition of the new low energy technology pushes us closer to our goal of doubling our snowmaking capacity while simultaneously decreasing our energy consumption by 50 percent,” said John Diller, Sugarloaf’s General Manager. “We will be implementing additional steps in the coming seasons to achieve this goal, and this is a great leap toward that mark.” Freestyle skiers and riders will find a new terrain park landscape at Sugarloaf this season, with a new advanced terrain park on Haywire, new beginner park on Whiffletree, newly designed Superpipe, as well as a new, permanent snowboardcross/skiercross course designed in part by Olympic snowboardcross champion Seth Wescott.The course, which will be called Sidewinder, will be located in the area formerly known as The Yard, and will feature live timing, allowing guests to test their skills and weigh their times against each other and against Wescott.

The advanced terrain park features that were located in The Yard will now be found on Haywire, where new snowmaking equipment has been installed. Sugarloaf’s intermediate park will again be located in the Stomping Grounds, where crews widened sections and straightened corners to allow for more features and better traffic flow. Beginning park riders will find a new park this season as well, the Skybound park onWhiffletree, located in the former Turbo Tubing area.

Considerable earthwork was done to Sugarloaf’s Superpipe during the off season as well, which will reduce the amount of snow needed to open the pipe by 50 percent or more.

Turbo Tubing will be located on the Landing for the 2008-09 season, closer to the Base Area, which will feature several improvements of its own. The area known as The Beach will be flattened and resurfaced and will feature a new bonfire pit, permanent awards podium, and new outdoor barbecue area, all to create a more festive and welcoming atmosphere around the Base Lodge.

Guests will be able to navigate the mountain with greater ease this season as well, with all new trail signage throughout the resort. Skiers and riders will also find improvements to Sugarloaf’s tree skiing areas, including three newly marked glades, as well as a new addition to Bullwinkles, Sugarloaf’s on mountain restaurant, which will feature additional cafeteria area seating and a new deck. Eight of Sugarloaf’s lifts will have new lift buildings, which will be energy efficient and will reduce the amount of energy required for heat by two-thirds or more.

“When we announced these investments at the end of last year, we said they would be the first steps toward a rejuvenated Sugarloaf,” Diller said. “Thanks to the commitment we’ve seen from Boyne in the past year, I think guests will find an enhanced Sugarloaf experience when they return this season and will see that we are still very much committed to that goal.”

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

To learn more, log on to www.sugarloaf.com either directly or via an easily found link in the New England section of the homepage of www.skiernews.com or call 1-800-THE-LOAF

SUNDAY RIVER ADDS THE FIRST CHONDOLA IN THE NORTHEAST

New hybrid lift is part of the $14 million investment

NEWRY, ME – Northeast skiers and snowboarders will be experiencing a new mode of mountain transport during the 2008-09 winter season as Sunday River introduces the first Chondola in the Northeastern U.S. The $7.2-million hybrid lift is one of four in North America and will transport skiers and snowboarders from the South Ridge Base Area to the summit of North Peak, a location from which six of Sunday River’s eight peaks are directly accessible.

A Chondola is a high-speed detachable lift that will carry six-person chairs and eight-person gondola cabins at regular intervals on the same cable. To accommodate the two types of carriers, guests will decide when they arrive at the lift whether they would like to ride on a chair or in a gondola cabin then enter one of the two separate loading areas.

The location of the Chondola will serve to improve a wide range of guest experiences at Sunday River. The resort’s primary beginner terrain will see a decrease in advanced and intermediate skier traffic as the majority of resort guests are transported elsewhere via the new lift, while skiers and riders seeking to access other areas of the resort will be able to move from South Ridge out to other locations quickly and easily. With improved access to the Peak Lodge, the Chondola will reduce what was previously a 20-minute trip on two lifts to a single ride of less than seven minutes.

The Chondola will also become the center of Sunday River’s summer operations as the resort continues to grow into one of the premier four-season destinations in New England. The lift will carry mountain bikers and hikers to the trail network of the Sunday River Bike Park, which covers the North Peak and South Ridge areas, as well as offering scenic chairlift rides up and back down the mountain. With improved access, the mid-mountain Peak Lodge will also begin to serve summer groups including meetings, conferences and weddings as guests will be able to travel to and from the lodge protected from the weather in gondola cabins.

“This innovative lift system is an initial step in delivering on a vision for Sunday River,” said Dana Bullen, Sunday River general manager. “We’re looking forward to bringing this level of refinement to all experiences at the resort. We’ve spent nearly a year crafting the finer details of Sunday River’s future. The installation of the Chondola signals the transition from the envisioning phase into the planning and implementation phase.”

The Chondola is the marquis element in a $14 million investment at Sunday River in the resort’s second season in the Boyne Resorts family of resorts and attractions. Another major improvement will be the introduction of 12-hour skiing and riding at the resort. Lights are being installed on select trails across North Peak and South Ridge, including the resort’s popular terrain park on South Ridge. The 12-hour skiing operation will be served by the new Chondola lift, and South Ridge Lodge will be open later into the night offering food, entertainment and more.

Snowmaking has always been a major focus for Sunday River, and the resort has been known for having the most dependable snow in New England. This season the resort will be building on its snowmaking power with the addition of new snowmaking equipment including new Boyne Low-E fan guns that will help the resort make more snow at lower temperatures while using less energy. Improvements and new features will be seen across the rest of the resort as well. The Grand Summit and Jordan Grand Resort Hotels are upgrading their rooms to include new Boyne Beds. Barker Mountain Lodge will receive new investment. In addition, over a dozen new rails and features are being added to the resort’s terrain parks.

For more information on the vision for Sunday River’s future, go online to www.sundayriver.com/future.

For conditions etc., please visit their web site, www.sundayriver.com. You cn also log on via an easily found link in the New England Favorites section in the home page of www.skiernews.com

To plan your 2008-09 winter vacation and book ski and stay packages, call 1-800-543-2SKI (1-800-543-2754).

GUNSTOCK MOUNTAIN RESORT GENERATIONS OF FUN, CLOSE TO HOME

GILFORD, NH – Gunstock Mountain Resort has something for everyone, with a friendly atmosphere and lack of crowds, yet close to all that New Hampshire’s Lakes Region has to offer. With a short 90-minute drive and only four gallons of gas away from Boston, you can be home before dinner, and you will not break the bank getting there.

With over 70 years of skiing history, Gunstock provides big mountain fun. The Panorama high-speed quad takes skiers and riders on a 6-minute scenic ride to the summit to enjoy 51 trails on 220 acres, with incredible views of Lake Winnipesaukee.

NEW FOR THE 2008-09 SEASON

Gunstock is making over $1 million in improvements for this season. With the addition of 50 new Tower Guns and 5 new fan guns, the snowmakers will have the peaks painted white with snow. The new rental fleet of Head skis and Burton snowboards is an investment in your learning experience.

NIGHT SKIING, PARTY NIGHTS

Let the kids sleep in. Even if you arrive at noon, you can still ski or ride for over nine hours. Enjoy the slopes all day and into the night with night skiing at Gunstock.

Go 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 five lifts, tubing, rentals, live music, and more. There is a different party every Saturday night for one low price. Gunstock is the 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 and save, plus ski or ride on Friday night free. 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 Lakes Region’s most comprehensive online lodging service. Choose from hundreds of lodging types from cabins with fireplaces to grand lodges and hotels, restaurants, and great skiing and riding.

WINTER FUN – PURE & SIMPLE

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

Do you know a first timer? Gunstock invites them to try the nationally recognized award winning learn to ski or ride program, Mountain Magic™, along with the Burton Learn to Ride™ program. Whether you are 6 or 106, your first day is magical. All the equipment is new and customized. The instructors are patient and fun, and they have a love for the sport. Let Gunstock Mountain Resort’s PSIA/AASI instructors take them 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. 6 - 14, 2008. Receive your first lesson free when you sign up for the three-day Mountain Magic Program. Regularly priced at $180, the program costs only $90. 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. Introduce your kids or grand kids to the sport at Base Camp. Explore Gunstock from the base to the summit.

Are you looking for a place to learn air-grabbing and gravity-defying moves? Look no further than the Sick Trick Sessions. In one-hour sessions with a pro, you will add more moves to your trick list. Then test out your new moves in the Phelps Step-up Park. Move your way up to Blundersmoke Park, the closest 12 acres of freestyle terrain to Boston.

Reconnect. Get know your kids and grand kids again – no matter what their ages. You learned here, now it is time to teach them about the sport of sliding and flying. Reload. If it has been awhile since you were on the mountain, come back and see what you have been missing. Recharge. Go there, take some runs, and answer your emails while having lunch. With Free Wi-Fi, your boss will not even know you are gone. There is something for your entire family at Gunstock Mountain Resort.

For more information on Gunstock Mountain Resort’s programs and events visit www.gunstock.com You can also log on via an easily found link in the New England section of the homepage of www.skiernews.com or call 1-800-GUNSTOCK (1-800-486-7862) or (603) 293-4341.

WACHUSETT MOUNTAIN TACKLES THE ECONOMY WITH 10-POINT PROGRAM

PRINCETON, MA – The steepest slope Wachusett Mountain skiers or snowboarders have to negotiate for the 2008-09 winter season is not on the ski area’s black diamond trails; it is dealing with how the current economy affects their household.

“We want to make sure our guests have numerous economical options to keep skiing or snowboarding an important part of their winter leisure time activities,” said David Crowley, Wachusett general manager. “While costs continue to increase everywhere, we hope our location and value pricing programs will allow our guests a variety of ways to make their Wachusett Mountain experience part of their winter budget.” Wachusett has adopted a 10-point program this season outlining its most economical benefits, programs and packages:

1. JUST A COUPLE GALLONS AWAY NOT A COUPLE TANKS.

Wachusett Mountain’s convenient Central Massachusetts location makes it the most accessible ski area, and one of the most economical, in New England. With gas costing more these days, a family’s investment to get to the northern New England mountains can be considerable. The savings of driving to Wachusett Mountain, with its location only one hour from Boston, could pay for the cost of a lift ticket and more.

2. BETTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT.

Guests will consume less fossil fuel going to Wachusett. Skiers and riders can still get in a fun day on the slopes, spend less money getting there, and help the environment along the way. For those who are traveling to Wachusett by car, the ski area is offering incentives this season for those who carpool. If a guest purchases four lift tickets for the same day session online, they will receive free VIP Parking for their vehicle (normally a $12 fee). For those not wishing to drive, Wachusett is the only ski area in New England to offer public transportation via commuter rail service. The Ski Train from Boston’s North Station to nearby Fitchburg is available Saturday and Sunday morning and Saturday afternoons, with connecting shuttle service to the mountain.

3. LATER DEADLINES ON SEASON PASSES

For a summary of all season pass prices, visit www.wachusett.com

4. NEW COLLEGE UPASS INTRODUCED.

College students now have the best deal ever made available at Wachusett Mountain. Currently enrolled students can purchase a “UPass.” The new College UPass entitles students to the same benefit as a Bronze Century Pass at a significant savings. The pass is valid all nights through the season, as well as midweek, non-holiday days. In addition, the pass entitles students to a $10 savings on weekend or holiday days. Offered in conjunction with the Worcester College Consortium, the UPass will be promoted to the colleges and universities through Worcester, as well as in the Boston area.

5. NEW THREE-DAY LEARN-TO-TURN PACKAGE INCLUDES FREE SEASON PASS.

Learning to ski or ride is a life-long investment in a fun, healthy, family-friendly sport and activity. For the 2008-09 season, Wachusett is rewarding guests who make that investment by providing a free Bronze Century Pass to anyone, 6 and older, who purchases a Three-Day Learn-to-Turn Package. The program is an extension of the mountain’s already-popular Learn to Turn Package.

6. SKI FREE WITH FCHP.

For the 2008-09 season, Wachusett Mountain has partnered with Fallon Community Health Plan to give members a tremendous new value. All FCHP members can use their $300 “It Fits” family fitness reimbursement toward Wachusett Mountain lifts, lessons and season passes. For details, go to www.fchp.org/skifree.

7. NEW FLEX TICKET PRICING.

On top of numerous package options for the 2008-09 season, Wachusett Mountain has developed a new Flex Ticket pricing on individual day or night lift tickets. The new pricing structure breaks the season down into three categories: prime, peak and spring. It has allowed the ski area to hold or decrease lift ticket rates during a majority of the ski season.

8. THREE-PEAT CARD IS PERFECT ALTERNATIVE

For those Wachusett Mountain guests looking for an even better economic alternative, the “Three-Peat” Card is the perfect answer. Available for only $99, the card entitles purchasers to three days of skiing or riding anytime during the season. It can even be re-loaded after the three days are used. The three days or nights do not have to be consecutive.

9. SAVE ON EVERY VISIT WITH A PASSPORT.

Additionally, Wachusett also offers another benefit card called the Passport. Available for $30, the Passport entitles purchasers to an $8 discount on lift tickets, rentals and lessons every visit during the season. A Passport Plus is also available, which offers a $10 discount on lift tickets, rental and lessons and every fifth visit is free.

10. MORE ECONOMY-BUSTER DEALS

Wachusett offers a variety of other deals throughout the season. New for the 2008-09 season, Wachusett Mountain (and several other New England resorts) will participate in the popular “Ski 3” promotion with Mobil gasoline stations throughout the Northeast offering added savings on midweek lift tickets. Stay tuned for details. Throughout the winter, Wachusett also offers special deals and packages online, via email and through text messaging promotions to customers’ cell phones (text “SKIWA” to 95495 to sign up).

Visit www.wachusett.com or log on via an easily found link in the New England section of the homepage of www.skiernews.com for details on all of Wachusett’s Family Programs or for all their great deals and info. Or please call 1-800-754-1234

THE MOUNTAIN NEXT DOOR: GREAT SKIING RIGHT INTHE HEART of NEW ENGLAND

DANBURY, NH – As skiers and snowboarders begin the familiar rituals of breaking out their skis, snowboards and boots, they once again plan trips to their favorite winter playgrounds. This season, there is something new to explore, and it is right in their backyard. Driven by new ownership and two consecutive years of major enhancements, Ragged Mountain has established itself as a resort worth noticing. If you have not yet treated yourself to a trip to this nearby neighbor, you have been missing out on one of the most exciting changes in New England.

HIDDEN GEM IN THE HEART OF NEW ENGLAND

For those unfamiliar with Ragged Mountain, this rustic resort is located just outside Danbury, N.H. The resort features 220 skiable acres with lift access to two peaks, 45 trails and acres of glade skiing. Moreover, while Ragged Mountain has long possessed the foundation for something special, it was not until two years ago that new ownership infused the mountain with new life and new capital. Overseeing the improvements was Bob Fries, a veteran of the ski industry with 35 years of experience, including serving as president of the Olympic Regional Development Authority in Lake Placid, President of both Bolton Valley and Stratton resorts, as well as general manager of Breckenridge resort in Colorado.

ANYTHING BUT RAGGED

Over the summer of 2007, the resort invested more than $3 million to help Ragged live up to its considerable potential. This included upgrading all the lifts, extensive lodge enhancements including flat screen TV’s and several new après skiing options, 14,000 feet of new snowmaking pipe, a wonder carpet lift for beginners, and a new terrain park. Most of the changes were completed just in time for the first snowfall of the 2007-08 season.

Once the season started, the investments in Ragged Mountain began to pay immediate dividends. Long-time patrons raved about the changes. On the overall state of the resort, John Harvey remarked, “I had a number of friends who brought their families to ski Ragged at various times during the season all had rave reviews. Just last weekend, one of my work colleagues who skied Ragged for the first time with his son described Ragged Mountain as a ‘home run’.”

To trail grooming, New England skiers David and Dan said, “The mountain itself offers a good variety of terrain. The groomers do a good job and the conditions really encourage skiers to have fun.”

To the renewed vigor the employees displayed for their jobs, Michelle Mulloy commented, “I was so impressed by how friendly and accommodating your staff was. My family and I enjoyed a fabulous day on the slopes. There were very few lift lines, the trails were well groomed and the facilities were clean and well kept. I only regret I discovered this wellkept secret so late in the season.”

While the changes were universally praised, what guests may have appreciated the most, was not a change at all. For most in the New England area, Ragged Mountain’s most attractive feature is proximity and ease of access. Situated 98 miles from Boston, 31 miles from Concord and 150 miles from Providence, Ragged is within the reach of most of New England in less than 90 minutes. That is usually less than half a tank of gas.

THE MORE THINGS CHANGE

With all the additions to the mountain, one thing patrons did not find was lift lines. In addition to five standard lifts, Ragged Mountain is the only resort in New Hampshire to feature a high-speed, six-pack lift. This gives the resort a lift capacity of 7,800 skiers and riders each hour.

This year, Ragged Mountain’s off-season upgrades picked up where last year left off. Beginning with increased water for snowmaking, there are also a new addition to the grooming fleet; more glade skiing; the upscale Overlook Bistro; and the creation of Wild Woods, an all-natural terrain park featuring cliff drops, log slides and a quarter pipe, all set within a natural wooded setting.

WHITE SLOPES MEET GREEN CERTIFICATION

Looking forward, the owners of Ragged Mountain hope to gain approval for the future development of real estate. In order to preserve the existing beauty and serenity of the mountain, all future development will be ecologically friendly and ecologically sustainable. Ragged Mountain has even begun the process to become designated a Certified Audubon Signature Sanctuary. Applying for the Silver Signature level of certification, Ragged will involve Audubon in both planning and construction phases of all future development.

As you prepare for coming season and your mind wanders to the familiar runs of bygone years, why not consider a little change to your routine? At Ragged Mountain, you will find more than just new adventure: you will discover a completely new family favorite. Best of all, it is all right in your backyard

For more information on Ragged Mountain, visit them online at www.raggedmountainresort.com

VERMONT IS SHINY & NEW for 2008-09

MONTPELIER, VT–Amongst the diversity of improvements at Vermont’s Alpine resorts, a certain theme rings clear. Each ski area listens to its patrons and is building the best possible experience for its extended family of snowsports enthusiasts to cultivate further the love of the sport

ASCUTNEY

Ascutney Mountain Resort announced that the resort received town approval for its master development plan for the base of the ski area. When construction is complete, Ascutney will have new slope-side real estate as well as an all new day lodge, ski school, ticket outlets, food and beverage and retail outlets, and a new ski shop, rental and tuning facilities. Ascutney is building the first new single-family home development in the area in many years and plans to begin offering these lots in the fall. Please visit www.ascutney.com for more details.

BOLTON VALLEY

‘It’s all about the snow and the equipment you use to enjoy it.’ That has been the mantra at Bolton Valley since local ownership assumed control of one of Vermont’s favorite local mountains last season. This summer they invested heavily in new snowmaking and grooming equipment, along with an entire new inventory of rental equipment and new resort amenities.

Bolton installed new snowmaking lines on the main mountain and will be installing new energy efficient snow guns and fan guns. This gives a little more help for Mother Nature, who already blankets the resort with more than 300 inches of snow. The new state-of-the-art Prinoth Bison snowcat/groomer will join the three groomers already in the Bolton Valley fleet.

An entirely new inventory of rental skis, boots and poles from Rossignol are available this season. The new ski equipment complements the latest Burton Snowboard equipment in the Bolton Valley-Burton Learn To Ride Center.

Anentirelynewinventoryofrentalskis,bootsandpolesfromRossignolareavailablethisseason. The new ski equipment complements the latest Burton Snowboard equipment in the Bolton ValleyBurton Learn To Ride Center.

BROMLEY

Bromley is justifiably proud of its long reputation for a top-quality product. Extensive snowmaking and four-season trail grooming began in the late 1930s, and Bromley aims to keep that reputation intact. Hence its $1-million investment in capital improvements for this season, the bulk of which is going toward an arsenal of HKD sv10 tower snow guns. These guns will increase Bromley’s already impressive snowmaking capacity by an additional 30 percent and will allow for more man made snow at moderate temperatures. That translates into more open early-season terrain and fast recovery after poor weather. Bromley will be throwing much more snow, so it is no surprise that a new Prinoth BR350 groomer – the ultimate grooming and snow-moving system – will be added to the fleet.

JAY PEAK

The biggest Jay Peak news for this season will be the sale of mountain by MSSI to a group of local investors led by the Resort’s long time President and COO, Bill Stenger. Not much will change in the way of immediate plans. Jay Peak is working on the construction of a new 58-suite Hotel at the Tram base, which will also include updated facilities for skier/rider services, but other projects should get underway sooner than originally planned.

KILLINGTON

The largest ski and snowboard resort in eastern North America, Killington celebrates its 50th birthday on Dec. 13, 2008, with more than $8.4 million in on-mountain improvements, including the new Skye Peak Express, ski trails, efficiency upgrades to one of the world’s most extensive snowmaking system and expanded environmental programs.

In addition to the new Skye Peak Express and new trails, Killington debuts The Burton Stash, an all-natural terrain park with 34 features, located off the shoulder of Skye Peak, accessible by the Skye Peak Express. In addition, a new 500-foot Magic Carpet at Snowshed improves the uphill learning experience for beginner skiers and riders in the Killington Ski and Snowboard School and Burton Learn to Ride Programs. A new beginner and more advanced trail off Skye Peak also debut for the 2008-09 season.

MAD RIVER GLEN

After a great year, Mad River had extra dollars. What did they do? If you the iconoclastic, skier-owned mountain, you are going to renovate the bathrooms. “I guess no one will ever accuse us of spending like drunken sailors,” quips Mad River Glen’s President Jamey Wimble.

Since the inception of the Co-op in 1995, they have invested nearly $4 million in capital improvements. Unlike other ski areas, Mad River’s goal is to preserve the experience rather than overhaul or upgrade it. Both the skier-owners and the management understand that skiers come to Mad River for the unique combination of legendary terrain, sense of community, low skier density and intimate atmosphere.

MAGIC MOUNTAIN

Magic Mountain continues to improve the snowmaking with increased efficiency through overhauled snowmaking lines and increased capacity. They continue to improve glade skiing through increased thinning of off-trail areas, mountain wide. Adventurous skiers can follow the numerous tracks leading into the woods to find great tree skiing in Southern Vermont. The Magic Card offers discounts for skiers all season long for only $39. The Magic Card gives holders $25 midweek lift tickets and $10 off weekends and holidays all season long.

MOUNT SNOW

When the lifts start turning for the 2008-09 season, Mount Snow will have the newest-technology fan guns in all of North America. After adding 150 new guns last summer, most of its major trails will be covered by these energy efficient machines.

OKEMO

For “What’s New?” at Okemo this year please jump to the Okemo article above via this bookmark.

PICO MOUNTAIN

Pico Mountain enters its 71st season as one of New England’s classic family ski areas featuring a unique ambiance and heritage rooted in ski racing, family recreation and the birth of skiing in North America.

Recent upgrades at Pico Mountain include major snowmaking infrastructure replacement to increase operational efficiency. Add to that a fresh look throughout the base area with numerous improvement projects from remodeled restrooms to new paint for lifts and lift terminals, and a new deck outside the base lodge. The Pico Sports Center also features new strength and aerobic equipment and remodeled locker rooms.

STOWE MOUNTAIN RESORT

The addition of a new slope-side luxury hotel and spa, a new base area, an inter-mountain transfer gondola, new trails, a new beginner area, two new high-speed detachable quads, fully-automated snowmaking and exclusive mountainside residences has reinforced Stowe Mountain Resort’s position as one of the East’s premier ski and four-season mountain resorts.

No single project will touch more visitors in Stowe this winter than the new Spruce Base Camp, Stowe Mountain Resort’s central source for skier and snowboarder services. The building includes restaurants, a bar, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, rental shops, retail, tickets, event space and public lounge areas that blend the unique dynamics of Stowe’s mountains with the comfort of a state-of–the-art luxury base lodge. The beautifully designed building is adjacent to the new ‘Over Easy’ transfer gondola, providing convenient access to Spruce Peak and Mount Mansfield’s slopes.

STRATTON

Forintermediatesandexperts,StrattonshineswithitssixnewgladesandtrailsintheSunbowl.Oldfavoritetrailsandterrainwillbeenhanced with a new Prinoth Sherpa Winch Catfor steep pitches. APrinoth BR350 terrain parkcat with more horsepower and range of motionwill build innovative rails and features at the Tyrolienne Slopestyle course for freestylers.Strattonisinvestingahalfmilliondollarsinenergy efficiency programs including snowmaking. Lastyear,Strattoninvested$4million,increasing snowmaking coverage to 95 percent.

SMUGGLERS’ NOTCH

Gladed trails are at the top of the list this season at Smugglers’ Notch. Added to the 22-andgrowing percent of terrain amidst the trees at the resort, Madonna Mountain now has Attitude. To get to this trail, skiers and riders jump into the balsam firs on Lower Drifter just before the midstation on skier’s left. After pumping their legs through the hardwoods, skiers and riders come out of this steep pitch on Lower Rum Runner on Sterling Mountain. Most of Smuggs’ other glades have received a thorough trimming.

The Hibernator Trail on Morse Highlands now offers beginners a direct line top to bottom. Smuggs’ progression terrain parks Log Jam, Birch Run and The Zone will be freshly populated with jumps, banks, rails and fun boxes for refining skills and simply having fun.

SUGARBUSH

AhalfmilliondollarexpansiontoSugarbush’stwoyearoldGateHouselodgemeansmoreroomforfun. Atthelodge’sCastlerockPub,pubgoers can toast to a 1,200squarefoot additiontoincreaseitsalreadydelectablemenuofferings. Atoptheaddition,aslopesidedeckwillhave a BBQ and fire pit. Sugarbush will also bebuildinganadditionontothetopflooroftheGateHouselodgeformorefoodcourtseatingandconference space.Hop aboard a Pisten Bully cat cab for a rideup toAllyn’s Lodge at Lincoln Peak for specialtydinners and full moon skiing and snowshoeing.CatskiinginNewEngland?WiththenewPistenBully cat cab, Sugarbush will be the only resortintheEasttohaveit.Traditionally,theresortcloses Mt. ElleninlateMarch. Whenthat happens, Sugarbush’shighestpeakwillbecomethedomain of the 12passenger cat.

TRAPP FAMILY LODGE

Trapp Family Lodge gears up for an exciting 40th winter season by offering guests a magnificent mountain experience at America’s first cross-country ski center. Opened in the winter of 1968-69, it was the first time cross-country ski trails, instruction and equipment sales and rentals were offered at one location. A number of special events are being planned throughout the season to celebrate the 40th anniversary including special cross-country ski clinics for guests and locals, special deals on ski passes, festive parties at the Slayton Pasture Cabin and more.

This report was compiled by the Vermont Ski Areas Association, who also note the 400thanniversary of Samuel de Champlain’s exploration of the lake that now bears his name.The Lake Champlain Quadricentennial will be a year long event that kicks off on Dec. 31,2008, at First Night in Burlington. Events willalso occur throughout the state in 2009.

at NEW HAMPSHIRE SKI AREAS - IMPROVEMENTS READY for 2008-09

NORTH WOODSTOCK, NH – Every summer New Hampshire’s ski areas roll up their sleeves, and get to work improving their resorts for guests. This past summer was no different with many improvements underway across the state. Following is a list of projects in the Granite State for the upcoming 2008-09 winter season.

BRETTON WOODS

As part of a decade-long improvement plan, resort guests this winter will find a new spa and conference center. Guests can also enjoy year-round Canopy Tours, which consist of a 1,000-foot descent utilizing zip lines, suspension bridges and hiking trails. The Kinderwoods Playground has been expanded with the installation of a rope tow and sledding hill, fire pit, and new playground equipment. The entire fleet of rental equipment has also been replaced with state-of-the-art skis and snowboards. Also new this year will be seasonal rentals of high-end demo equipment, which means guests can choose the right skis daily for changing conditions.

CRANMORE MOUNTAIN, NORTH CONWAY

Cranmore is in the process of adding several new trails to bring their total to 50 trails. Tommy’s Trail is an intermediate trail off East Slope: Oompah Flats is a connector trail between Artist Falls and South Slope; Roundabout is an intermediate trail off Snowtrain; and Gibson Chutes is a new gladed area off Gibson.

CANNON MOUNTAIN, FRANCONIA NOTCH

Cannon is adding six additional glades and a new trail for the winter. One of the added glades and the new trail will be located in the Tuckerbrook Family Area, bringing the total in this area to 14 trails and glades. The glades will be located on the upper mountain, including four experts and one intermediate glade. Cannon will also be putting names to some existing, unnamed trails, making the mountain easier to navigate. To keep the trails in top shape, a new Prinoth Bison grooming machine has been added to the grooming fleet.

CROTCHED MOUNTAIN, BENNINGTON

A variety of improvements were made over the summer at Crotched, including the addition of more snowmaking capacity, trail re-grading, rebuilding and expanding the base lodge deck, and the overhaul of all of the tillers in the grooming machines. A new area of glades has been cleared and named Solstice Glades.

DARTMOUTH SKIWAY, LYME CENTER

Dartmouth has a long history of ski racing, and to ensure it stays that way, the Skiway blasted and regraded 200,000 square feet of its FIS competition slalom and giant slalom trials to meet FIS suggested upgrades. Recreational guests will also be able to enjoy the widening of the trails along with expanded snowmaking, including three new SMI fan guns, rebuilt pumps, and drainage. Rentals have been upgraded with Volkl Skis, Dalbello boots and Marker bindings.

JACKSON XC, JACKSON

Over the summer, the area constructed a new FIS eligible competition course. The work will add to the Wave Trail, and the new, even trail surface will allow for skiing with minimal snowpack. This new trail will make Jackson XC only the sixth cross-country ski area in the country to meet FIS homologation standards and will allow the area to host highlevel national and international competitions.

MOUNT SUNAPEE, NEWBURY More efficient snowmaking production tops the list of capital improvements at Mount Sunapee. The 30 new HKD energy efficient snow guns will be in place for winter. This allows Mount Sunapee to continue to reduce its electrical and diesel fuel consumption.

LOON MOUNTAIN, LINCOLN

As part of the ongoing South Peak expansion, two additional trails will be opened this winter with a total of 14 acres of additional terrain. The handle tow on Sarsparilla is being replaced with a more beginner-friendly magic carpet lift. The handle tow will then be moved to the upper part of the trail, allowing those whose abilities have progressed to try something new without having to get on a chairlift if they are not ready. Snowmaking will be enhanced by the addition of 20 new Boyne Low-E fan guns and 50 new tower guns.

PATS PEAK, HENNIKER

Pats Peak is adding to its snowmaking system, now covering 100 percent of the area. New for this winter are 14 additional HKD Tower Guns, eight new SMI Fan Guns, and a high capacity water pump. Pats will have 100 percent of its terrain available for night skiing with lighting added to Tornado Trail, giving Pats the most and steepest double black diamond trails available for night skiing in northern New England. A new gladed area is being cut between the East Wind and Duster trail. The rental shop is continuing to improve its inventory with 200 new pairs of skis and bindings, 300 pairs of ski boots and 150 snowboards. Improvements are also being made to the ticketing system, base lodge, seasonal lockers, and food service options.

WILDCAT MOUNTAIN, PINKHAM NOTCH

Wildcat is working on adding several items to its relocated terrain park. Thanks to help from Snow Grind, the area will be adding several boxes and rails to offer progression elements for skiers and riders. The ZipRider zipline will have four cables available for riders who want to fly through the air at up to 40 miles per hour. Indoors, the base lodge will be receiving new carpet, improvements to the bar area, and fresh interior paint. On the hill, new low-energy snow guns will help reduce environmental impact as well as energy costs. Other environmental efforts include a vegetation restoration project in Mountain Jag glade, which will involve restricted use in areas allowing growth to regenerate.

WATERVILLE VALLEY, WATERVILLE VALLEY

Improving the snow quality across the resort, 85 new low energy snow guns are being added along with a new snowcat. Several gladed areas are being thinned out to improve the terrain. The terrain parks will get a new line up of rails and boxes along with an upgraded sound system. 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

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.

SADDLEBACK: BIG, AFFORDABLE, DIFFERENT and ON THE MOVE

New Quad Chair services the largest advanced skiing complex in the East

RANGELEY, ME – Listen. Can you hear it yet? That is the quiet natural power of Saddleback Mountain in Rangeley, Maine. We are talking big.

With more than 8,000 acres of high alpine peaks and forest, Saddleback is one of only seven New England resorts with a top lift elevation of over 4,000 feet. Its 2,000-foot vertical drop is greater than several well-known big-mountain resorts. There are majestic snow-frosted evergreens and pristine lakes and streams. This is the wild, unspoiled Maine. It is a place fly-fishermen around the world have called their “secret spot.”

It is a secret no longer. Saddleback Mountain is Maine’s up-and-coming destination resort. The sleeping giant is growing under the nurturing care of new ownership. The owners are an environmentally focused family, vigilant about preserving the area’s unique rustic natural beauty. They are also carefully preserving the area’s unique rustic natural beauty while carefully creating a four-season resort and a first class ski mountain.

Saddleback is different. It is an honest alternative to today’s large resorts. It is a magnificent mountain with genuine values and gentle soul.

Saddleback has made many recent improvements. They include a 46 percent increase in ski terrain, two quad chairlifts, snowmaking expanded to 85 percent, a beginner/family area, and a stunning base lodge. Eight lifts and associated trails are planned for the future.

NEW FOR 2008-09 SEASON

A quad chairlift will replace the Kennebago T-bar, improving access to superb high-elevation terrain that is the largest advanced skiing complex in the East. The lift also allows novices and intermediates to ski from the summit for the first time.

FAMILY RESORT

Saddleback is one of New England’s finest family ski resorts. It offers season-long events for kids and families. There is a nurturing on-site day care service available. The South Branch Lift and Trail network is separated from the other trails.

PLENTY OF TERRAIN FOR EVERYONE

Saddleback also provides a high elevation alpine experience. It offers 64 diverse trails and glades of classic New England terrain, from gentle slopes to snowfields at the top and rugged double back diamonds. There are also a terrain park and halfpipe. Of the trails and glades, 36 percent are beginner, 30 percent intermediate, 25 percent expert, and 9 percent are double black. The resort has five lifts, including two quads, two doubles and a T-bar. Saddleback is bigger than you think.

GREAT SNOW CONDITIONS

The resort has plenty of snow. The top elevation of 4120 feet translates to more natural snow and better temperatures for snowmaking and snow retention. Saddleback gets an average annual snowfall of over 200 inches. The snowmaking covers 85 percent of the trails.

STUNNINGLY BEAUTIFUL BASE LODGE

The new base lodge is an extraordinary, one-of-a-kind post and beam structure with sun deck, huge fieldstone fireplace and panoramic vistas of the mountains above and Saddleback Lake below. At 2,460 feet, it is the second highest base lodge in New England. The Swig ‘n Smelt Pub is a great après-ski spot to kick back or kick it up, featuring entertainment Saturdays.

YOU GET A GREAT DEAL FOR YOUR MONEY

Because Saddleback is relatively undiscovered, it is still amazingly affordable. With virtually unheard of $40 lift tickets, $25 specials and other value-packed offers, Saddleback puts a big-mountain ski experience within the means of every skier and rider.

Saddleback is different by design. From its classic New England alpine ski experience to the unspoiled wilderness and the thoughtful preservation of what drew you to skiing in the first place, Saddleback is unlike any other place you have skied.

As Saddleback grows, it has chosen to take a different road from the mega-resorts that are all the rage. The number of new trails, chairlifts and lodging it is building will accommodate more skiers, for sure, but they are being planned so that Saddleback will never seem crowded. When the mountain and Saddleback Village are fully developed, visitors will appreciate Saddleback not just for what it is not, but also for what it is – a special big-mountain ski area different from anything you’ve experienced.

For more information, you can easily log on directly to www.saddlebackmaine.com or via an easily found link in the New England section on the home page of www.skiernews.com

For ski and stay packages, please call 1-877-864-5441.