Best of New York and Pennsylvania's Feature Stories

• Blue Mountain Checks-In With Enhancements

• Camelback Unveils Improvements

• Popular CamelCard Savings Program Returns

• Gore Slates Improvements for 2004-05

• Greek Peak Ski and Stay Packages

• Hidden Valley Resort Adds Value for Winter Season

• At the Big Two, WePlay = You Play, Your Family Plays, Your Friends Play, Everyone Plays

• Snowdrift - A Challenging New Trail at Big Boulder

• Seven Springs to Operate Laurel Mountain Ski Area

• Mt. Peter is Friendly Winter Fun

• Shawnee Mountain Announces $2 Million in Improvements

• Windham News for 2005

BLUE MOUNTAIN CHECKS-IN WITH ENHANCEMENTS

PALMERTON, PA – Big things are happening at Blue Mountain. Many enhancements to the area were made over the summer. Many race events are planned for the season. The enhancements include a new building for snowboard school, new tubing slides and a new snow groomer.

A new 2,200-square-foot Snowboard School Dispatch building was built for boarders to interact with instructors to make the transition to the slopes more expedient. The building and Valley Lodge are adjacent to the Valley School East and Valley School West schools for close convenience and rapid access to the mountain.

Another Piston Bully snow groomer was added to the existing fleet of four machines. This makes the fleet one of the largest in Eastern Pennsylvania.

Three additional tubing slides are new for this season. Now there are 14 family fun slides, all over 1,000 feet long.

The Valley Lodge, at the base of the mountain, houses a rental shop, complete with 2,500 skis and snowboards – a total of 4,000 rentals. Skiers and boarders can purchase rentals, lift tickets and lessons, all at one location. Valley Lodge also has a cafeteria with a scenic view of the mountain and eight ticket windows providing express service to get skiers or boarders on the slopes more quickly.

Blue Mountain has gained recognition for having the longest terrain park in the Pocono region. Terrain Run is 1,200 feet of awesome hits that prepare boarders for an assault on Sidewinder Park. Sidewinder Park is a 3,500-foot run of full-blown hits, containing mega rails, jumps with step-downs, hips, a rainbow rail and a great wall.

Blue Mountain encourages all skiers and boarders to lock their equipment when not in use. As a special service, Blue Mountain will now watch your skis, poles or snowboard for you free. Ski/Board Checks are located in the courtyards by Summit Lodge and Valley Lodge. In addition, ski and board locks, which require quarters to operate, are also provided outside the lodges. And areas are provided for customers to secure their equipment using their personal locks. Personal locks can be purchased in the Skiers Stores.

The popular downhill mountain bike race is back for a fourth season. Equipped with spiked tires, competing cyclists negotiate slalom gates similar to conventional downhill ski races. For the racer’s uphill ascents, special bike hooks are installed on the Vista chairlift. This new form of snow racing draws racers from surrounding states and has a large following of skiing and non-skiing fans. It is possible that Blue Mountain is the only Pocono ski area offering this unique snowsport.

The Bikercross will be held on Jan. 9. It is a downhill on the snow event with four bicycle racers competing at the same time. The racers will have to negotiate obstacles such as bank turns, drop-offs and table-top hits. The race takes place on Raceway trail, which is accessible to non-skiers who would like to watch. Entrance for this event is through the Summit Lodge. Racers 17 and under must have a parent sign the Race Release Form. Helmets are required.

On Jan. 2, WAEB, Nestor’s and Ed’s House will sponsor the Super Saturday Boardercross and Skiercross. The event is open to all boarders and skiers who are looking for the challenge of head-to-head competition on a race course built in Blue Mountain’s Terrain Park. Racers will compete in elimination heats until only the best boarder or skier in each category remains undefeated. Racers 17 and under must have a parent sign the Race Release Form. Helmets are required.

On Feb. 25 and 26, Blue Mountain will host the United States Collegiate Skiing Association’s (USCSA) Mid-Atlantic Championships on Razors Edge. This competition will feature the top collegiate teams in the Mid-Atlantic region competing for a chance to advance to the national championships. The alpine ski racing competition will include men and women representing 32 of America’s most prestigious colleges and universities. The teams will have qualified to compete in the regional after excelling during their respective conference schedules throughout the current ski season.

The USCSA is a national association of collegiate ski racing teams. More than 150 colleges from coast to coast field some 3,800 men and women alpine, cross country and snowboarding athletes in over 200 race events annually. Competition takes place across three progressive tiers. Conference qualifiers determine the participants at the five USCSA regional championships.

Blue Mountain will host a two-day Pennsylvania Cup Race open to all PARA and USSA J1 and J2 racers. This race features skiers 15 to 19 years from all regions of the state who are competing for a spot on the Pennsylvania State Team. All USSA and PARA rules apply to this event.

For more info, please call Blue Mountain toll-free at 1-877-ski-blue or www.skibluemt.com.

CAMELBACK UNVEILS IMPROVEMENTS

TANNERSVILLE, PA — Continuing a longstanding tradition of reinvestment in the overall mountain experience for its guests, Camelback Ski Area announces several improvements for the 2004-2005 season. Among the additions are 40 new high efficiency tower and sled-mounted snowguns, upgraded lights on Lower Cleopatra, new slopeside restrooms adjacent to the Children’s Learning Center, plus 600 new ski sets in the Rental shop.

The additional snowguns complement back-to-back snowmaking upgrades undertaken over the past two years that have transformed Camelback’s snowmaking system with cutting-edge technology. The additions allow Camelback to make more snow than ever before, while offering the ability to rebound from adverse weather more quickly than ever.

While Camelback has offered 100% night skiing across all 33 slopes and trails for the past several seasons, the ski area continues an upgrade of older lighting with the installation of brighter, more energy-efficient lights on Lower Cleopatra. Considered by many as one of the best “cruising” trails on the mountain, Lower Cleopatra is a popular route from mid mountain to the Sunbowl.

Winter guests will immediately notice a new building in Camelback’s Main Base Area. Located adjacent to the Children’s Learning Center, a new two-story slopeside restroom building has been constructed, nearly doubling restroom capacity in the base area. The new facility will provide ski-up access, and features energy-efficient fixtures, and a bright, welcoming interior.

Rounding out the list of Camelback improvements is a major purchase of new equipment for the rental shop. Included are 600 pairs of Elan XRC Skis with Salomon Bindings, 300 Leki ski poles and 350 OVO helmets. In addition, 125 Burton Cruzer snowboards with Switch bindings and 200 Auclair wrist guards have been added.

POPULAR CamelCard SAVINGS PROGRAM RETURNS

TANNERSVILLE, PA — Back by popular demand, Camelback Ski Area's CamelCard Savings Program returns for 2004-2005. The program offers savings on winter lift tickets, as well as discounts on Camelbeach Waterpark admission during the summer of 2005.

The CamelCard allows the frequent skier to pay a $99.00 registration fee and realize savings on lift tickets every day, all season long. Sunday through Friday/Non-holiday lift tickets, as well as Night lift tickets every night of the season, are 50% off when purchased with a CamelCard. Saturday & Holiday Day lift tickets are 25% off when purchased with a CamelCard.

Cardholders will also benefit from savings on Camelbeach Waterpark admissions during summer 2005. Adult cardholders will receive $3 off a full day general admission, while children or seniors will receive $2 off full day child or senior admission.

“We recognize that there are frequent skiers who nonetheless would not be able to fully realize the benefits of a season pass,” explained Sam Newman, President and CEO of Camelback. “The CamelCard is designed as a way for these skiers to save money every time they visit Camelback. With added savings on Camelbeach Waterpark admissions, the Camelcard program offers even greater value to our guests.”

The CamelCard is a photo ID card that is valid toward one ticket purchase per day. The CamelCard and any lift tickets or Camelbeach admissions purchased with the card are not transferable. Certain other restrictions also apply.

Camelback Ski Area opens for the 2004-2005 season in early December, weather permitting.

For more information, call 570-629-1661 or visit the ski area's website at skicamelback.com.

GORE SLATES IMPROVEMENTS FOR 2004-05

NORTH CREEK, NY -- The beginning of ski season always puts snowmakers to the test, and for fall 2004, significant snowmaking improvements will have opened more Gore Mountain trails earlier.

Tower guns use one-fifth of the air and the same amount of water as traditional ground guns, making them a more efficient snowmaking resource under appropriate weather conditions. Gore Mountain is increasing its current fleet of 120 tower guns by almost 60%, allowing more terrain to open sooner. Currently Gore Mountain uses tower guns on seven trails. Four new fan guns will also add to the snowmaking fleet.

Using a virtually endless source of water from the Hudson River, Gore Mountain has had a pumping capacity of 4,800 gallons of water per minute (GPM). Another pump has been added, increasing the draw by 800 GPM to a total of 5,600 GPM.

Some of the new tower guns will be installed top-to-bottom on Twister, Gore Mountain’s race trail. Trail crews are widening Twister from 60- to 80-feet wide to 120 feet wide in some areas, allowing more high-profile racing events to be hosted. This work has already been recognized by the racing associations, who have scheduled a four-day midweek giant slalom before Christmas. The trail will be widened in respect to its current design, preserving the unique character of this favorite Gore Mountain run.

Glade skiers will enjoy a new entry to the Tahawus Glades from the Tahawus trail. The only previous entrance to these glades was from Twister, which was occasionally inaccessible during racing. Glade skiers can also look for the official premier of the Dark Side Glades on the High Peaks Chair lift line, and an extension of High Pines on the Topridge lift line.

In mid-February 2004, Gore Mountain introduced a new terrain park in the Gore E-Gully area, an isolated beginner area serviced by its own chairlift. Designed as a park to learn and develop freestyle skills, the area featured several rails, big air jumps, a quarter-pipe and rollers. The park was well received by riders who appreciated a lift ride of less than two minutes. Gore Mountain will continue to provide a great freestyle experience in this area for the upcoming season, as well as develop a family-friendly beginner park on Upper Sleighride, and a more advanced park on Lower Sleighride.

Improvements to the base lodge cafeteria and Saddle Lodge are in progress. A modernization of the food service area to a food court layout will provide a nicer dining ambience and enhanced guest experience. The complete renovation of the Saddle Lodge will feature new tables and chairs, new fireplace, and full food and beverage service.

New Rossignol skis and new Burton snowboards will be available in the rental shop. Several retail items have moved upstairs, allowing for more space and efficiency for both rental and retail.

Enter the Gore Give-away at www.goremountain.com.

GREEK PEAK SKI and STAY PACKAGES

CORTLAND, NY – When you make one call to Greek Peak’s toll-free 800 number they will take care of all of your lodging needs. From convenient on-site townhouses located at the resort, to accommodations at one of the nearby hotels, motels or bed and breakfasts. (Or you can visit www.greekpeak.net)

Greek Peak lodging includes privately owned townhouses and single-family homes, each with a spectacular view of the slopes. All units are fully equipped with linens, towels, televisions, and modern kitchens. Most units have two full baths, washer and dryer, loft and fireplace.

For extra value, consider the multi-day lift tickets options. Not only are they discounted, they are the most flexible ticket that is offered. Each ticket is good all day and night, perfect for the varied needs and schedules of your family or group. You will be able to ski a few hours and return to your townhouse via the convenient shuttle bus (check schedule daily) to relax and re-group. Then, later on that day or night, you can ski again at no additional cost. Now that's a vacation.

For the greatest selection, Greek Peak recommends that you make your reservation early.

Call their Central Lodging service and they will be happy to make a reservation for you at either at Greek Peak or at a nearby hotel or bed and breakfast. One toll-freecall does it all, 1-800-955-2SKI (1-800-955-2754) for reservations at Greek Peak, Comfort Inn, Econolodge and others in the area. Or visit www.greekpeak.net.

HIDDEN VALLEY RESORT ADDS VALUE FOR WINTER SEASON

HIDDEN VALLEY, PA – Special value for fun on the snow will be offered to winter guests arriving at Hidden Valley Four Seasons Resort for the 2004-05 season.

Lift tickets for only $15 leads the parade of savings, with Super Value Tuesdays. Beginning Jan. 4, every Tuesday at Hidden Valley, every lift ticket will be priced only $15. No coupons or discounts will be accepted with this program.

As an invitation for first timers to enjoy the entire Hidden Valley experience and save, a unique value is offered with the Beginner Bonus Book. This special package contains two lift passes, two sets of equipment rental and two group lessons at the Hidden Valley Ski & Board School – all for only $79. The savings compared to individual pricing ($166) is as much as $87. Plus the new Hidden Valley Beginner Bonus Book is valid any day of the week.

Overnight guests will be rewarded with more value and free skiing included in the revised Midweek Madness lodging package. Designed for any Sunday night through Thursday (excluding all holiday periods), Midweek Madness is even lower than last winter at $62 per person, and includes: one night of lodging at the Inn at Hidden Valley, a free lift pass, and a five dollar dining coupon for Dundee’s Restaurant. Lodging information and reservations are available toll free at 1-800-458-0175.

On the slopes, Hidden Valley Resort will serve up more snow and fun in the Jaguar Terrain Park with additional snowmaking capabilities that will allow snowboarders and skiers alike to enjoy the enhanced park challenge of jumps and tricks.

Teens can have more fun. The Hidden Valley Ski & Board School has added a Mountain Explorer Ski & Board Program. Youngster between 13 and 16 can discover new techniques and explore new terrain at Hidden Valley. With lunch included, the Mountain Explorer is only $55. The PSIA certified instructors at Hidden Valley will still offer top rated ski and snowboard lessons. The price structure for these ski school improvements will remain the same as last season.

Hidden Valley continues to offer some of the best values on the snow. Despite increased costs, there are no rate increases for weekday, night session and all day lift tickets, equipment rentals, ski and board lessons, sleigh rides and cross country trail use fees. Only two lift ticket price adjustments will be in effect for the winter. Weekend raters for adult and junior lift tickets have increased to $45 and $35, respectively, for two sessions (weekend day session 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and weekend twilight session noon to 10 p.m.)

Hidden Valley Resort offers 28 slopes and trails over 140 acres, with a top elevation of 3,000 feet and a vertical drop of 700 feet. The longest run is 1½ miles. There are a total of 12 lifts, with one quad, two triples, three doubles, three handle tows and three surface carpets. Hidden Valley lifts operate daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., with a total uphill capacity of 12,500 people per hour.

A wide variety of lodging options are available at Hidden Valley Resort. Lodging reservations can be made at 1-800-458-0175.

Snow reports are available in season at 1-800-443-SKII.

The web site is www.hiddenvalleyresort.com.

Reservations are available toll free at 1-800-458-0175.

AT THE BIG TWO, WePlay = YOU PLAY, YOUR FAMILY PLAYS, YOUR FRIENDS PLAY, EVERYONE PLAYS

BLAKESLEE, PA -- “With so many exciting, new amenities added to both mountains this year: new and updated terrain parks, a new slope opening, a redesigned family tubing park and more, WePlay was developed to keep the momentum pushing forward. It allows skiers and snowboarders to share their excitement and introduce winter sports to as many of their family and friends as they like, at a reasonable cost,” states Carl Kerstetter, Director of Marketing at Jack Frost · Big Boulder Mountains.

“WePlay is geared to enhance the overall branding goals; to get folks excited about winter sports, to involve people of all ages, to make it easy, and affordable,” adds Kerstetter.

To qualify for WePlay two people must sign-up at the same time, but at that time, two or fifty-two, of your best friends, family members or neighbors can also register with no additional fees for only $379. WePlay’s sister pass, for individuals is called IPlay.

IPlay snow tubing season passes are available on a per person purchase cycle. Students

21 and under will pay $75. Adults can also take advantage of the IPlay price breaks and pay $125.00 from November 1, and beyond.

Benefits offered through the WePlay and IPlay seasonal passes provides skiers, tubers and snowboarders lift tickets with access to both Jack Frost and Big Boulder Mountains, 7/days – 7/nights with preferred parking at Jack Frost. Other advantages include a ten percent discount on food, non-alcoholic beverages, and retail accessories plus tickets to the party of the year, the season ticket holder bash held at Big Boulder.

For skiers, tubers or boarders who will spend only a handful of days enjoying the winter season the new Supersave Five Pack lift ticket pass is now available. The Supersave Five Pack can be used anytime during the season with full privileges to both ski areas Monday through Friday and evening weekend admissions as well, introduced at $150.

Call 1-800-468-2442 or visit online at www.jfbb.com. Wait there is more; find information on free snowboard/ski clinics held at Big Boulder, by clicking “free clinics.” Ticket and Rental Express is yet another convenient service found online geared toward saving families, skiers and snowboarders time and money, plus discounts on lift tickets, and seasonal packages.

Visit the Jack Frost and Big Boulder, The Big Two, web site on line at www.jfbb.com.

SNOWDRIFT – A NEW CHALLENGING TRAIL AT BIG BOULDER

BLAKESLEE, PA -- Advanced skiers/boarders who opt for runs at Jack Frost’s well-known East Mountain will be interested to know that Big Boulder is adding a challenging new slope named Snowdrift. It had been long-favored by locals only, who discovered and relished this once secret, untamed slope. Snowdrift is aptly named because snow naturally drifts to this section of the mountain providing fresh powder and a challenging run. A quick vertical drop, a narrow chute and intermittent pine trees create the landscape for this new run. The slope bumps-up according to the whims of Mother Nature, and will test skier’s abilities all season long. Additionally Big Boulder offers the seasoned skier demanding runs at Draufganer, and Upper Sitzmark and the slope at Big Boulder.

Both Jack Frost and Big Boulder are renowned for their excellent snow due to their high elevations and they provide some of the best tree skiing in the area. These facts coupled with the challenging new Snowdrift slope will certainly present new skiing experiences, and adventures for the intermediate and advanced skier/snowboarder.

Call 1-800-468-2442 or visit online at www.jfbb.com for additional information on the free rider and ski clinics at Big Boulder. Families, skiers and boarders who want to save time and money can visit Ticket and Rental Express which offers discounted, lift tickets and seasonal packages.

SEVEN SPRINGS TO OPERATE LAUREL MOUNTAIN SKI AREA

LIGONIER, PA – Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Somerset Trust Company and Pennsylvania’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) have reached an agreement that will allow Seven Springs to operate the former Laurel Mountain Ski Area. The details of the agreement are undisclosed, but allows Seven Springs to operate the facility, which is now owned by Somerset Trust Company, through the 2004-05 ski season. At the conclusion of the ski season, officials from Somerset Trust Company plan on developing a long-term strategy for the continued success of the ski area.

“We at DCNR are most grateful to Seven Springs Mountain Resort and Somerset Trust Company for their involvement in this agreement, which can only be a winning combination for all parties involved,” said DCNR Secretary Michael DeBerardinis. “We want to see the ski area at Laurel Mountain achieve its full potential, and one can think of no better partner than Seven Springs – a name that is synonymous with wholesome family fun, skiing and other wide-ranging winter activities.”

Bank Vice President, Lee Murdy, commented, “Somerset Trust Company is very pleased that the Laurel Mountain Ski Resort will be operational for the 2004-05 season. We have always believed Laurel Mountain offers wonderful recreational and economic opportunities to the region.” Murdy further explained, “With the ski season fast approaching, we did not want the resort to be idle until a potential buyer appears. A property for sale of this size requires significant time to perform due diligence by a buyer to make an informed decision. In cooperation with DCNR, we then approached our two local and very capable ski resort operators to determine their interest in running the resort this coming season. After significant analysis of the equipment and facilities, Seven Springs agreed to operate Laurel Mountain for DCNR and Somerset Trust Company this coming winter and we are happy Seven Springs has committed to this task. We appreciate all the effort and support from Seven Springs and DCNR on this project and look forward to a snowy and successful ski season.”

Scott Bender, President and Chief Operating Officer of Seven Springs Mountain Resort stated, “We are always interested in growing winter sports in Western Pennsylvania. Like Seven Springs, Laurel Mountain has a unique charm and setting. While the area has experienced challenges in maintaining consistent and reliable operations, many improvements have been made during the last four years, there are a variety of enjoyable trails, and it remains a special place to many skiers of the region. Through the combination of these attributes and the long-standing experience of the Seven Springs management team, we hope to attract those skiers back and acquire others to maintain a quality and profitable operation.”

Seven Springs will offer skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing along with food and beverage service, a full-service equipment rental shop and ski and snowboard school, including children’s programs at Laurel Mountain. small retail facility will offer basic clothing and apparel for winter guests. “Guests will get a value-added winter experience at the same level of quality and service for which Seven Springs has become known,” says Bender.

Officials of Seven Springs hoped to open the resort before the December holiday week and operate five days a week through late March. Tentative plans are to have the slopes open Thursday through Monday and closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. (Check on that as the season continues.) Additionally, a “ski two mountains” season pass program and a website are currently under development.

Seven Springs, located in Champion, PA, is Pennsylvania’s largest ski and year-round resort, and was recently rated #1 in the mid-Atlantic region by the readers of SKI magazine. Seven Springs and “The Springs at Laurel Mountain” are both easily accessible from either exit 91 or 110 of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information on Seven Springs Mountain Resort, visitwww.7springs.com or call 1-800-452-2223. For more information on The Springs at Laurel Mountain, visit www.thespringsatlaurelmountain.com or call 1-888-547-3388.

MT. PETER IS FRIENDLY WINTER FUN

WARWICK, NY -- Since 1936, people have been turning to Mt. Peter for winter fun. With more than 50 ski-able acres, Mt. Peter, “The Friendly One,” is the oldest operating ski area in New York State. With 90 percent snowmaking and 69-years of experience, they are always coming up with new ways to make winter everyone’s favorite season.

Mt. Peter knows how to throw a great party. Events happen just about every weekend, so there seems to be something always something going on. A few of the best times this year will be Firefighters’ Family Day, Mardi Gras, and Spring Rally.

If you would rather enjoy the slopes when there is less action, hit the slopes for mid-week solitude. Take in the views from the top of the mountain, breathe in the fresh mountain air and carve some leisurely turns. Mt. Peter promises not to call your boss.

Union & Uniform members may participate in “Ski with a Bud Day” on Thursdays. Show your ID card and receive a 2-for-1 lift ticket and a drink on them (non-Holiday Thursdays only).

For retirees, join the Active Retiree Club. It is a fun way to meet new people, and stay in shape.

Mt. Peter has all the amenities necessary for a great day on the slopes, with a cafeteria and full-service tavern, and new this year, a beautiful pavilion sits on the base of the hill.

You can get your shaped skis or snowboard in the rental shop or buy a hat in the retail shop. If your skis are not as fast or sharp as they should be, bring them in to Mt. Peter’s Kwik Tunes Shop.

For beginners, Mt. Peter offers free beginner ski and snowboard lessons on weekends and holidays, tiny-tots age 4 and under can enjoy the new “Parallel Pete’s Snow-Park”, and both children and adults can enroll in the eight week learn-to-ski or snowboard program.

Mt. Peter’s Mountain School is a highly professional PSIA (Professional Ski Instructors of America) and AASI (American Association of Snowboard Instructors) Certified Program. Instructors are trained by a Level III Director and Level III Technical Director and by other various PSIA certified trainers. This means Mt. Peter’s instructors are always on the cutting edge of teaching, and they offer all levels of ski and snowboarding instruction.

For the advanced skier or snowboarder, upper level group lessons or private lessons are a great way to learn and perfect new skills. Many clinics are offered throughout the season that specialize in balance, edging and rotating, and carving gorgeous turns. Check out a Pro-Trainers Clinic or the “Ski Dynamite” program, or try the “Terrain Park” program, taught by their “Wild West Terrain Park” instructors, who have competed at competitions such as the US Open.

Mt. Peter’s Race Center can bring out the kid in you. Join the fun on a challenging Monday Night (a league just for adults) or have your child join the race program and watch him or her develop skills you never thought possible. The race staff at Mt. Peter is fun, fast and friendly.

For those who like a challenge, trails like Devil’s Tail and Dynamite can keep the accomplished skier or snowboarder on their toes. For those who like to catch a little air, the “Wild West Terrain Park” is made complete with rails and jumps, with plenty of room to practice or a place to hang out with friends.

Mt. Peter – with history, and professionalism at its best, has what it takes to make you a winter enthusiast.

IT’S EASY TO GET TO MT. PETER

From NYS Thruway - Take exit 15A, To Rt 17N to Rt 17A.

From Other Highways – take Rt. 17N to Rt. 17A

Mt. Peter is located between Greenwood Lake and Warwick, NY

SHAWNEE ANNOUNCES $2 MILLION IN IMPROVEMENTS

New Automated Snowmaking, New Park & Pipe, New Groomer, More Rentals and Base Area Upgrades

SHAWNEE-ON-DELAWARE, PA -- After 29 years, it just keeps getting better at Shawnee Mountain. The successful Pocono Ski Resort, known for its snow quality, dependable grooming, superior service and excellent teaching programs, invests $2 million in improvements for the 2005 winter snowsports season.

NEW Automated Snowmaking System

A massive undertaking, 450 new tower mounted York Snow Guns are being installed, throughout the entire mountain lining all of Shawnee’s 23 slopes & trails. Many of these snow guns will be fully automated, computer controlled and self-adjusting delivering optimum snowmaking efficiency. This new system will allow for snowmaking on multiple trails at one time and will enhance Shawnee Mountain’s ability to open more trails early in the season and maintain dependable snow depth and surface conditions throughout the winter season. A snowmaking giant for years, Shawnee Mountain has always been one of the first to open and the last to close in the Mid-Atlantic region.

NEW 3,000’ Terrain Park and NEW Half-Pipe

At the suggestion of many Shawnee loyal riders and skiers, the wide fall line Bushkill Trail will be home to Shawnee’s new Park. Designed by Snow-Grind of Hanover, Maine, the new Park will stretch nearly 3,000 feet with multiple rails and snow features. The park promises to appeal to a wide range of ages and skill levels. It offers a small rail garden to full-on Super Park features. Shawnee Mountain’s crew is also carving out a new home for a 400-foot Half-Pipe on Bushkill. The new pipe will be quite a bit larger, wider and somewhat steeper than Shawnee’s former pipe, giving riders and skiers a better transition and deck area. A new shelter area with sound system and bonfire pit will be located adjacent to the new Half-Pipe.

NEW NASTAR Race Course

Shawnee Mountain’s popular NASTAR recreational racing program will have a new home for 2005, as the racing area will be moved to the upper Tomahawk Trail. The new course promises to be fun, competitive, easily accessible and viewable from the Tomahawk Quad Lift. NASTAR racing is offered weekends during prime ski season in conjunction with the Shawnee Junior Race Program.

NEW Piston Bully

Adding to Shawnee’s already impressive snow grooming fleet is another new Piston Bully Snow Cat complete with a flex tiller groomer. All 23 slopes and trails, Terrain Park and Snow Tubing Park are groomed nightly at Shawnee Mountain during the ski season.

More Rentals

As part of a multi-year program to upgrade its massive rental shop, Shawnee Mountain has purchased 400 new Elan Shaped Skis, 150 new Elan Snowboards, 300 new Ovo Helmets and 50 new Salomon Ski Boards. The Shawnee Mountain Rental Shop, which is the largest of its kind under one roof, is able to outfit over 4,000 customers.

Base Area Improvements

When skiers and riders arrive opening day this year (targeted for Thanksgiving Weekend), they will be greeted by a new entrance plaza. Aesthetically pleasing, the new plaza includes a double-sided sign on a stone base with internal lighting and an event marquee, along with handsome landscaping. The new entrance plaza promises to make a great first impression. Skiers and riders are also welcome to bring along their laptop computers as complimentary wireless internet access will be available in both base lodges this winter. Rounding out base area improvements is the refurbishing of the restrooms in the Trepp Lodge.

Shawnee Mountain is located in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania just off Exit 309 of Interstate 80. For general information, call (570) 421-7231. For lodging information, call 1-888-VILLA4U (townhomes and chateaus), 1-800-SHAWNEE (Shawnee Inn), or 1-800-POCONOS (vacation bureau). Visit Shawnee Mountain on-line at www.shawneemt.com.

WINDHAM NEWS FOR 2005

WINDHAM, NY -- When skiers arrive at Windham Mountain this season, a host of new features will greet them. Windham Mountain is New York State’s premier ski and snowboarding resort. Set atop the Catskill Mountain High Peaks, it offers a 1600-foot vertical drop from a 3,100-foot summit elevation. Here is what is new for the 2004-2005 season.

THE WINDHAM 1-CARD

1 more way to make every moment count.

The Windham 1-Card gives you direct access to the lifts and pay-as-you-go convenience by auto-charging your credit card account when scanned. With no need to wait at the ticket counter, that directly translates into more time on the trails. That alone is enough to make sure that you have a Windham1-Card, but there is more. Cardholders get a $5 discount on their first ticket purchased and are entitled to the “Discount of the Day” throughout the season. All you have to do is register on Windham’s web site, www.windhammountain.com 48 hours in advance of your visit.

New Snowmaking

Snowmaking has been extended to the scenic Lower Wipe Out trail. Eighteen computer-automated HKD snowguns have been installed there. The What’s Next trail has joined the computer age also. That trail’s 24 snowguns, like those on Lower Wipe Out, are now equipped with individual weather stations. These turn on and off automatically, and make snow based on the temperature and humidity right at the guns. It is all automatic. No personnel involved – except to do the programming. Guests get more snow more quickly, and a faster snow surface recovery time from poor weather. This brings total snowmaking coverage at Windham Mountain to a record 98 percent.

Two thousand feet of pipe has been replaced on the Whistler and Wheelchair trails, and those popular trails have been equipped with more tower-mounted snow guns.

Four tower-mounted snowguns and 1,000 feet of pipe have been added at Windham’s Mountain Top Adventure Center Tubing Park. The result will be more snow that is made faster on all 12 tubing lanes.

New Bully Roaming the Park: A new grooming machine will now call Windham's terrain parks home. This new machine was specially built to operate only in the Windham Mountain terrain parks; its only job is to build rails, jumps, hits and bumps - everything that will put smiles on the faces of terrain park skiers and riders.

New Nighttime Jibbing - Windham’s Jib Park is now open at night. The bright idea: add bright lighting and – voila! – There is another activity to brighten the nights at Windham Mountain.

New Nighttime Racing - Beginning this season, NASTAR racers can speed down the course not only during daytime hours, but during nighttime as well. The addition of more and brighter lighting makes it possible.

New Hangout - Introducing the Firepit, a special gathering area designed for special activities, such as story-telling and musical jam sessions. This will be a great nook in which to gather and meet new mountain friends.

Another New Starbuck’s - The first-floor Starbuck’s coffee shop has been such a hit at Windham that a second Starbuck’s has been added! This one is on the base lodge third floor in Legends Lounge, with immediate serving and no waiting.

Windham Mountain, located 25 miles from the New York State Thruway Exit 21, is in its 24th year of operation. The resort's 41 trails encompass 242 skiable acres. Night skiing and riding are featured Thursday through Saturday and on holidays.

Windham offers snow tubing Fridays, weekends and holidays at the standalone Mountain Top Adventure Center. The resort also owns and operates Winwood, The Mountain Inn, located on Main Street in the town of Windham.