Section Contents - Quick Links to Articles

• 1 - NEW at OKEMO for 2007, TRAILS GROOMING, SNOWMAKING & MORE

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

• 3 - THE WAA WAA SISTERHOOD OKEMO’S WOMEN’S ALPINE ADVENTURE OFFERS INSTRUCTION AND INSPIRATION

• 4 - SUNDAY RIVER - IT’S WORTH THE TRIP and ALL ABOUT THE SNOW

• 5 - SUGARLOAF GETS NEARLY $1 MILLION in IMPROVEMENTS

• 6 - WACHUSETT IS IDEAL FOR FAMILIES

• 7 - GUNSTOCK MOUNTAIN RESORT - MORE SKIING - LESS TRAVELING

• 8 - NY GOVERNOR PROVIDES $5 MILLION for WHITEFACE IMPROVEMENTS

NEW at OKEMO for 2007

TRAILS GROOMING, SNOWMAKING & MORE

LUDLOW, VT – Okemo Mountain Resort’s continued guest satisfaction velocity, otherwise known as OKEMOMENTUM, means more improvements for skiers visiting the popular resort this winter. One of the highlights for the 2006-07 winter season is the reintroduction of two new trails with the addition of high-performance, energy-efficient snowmaking equipment. Other enhancements include new grooming machines, expanded water storage for snowmaking, on-mountain dining enhancements, and additional recreational amenities at Jackson Gore, Okemo’s newest base area facility.

NEW TRAILS AND SNOWMAKING

The two newest trails in Okemo’s vast network of mountain terrain, Big Bang and Eclipse, were reintroduced this winter with one major difference – snowmaking. Although both trails officially opened last winter, the lack of natural snowfall drastically limited accessibility to Okemo’s newest snow sliding offerings. The most exciting quality of Big Bang is its designation as a doubleblack diamond – the only non-gladed trail to receive that distinction at Okemo. Eclipse is a black-diamond trail that also offers challenge and excitement for advanced skiers and riders. Fifty new high-performance, energyefficientHKD tower guns ensure coverage on the resort’s newest trails, both located at Jackson Gore. This year’s increased snowmaking brings the total number of snowmaking guns to 1,100 and raises Okemo’s total snowmaking acreage to 605 – that is 97 percent of all terrain.

GROOMING EXCELLENCE

Okemo’s reputation for grooming excellence continues this winter with the introduction of four new Prinoth B350 grooming machines, one outfitted with a Sherpa overhead winch. The result of this introduction to the fleet means wide ribbons of corduroy for skiers and riders who love to make tracks on the seamless carpets of snow Okemo is so famous for.

SNOWMAKING WATER STORAGE

Okemo’s dedication to providing a quality snow surface is directly proportionate to the amount of water that can be stored for making snow – among other things. With the addition of Jackson Gore, Okemo’s demand for water increased substantially. What was previously a 70- million- gallon snowmaking pond is now a massive, 70- foot-deep reservoir that holds 155 million gallons of water. In a typical year, Okemo pumps about 450 million gallons of water through its snowmaking system. Last year, Okemo converted more than .5 billion gallons of water into packed-powder conditions. At capacity, Okemo’s snowmaking system uses two crews of 10 to 12 people on the hill. The system can pump 9,000 gallons of water and 37,000 cubic feet of compressed air per minute and requires about 6,000 kilowatts of electricity per hour.

ON-MOUNTAIN DINING

One of Okemo’s most popular features is the variety and the caliber of its on-mountain dining options. This winter, Okemo stepped up its culinary efforts with a brand new dining experience at the Solitude Village. The new restaurant, called Epic, will offer a distinct Epicurean experience. The Vermont Pizza Company moved from the Roundhouse at Jackson Gore to Sugar House Lodge just above the Okemo Clock Tower base area. In its place, diners will enjoy Siena, a new Italianstyle eatery offering more eclectic Mediterranean fare. At Okemo’s original base area, an enhanced culinary experience will include an entirely new menu at the popular Sitting Bull as well as improvements for those who prefer to grab and go.

JACKSON GORE AMENITIES

At Jackson Gore, three new buildings were completed in time for this year’s ski season. The Adams House, the first of three new slope-side residential buildings, offers 39 vacation ownership residences in a variety of one-, two- and three-bedroom layouts.

Okemo Mountain Resort’s new source for relaxation and rejuvenation, The Spring House, is a two-level, 18,000-square-foot fitness and aquatic center featuring a two-lane lap pool and a children’s pool, ranging in depth from six inches to 18 inches. A frog slide and numerous splash and water fountain features have families enjoying their off-snow time together. In addition, in the pool area of the building, a 10-person hot tub includes an ADAcompliant accessible ramp. The facility has locker rooms, a multi-purpose space for fitness classes, a large room for weights and cardio equipment, a racquetball court and a small retail shop and juice bar called The Well.

Jackson Gore’s third new amenity is The Ice House, a multi-functional, year-round sports arena. The main building, a pre-engineered steel structure, houses a 115- by 215-foot skating rink in winter and a tennis court and basketball court, surrounded by a single-lane jogging track, in summer. The adjacent amenity-and-support building features a gas-fueled fireplace for skaters to warm themselves in winter. Skate rentals are available and an ice resurfacing machine keeps the skating surface smooth and in top condition.

For more information please www.okemo.com, or call 1-866-746-5366 or 1-800-786-5366.

You can also log on to Okemo’s web site via an easily found link on the homepage of www.skiernews.com.

MUELLERS GO "GREEN" TO POWER "WHITE"

LUDLOW, Vt. - Tim and Diane Mueller, owners of Okemo Mountain Resort in Vermont, Mount Sunapee Resort in New Hampshire, and Crested Butte Mountain Resort in Colorado, have entered into an agreement with Gunnison County Electric Association to purchase Renewable Energy Certificates from Sterling Planet, the nation's leading retail renewable energy provider.

Demonstrating their commitment to environmental stewardship, the Muellers are purchasing 27 million kilowatt hours of Sterling Planet's Renewable Energy Certificates from Gunnison County Electric Association, a member-owned, non-profit cooperative located in Colorado. This represents enough renewable (wind) power to fully offset the annual use of electricity by the Mueller's three resorts. (

“Protection of the environment is one of our core values. It is also very important to our guests,” says Tim Mueller. “We have the ability to demonstrate that Okemo, Mount Sunapee and Crested Butte are good community partners and corporate citizens working toward energy independence for America through clean, renewable sources like wind energy.”

This purchase of Renewable Energy Certificates will supply the Muellers’ three resorts with enough energy to power all electrical needs for the next year. It will save an estimated 18,800 tons of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere. This is equivalent to emissions produced by the annual electricity consumption of approximately 2,200 average homes or carbon dioxide emissions associated with the combustion of 1.9 million gallons of gasoline.

Tim and Diane Mueller are the owners and operators of Crested Butte Mountain Resort, in Crested Butte, Colo., and Okemo Mountain Resort, in Ludlow, Vt. They also lease and operate Mount Sunapee, in Newbury, N.H. They operate their three resorts under the name of Triple Peaks, LLC. The Muellers’ commitment to providing their guests with a quality resort experience has earned their resorts numerous media accolades, national awards and a reputation for superior skiing and snowboarding conditions and guest service.

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

NEWBURY, NH — SKI Magazine readers ranked Mount Sunapee Resort with the best snow surfaces in the East last season. Mount Sunapee Resort ranked second in the East for snow quality and second in the East for grooming in the magazine’s annual reader survey.

No other resort had combined rankings higher than second for snow quality and grooming, which reflect overall snow surfaces. Mount Sunapee also ranked an impressive third in North America for grooming.

“The inconsistent weather last winter gave Mount Sunapee the chance to really showcase its snowmaking firepower and grooming expertise,” said Bruce McCloy, director of marketing. “The key to providing consistent snow surfaces during an inconsistent winter is to have plenty of depth on every trail so there is plenty of snow for groomers with which to work.”

By Dec. 23, 2005, Mount Sunapee had buried all 50 snowmaking trails with an average of three feet of snow in addition to building several terrain parks and moguls trails. That’s enough snow to cover a 20-mile long twolane highway ten feet deep.

In addition to snow quality and grooming Mount Sunapee had six other top 10 rankings in the East for service, family programs, on-mountain food, overall satisfaction, weather and access. The snowboarding and freeriding venues benefited from the energy and creativity of its strong park crew last winter, which vaulted Mount Sunapee’s ranking for terrain parks from 14th to 11th.

“During a fairly tough winter last year we received rave reviews from our guests about the quality of the snow and grooming,” stated general manager Jay Gamble. “It was nice to see these comments validated in the SKI Magazine rankings and know that our investment in snowmaking, grooming and other aspects of our operation over the past eight years combined with our commitment to excellence is being noticed.”

MOUNT SUNAPEE IS A JEWEL IN SOUTH CENTRAL NEW HAMPSHIRE

Mount Sunapee offers big mountain skiing and riding only a short drive from metropolitan New England. It is truly one-of-a-kind in south central New Hampshire.

The stereotypical ski area near major New England metropolitan centers is a small, family-oriented area. Mount Sunapee breaks the mold. Mount Sunapee offers big mountain skiing and riding on more than 1,500 vertical feet of terrain, with runs up to two miles long.

There are spectacular views from the summit of Lake Sunapee, the Green Mountains in Vermont and the White Mountains in New Hampshire. You can travel hours farther north and west of Boston, Massachusetts and find resorts with the same or less vertical.

Mount Sunapee is part of a family of ski resorts including Okemo Mountain in Vermont and Crested Butte in Colorado owned and operated by Tim and Diane Mueller. Because of the attention to detail and personal touch that Tim and Diane employ at their resorts, Mount Sunapee benefits from the synergy of being part of a large ski operating company without any of the corporate stigma. Tim and Diane put all of the focus on the identity of the individual resorts.

Despite being the “baby bear” of the family, Mount Sunapee offers services and facilities that rival Okemo, Crested Butte and other big destination resorts. The lift system features three quad chairlifts, including the baseto- summit Sunapee Express, ensuring that guests get in all the skiing and riding they want.

The snowmaking system covers 97 percent of the terrain, which is one reason why Mount Sunapee was ranked second in the entire East for snow quality. The entire grooming fleet is state-of-the-art 350-horsepower machines. The Sunapee Lodge features classic New England architecture on the outside, but when you step inside it has the ambiance of a Western destination resort.

Another advantage of being in the family is that “best practices” are shared between Mount Sunapee, Okemo and Crested Butte with regard to guest services, programs and technology. In fact, the only thing about Mount Sunapee that resembles other ski areas close to metropolitan New England is the friendly service and family atmosphere that their employees call “The Sunapee Difference.”

Mount Sunapee Resort is located in Newbury, New Hampshire. The resort features 65 trails and slopes, 10 lifts and has over 1,500 vertical feet of skiing and snowboarding.

For more information or to make a reservation, please log on to www.mtsunapee.com or visit via an easily found link on the homepage of www.skiernews.com.

THE WAA WAA SISTERHOOD

OKEMO’S WOMEN’S ALPINE ADVENTURE OFFERS INSTRUCTION AND INSPIRATION

LUDLOW, VT -- “Waa Waa!” It is the cheerful cry that can be heard echoing from one end of the resort to the other when Okemo Mountain Resort’s Women’s Alpine Adventure (WAA) programs are in session. It is an emotional release signifying pure, childlike delight in the sense of discovery and accomplishment that comes with participation in Okemo’s two-, three- and five-day women’s programs.

Maria Tomaselli heads the Women’s Alpine Adventures program at Okemo, and it is her voice that women who have completed a session report hearing when they are facing unfamiliar terrain. Honored by Skiing magazine as one of America’s Best Instructors, Maria has been a member of the Okemo family for many years and has a strong personal dedication to sports education for women. She is PSIA certified in both ski and snowboard instruction and has extensive experience coaching other sports as well. Maria is uniquely qualified to direct this program and has developed it into a truly memorable experience for all those who take part in it.

“When I find myself on a trail that pushes my comfort level, it’s Maria’s voice that I hear telling me to ‘just keep your feet moving’ or reminding me, ‘you are an athlete,’” says Internet marketing manager and WAA WAA alumna Jennifer Cota. “Okemo’s Women’s Alpine Adventures gave me the tools to improve my skills and overcome fear and self doubt.”

Okemo Mountain Resort offers a variety of specialty clinics and ski and snowboard adventure workshops. But it is the Women’s Alpine Adventures that has women returning year after year to take part in the programs designed exclusively for women and led by some of the best female ski and snowboard coaches in the business. Their goal is to take skiing and snowboarding women to the next level in any snow conditions and on any terrain. Participants quickly overcome fear, boost their confidence and meet new friends in a supportive and social environment.

Okemo offers three programs from which to choose: Premier Five-Day Week, Complete Three-Day Program or the Intensive Two-Day Clinic. All Women’s Alpine Adventure programs include a video taping session and personalized video analysis. Program participants also enjoy a private and secure base area meeting room, catered breakfast and lunch daily, preferred daytime parking, free overnight ski storage. In addition, they will have special discounts on overnight accommodations at the Jackson Gore Inn with free use of the resort’s recreational and fitness facilities, plus welcome bags with lots of goodies and coupons.

PREMIER FIVE-DAY ADVENTURE PROGRAM: $639

This five-day weekday immersion in the skiing and snowboarding lifestyle includes personalized instruction and coaching, a five-day lift ticket, a welcome party, farewell banquet, and breakfast and lunch served daily. The Premier Five-Day Ski/Snowboard Program is ideal for skiers of any ability level and snowboarders who ride at level three and up. (Offered Mondays through Fridays, Jan. 8-12 and Jan 22-26, 2007)

COMPLETE THREE-DAY ADVENTURE PROGRAM: $479

A long weekend can make all the difference. The Complete Three-Day Program includes personalized instruction and coaching, on-snow video taping and personalized analysis, indoor development presentations, morning stretch sessions, a three-day lift ticket, a welcome party, and breakfast and lunch served daily. Skiers and snowboarders of all ability levels are welcome. (Offered Jan. 5-7; Jan. 17-19; Feb. 2-4; Feb. 12-14, 2007)

INTENSIVE TWO-DAY ADVENTURE PROGRAM: $319

For women who can get away during the week, a couple of weekdays on Okemo’s uncrowded slopes provide many opportunities to practice new skills. This intensive two-day clinic includes personalized instruction and coaching, on-snow video taping and personalized analysis, indoor development presentations, morning stretch sessions, a two-day lift ticket, a welcome party, and breakfast and lunch served daily. The concentrated nature of this program makes it best suited to skiers and snowboarders who are of ability level three and up. (Offered Feb. 8-9, 2007)

Reservations for Women’s Alpine Adventure programs are necessary and can be made by calling Okemo’s Cutting Edge Learning Center at (802) 228-1600.

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

SUNDAY RIVER - IT’S WORTH THE TRIP and ALL ABOUT THE SNOW

BETHEL, ME — An adventure is waiting for you in the mountains of Maine. Sunday River offers diverse terrain spread across 131 trails on eight interconnecting mountain peaks.

Carved from the mountains, Sunday River evokes the spirit, raw beauty and lively soul of Maine. Guests will find stunning views of the Mahoosuc Mountain Range and Mount Washington and the Presidentials from atop the peaks. The terrain offers a variety of steeps, glades, and wide-open corduroy cruisers as well as an expansive learning area. There are four terrain parks for varying ability levels, as well as a rail park and Zaugg-cut Superpipe. Its award-winning network of 18 lifts includes four high-speed quads.

Numerous improvements have were implemented going into the 2006-07 winter season, including the completion of the three-year South Ridge Base Area beautification process, a new trial complete with snowmaking on Barker Mountain, new seasonal lockers in the Barker Base lodge and fresh décor in both Grand Hotels. Aesthetic upgrades are also ongoing, including new resort signage and a redesign of the Foggy Goggle aprèsski bar.

The sum of all the improvements reflect the resort’s commitment to giving the resort a fresh look and feel following a $70-million, 15-year period of expansion beginning in 1985, which focused primarily on building the resort’s infrastructure—including its powerful snowmaking system.

At Sunday River, it’s all about the snow. The resort was built on the premise that the most important ingredient to a successful ski resort is the snow; the resort refined and developed snowmaking, taking it from a simple science to an art. The snowmaking system is the most technically advanced system in the East, capable of converting 9,000 gallons of water per minute to snow. The system is the world’s largest high-pressure snowmaking system, with a pioneer computer-controlled system that was developed in-house.

The computer analyzes air temperature and humidity levels to determine where the gauges that are controlled by the snowmakers should be set. Though the system is sophisticated, snowmakers emphasize that experience aids in the process. The resort’s snowmakers are among the most veteran in the industry.

For first-time skiers or riders, getting on the slopes is easier thanks to the resort’s renowned Perfect Turn ® ski school program, which includes a three-day guaranteed Learn to Ski/Ride program as well as a variety of other learn-to programs. Or guests may take their skiing or riding to the next level with a Perfect Turn clinic. Group and private lessons are available and specialty clinics are available for Black Diamond skiing, moguls or glades. Learn to Ski programs are also available for children 3 years old and up, and the resort has three licensed daycare facilities on site for children ages 6 weeks to 6 years.

When it’s time to settle in, Sunday River features the most slope-side lodging in New England. The Jordan Grand Resort Hotel and Conference Center or Grand Summit Resort Hotel and Conference Center offer a variety of amenities including outdoor heated pools, whirlpool spas, full service fitness centers, on site child care, full service restaurants and café, valet and room service and slope-side access and convenience. Guests can ski or ride from the door of their hotels to some of the longest and most exciting trails at Sunday River. Sunday River also features over 700 slope-side condos with direct access to trails. All condominiums feature a full kitchen and bath and are also ideal for groups or families. Condominium amenities offer on-site laundry, heated pools, hot tubs, free trolley transportation throughout the resort and The Mountain Explorer free shuttle to and from the quintessential New England village of Bethel, just six miles down the road. The Snow Cap Inn and Snow Cap Ski Dormitory are both within walking distance of the lifts and are one of the most economical ways to lodge at Sunday River. Snow Cap Inn features New England charm at its best. The Snow Cap Ski dormitory is the only group facility of its kind in New England and is ideal for school groups or youth ski trips.

When the lifts shut down, the fun continues at Sunday River. Both on- and off-mountain restaurants along the access road and in the village offer a diverse selection of dining options including traditional pub fare, wood-fired pizza, vegetarian, fine dining, and ethnic cuisine.

For those who like to cap the day in an active mode, the White Cap Fun offers two lighted, liftserviced tubing runs, ice-skating and arcade. It is also home to the Bud Light Concert Series that brings top national acts to the stage, and it is the best place to view frequent fireworks displays. Dog sledding, another evening option, is offered from the resort’s South Ridge base area each evening.

Sunday River is proud to be a part of the American Skiing Company family of resorts, which also includes Sugarloaf/USA in Maine, Killington and Mount Snow in Vermont, Attitash in New Hampshire, Steamboat in Colorado, and The Canyons in Utah.

At Sunday River, Mother Nature and world-famous snowmaking team-up to make eight peaks of heaven. Whether your plans include a family getaway or a romantic winter vacation, Sunday River is worth the trip.

For more information or to make a reservation, please log on to www.sundayriver.com or via an easily found link on the homepage of www.skiernews.com.

Call Sunday River at 1-800-543-2754.

SUGARLOAF GETS NEARLY $1 MILLION in IMPROVEMENTS

New terrain park, base lodge reorganization and Biodiesel fuel are highlighted - try the “French Fry Express”

CARRABASSETT VALLEY, ME — Sugarloaf/USA will become a coveted destination for new schoolers in the 2006-07 winter season with the introduction of a new marquee terrain park. It promises bigger, better and more features than have ever been offered at the Maine resort. The new terrain park is just one of many major projects totaling nearly $1 million completed this summer to improve the overall Sugarloaf experience.

The new park, which was seeking a name at press time, was cut from terrain that resided between the SuperQuad and the Lower Narrow Gauge trail and it will take freeskiing and riding to unequaled heights. The new trail is up to 400 feet wide and nearly a half a mile long to accommodate a series of jumps, features and rails. “This new park will let us build bigger, better, safer, and more fun features from start to finish,” said Tim Norton, Sugarloaf’s park manager. The new park will be staffed by park rangers seven days a week to ensure the features are in pristine and safe condition.

The park begins at Peavy Cross Cut near the bottom of the Competition Hill trail and runs parallel to the SuperQuad. Skiers will exit on to Schipper’s Streak, the lower hook off Lower Narrow Gauge.

The new park’s name will come directly from Sugarloafers through an online contest. “The winner of the contest will have the ultimate in bragging rights with their name and story at the entrance of the park, and will be a part of Sugarloaf history,” said Sugarloaf’s Brand Manager Karen Greene. The winning name will be selected in December from entries submitted online at www.sugarloaf.com.

The Chaser trail will return to a conventional ski trail with its former name, Lower Double Bitter, and will be the site of a snowboard-cross course for events and special occasions. The Stomping Grounds will become a mini-park for first time newschoolers with a mini pipe and a series of near-earth features, rails, and jumps that are ideal for learning the fundamentals of freestyle park riding.

Near the entrance to the new park, skiers and riders will notice the latest addition to Sugarloaf’s competitive racing operation. The new Jean Luce Competition Facility was built in partnership with the Sugarloaf Ski Club and the Town of Carrabassett Valley. The facility offers outstanding views up the Narrow Gauge and Competition Hill trails and will house timing operations and serve as the on-mountain headquarters for racers, coaches and parents.

Parents and children will be the first to appreciate the reorganization to the Sugarloaf base lodge. This summer, the Mountain Adventure program was moved from the top floor to the ground floor to consolidate all children’s programs on one level. This will streamline the check in process and make it more convenient for parents who have children of different ages in learning programs.

The former Mountain Adventure meeting room on the top floor of the base lodge immediately adjacent to the slopes is now Sugarloaf’s new ski and snowboard rental shop. The new shop employs state-of-the-art rack systems to speed the rental process and get skiers and riders on the slopes quicker. The new location also offers slopeside access and eliminates the need to navigate stairs in ski boots to return equipment.

The first of two phases to beautify the Sugarloaf Village is underway. The two-year program is designed to make the village more pedestrian-friendly both functionally and visually. This year’s efforts include new landscaping, signage and building exteriors.

Sugarloaf extends its commitment to the environment by purchasing Biodiesel fuel technology to power the groomers and shuttle busses. Biodiesel is being produced on-site from vegetable oil collected from on-mountain restaurants. One bus, unofficially nicknamed the French Fry Express, will run exclusively on Biodiesel fuel to boost public awareness of the recycling concept.

Energy conservation continues in snowmaking operations with the addition of more than two dozen low energy snow guns. The low-e guns use approximately 40 percent less energy than traditional guns to make comparable amounts of snow. In all, Sugarloaf employs more than 150 low-e snow guns to boost early season coverage while conserving electricity.

Nordic skiing enthusiasts will find 15 of the 30 bridges at the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center have been replaced with the balance on the agenda for next fall. Master planning is also underway for dramatic upgrades and improvements that will include a new skating rink, extensive renovations and an expansion to the existing Outdoor Center lodge. The final plan is expected to be complete and presented to Carrabassett Valley voters at the March 2007 town meeting.

About Sugarloaf/USA Ski Resort - Located in Carrabassett Valley, Maine, Sugarloaf/USA is recognized among the top ski and golf resorts in the world. Sugarloaf/USA is part of the American Skiing Company family of resorts. Its resorts include Killington and Mount Snow in Vermont; Sunday River and Sugarloaf/USA in Maine; Attitash in New Hampshire; Steamboat in Colorado; and The Canyons in Utah.

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.

WACHUSETT IS IDEAL FOR FAMILIES

PRINCETON, MA – Wachusett Mountain is a great place for families, and it shows. In addition to its great on-mountain programs, Wachusett is a natural for families for a host of other reasons:

• The base lodge is on the same level as the parking lot, offering easy access for kids to maneuver from the car.

• All the trails meet at the base area, so family members can ski different trails and meet at the bottom.

• The trail and lift configuration is also great for skiers of all levels, with the Monadnock triple for beginners, the Minuteman Quad for intermediates, and the Polar Express Quad for advanced.

• Wachusett’s convenient location in central Massachusetts ensures a short trip in the car with a minimum of “Are we there, yet?” questions. Ski Magazine recognized Wachusett as the most accessible ski area in the East.

• The Crowley family, who grew up on the mountain and now enjoys the mountain with their own kids, operates Wachusett. They understand family needs.

• Kids and parents can ski, snowboard, or take lessons. Mom and Dad can feel safe knowing that younger children ages from 3 months to 4 years can stay in childcare in the Polar Cub nursery.

• The Polar Kids sled, a beautiful handmade wooden sled, is used to pull kids from the Polar Den to the teaching area helping them have fun before they have started skiing.

• The Polar Kids area features a slowmoving carpet lift to give young skiers a chance to get the feel of moving around on the snow before riding the larger lifts.

• There are two more easy-to-ride carpet lifts on the Ollie’s and Easy Rider beginner areas.

• Ski Magazine’s readers ranked Wachusett’s on-mountain food service as No. 1 in the East.

• The Science on the Slopes Program educates kids about the environment and science around the mountain.

• Wachusett has its own mascot, Orson the Polar Bear.

• Ski Magazine recognized Wachusett among the top ski areas in the East for family programs.

• The incredible family season pass programs allow families to save money. They include: a parents’ pass where Mom and Dad can share one pass; all children 15 years or younger take $100 off their pass price; children 5 or younger receive a free unlimited season pass when a parent purchases an unlimited pass; with the purchase of four unlimited or seven-day season passes, families will receive the fifth pass free.

• In the Polar Kids Children’s Ski School, the specially trained, kid-friendly instructors help children learn and have fun, too. Half-day and full-day sessions are available.

Wachusett’s Development Team helps children learn proper skills and technique. Designed for kids age 6-13, classes are offered weekends with half- or full-day sessions.

• Holiday Ski Camps are three-day instructional programs available over Christmas and February school vacations.

• The Wachusett Mountain Race Team is a parent-run race team program featuring Level I-V competition and coaching.

To learn more, please call Wachusett Mountain at 1-800-754-1234, or you can log on to Wachusett’s web site from an easily found link on the right side of the homepage of www.skiernews.com.

WACHUSETT MOUNTAIN INTRODUCES NEW SKI TRAIN FROM BOSTON and THE RIDE IS VIRTUALLY FREE

PRINCETON, MA – Wachusett Mountain is already the most accessible ski area in the Eastern US according to SKI Magazine, and for the 2006-07 season, getting there is even easier. And it is virtually free.

In conjunction with the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) and the Massachusetts Bay Commuter Rail Company (MBCR), Wachusett Mountain is introducing commuter rail service to the mountain this winter.

Skiers 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 designated weekend “ski train” will leave North Station at 8:35 a.m. and arrive at the Fitchburg rail station at 10:06 a.m. Customers will be picked up and shuttled directly to the mountain. After skiing, they will be shuttled back to the Fitchburg station for a 5:35 p.m. departure back to Boston, arriving at North Station at 7:00p.m.

The one-way ski train fare is only $6. As an added benefit, Wachusett Mountain will issue a $6 train credit to any passengers who show their train ticket that day at the ski area. They can use the credit toward a lift ticket purchase or lunch in the Wachusett cafeteria.

“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. “There hasn’t been a transportation option available like this since the era of the gasoline shortages.”

The MTBA’s General Manager Daniel Grabauskas echoed Crowley’s enthusiasm. ”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.”

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.

GUNSTOCK MOUNTAIN RESORT - MORE SKIING - LESS TRAVELING

GILFORD, NH – Away from crowds, yet close to all that New Hampshire’s Lakes Region has to offer, Gunstock Mountain Resort has something for everyone. At Gunstock Mountain Resort you will not need a vacation from your vacation. It is only about one hour from Boston which means you will be home before dinner. Only five hours from New York and three hours from Hartford means that you will spend more time skiing and less time driving. Gunstock Mountain Resort is easy to get to and yet hard to leave because of all of the fun.

When Mother Nature along with incredible snowmakers have painted the peaks white with snow, Gunstock’s Panorama High Speed Quad will take skiers and riders on a six-minute scenic ride to the summit. Challenge yourself on one of 51 trails with incredible views of Lake Winnipesaukee.

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. Turn off the video games, toss the TV Guide and make family night something to remember. Enjoy dinner in the Powder Keg Pub and then take a couple of trails for dessert. New for 2006-07, Gunstock Rocks Saturday Night, different every week, ticket specials, great skiing and riding under the stars, fireworks and more, all for one low price.

Experience more for less with multi-day tickets. Escape from the everyday – your office will still be there on Monday. With the purchase of a two- or three-day ticket, you ski or ride 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. Gunstock has restaurants, hotels and B & B’s with all the amenities of home. All this with skiing and riding with views of Lake Winnipesaukee that can not be beaten.

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

Do you 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; instructors are patient, 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. Dec. 9 through Dec. 22 is Gunstock’s Learn to Ski/Ride free weeks. Receive the first lesson free when you sign up for the three-day Mountain Magic Program. Regularly priced at $130, you can learn to ski or ride for $65. 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 skiers and riders of 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 of skiing and riding at Base Camp and 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. Working with a pro, the one-hour sessions 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. If you learned at Gunstock then it is time to teach your kids and grandkids about the sport of sliding and flying. Reconnect with your family at Gunstock Mountain Resort.

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.

NY GOVERNOR PROVIDES $5 MILLION for WHITEFACE IMPROVEMENTS

LAKE PLACID, NY – Governor George E. Pataki committed $5 million in state funding for Whiteface Mountain Ski Center to improve snowmaking, grooming and trail maintenance, expand educational programs, and upgrade facilities and operations at the popular, worldclass Adirondack winter destination.

“The Adirondacks are home to some of the world’s best skiing, and this funding will ensure that the facilities at Whiteface will be top of the line,” Governor Pataki said. “Each year, hundreds of thousands of people travel to the Lake Placid region to live their own Olympic dreams, and there are a host of recreational opportunities for them to enjoy. This new funding will allow ORDA to make critical investments in these facilities and teach a new generation how to ski, which will translate into tourism dollars for the entire region.”

”The Olympic slopes of Whiteface Mountain offer an incredible experience for experts and beginners alike. This investment will help ensure that Whiteface remains at the top of the list of world-class ski destinations,” remarked Senator Betty Little.

Assemblywoman Teresa Sayward expressed, “Ongoing investments must be made in order to maintain the Lake Placid region as an international winter sports capital. With the Governor’s announcement today, the winter sports experience at Whiteface will be improved and the region’s economy will get a much needed boost.”

The $5 million in funding allowed the Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) to undertake a variety of projects to upgrade facilities and services at the Whiteface Mountain Ski Center. These include:

• The renovation and expansion of its Kids Kampus

• The construction of a new 350-space parking lot

• Roof repairs at the main base lodge

• The purchase of energy-efficient snow guns and bringing more water to the intake at pump house 1 to increase snowmaking

• Replacement of existing air and water lines for snowmaking between pump houses 2 and 3 with larger steel-welded pipes for the purpose of increased snowmaking capacity

• The purchase of new snow groomers and transport snow cat

• Trail maintenance of some existing runs

• Creation of the Excelsior Bypass to the Connector trail to aid traffic flow

• Roof repairs at the castle atop the Whiteface Mt. Veterans Memorial Highway, along with improvements to the elevator that brings visitors to the summit castle.

Empire State Development Chairman Charles A. Gargano said, “Improving these facilities will lead to an increase in tourism to the Adirondacks, which is great news for New York State’s economy. This investment will result in upgrades that benefit both residents and tourists seeking to enjoy renowned Gore and Whiteface Mountains.”

ORDA President and CEO Ted Blazer said, “With the Governor’s great assistance, in the past 10 years we have made Whiteface synonymous with outstanding skiing and riding experiences. The upgrades, which started with gondolas at both areas in the late 90’s, have seen our visitations increase consistently over that time, and that means greater economic impact for the respective regions. With this next phase, we will continue the process of enhancing our on-snow products and children’s programming to make us leaders in the competition that is so strong among resorts in the Northeast.”

During the 2005-06 winter season, Whiteface Mountain saw an increase of 17,618 skier days over the previous year. Overall, ORDA facilities welcomed 390,560 visitors at its five facilities, an increase of 13 percent from the previous year.

Whiteface Mountain has the greatest vertical drop east of the Rockies, 3,430 feet, and its race courses are fully sanctioned for international competitions. From 2002 to 2004, Ski Magazine readers rated Whiteface the No. 1 ski resort in the Eastern United States, and it ranked second last year. The Whiteface - Lake Placid region has been rated the number one resort in North America for off-hill activities by these readers for 14 consecutive years. Whiteface also won the National Ski Area Association’s Silver Eagle Award in 2002 for Environmental Excellence in Fish and Wildlife Habitat Protection.

Since 1995, Governor Pataki has provided more than $70 million for venue upgrades at ORDA facilities, including $18 million to support the construction of a new bobsled, luge, and skeleton track on Mt. Van Hoevenberg, which opened in 2000.

For pricing and scheduling info on ORDA venues and events and for web cams from five locations, please log on to www.whitefacelakeplacid.com.

For info on the Whiteface “Ultimate Winter Passport” and other great deals and activities, you can also log on to Whiteface-Lake Placid web site via an easily found link on the homepage of www.skiernews.com.