PRESS RELEASES & NEWS FLASHES

Big Mountain expands for the upcoming season
Meteorologists predict return to normal temperatures in the Northeast
Mountain High begins making snow
A "ghostly" white Halloween hits Colorado
Snowfall may help save Park City's America's Opening
Mt. Abram to be auctioned
Mammoth Mountain opens for Halloween skiing
Squaw Valley picks up 24 inches
Brodie hires Sherrie Anthony as new Ski & Snowboard School Director
Killington first to open in the East for the 40th straight year
Keystone launches Summit County's 2000-2001 season
Budget Rent-A-Car withdraws "offensive" advertisement depicting injured skier after complaint by Vail CEO
Jay Peak upgrades to include new tram cabins
Keystone pushes back opening day to Saturday
Angel Fire Resort to open new Adventure Park at the summit
Beaver Creek snowmakers get busy
As Burke fights to reach their goal, a Rally 'Round the Mountain is scheduled
Loveland to host Chevy Truck Super Series Opener
Keystone set to open Friday
Breckenridge postpones opening day
Intrawest invests another $10M in Snowshoe
First snow of the season brings 8 inches to Angel Fire
Mammoth Mountain launches million dollar giveaway
Jiminy Peak adds high-speed six-pack
Brodie Mountain increases snowmaking and adds tubing center
Five people move into free slopeside cabin at Keystone - a 16 square-foot gondola cabin
Loveland opens
Keystone kicks off season with survivors and whales
Burke Mountain needs volunteers
Burke Mountain announces pass goal and new GM, teams up with Bretton Woods
Loveland opens early
Copper Mountain extends deadline for early season pass sales
Vail and Beaver Creek offer beginner lesson packages
Ascutney Mountain offers lift ticket discounts to students
Burke offers combo season pass with Jay Peak, starting at $199
E-ticketing comes to Colorado
Park City Mountain Resort turns on their guns
Breckenridge begins snowmaking effort
Aspen Skiing Company receives Travel Industry Association of America Environmental Odyssey Award
Burke tries to reopen to the public for this season
Teams announced for Audi 24 Hours of Aspen
Ski bums take note: Job Fair on the schedule at Squaw Valley
Park City readies for America's Opening of the World Cup
USFS go-ahead for Breck's Peak 7 road draws heat
USFS flip-flops on Breckenridge Peak 7 approval process
A-Basin snowmaking case in court this week
Shawnee Mountain spends $500,000 on improvements for Winter 2000/01
Vermont's Governor Dean to speak at Killington tomorrow

BIG MOUNTAIN EXPANDS FOR THE COMING SEASON

Whitefish, MT (October 31, 2000) - Big Mountain Resort has expanded its ski and amenity offerings for 2000-2001

A new T-bar has been installed on the upper east mountain. Three new trails encompassing 20 acres will be open for skiing on the southern exposure above Russ' Street and the Evan's Heaven area. Approximately 100 acres of North facing terrain will also be accessible from this lift that will include gladed, powder runs through a big timber forest.

In its second year of free operations, the S.N.O.W. Bus (Shuttle Network Of Whitefish) has added later routes as it travels between downtown Whitefish and Big Mountain Village. This free shuttle now makes daily trips from 6 AM to midnight all winter long. If you're driving your own car, a free village shuttle will make getting from the parking lots to the lifts on Big Mountain fast and easy. Free horse-drawn wagon rides are also offered in the upper village area Wednesday through Saturday.

The deck of the Guest Services & Information Center has been remodeled providing handicap access and a beautiful new bon-fire pit to warm up by after a long day of skiing. Inside, Big Mountain has consolidated its ski school, tickets, and information facilities under one roof at the where anything from ski tickets, ski lessons, snowmobiling, Thrill Sleds, dog sled rides, full moon dinners and more can be booked through this all-inclusive center.

This season, Big Mountain also has new ticketing software that enables frequent skiers and passholders to use their passes for direct purchases of lift tickets, ski rentals, and ski school.

Big Mountain has introduced a new year-round product that makes getting down the mountain a real thrill -- the Thrill Sled. This new sledding device features fully independent suspension and hydraulic braking systems. In summer, rubber wheels take you down the trails. In winter time, the wheels are interchanged with four small skis, all equipped with hydraulic brakes for a sledding adventure on the snow.

Big Mountain also has a new mechanical bull at the 'Stube. Its name is "Bubba" and it can be as gentle or as buckin' as you want it to be. Rockin' Rande Hall is your host and serves up some great drinks and delicious Rocky Mountain Oysters.

METEOROLOGISTS PREDICT RETURN TO NORMAL TEMPERATURES IN THE NORTHEAST

(October 31, 2000) - Golfing in December. Frisbee in the park on New Year's Day. Though novel for some, unusually warm Northeast winters are no replacement for a White Christmas or a few turns in fresh snow. For fans of winter sports, however, there is good news. According to a number of New England meteorologists and the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), winter could be making a comeback.

Compared to the winters from 1961-1990, winters in the '90's were unusually mild, thought to be brought about by a combination of El Niño and La Niña phenomena in the Pacific. An October 15th report issued by NOAA, however, predicts a return to normal winter conditions for the upper portion of the United States.

For New England, this means a winter that could be an average of 4 degrees cooler than last winter, bringing normal but not record-breaking cold back to the region, as well as an increase in snowfall, perhaps more than average.

An October 18th report on www.Intellicast.com, a major online weather reporting service run by Weather Service International, supported NOAA's forecast, stating that New England, and Maine in particular, should see colder weather and more snowfall this winter. The report, written by Joe D'Aleo, Chief Meteorologist for Weather Service International, cited snowfall trends dating back more than 100 years.

Weather experts close to home agree.

"This year we'll have a better shot of cold weather, not hindered by Pacific air masses," said Matt Zidle, a meteorologist with WGME Channel 13 in Portland.

The weather in the Northeast is partly dictated by a battle between the subtropical jetstream and the polar jetstream. NOAA's reports claims the polar jetstream will win this winter, bringing more cold air masses to Maine. According to Zidle, when these cold air systems come in phase with warmer, wetter disturbances from the South, significant snowstorms can occur.

"That we've seen an above average amount of nor'easter-type storms bodes well for this winter," said Zidle. "If the pattern that we're in continues, then we could see a good year for snow."

"In the absence of La Niña and El Niño, it's reasonable to believe we'll see not only snow in the mountains, but snow in the cities," said Herb Stevens, a meteorologist with 13 years experience in covering ski resort weather conditions. Stevens, based in Providence, Rhode Island, said he welcomes the chance to build snowmen in the yard with his kids once again and see a White Christmas.

Steve Maleski, meteorologist with the Fairbanks Museum in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, concurs with the weather service's temperature estimate and with D'Aleo's prediction, saying, "we'll see more consistent stretches of colder weather."

MOUNTAIN HIGH BEGINS MAKING SNOW

Wrightwood, CA (October 31, 2000) - Mountain High began snowmaking operations yesterday evening at approximately 7:00pm. By 9:30am this morning, six to twelve inches of new snow lay on three top-to-bottom trails at the West Resort.

Temperatures as low as 25 degrees made the night extremely successful and with several more cold nights in the forecast, Mountain High intends to be the first local resort to open for the fourth year in a row.

"If the weather stays the same, this will be one of the earliest openings in our history," claims Brad Wilson, Assistant General Manager.

Resort management expects to announce the mountain's projected opening date as early as Wednesday morning, November 1st.

SNOWFALL MAY HELP SAVE PARK CITY'S AMERICA'S OPENING

Park City, UT (October 31, 2000) - After initial concern that a lack of snowfall may force cancellation of the America's Opening events at Park City for the second year in a row, it's finally snowing in Utah, as it has been across many of the Rocky Mountain resorts.

Just 16 days away from the Chevy Truck America's Opening ski races -- Park City Mountain Resort's last ski test event before the 2002 Olympic Winter Games -- temperatures have dropped and the skies have opened to drop 8 inches of snow in the last 24 hours in Park City.

Preparations are well underway to prepare for this year's America's Opening. Events include men's and women's slalom and giant slalom races, a street dance, fireworks display and lots of celebrating. For more information about America's Opening, visit the Park City Mountain Resort web site at www.parkcitymountain.com.

MT.ABRAM TO BE AUCTIONED

From First Tracks!! Online Editor Marc Guido

Locke Mills, ME (October 30, 2000) - Twenty years ago, Mount Abram Ski Area was very similar in operation to its neighbor, Sunday River. Both were medium-sized New England ski hills, both suffered from low elevations, both failed to attract large numbers of skier visits, and both lacked modern lifts or high-output snowmaking plants.

A lot can happen over two decades, however. Rocketing aboard Les Otten's American Skiing Co. spaceship, Sunday River embarked upon a remarkable growth spurt, adding high-capacity lifts on adjacent peaks along a broad ridgeline, and developing a snowmaking plant that is second to none. The skiers and snowboarders followed, propelling Sunday River into the ranks of the most frequently-visited New England ski resorts.

Mount Abram charted a different course. Lacking significant capital investment, the local Locke Mills ski hill remained independent and carved a niche in the family market, a clientele that largely could not afford the prices driven by Sunday River's development. While this is a strategy effective in building customer loyalty and in keeping the corporate coffers out of weighty debt, it's not necessarily one that's guaranteed to pay the bills.

The litany of changing ownership through the 90s at Mt. Abram is testament to this catch-22. The latest foreclosure, this time by Camden National Bank, will culminate in an auction of the resort property on November 15th in a meeting room at the Bethel Inn & Country Club, ironically in Sunday River's hometown.

Camden National has retained the services of Auction Properties, Ltd. of Portland to recover their debt created when Randy Dunican purchased the resort from Norway Savings Bank in a foreclosure in August of 1998. At the time, Dunican acquired the ski hill's assets for $455,000 and an adjacent 33-lot undeveloped subdivision on the mountain for $122,500.

When contacted by First Tracks!! Online, Auction Properties President Tom Saturley seemed confident that the resort will operate for the 2000-2001 winter season. "I think it will," explained Saturley. "The workers are just dying to go to work. 'Turn on the lights, let's go!'"

Saturley emphasized the quality of the inquiries that he has received regarding the auction. He has been contacted by several individuals, or people putting together a team, with the intention of operating the resort for skiers and snowboarders. He also explained that Camden National is most interested in maintaining the resort as an operating entity. "It is our intention to sell the unit as a whole, and I honestly believe that it will," Saturley commented, but still would not rule out that the bank might accept a bid that would liquidate the mountain's assets.

Saturley provided three reasons that he believes give Mt. Abram a chance to succeed: the strong present economy, the limited and decreasing number of opportunities of this nature, and the mountain's proximity to Sunday River. Saturley believes that given the right marketing opportunities, Mt. Abram's proximity to the behemoth next door is a benefit, not a curse. "Absolutely, without question!" he emphasized.

Like Norway Savings, Camden National will auction the now partially-developed subdivision as a separate property. All permits for the project have been approved, and several homes exist already. The ski area complex comprises nearly 600 acres and includes a 9,116 square foot main lodge, 2,016 square foot West Side Lodge, 1,500 square foot maintenance building, mountain top ski patrol building/warming hut, ticket booth, snowmaking pump house, 2 lift equipment buildings, additional storage buildings, 35 ski trails, a 600-foot snow tubing park, pond, two double chairlifts, three t-bars and a separate tubing lift.

Registrants for the auction will need a $50,000 cashier's check as a deposit to bid on the ski area, and an additional $10,000 deposit to bid on the subdivision. The action will commence promptly at 1:00 p.m.

Will New Englanders will lose yet one more family-oriented ski resort? Time will tell ... just over two weeks' time.

MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN OPENS FOR HALLOWEEN SKIING

Mammoth Mountain, CA (October 30, 2000) - An early winter storm dropped 19" of new snow on Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, allowing the resort to open a full week ahead of schedule.

The mountain will open Broadway Express tomorrow with access to trails around the Main Lodge. Skiers and snowboarders will enjoy first tracks tomorrow while celebrating the resort's earliest opening since 1994-95. For Mammoth's winter debut, lift tickets are $43 for adults, $36 for youths (19-23 yrs.), $33 for teens (13-18 yrs.), and $22 for children (7-12 yrs.) and seniors (65+). Hours of operation are 8:30 am to 4:00 pm and more terrain is scheduled to open for the weekend.

Mammoth's historical early opening dates, reliable ski conditions and the largest variety of terrain available in California make is easy to plan the perfect ski or snowboard getaway. Everyone from beginners and adventurous intermediates to thrill seeking experts will find trail combinations to satisfy the early season craving.

SQUAW VALLEY PICKS UP 24 INCHES

Squaw Valley, CA (October 30, 2000) - A series of cold wet storms over the weekend blanketed Squaw Valley USA with a total of 24 inches of new snow on the resort's upper mountain and 6-8 inches at the base.

These storms provided Squaw Valley with a healthy early season base allowing the resort to open on November 18th. Operations will include the Cable Car, High Camp, and some skiing and snowboarding.

The National Weather Service is forecasting additional snow showers for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

BRODIE HIRES SHERRIE ANTHONY AS NEW SKI & SNOWBOARD SCHOOL DIRECTOR

Hancock, MA (October 30, 2000) - Brian Fairbank, President and CEO of Jiminy Peak, Inc and Brodie Mountain Resort, today announced the appointment of Sherrie Anthony to the position of Ski and Snowboard School Director at Brodie Mountain in New Ashford, MA. Anthony is the first woman ever to be appointed to this position at Brodie Mountain.

Anthony began working as a ski instructor at Jiminy Peak in 1989. In the twelve years that she has been with Jiminy Peak, she has been a supervisor for the SKIwee and beginner programs. Most recently, she has served as the Ski School Training Coordinator at Jiminy Peak.

As the Director of the Ski and Snowboard School at Brodie Mountain, Anthony will be supervising over 80 employees. She will be responsible for evolving the Brodie Mountain children's ski school program into a SKIwee program. She will also implement the GETSkiing first time skier program at Brodie. GETSkiing is a program created by members of the Mountains of Distinction that uses the new short ski technology and new teaching techniques to speed the learning process for first time skiers. At Jiminy Peak, the entire first time skier process has been engineered and improved every year to exceed the expectations of first time guests. The same processes and dedication to continuous improvement will be brought to Brodie. Anthony will spearhead these campaigns at Brodie Mountain.

Fairbank said, "We're really excited to have Sherrie running the Ski and Snowboard School at Brodie Mountain. Her skills, enthusiasm and love of the sport are the perfect qualities for success at Brodie."

Anthony was named Jiminy Peak Supervisor of the Year in 1997. She received the Quality Service award in both 1993 and 1995. Anthony is certified as a Level 2 instructor by the Professional Ski Instructors of America, and is a member of the National Ski Patrol.

KILLINGTON FIRST TO OPEN IN THE EAST FOR 40th STRAIGHT YEAR

Killington, VT (October 29, 2000) - With the return of cold temperatures and up to 3 to 5 inches of new natural snow forecast, Killington snowmakers fired up the guns on Rime late Saturday afternoon. By this morning, a base depth of 6 to 12 inches convinced resort authorities to fire up the lifts.

With temperatures hovering in the low 20's at 11 am, the East's anxious skiers and snowboarders were enjoying the snow conditions high on Killington Peak. Uploading and downloading access is provided by the Canyon Quad via a pickup truck ride from the base, with repeat laps on Rime and Upper East Glade serviced by the Glades triple chair.

Today's opening marks the 40th consecutive season in which Killington has been the first eastern North American ski resort to open their lifts to the public.

KEYSTONE LAUNCHES SUMMIT COUNTY'S 2000-2001 SEASON

from First Tracks!! Online Contributing Writer Bob Berwyn

Keystone, CO (October 28, 2000) - Summit County slid into the 2000-2001 season early Saturday morning, with hundreds of eager skiers and snowboarders jamming the slopes at Keystone on opening day.

Despite a string of unseasonably warm October days and nights, the resort’s crack snowmaking crews only missed their targeted date by 24 hours, laying down a solid and impeccably groomed carpet of white on the mile-long Haywood trail. Served by the Argentine double chair out of the Mountain House base area, the intermediate run drops about 900 vertical feet.

Although warm temperatures hindered the resort from opening a top-to-bottom run, crews did build a nice hit in a fenced-off area to satisfy the cravings for hang time.

"It’s nice to know Keystone recognizes there’s a demand for terrain features," Boulderite Tom Baker said of the terrain feature. "I’m stoked to see the industry is heading that way. If you build it, they will come," Baker said. And come they did, with skiers and boarders launching a veritable barrage or early season air.

Baker and his partner, Brenda Wazbinski, recently relocated to Boulder from the Tahoe area, where they worked in ski industry jobs at Sugar Bowl. They moved in order to have "real" jobs and still be able to ski frequently, they said.

"It’s really great skiing for this early in the year," Baker said. "It’s smooth, it’s fast – what more could you want?"

"I’ve been waiting for this a long time," said Lakewood snowboarder Bernie Fuller. "It’s been a long summer. It’s so rad to be out here again."

Not everybody was willing to comment, though.

"Oh, you’re a reporter? I can’t talk to you," said one young snowboarder named Jeremy. "I had to sign something when I started working here. All questions are supposed to be directed to the communications department," he said, explaining what is apparently some sort of gag order.

The bony surface quickly softened under warm skies, and as skiers shaved of the top few inches to create a layer of pulverized snow, conditions actually improved toward mid-morning.

In fact, there were no complaints at all about the snow, although there were some mostly good-natured grumbles echoing through the throng in the lift line, which stretched out the back end of the maze by 10:30. Some skiers reported waiting for more than 30 minutes, but a cheerful team of ticket checkers kept things moving smoothly and even entertained the crowd with an impromptu game of Trivial Pursuit, tossing out Halloween candy to the lucky winners.

With cooler temperatures and some snow in the forecast, the resort hopes to open additional top-to-bottom terrain soon," said spokeswoman Amy Kemp. Next on tap could be Frenchman, a lickety-split roller coaster of a run down the front side that is a favorite cruiser for locals and visitors alike.

Among the first snowboarders on the hill was Ryan Hall, one of the contestants in the gondola "Survivor" contest sponsored by Keystone and The Fox radio station in Denver. Modeled after the hit summer TV series, five Keystone survivors climbed aboard a cozy gondola earlier this week to try and outlast each other in pursuit of a $20,000 prize. The tiny cabin hangs suspended from cables about 25 feet above the base of the Argentine lift. Each week, the group votes to oust one of the passengers.

Hall said the early morning runs helped build up his morale for the contest, and said he was able to sleep through the roar of the snowmaking guns by using earplugs. The contest has attracted some attention, both from the media, as well as from some ill-spirited hecklers, who have reportedly egged the gondola during the past few nights.

Keystone ranked eighth among North American resorts in the annual SKI magazine survey this year, scoring top marks in a wide variety of categories. The resort has boosted its grooming capacity by 30 percent for this season, and also added a new high speed quad to replace the grizzled old Ruby chair on the back side of Keystone Mountain. The new chair will speed up the return trip from The Outback and North Peak and also ease access to The Windows, an experts-only area of steep glades and chutes that was recently added to the Keystone trail map.

The Ruby Express, as it’s called, will also make it more attractive to ski some of the rolling intermediate terrain on the south-facing backside of Keystone Mountain. The area gets great sun, which is a nice bonus on a chilly mid-winter day, and the terrain there has traditionally been under-used, partially because of the long ride up on the old Ruby chair.

Keystone has been the third-busiest resort in the country the past few seasons, racking up about 1.2 million skier days. The area can make snow on about 980 acres of terrain, giving it by far the most extensive snowmaking system in Colorado.

Early season adult lift tickets are $31 without a Colorado Card and $25 with the discount card. Children’s tickets are free with a Colorado Card and $17 without one. Early-season ticket prices are valid through Nov. 21.

Keystone is one of three Colorado areas now open. Loveland opened last weekend and Wolf Creek, down in the eastern San Juans, also opened Saturday with a three-foot base and 18 inches of new snow.

BUDGET RENT-A-CAR WITHDRAWS "OFFENSIVE" AD DEPICTING INJURED SKIER AFTER COMPLAINT BY VAIL CEO

from First Tracks!! Online Contributing Writer Jim Bauman

Vail, CO (October 27, 2000) - Budget Rent-A-Car has agreed to pull an advertising piece from its upcoming outdoor advertising campaign after Vail Resort's CEO Adam Aron expressed his astonishment to officials at Budget Rent-A-Car and SKI magazine over the ad, which appears on the back of the November issue of SKI. The ad depicts a skier who has just collided with a tree and the text, "Close encounters with immovable objects are not fun. Unless it happens to somebody else. Then it's hilarious."

Budget Rent-A-Car is known for an award-winning series of television ads that depict humorous but questionable images such as climbers freezing on a mountainside, a rental car customer flying into electrical wires with a jetpack, and a group of business people passed out from aromatherapy candles in their rental car as it careens through the median strip into oncoming traffic.

According to a letter sent to Budget CEO Sandi Miller, Aron asked that the ad be pulled immediately and that a donation be made by Budget to the National Ski Areas Association's (NSAA) "Heads Up" skier safety awareness program. The Heads Up program is part of a safety initiative announced by the NSAA in October, 1999.

Despite a "profound respect" for Budget Rent-a-Car, Aron, a veteran of more than twenty years in the travel industry, writes, "It seems outrageous that [Budget's] marketing people would attempt to increase the rentals of Budget cars on the backs of injured skiers."

Aron writes, "The ski industry takes our commitment to safety very seriously. We work very hard to make our sport as safe as possible, spend millions of dollars each year to create conditions that diminish the likelihood of injury, and are tireless in our efforts to educate the public about how to ski safely. We do not think that injuries sustained while skiing on a mountain, or for that matter driving a car, are funny, and are surprised that your company apparently does."

Aron went on to state that the timing of the ad is especially questionable, considering the recent automobile industry safety issues raised by accidents involving Firestone tires on Ford Explorers.

SKI magazine is part of the Times Mirror media group, which includes several recreational titles such as SKI, Skiing, Trans World Snowboarding, Golf, and Outdoor Life. The Times Mirror group was acquired this month by Time, Inc., publishers of Time magazine, where the Budget ad also appears.

Budget's Director of Public Relations, Allison Striegel, has confirmed that Budget will withdraw the ad. "In response to the feedback (including Mr. Aron's) that we have received regarding this advertisement, we have decided to pull the piece from our upcoming outdoor advertising campaign and are currently reviewing options as to continued magazine advertising," Striegel said. "The ad will, however, continue to appear in certain publications due to previously scheduled media buys through year-end," she added.

Vail Resorts Corporate Communications Director Paul Witt was unaware of any further action that might be taken in regards to the advertising. The NSAA was unavailable for comment.

JAY PEAK UPGRADES TO INCLUDE NEW TRAM CABINS

Jay, Vermont (October 27, 2000) - A casual topic of conversation at Jay Peak for many years, the resort has finally turned its focus to the venerable Aerial Tramway in the second season of significant capital investment at this far northern Vermont ski mountain.

The new cars will have an identical capacity to that of the previous system, 60 skiers per cabin. However a special glass system will assure good visibility and a seating system will be available on non-capacity days. A quality sound system also is to be part of the new Tram.

While the cabins are the most obvious component of the Jay tram's retrofit, other aspects of this summer's work are no less important. The new cabins will dock into new hydraulic bumpers at the summit Sky Haus, providing a smoother arrival and less wear and tear on the cabins. While the lift's two towers were upgraded and painted during the summer of 1999, the Sky Haus and the Base Terminal will also be renovated - a project long overdue in our opinion. Food service will return to the Sky Haus on weekends and holidays, providing special menu items to those who venture inside to enjoy the extensive, panoramic views.

All in all, expect these upgrades, along with the installation of last winter's new Green Mountain Flyer detachable Leitner quad, to put Jay Peak in the minds of skiers throughout the Northeast.

KEYSTONE PUSHES BACK OPENING DAY TO SATURDAY

Keystone, CO (October 26, 2000) - Today, Keystone Resort officials announced the resort will open Saturday, Oct. 28 at 8:30 a.m. for the 2000-2001 ski and snowboard season. This is a one-day delay over initially announced plans.

“We’ve had a few good nights of snowmaking and even some natural snow in the past few days,” said Hank Thiess, vice president of resort operations. “We’re ready for the start of the season.”

Keystone Resort will open Saturday with one lift and more than 900 vertical feet of terrain on the mile-long intermediate trail, Haywood. The Argentine Lift, a double chairlift in the resort’s Mountain House base area, will operate from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. starting Saturday.

“Keystone typically opens in mid- to late-October,” said Bill Miller, Keystone’s director of mountain operations. “We’re right on track for another successful season at Keystone.”

“We have a lot to celebrate this year,” said Margie Bootenhoff, vice president of marketing for Keystone. “It’s our 30th anniversary, we have new family programs, incredible new deals and a unique way to kick off the start of the season – a Survivor contest.”

Five people moved into a 16-square-foot gondola cabin Monday, Oct. 23 as part of “The Fox” radio station’s Master Survivor II contest. The survivor who outlasts the other four contestants will win $20,000 from the Denver radio station.

“This year’s opening day will be a little different,” said Ginny Sak, senior marketing manager for Keystone. “Usually, all the attention is on the terrain. This year, some of the attention will be on the gondola – or, at least, the five survivors in the gondola.”

Starting Saturday, adult lift tickets will cost $31 without a Colorado Card and $25 with the discount card. Children’s tickets are free with a Colorado Card and $17 without one. The early-season ticket prices will be valid through Nov. 21.

The resort will also offer equipment rentals, ski and snowboard school, childcare and food service starting Saturday. Pay parking will be available in the close-in parking lots at the Mountain House base area. Free parking will be available at the Montezuma parking lot at River Run with complimentary bus service to the Argentine lift.

The resort will open additional terrain and lifts as conditions permit.

ANGEL FIRE RESORT TO OPEN NEW ADVENTURE PARK AT THE SUMMIT

Angel Fire, NM (October 26, 2000) - Angel Fire Resort continues with expansion this season with an Adventure Park to provide fun for the whole family. The area is located at the summit of the Angel Fire Resort ski area and adjacent to the new yurt-style restaurant, the Summit Haus. Activities include day tubing, a snowplay area for kids, a terrain park, NASTAR race course, and cross-country and snowshoe terrain.

The new Nordic Center provides cross-country and snowshoe access on 11.5 miles of new terrain. The area provides excellent skiing for all abilities on three separate trails. Terrain includes a 1.6 mile beginner trail, a 3.8 intermediate trail and a 6.1 mile expert trail. The trails begin and end at the summit with breathtaking views of New Mexico's highest mountain, Wheeler Peak. The natural wonders of the mountain have remained untouched by man, yet the luxury of machine groomed trails offer easy, safe skiing into the backcountry of the glorious Sangre de Cristo mountains. Trail passes cost $7.

Nordic equipment rentals are available at the Angel Fire Resort Rental Shop. Classic equipment is $10 per day and Skating equipment is $15 per day. Snowshoe rentals are $10 per day. Lessons are also available for $20 for a half day. The best bargain is the Nordic Package. For $35, skiers receive a ½ day lesson, rental equipment and a trail pass.

The terrain park was designed for skiers, snowboarders and skiboarders with features of all sizes. It is serviced by the Resort's snowmaking equipment to allow for fun throughout the season.

The "Fun Zone" snowplay area is for kids of all ages. There's no charge as long as kids have a lift ticket. Children 6 and under ski free at Angel Fire Resort. If you just want to enjoy the area without purchasing a lift ticket, a Fun Zone ticket is available for just $7.

The Tube Zone lets participants of all ages cruise down the tubing hill in colorful, inflated tubes all within the designated tubing area, at a cost of $7 per tube, per hour. For non-skiers, a one-time foot pass is available for $7. Tubing is also available at night at the base of the ski area from 5 – 7 p.m.

Need to give that competitive edge a go at it? Challenge your partner to a run through the gates of the NASTAR slalom race course. Two, timed courses are available for just $5 for two runs or $10 per day.

For more information on Angel Fire Resort, visit the web site at www.angelfireresort.com or call (800) 633-7463.

BEAVER CREEK SNOWMAKERS GET BUSY

Beaver Creek, CO (October 26, 2000) - Beaver Creek began making snow last night at the base of the Haymeadow run and at the top of the Birds of Prey run. The resort is scheduled to open to the public Nov. 17, 2000.

“It’s nice to have the colder temperatures set in so that we can start building a good snow base. We’re excited about kicking-off our 20th Anniversary season in just a few short weeks,” said John Garnsey, Chief Operating Officer for Beaver Creek.

Snowmaking crews have been on standby 24 hours a day for the last two weeks, eagerly awaiting cold enough temperatures to begin blowing snow. “We like to shoot for 28 degrees or below to make snow. We’re hoping the pattern of colder temperatures continues,” said Jim Roberts, Director of Mountain Operations for Beaver Creek.

The resort plans to have the Centennial run ready by early November for national ski team training camps. The U.S. Ski Team, Austrian Ski Team and French Ski Team are scheduled to train in Beaver Creek Nov. 6-12. Other countries are scheduled to participate in a larger training camp Nov. 12-16.

National teams are invited to train at Beaver Creek in preparation for the men’s World Cup races to be held on the world-renowned Birds of Prey course Dec. 2-3. The Downhill will be held on Saturday, followed by the Super G race on Sunday. In celebration of Beaver Creek’s 20th Anniversary, special events and activities including videos, live musical entertainment, giveaways and fireworks will surround the races.

AS BURKE FIGHTS TO MEET THEIR GOAL, A RALLY 'ROUND THE MOUNTAIN IS SCHEDULED

East Burke, VT (October 26, 2000) - As efforts to open Burke Mountain to the public for the 2000/2001 continue, a Rally is being planned at the Base Lodge at Burke Mountain on Saturday, November 4th, 2000. The rally will take place in conjunction with the annual Burke Mountain Ski Swap.

An all day event, the rally will feature informational exhibits, along with free door prizes and food. East Burke businessman Jody Fried, who has spearheaded the effort to sell enough season passes to allow the mountain to open for the season, says this Rally is open to the entire community. "The mountain is vital to the Northeast Kingdom. Holding a big party at the base lodge will remind people of just how important Burke Mountain is to ALL of us, both economically and emotionally. Businesspeople and community members have come forward with donations of door prizes and any other assistance to ensure the success of the Rally, and our efforts to open Burke Mountain this season."

Thousands of dollars worth of door prizes have been donated, and the Culinary Arts Department at St. Johnsbury Academy will be providing food for the event. The annual ski swap, which runs both Saturday and Sunday, November 4th & 5th, will take place on the first floor, while the rally will take place upstairs in the J-Bar Lounge. "We can accommodate everyone", says Dick Andross, the new General Manager at Burke Mountain, "and hope that everyone shows up to support the efforts to open the mountain. It promises to be a huge party, but a party with a very special purpose."

Among those scheduled to attend the rally on November 4th are Julie Parisien, Olympic skier and alumnus of Burke Mountain Academy, and Governor Howard Dean, who will address the gathering at 12:00 noon. "We've invited the world", added Andross, "and the response has been tremendous." In addition, at approximately 3:30 PM, local photographer Bob Jenks will take a group photograph, similar to those taken at every town in Vermont in recent months. This 'snapshot of history' promises to provide lasting memories of this grassroots effort to help Burke Mountain.

Burke 2000 LLC has earlier announced that Burke Mountain will open to the public this season if 1570 season passes are sold. That number is double the 785 total passes sold last season. "That number includes all types of passes...adult, student, senior, even 10-block ticket sets," according to Fried. "And since they're valid any time at Jay Peak with no exceptions and also offer some tickets at other resorts, we know that this is one of the great skiing values anybody has ever offered." As of this afternoon, Burke has sold 457 passes, 30% of the goal.

Burke Mountain Combo Passes will be sold at November 4th's Rally 'Round the Mountain. They are also available at East Burke Sports in East Burke, The Village Sport Shop in Lyndonville, Peter Glenn Ski & Sports in St. Johnsbury and Lyndonville and St. Johnsbury branches of Citizens Savings Bank, Community National Bank, Lyndonville Savings Bank and Passumpsic Savings Bank, or by calling 802.626-3322 or logging on to www.skiburke.com.

LOVELAND TO HOST CHEVY TRUCK SUPER SERIES OPENER

Georgetown, CO (October 26, 2000) - The 2000-2001 Chevy Truck Super Series kicks off its third season at Loveland Ski Area Saturday and Sunday, November 11th and 12th. Snowmaking crews are working over-time preparing Loveland Valley for the event, expected to draw a field of the world's top skiers from about 17 different countries.

Last season, Switzerland's Didier Plaschy won the Super Series opener and went on a week later to capture first place at the Cafi de Colombia World Cup at Beaver Creek, Colorado. Americans expected to compete at Loveland include Erik Schlopy (Park City, UT) and Colorado's own, Sacha Gros (Vail), Caroline Lalive (Steamboat Springs), Alison Powers (Winter Park), and Sarah Schleper (Vail).

Outdoor Life Network will be broadcasting the Loveland event Thursday, Feb. 8 at 9pm EST, kicking off the first of eight one-hour shows highlighting the Chevy Truck Super Series. A men's and women's slalom will be held each day on Lovelands Switchback trail. The first run will begin at 8:30 each morning, with the men's second run scheduled for noon and the women's slated for 2pm.

"The staff at Loveland Ski Area is honored to have been chosen to host the Chevy Truck Super Series opener. We are committed to providing the best venue possible for the international athletes expected to participate in the kick-off of this world-class series," explains Scott Fortner, Marketing Director for Loveland Ski Area.

Loveland Valley will be transposed into a mini alpine village including live music, outdoor food and drink vendors, product sampling, free giveaways and contests, as well as free equipment demos featuring snowshoes, skis and snowboards. The Chevy Truck Super Series, a U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association sanctioned competition, is the U.S. portion of the Nor Am Cup. Thirteen events are scheduled in the United States for top male and female alpine skiers.

CHEVY TRUCK SUPER SERIES:
Sat. Nov. 11: Men's SL, 8:30am and 12pm Women's SL, 10am and 2pm
Sun. Nov. 12: Men's SL, 8:30am and 12pm Women's SL, 10am and 2pm

KEYSTONE SET TO OPEN FRIDAY

Keystone, CO (October 25, 2000) - Keystone Resort is tentatively set to open Friday for the 2000-2001 ski and snowboard season.

“We’re taking this on a day-by-day basis,” said John Rutter, COO of Keystone. “We’re hoping to open as soon as possible. Right now, we need two very cold nights to open on Friday. ”

Last night, Keystone received a dusting of snow and continues to make snow when temperatures dip below 28 degrees. “We’re still working to get ready for our opening,” said Hank Thiess, vice president of resort operations. “Keystone typically opens mid- to late-October, so we’re right on track for another successful season.”

“The forecast looks promising for the next few nights,” added Bill Miller, director of mountain operations for Keystone. “It looks like we’ll get some cold temperatures and even some snow showers over the weekend.”

Resort officials will provide an update on opening day Thursday. For more information about Keystone Resort or its opening day, call 1-800-404-3535 or visit keystoneresort.com.

If you make it out there, why not make the rest of us jealous? Be sure to post your account to our No-Bull Ski Reports! Starting shortly, we'll be giving away a pair of lift tickets per week from resorts across North America to a winner drawn at random from those who post to our No-Bull Ski Reports or Liftlines BBS.

BRECKENRIDGE POSTPONES OPENING DAY

Breckenridge, CO (October 25, 2000) - Breckenridge Ski Resort has postponed its opening date due to the recent warm spell that has hit the high country.

“We anticipate big opening day crowds and are committed to producing a quality snow base for our skiers and riders; we need a little more time, maybe 4-5 days,” stated Rick Sramek, Vice President of Mountain Operations for Breckenridge. “As soon as we can lay down an 18-inch base of machine-made snow we’ll open Peak 9’s Upper Columbia and Lower Sundown runs the next day,” said Sramek. He added the runs will be serviced by the Beaver Run Super Chair, a high-speed quad chair lift; the trails’ intermediate terrain runs from top to bottom on Peak 9 for about 9,000 feet in length.

Breckenridge, straight off of its second record year in a row as the country’s most popular ski area, will again launch a new ski season by donating proceeds from opening day to benefit the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC). Last year Breckenridge raised over $5,000 for the BOEC.

Home to one of the country’s largest adaptive learn-to-ski programs for the handicapped, the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center is located on nearly 40 acres of land adjacent to the ski resort’s Peak 9. The BOEC and the resort provide learn-to-ski instruction all season long through mono-skiing, bi-skiing, sit-skiing, three-track and four-track skiing. Sramek said contributing the opening day gate is a great way to recognize one of the community’s venerable skiing institutions.

“While the BOEC certainly benefits from opening day here, the proceeds actually represent about 1% of our total annual contribution to the operations of the organization,” he noted. Sramek said the resort supports the BOEC to the tune of roughly half a million dollars annually in the form of lift tickets, season passes, supplies and free office space.

Opening day skiers and boarders can contribute to a good cause while taking part in activities centered around the Presidential Elections on Nov. 7, 2000. Skiers and boarders can participate in the resort’s Political Figures Costume Contest with prizes ranging from Keystone, A-Basin and Breckenridge season passes to gift certificates and more. Costumes can range from any historical political characters from Abraham Lincoln to Betsy Ross. Costume categories will include political figures from the Democratic, Republican and third parties as well as a “Symbol of Freedom” category with characters such as Uncle Sam. Participants will be judged on creativity and presentation; judging takes place on opening day at noon sharp at the Beaver Run Base area adjacent to Peak 9.

In conjunction with the political costume contest, the ski area will conduct an informal Skier/Rider Election Poll. This is a chance to rock the vote and the ski ‘poll’ early. Polltakers will be at the Beaver Run Base Area on opening day and counting votes for who should win the election. The poll will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. and tallied shortly after.

Opening day tickets will be $31 (early-season price) for the benefit of the BOEC. Standard early-season pricing continues through Nov. 21. Children’s tickets are $17 and Colorado Card pricing is $25 for adults and free for children through Nov. 21.

INTRAWEST INVESTS ANOTHER $10M IN SNOWSHOE

Snowshoe, WV (October 25, 2000) - Intrawest Corporation has invested another $10 million this summer in enhancements and improvements at Snowshoe Mountain.  This investment comes after the combined investment of $72 million in capital expansion over the past three years at the largest four-season resort in West Virginia. 

The region’s newest lodge, Highland House, will be opening its doors for its first winter season as part of the $100 million Village at Snowshoe. The slopeside lodge will feature 78 ski-in, ski-out mountaintop units and 13,000-sq. ft. for retail and restaurants.  This includes two full-service restaurants, The Junction and The Cheat Mountain Pizza Company.   The Village will also experience the opening of The Pocahontas County Supply Company, an outdoors shop featuring clothing and equipment.

The resort’s third new restaurant, Black Run Sugar House, will be located at the base of the Cascade and Mountaineer lifts at the Silver Creek area, serving and selling maple syrup produced from the resort’s maple trees.  This will be the southern most produced syrup in North America. 

Skiers and snowboarders visiting the Pocahontas County resort will find numerous improvements in the trail systems at the Snowshoe and Silver Creek areas. A new novice trail, Yew Pine, has been cut and will be open this coming season at the Snowshoe area as part of the expanded “Northern Tract”.  Yew Pine, the resort’s 57^th slope has over 300 feet of vertical drop and will help beginners to learn and enjoy the sport.  Also at the Snowshoe area, three other existing trails, Skidway, Log Slide and Dinky, have been lengthened or widened for easier use by beginner skiers and snowboarders.  At the Silver Creek area, over two acres of gladed terrain will be available beginning this coming season.  The tree skiing area will be located on Silver Creek’s expert terrain.  Snowshoe Mountain now has over 220 acres of terrain available for winter visitors.

Snowshoe Mountain’s snowmaking capacity has also been expanded.  All three of the resort’s areas, Western Territory, Silver Creek and Snowshoe, have had additional piping and snowmaking guns added to their systems.  At full capacity, weather permitting, Snowshoe Mountain’s snowmakers can cover an area equal to over four football fields with one foot of snow in one hour. Last year, the resort’s snowmakers converted over 200 million gallons of water into snow.

The resort’s most used lift, Ballhooter, at the Snowshoe area has been upgraded for additional uphill capacity.  Additional chairs were added to the high-speed quad lift, which will now be able to move 2,400 skiers a hour, a 20 percent increase.

The grooming fleet is also getting a facelift with two additional new Bombardier machines hitting the trails this winter.  One will be located at the Snowshoe area and the other will be used at the Silver Creek area. 

“All of the on-slope improvements are aimed at improving the skiing and snowboarding experience for our guests,” says Ed Galford, Snowshoe Mountain’s Vice President of Mountain Operations.  “The trail, snowmaking and grooming expansion is our way of making sure our visitors have a consistent and enjoyable time, every time they hit the slopes.”

Following last year’s $300,000 addition to the rental ski and snowboard equipment fleet, Snowshoe Mountain will add another $450,000 in rental equipment for the upcoming season.  This includes 1,800 new pairs of skis and 350 snowboards, bringing total inventory to 5,400 skis and nearly 1,000 snowboards.  A new rental shop will be available for guests booking their equipment rentals on-line to pickup the equipment.  The Rental Shop will be located atop the Brigham Check-In, next to Rimfire Lodge at the north end of the Village at Snowshoe, adjacent to Skidder Slope.

Marking Snowshoe Mountain’s 27^th season, will be the opening of a new state of the art reservation system.  The system will feature the first full season of on-line reservation capabilities, which allows guests to plan and book their winter vacation live online.  The resort’s first-ever toll-free telephone number, 1-877-441-4FUN, is also available for guests to make reservations.  “We feel that it is critical for us to make the reservation process for our guests as easy as possible”, says Bruce Pittet, Snowshoe Mountain’s Vice President and General Manager.  “Since we are located within a day’s drive of 75 million people, it’s extremely important that their first experience with the resort is a positive one”.

Snowshoe Mountain is coming off a record season.  The West Virginia resort experience 464,000 skier visits for the 1999/2000 season, which keeps Snowshoe Mountain in the top five percent of all North American winter resorts.

Snowshoe Mountain, traditionally the first winter resort to open in the southeast, has set Friday, November 17 for its opening day for the upcoming season, weather permitting.  For up-to-date resort information call 1-877-441-4FUN or go online at www.snowshoemtn.com.

FIRST SNOW OF THE SEASON BRINGS 8 INCHES TO ANGEL FIRE

Angel Fire, NM (October 24, 2000) - Angel Fire Resort received 8 inches of new snow at the summit on Wednesday, October 23, 2000. The storm brings additional excitement to avid winter enthusiasts waiting for their first chance to hit the slopes. The ski area will open on Friday, December 15, 2000.

Snowmaking will kick off on November 1, 2000 to allow for optimum conditions on opening day. Snowmaking will continue every night, as long as it's cold enough. The Resort has one of the largest and most powerful snowmaking systems in the Southwest.

Angel Fire Resort will offer again this year the its Snow-Satisfaction Guarantee. If you are not completely satisfied with the snow conditions on the mountain, return your lift ticket within one hour and they'll exchange it for another day. Lift ticket prices are $42 for adults, $34 for teens (ages 13-17) and $26 for youths (7-12). Kids 65 and over and 6 and under ski free.

For more information about Angel Fire Resort's opening day, visit the new web site at www.angelfireresort.com or, call (800) 633-7463.

MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN LAUNCHES MILLION DOLLAR GIVEAWAY

Mammoth Mountain, CA (October 24, 2000) - Mammoth Mountain launched a season-long Internet based marketing campaign and contest yesterday called the Ford Mammoth Million Dollar Giveaway. Throughout the season, Mammoth will give away 16,000 lift tickets and a grand prize that includes use of a slopeside condo at Juniper Springs Lodge for a year, a 2001 Ford Escape XLT, two Mammoth Mountain season passes and two 2001 Sierra Star Golf Club Cards, plus a weekend for two at Mammoth to accept the grand prize.

Mammoth is partnering with the Southern California Ford Dealers for this entirely web-based campaign. To enter the contest, visitors complete a brief survey on www.MammothMountain.com. Once the survey is submitted, they are automatically entered to win. Visitors can increase their chances of winning by referring friends and family who in turn register in the contest.

"The Ford Mammoth Million Dollar Giveaway continues the Mammoth tradition of innovative marketing campaigns," said Rob Perlman, Executive Director of Marketing. "We will be able to nurture our online relationships with our guests while providing them with fantastic benefits." On the technical side, Mammoth is working with N5R, an Internet marketing company based in Canada, to make the contest a success.

Over 2,000 lift tickets will be given away monthly. Winners are sent a personalized e-mail congratulating them on their win. To collect the tickets, they print out the confirmation letter and present it at any Mammoth ticket window. Included in the email is an exclusive lodging deal good at Mammoth's properties and other special offers available at the resort.

The Grand Prize drawing will take place on Memorial Weekend at Mammoth and one lucky winner will be driving their brand new Ford Escape XLT to their Juniper Springs condo to immerse themselves in the Mammoth lifestyle for an entire year.

JIMINY PEAK ADDS HIGH-SPEED SIX-PACK

Hancock, MA (October 23, 2000) - The new Berkshire Express, a high-speed six passenger detachable chairlift, will be the first high-speed lift at Jiminy Peak, and the only one in the Berkshires. The lift replaces the old Exhibition Double Chair to the summit. This lift will make Jiminy Peak even more competitive with winter resorts in the northern New England states.

Jiminy Peak has also added 145 Vortex-heat exchanger equipped snow guns to its arsenal, for a 50% increase in simultaneous snow production capacity. Jiminy Peak teamed with a physicist to create and patent this radical new snowmaking technology.

Fast Facts about the Berkshire Express:

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VAIL AND BEAVER CREEK OFFER NEW BEGINNER SERIES WITH THREE ADULT SKI OR SNOWBOARD SCHOOL LESSONS FOR THE PRICE OF ONE

Vail, CO (October 18, 2000) - This season, Vail and Beaver Creek are making learning to ski and snowboard even easier with a new Beginner Series Promotion. This special offer is available opening day (Nov. 17, 2000) through Dec. 22, 2000 and Jan. 1 through Feb. 14, 2001.

This offer for first time skiers and riders includes a three-day semi-private beginner lesson and three days of beginner lift tickets at Vail for just $99, and at Beaver Creek for $109. A three-day equipment rental may be added for an additional $20.

Semi-private lessons have a maximum of four people per class for participants 15 years and older. Days must be used consecutively.

"Vail and Beaver Creek are committed to offering an industry leading beginner program," said Bill Jensen, chief operating officer for Vail Mountain. "This promotion is an outstanding opportunity to learn to ski or snowboard from some of the best instructors in the world. We believe that skiers and snowboarders will be pleased with the experience and value they receive from the program."

For more information in the Beginner Series Promotion, call The Activities Desk at (970) 476-9090 or (970) 845-9090.

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ASCUTNEY OFFERS LIFT TICKET DISCOUNTS TO STUDENTS

Brownsville, VT (October 19, 2000) - College students have the opportunity to ski for only $20 a day during the 2000-2001 season at Ascutney Mountain Resort, Vermont.

Students can purchase a $20 lift ticket, valid Sunday through Friday, by showing their Student Identity Card at one of the Ticket Windows at the Base Lodge or Cunningham's Ski Barn. The specially priced college lift ticket provides students the opportunity to ride Ascutney's new mile-long, high speed North Peak Express. The high-speed Garaventa CTEC detachable quad lift will rise 1,664 vertical feet from its loading area to the new North Peak summit area. The lift increases the Resort's vertical drop from 1,530 feet to 1,800 feet and will allow skiers and riders to access three new trails from the peak. Skiers and riders will travel almost 1,000 feet farther on the North Peak Express than they did on the existing Summit Triple in almost half the time, providing more time on the slopes and less time on the lift.

In all six new trails will be added for this season. According to General Manager John Plausteiner, who was the general manager at Whiteface Mountain during the 1980 Olympic Games, the upper third of the new lift line trail "will be one of the toughest trails in the East." In addition, skiers and riders will access two more difficult trails from the North Peak summit and also will be able to ski the majority of the lift line. Snowmaking operations will be added to all six trails.

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BURKE OFFERS COMBO SEASON PASS WITH JAY PEAK, STARTING AT $199

Effort aimed at keeping the northern Vermont ski area alive

East Burke, VT (October 11, 2000) - With the first flakes of snow falling on Vermont's Northeast Kingdom, Burke 2000 LLC is offering Burke Mountain/Jay Peak Combo Season Passes starting as low as $199 for the 2000/2001 ski season.

Burke 2000 LLC was formed by Burke Mountain Academy. The academy acquired the right to purchase the Burke Mountain Ski Area assets to ensure the operation of at least the training hill for students this season. At a community meeting on October 3rd, Headmaster Kirk Dwyer said "to open the mountain for the public, we need to increase revenue through strong season pass sales. If last year's sales are doubled, the full operation of the ski area will become a reality."

Burke Mountain Ski Area has a forty-year history of skiing in the Kingdom. The newly expanded snowmaking system and potential for growth make Burke one of the undiscovered treasures of the Northeast.

Full season passes begin at just $199 for college students, full adult passes are $479 and "Gold" business passes are $999. Priced lower than last year, these passes are also valid any time at Jay Peak with no exceptions. In addition, passholders can ski free three times at Cannon Mountain in New Hampshire. Thereafter, lift tickets for Cannon will be offered at 50% off the daily ticket price.

Season passes are now on sale at the following locations: East Burke Sports in East Burke, The Village Sport Shop in Lyndonville, Peter Glenn Ski & Sports in St. Johnsbury and Citizens Savings Bank, Community National Bank, Lyndonville Savings Banks and Passumpsic Savings Bank branches in St. Johnsbury and Lyndonville. In addition, passes can be purchased online at www.skiburke.com or by calling 802-626-3322.

A decision to operate the entire mountain will be made by November 14th. All monies being held in escrow; should the entire mountain not open for the 2000-2001 ski season, those who purchased season passes will receive full refunds.

Members of the Northeast Kingdom community are working together to sell season passes and to open the mountain this season. These residents, businesses, schools, and organizations are asking for everyone's support.

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E-TICKETING COMES TO COLORADO

from First Tracks!! Online Contributing Writer Bob Berwyn

Berthoud Pass, CO (October 9, 2000) - An Austrian company operating out of Southern California is preparing to introduce electronic, radio-controlled ticketing to the Colorado ski industry this winter.

Rapidtron is setting up its E-ticketing system at Silver Creek and Berthoud Pass as a pilot project. The system was developed in Austria, where it is commonly used to track the use of multi-area tickets at regional ski venues, whose lifts are often owned by separate business entities, according to Rapidtron VP Peter Dermutz. Using "smart cards" allows the areas to track usage precisely and divide up the ticket revenue accordingly, Dermutz explains.

The Rapidtron system takes full advantage of state-of-the-art technology. Each ticket is loaded with a chip that can be programmed at a ticket window or even via a remote terminal - like your home computer.

At the lift, the chip communicates with a remote scanner via a specific radio frequency. Once the scanner reads the ticket, it allows the user to pass through an automated turnstile. What this means for skiers and snowboarders is no more digging down through six layers to find your ticket - in fact, you don't even have to take it out of your pocket. And if this catches on, it may eventually eliminate the need for ticket checkers in the lift maze - that means no more frustrating wait as a rookie employee tries to figure out how to angle the hand-held scanner so it will read the bar code on your ticket.

"The biggest benefit for us is that Rapidtron will get people to the lifts much faster and more efficiently since skiers and boarders don't have to wait for someone to scan their pass," says Silver Creek marketing manager Gretchen Bergen. "And we see so much potential for the future; buying and re-charging tickets on the Internet, using the pass for opening lockers or condo rooms, or even as a type of charge card for purchasing food and refreshments at the ski area."

Bergen says that, at this point, the system won’t reduce the number of employees the resort hires, but in the long-term, it could help cut the demand for workers - a big factor in today's tight labor market. The system could also help the area address the issue of ticket fraud, Bergen says. Fraudulent ticket use is a serious problem experienced by all ski areas, and it ultimately results in a cost that is passed on to honest customers, just as in the case of shoplifting.

Rapidtron also allows ski areas to be more flexible with their pricing, Dermutz says. The ticket can be programmed in a variety of ways - for example to allow skiing for just one or two hours in the morning, or for access to a specific part of the mountain, like a terrain park.

"Ski areas can collect more information about skiers, and use it to do more targeted marketing," Dermutz says.

For skiers and snowboarders, there's the added convenience of being able to program the ticket from home or from a remote terminal in ski shop. Once you've purchased the smart card, you enter a code number via computer and use your credit card to load the ticket.

Another feature that adds flexibility is a point ticketing system that can be programmed into the pass. Instead of the traditional pre-paid one-day ticket, a point card - essentially a debit system - is fully transferable and can be used toward a pre-determined amount of lift riding spread out over several days. A few other resorts around the country use similar systems.

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PARK CITY MOUNTAIN RESORT TURNS ON THEIR GUNS

Park City, UT (October 6, 2000) - Thanks to some cold weather, winter has arrived at Park City Mountain Resort. Thursday night into Friday morning, with temperatures dipping to the mid-20s, Park City Mountain Resort's mountain operations staff activated the Resort's snowmaking system for the first time this season. The guns were turned on at approximately 2 a.m. and stayed on until about 8 o'clock Friday producing a blanket of snow at the base of the Eagle Race Arena, site of the America's Opening World Cup ski races, scheduled for November 16 - 19, 2000 and the official venue for the men's and women's alpine giant slalom competition and all snowboarding events of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games.

"We're committed to taking advantage of every opportunity that presents itself to make snow this season, not only in preparation for America's Opening, but to help ensure a that our guests enjoy terrific conditions," said Vern Greco, president and general manager at Park City Mountain Resort.

Park City Mountain Resort boasts one of the most extensive snowmaking systems in the entire Intermountain West, covering 475 acres from top to bottom. This summer, 6,000 feet of new snowmaking pipe and new tower guns were installed in the Eagle Race Arena. According to Greco, in optimal conditions, the Resort's system is capable of producing 33 acre-feet of snow in a single 24-hour period.

"Although last night's conditions fell a bit short of ideal, it was an important first step in building a strong base," Greco said.

The temperature at which the Resort's system is at maximum output is 18 degrees Fahrenheit, but, as was the case last night, it is still possible to make plenty of snow at temperatures at or just below freezing.

"We know that snowmaking is a good investment because it allows us to consistently pull off early-season events like America's Opening. And, even more importantly, our pass holders and destination guests get to enjoy one of the longest ski and snowboard seasons in Utah," Greco said.

Park City Mountain Resort is scheduled to open for the 2000-01 Winter Season, weather and snow conditions permitting, on Nov. 11, 2000.

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BRECKENRIDGE BEGINS SNOWMAKING EFFORT

Breckenridge, CO (October 5, 2000) - Breckenridge Ski Resort began its bid for a third-consecutive record-breaking ski season last night when the resort began snowmaking on Peak 9’s Columbia/Lower Sundown.

“We start making snow when it gets to 28 degrees,” noted Rick Sramek, Vice-President of Mountain Operations. “Clear skies and dry conditions make for great snowmaking weather, and our elevation gives us a great early season start over a lot of other resorts nationwide.”

Sramek cited last year’s strong early season snowmaking as one of the main reasons for the resort’s record-breaking season. “We were able to make snow when lower resorts couldn’t, and this was during a late autumn that was the second-warmest ever nationwide.”

He said that early season snow helps position the resort as having consistent snow through hosting international race teams and special events. “We had dozens of international teams training here early November last year, and we were able to open our snowboarding SuperPipe in early December. Word that Breckenridge had good early season skiing was literally passed along around the world.”

Sramek said a strong early season isn’t just good for resort guests. “The start of ski season helps jumpstart the whole town; we start hiring more people, the restaurants, hotels and shops start picking up and things are just more energized around here.”

Breckenridge is slated to open October 27. The date would mark a fourth consecutive October opening. With 1,444,366 skier days last year, Breckenridge maintained its position as the country’s most popular ski resort, and the only resort in Colorado to show growth over the past two years.

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ASPEN SKIING COMPANY RECEIVES TRAVEL INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA ENVIRONMENTAL ODYSSEY AWARD

Aspen, CO (October 5, 2000) - Aspen Skiing Company (ASC) has been awarded the 2000 Travel Industry of America (TIA) Odyssey Award in the Environment category.

TIA's Odyssey Awards annually recognize the exceptional achievements of its members who have successfully journeyed to a higher level of excellence and accomplishment. Winners have demonstrated originality, creativity, effectiveness and results in travel promotion and public and community service. This program serves to identify and showcase the innovative and effective efforts that are being carried out by TIA members. Aspen Skiing Company will be honored at the Travel Industry National Awards Gala on October 26, 2000 at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim California. Winners in other categories include: Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, for International Travel Marketing, Amtrak, for Domestic Travel Advertising, and San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau for Tourism Awareness.

The Aspen Skiing Company Odyssey Award entry submitted represented the broad scope of environmental/sustainability efforts undertaken by Aspen Skiing Company. ASC was recognized for a variety of programs including:

• A green building initiative that included the environmentally friendly construction of the new Sundeck Restaurant and the publication of Building Sustainable Resorts: Guidelines for Environmentally Sustainable Design and Construction of Aspen Skiing Company Buildings, intended to guide future development.
• The ski industry's first environmental web site and intra-company environmental newsletter, developed in 1998. The website,(www.aspensnowmass.com/environment) and newsletter are designed to educate and involve guests, employees, and the public in the company's efforts to improve its environmental performance.
• A pollution prevention partnership with the Colorado Department of Health and Environment that has led to radical reductions in hazardous waste through the use of aqueous parts washers in vehicle maintenance shops and through a fluorescent bulb recycling program.
• The nonprofit Environment Foundation, now in its fourth year, which has donated more than $220,000 to 57 local environmental projects. The foundation is run by employees who contribute funds from their paychecks; their money is matched by Aspen Skiing Company and by the Aspen Valley Community Foundation.
• ASC's unique partnership with the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies, which provides naturalist-led snowshoe tours, ski tours, and the children's Winter Wild Things program.

"Winning the TIA Odyssey Award shows our commitment to being environmental leaders not only in the ski industry, but also in the travel and tourism industry as a whole," said Auden Schendler, director of environmental affairs, Aspen Skiing Company.

In fact, TIA Odyssey Award judges noted that the efforts set by Aspen Skiing Company are an example that the entire travel industry should use as a model. "Aspen Skiing Company shows the travel industry can have a positive impact on the environment upon which it depends."

The Travel Industry Association of America (TIA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and facilitating increased travel to and within the United States in order to make America the world's number one tourism destination. TIA represents the common interests and concerns of the U.S. travel industry.

Aspen Skiing Company won the 1998 and 1999 Times Mirror Gold Eagle Award for Overall Environmental Excellence; the 1999 NEETF (National Environmental Education and Training Foundation) Award for environmental education programs; and was the only North American recipient of the 1999 British Airways Tourism for Tomorrow Award for International Eco-tourism. And in spring 2000, ASC's programs were recognized in the Record of the 106th Congress. The Sundeck Restaurant on Aspen Mountain is one of only ten buildings certified in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design through the U.S. Green Building Council.

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BURKE TRIES TO REOPEN TO THE PUBLIC FOR THIS SEASON

East Burke, VT (October 5, 2000) - Since Burke Mountain Academy bought Burke Mountain ski area ten days ago, they have been feverishly crafting a plan to open the mountain to the public. The academy is already set to open the hill for their students and other local ski programs.

Last night, a town meeting took place with about 400 present. Speakers included the headmaster of BMA, the head coach at BMA, a local Burke Chamber of Commerce representative, and Jay Peak President Bill Stenger. A decision was made: if the ski area can sell twice the number of season passes sold last year, the mountain can open to the public. The date for final decision is November 14th.

As an added benefit, Burke passes will be honored all season at Jay Peak, and vice versa, and will include three free visits to nearby Cannon Mountain, with a 50% discount applied at Cannon thereafter.

Season pass prices are as follows:

• adult $479
• senior $299
• teen $299
• child $249
• college $199
• midweek $199

These are much lower than last season's . Day pass prices have also been reduced. Buyers who purchase passes are entitled to a full refund if the mountain does not operate for the public, guaranteed buy the local banks who are holding all funds in an escrow account.

Passes will be available starting Monday of this coming week. You may purchase them through the local banks or from the mountain.

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TEAMS ANNOUNCED FOR AUDI 24 HOURS OF ASPEN

10 International Teams from 8 Countries Selected

Aspen, CO (December 3, 2000) - ASPEN, Colo.- The Audi 24 Hours of Aspen, iregarded as the World Championships of Endurance Skiing, will take place December 17 -18, 2000 on Ajax (Aspen Mountain). The international field of 10 teams from 8 countries will represent Aspen, Australia, Austria, Canada, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Switzerland and the United States. The teams of two will race the clock, skiing for 24 continuous hours, competing for the title of 'World's Toughest Skiers' and raising money for charity.

For the first time in the race's 12-year history, a $50,000 cash purse will be awarded to the winners. Event organizers have seen the interest from international ski competitors increase as a result. This year's event will feature more first-time racers than the event has seen in recent years, with only two competitors having raced before, Martin Fiala from Germany and Noel Lyons-McMenamy from the U.S. Women.

"The competition is fierce and the field is loaded," said Killeen Brettmann, vice president, event marketing, Aspen Skiing Company. "In past years, we have found that repeating teams tend to get better with experience, so with all the first time racers this year, it's anybody's race."

Teams	Country
Asia Jenkins and Heather Paul	Aspen Women (U.S.)
Richi Biggins and Steven Lee	Australia
Roland Pfeifer and Jakob Rhyner	Austria
Roman Torn and Rob Bosinger	Canada
Martin Fiala and Michael Brunner	Germany
Paul-Patrick Schwarzacher-Joyce and Andreas Vasili	Ireland
Andrea Dezza and Francesco Bianchetti	Italy
Arno Hoenicke and Robert Moze	Switzerland
Charlotte Moats and Noel Lyons-McMenamy	United States Women
Christian Woll and Alan Beyer	United States Men

Deemed the "24 Hours of Pain," the event forces racers to struggle not only with the technical challenges of the mountain, but also with intense fatigue, sleep deprivation, changing weather conditions and a battle to stay acutely alert. Their only rest is on the 14-minute gondola ride to the summit.

To date, the event has raised more than $3 million for a number of different charities. This year the event will benefit Challenge Aspen, an organization that provides recreational and cultural experiences to individuals who have mental or physical disabilities. It will also benefit the Aspen Valley Ski/Snowboard Club Scholarship Program, which ensures that any child in the Roaring Fork Valley can enjoy snow sports, regardless of economic situations.

More than 800 community members volunteer for this charity event. Volunteers are responsible for everything from "catching" racers and giving them massages in the gondola to tuning racers' skis and cooking pasta through the day and night. Those interested in volunteering can contact the 'volunteer hotline' at 970/923-0500.

This year's sponsors include Audi of America, Compaq Computer Corporation, WorldCom and Café de Colombia.

The event will be televised on ESPN and, for the first time, will be broadcast on the Internet by Boulder-based Texture Media. Texture Media will provide complete digital media coverage and Web casting of the ski race to be showcased on www.24hoursofaspen.com.

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SKI BUMS TAKE NOTE: JOB FAIR ON THE SCHEDULE AT SQUAW VALLEY

Squaw Valley, CA (October 3, 2000) - Get a job at Squaw Valley USA and get a free season pass. Squaw Valley is hosting its annual Job Fair on Saturday October 28, 2000 from 8 am until 3 pm.

The Job Fair takes place in Squaw Valley's Base Village and applicants are encouraged to bring their resume and/or a completed application form. Managers from every department will be on hand all day to interview perspective employees and jobs are often offered on the spot. Come at 8 am and leave at 3 pm with a new job.

For more information, or to request an employment application, please contact the Squaw Valley personnel department at 530-581-7112, or visit www.squaw.com.

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PARK CITY READIES FOR AMERICA'S OPENING OF THE WORLD CUP

Park City, UT (August 2, 2000) - Why wait until 2002 when world-class ski racing will be here in November? In keeping with its rich tradition of alpine racing competition, Park City Mountain Resort again serves as the venue for the 15th Chevy Truck America's Opening Nov. 16 - 19, 2000 - the domestic season-opener of the Café de Colombia FIS World Cup ski circuit and the Resort's final alpine test event before the 2002 Olympic Winter Games.

"This season will be a particularly exciting time to attend America's Opening because it will be the last World Cup ski competition the Resort will host prior to the 2002 Olympic Winter Games," said Karen Korfanta, Park City Mountain Resort race department manager and chairperson of the America's Opening Organizing Committee.

One of the U.S. athletes to watch at this year's event, which marks the start of continuous racing on the World Cup schedule, is Kristina Koznick (Burnsville, MN). "Koz," who made her international breakthrough at Park City in November 1997 with a fourth in the America's Opening slalom, has won four World Cup races. She now competes in giant slalom.

U.S. Team racers to keep an eye on include Park City native Erik Schlopy, who scored his first World Cup slalom top-10 finish last season in South Korea; Bode Miller (Franconia, NH) who not only made his World Cup debut during the 1997 America's Opening races but made it a major breakthrough, too, finishing 11th in the men's GS; Sarah Schleper (Vail, CO) ranked in the top 25 in the world in both SL and GS, and a former World Junior Championships medalist; 1999 World Juniors combined champion Caroline LaLive (Steamboat, CO), who scored points in all five World Cup events (SL/GS/SG/DH/CO) last season; and, of course, Park City's own Alex Shaffer, who spent most of last season on the bench after suffering an injury in the first World Cup race of the season, but who has had a healthy pre-season and is anxious to be racing at home again.

Some of the foreign athletes hoping to make their mark in Park City Mountain Resort's Eagle Race Arena one last time before the big show comes to town in 2002 include: the great Hermann Maier (AUT), who broke the World Cup overall record last season with an incredible 2000 points the equivalent of 20 victories over the course of one season (some racing fans may recall how Maier was disqualified at the 1998 America's Opening for straddling a gate during the giant slalom); Kjetil Andre Aamodt (NOR), the defending World Cup slalom champion; Lasse Kjus (NOR) who missed most of last season due to an injury after winning the 1999 World Cup overall title; the top two women slalom racers, Spela Pretner (SLO) and Christel Saioni (FRA); Michaela Dorfmeister (AUT) the World Cup circuit's top female GS racer; and Alexandra Meissnitzer (AUT) the 1999 overall women's World Cup champion, who is coming back from a knee injury.

This summer, the base of the Eagle Race Arena was widened and re-graded from about two-thirds of the way down the course (an area more commonly known as the 'dog leg') to the finish line. Korfanta -- who was recently named race organizer of the year by the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association at its annual convention -- said the work was completed primarily to create more space for additional infrastructure for the upcoming Olympic Winter Games, including the snowboarding halfpipe venue. America's Opening is the first race in the newly configured arena.

"The finish area of the Eagle Race Arena is now significantly steeper than it was, making it possible for us to see some faster finish times at this year's event," Korfanta said.

The schedule for the 2000 Chevy Truck America's Opening:

• Thursday, Nov. 16 - women's giant slalom, first run: 10 a.m.
• Friday, Nov. 17 - men's giant slalom, first run: 10 a.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 18 - women's slalom, first run: 10:15 a.m.
• Sunday, Nov. 19 - men's slalom, first run: 10 a.m.

In addition to Olympic-caliber ski racing, America's Opening festivities include a free concert and street dance at Park City's historic Main Street on Friday, Nov. 17 at 7 p.m.

Admission to the Chevy Truck America's Opening is $5 for general admission tickets or free for Park City Mountain Resort season pass holders. Guests can also purchase Lunch at the Races tickets, which include base-area bleacher seating, a gourmet, course-side lunch and special event memorabilia. Lunch at the Races tickets are $20 for Thursday's or Friday's competition, or $40 for Saturday's or Sunday's races. Two-day Lunch at the Races tickets, valid on Saturday and Sunday, are $70 each. General admission and Lunch at the Races tickets may be purchased at Park City Mountain Resort's Sports Desk, open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets may also be purchased by calling 435-647-5467 or 800-222-PARK (7275).

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USFS GO-AHEAD FOR BRECK'S PEAK 7 ROAD DRAWS HEAT

"This is the first time I am aware of that the White River National Forest has allowed action prior to receipt of a required wetland permit." ~Phil Strobel, EPA

from First Tracks!! Online Contributing Writer Bob Berwyn

Breckenridge, CO (October 1, 2000) - The U.S. Forest Service may be jumping the gun by allowing Breckenridge Ski Resort to build a new road on Peak 7 before all related permit issues are resolved, according to the Environmental Protection Agency and the Town of Breckenridge.

White River National Forest supervisor Martha Ketelle authorized the resort to start work on the road last week. It will provide access to the top terminal of a new six-seat high-speed chairlift. A restaurant is also planned at the site, along with extensive development at the base of Peaks 7 and 8.

Lower down on the mountain, the road will affect .067 acres of wetlands on Forest Service land, requiring a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The Corps is treating the on-mountain and base area development as a connected action, and is finalizing a conditional permit to authorize the combined impacts from the road and the additional 0.85 acres of wetland impacts on private land at the Peak 7 base area.

The Forest Service has only authorized work in upland areas, away from the wetlands, but the fact that the agency allowed construction to begin before the Corps permit is finalized has raised some eyebrows.

At the center of the debate are the by now well-known Cucumber Gulch wetlands, a complex of stream-linked ponds and marshes below the ski area acknowledged as high quality wildlife habitat, including breeding sites for endangered boreal toads.

The resort and the Corps have studied the hydrology of the area extensively, drilling a series of wells in order to determine how groundwater moves from the upland areas through a series of forested wetlands into Cucumber Gulch.

Critics say the go-ahead for the road represents yet another segmentation of the permitting process, something conservation groups and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have opposed since the project’s inception. At the very least, the decision illustrates a disturbing lack of coordination among the various entities involved in the planning and permitting process.

For its part, the Forest Service says building the road now, while the ground is dry, will minimize environmental impacts, and USFS Dillon District Ranger Jamie Connell says the Corps supports the decision. In documents supporting its decision to allow construction to begin, the agency asserts that that a groundwater analysis shows the sensitive Cucumber Gulch wetlands are not likely to be affected by the Peak 7 base area development.

But not everyone believes there has been sufficient analysis to make that determination.

"The town and the EPA have some questions about that conclusion," says Anderson. "There are still some real issues with the hydrology study," she adds, explaining that, while the data seems good, the analysis hasn’t yet answered all the questions about potential impacts to Cucumber Gulch.

"This is the first time I am aware of that the White River National Forest has allowed action prior to receipt of a required wetland permit," says EPA analyst Phil Strobel. "In my experience, this forest has always required all permits to be in place prior to project construction."

The Corps and the EPA are fundamentally at odds over how to proceed, says the EPA’s Sarah Fowler.

"The Corps wants to issue a conditional permit based on unknown impacts," she says. "EPA wants to identify the impacts first."

Calling for additional modeling before a permit is issued, Fowler also says it’s too soon for the Forest Service and Corps to conclude that the Peak 7 base area development won’t affect Cucumber Gulch.

Last year, the EPA declared the Cucumber Gulch wetlands an Aquatic Resource of National Importance and took the uncommon step of giving itself the option to veto the Corps by interjecting itself into the permitting process. That so-called elevation procedure could ultimately require the two agencies to consult at higher levels if local officials can't agree.

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USFS FLIP-FLOPS ON BRECKENRIDGE PEAK 7 APPROVAL PROCESS

from First Tracks!! Online Contributing Writer Bob Berwyn

Breckenridge, CO (October 1, 2000) - In addition to permitting construction of the road to the top terminal of the new Peak 7 chairlift, the Forest Service has also completed a Supplemental Information Report (SIR) that contrasts impacts from the new Breckenridge base area proposal with the 1998 Peak 7 Environmental Analysis (EA).

Dated September 22 and signed by White River Forest Supervisor Martha Ketelle, the SIR appears to authorize Vail Resorts to develop the rest of the Peak 7 project, including 165 acres of new terrain, snowmaking, a new six-seat lift and an on-mountain restaurant – all before the Town of Breckenridge approves the resort’s private land development plans for the Peak 7 and Peak 8 base areas.

According to the SIR, a Forest Service Interdisciplinary Team determined that "additional National Environmental Policy Act analysis was unwarranted and construction of the facility improvements may proceed."

Based on the ID team’s evaluation, the new proposals will actually result in less impacts on Forest Service land than what was analyzed in the 1998 EA, Dillon District Ranger Jamie Connell says, explaining that the SIR was done to give the agency a "big-picture" as it considered approving construction of the road.

The SIR’s finding applies only if the base-area proposals stay the same. Any additional changes could once again trigger a need for more Forest Service review, Connell said.

"If they come in with the same proposal, we’ll be ahead in our analysis," Connell said.

But she wouldn’t rule out the possibility that the resort could begin working on its terrain expansion before final approval of all the private land development plans. Connell said she would use a common-sense approach, based on determining whether potential changes to the base-area plan would result in significantly changed impacts on Forest Service land.

That would constitute an about-face from the previous Forest Service position, expressed in a March 1999 letter from Ketelle to the resort. In that letter, the agency said it would determine whether more analysis is needed depending on what is ultimately approved by the town and the county.

"Upon resolution of the base area development by the Town of Breckenridge and Summit County, the Forest Service will review the proposal to determine if additional analysis is needed and if a revision to the decision for the approved Peak 7 improvements is warranted," Ketelle’s letter states.

Resort officials have diligently held a series of public scoping sessions to keep inform the public, but the town is far from approving any development. In fact, the resort’s proposal was just recently submitted to the planning commission.

Breckenridge Mayor Sam Mamula and open space planner Heide Anderson both emphasized that many issues still remain unresolved.

"I think the Forest Service would be absolutely wrong to say this is a slam-dunk," Mamula said, adding that the base area plan hasn’t even had its first formal public hearing in front of the planning commission yet

"We’re still in the process of reviewing certain issues," Mamula said. "As far as the town is concerned, this is not an approved project."

Big issues still unresolved include placement of County Road 3, the proposed gondola from town up to the base of peaks 7 and 8 and the ski-back trail to a housing development near the base areas, according to Mamula.

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A-BASIN SNOWMAKING CASE GOES TO COURT THIS WEEK

Legal battle could set far-reaching precedent

from First Tracks!! Online Contributing Writer Bob Berwyn

Summit County, CO (October 1, 2000) - Barring unforeseen delays, lawyers for the U.S. Forest Service will go to court this week to defend the agency’s 1999 decision to permit snowmaking on about 125 acres of terrain at Summit County’s Arapahoe Basin - one of the last Colorado ski areas without the ability to augment Mother Nature’s efforts with man-made snow.

A Forest Service analysis of the plan showed the water diversions required for snowmaking would degrade water quality downstream in the Snake River by increasing concentrations of several toxic heavy metals, including zinc and lead.

Environmental groups first appealed the decision and then sued the Forest Service to block the snowmaking plan, claiming the agency violated its own planing regulations by authorizing an action that would worsen water quality in a stream already listed as impaired under the Clean Water Act.

Government attorneys have asked that the case be dismissed; a federal court judge is scheduled hear oral arguments Thursday, Oct. 5.

The upcoming court battle has been billed as a significant test case in the area of state water rights versus federal water quality laws, although that hype could fizzle quickly if the judge dismisses the plaintiff's argument. Greg Finch, a vice president with A-Basin-owner Dundee Realty USA, has said the outcome could potentially affect almost every other water user in the state if the ski area is held responsible for indirect downstream impacts to water quality.

But attorneys for the plaintiffs say the effect would be limited to cases in which the federal government permits a diversion that subsequently affects water quality. It’s that federal authorization that is not allowed under the Clean Water Act, they claim.

A-Basin's snowmaking scheme has been in the public eye for about 5 years, ever since the ski proposed an updated master plan. Other improvements would include renovation of ski patrol headquarters atop the Norway lift, a pedestrian tunnel underneath U.S. Highway 6 for safer access to the parking lots, a new midway lodge, as well as replacement of the aging Lenawee lift.

Summit County's oldest ski area has stayed pretty much the same for years, and that's just the way many loyalists like it. When the snowmaking proposal was first unveiled, a petition circulated in opposition, quickly garnering hundreds of signatures. Critics said man-made snow would degrade the A-Basin experience, with a reputation for plentiful natural snow and no-frills, challenging skiing. Some backcountry enthusiasts who enjoy full moon ski treks at nearby Loveland Pass also squawked, complaining that the tranquility of their nocturnal powder playground would also suffer.

A-Basin chief operating officer Jim Gentling is quick to point out that snowmaking would only occur on a handful of mostly intermediate trails to help ensure a timely seasonal opening. The bulk of A-Basin's rugged alpine-style terrain wouldn't be affected, and a more reliable early season would help ensure the ski area's financial stability, Gentling explains.

The ski area has spent about $1 million on environmental studies for the project to disclose potential damage to natural resources - as required by federal environmental laws. The analysis showed there would be some impacts to alpine tundra and wetlands.

According to Forest Service documents, concentrations of some metals could increase by up to 6.5 percent in the Snake River, an amount the EPA says constitutes a "significant" degradation of water quality in the Snake River.

A-Basin isn't adding any pollutants, but its diversions from an unpolluted tributary would reduce the amount of clean water available for dilution in the Snake River. But with mitigation measures - including mandatory bypass flows and a cap on the rate of diversion - metals concentrations would only rise by 2 percent, according to Gentling.

The ski area can mitigate some of the wetlands impacts be creating new wetlands, and Gentling says that, working with the Forest Service and Colorado water quality officials, they may be close to finding a way to mitigate some of the water quality impacts as well.

And given the increasingly competitive nature of the ski industry – not to mention a couple of sub-par snowfall years - A-Basin officials say snowmaking is a key part of their plan to modernize the ski area and keep pace with the surrounding resorts.

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SHAWNEE MOUNTAIN SPENDS $500,000 ON IMPROVEMENTS FOR WINTER 2000/01

Shawnee-on-Delaware, PA (October 1, 2000) - Highlighting this winter's $500,000 in improvements, Shawnee Mountain has purchased a new Piston Bully Snow Cat, complete with power tiller groomer, and new HKD tower mounted snow guns to add to its snowmaking punch.

Along with improved snowmaking and grooming at Shawnee, winter sports enthusiasts will find additional ski and snowboard rental equipment. As part of a multi-year program to upgrade its massive rental shop, Shawnee Mountain has purchased 800 pairs of new Elan Shaped Skis with Salomon Sincro Center Bindings, 250 new Elan Snowboards with Switch Bindings, 200 new pairs of Vans Snowboard Boots and 100 pairs of new Salomon Ski Boots. The Shawnee Mountain Rental Shop, which is the largest of its kind under one roof in the country, is able to outfit over 4,500 customers.

Improvements for Winter 2000/01 include a new Sirius Computerized Ticketing System, servicing the lift, rental and snow tubing ticket windows, Group Sales, Guest Services, Ski School, Children's Center and Ski Shop; and the exterior refurbishing of the Hope and Trepp Lodges.

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VERMONT'S GOVERNOR DEAN TO SPEAK AT KILLINGTON TOMORROW

Killington, VT (October 1, 2000) - On Monday October 2, 2000, Governor Howard Dean and American Skiing Company CEO, Les Otten will join Killington Resort to snip a ribbon in celebration of the completion of Killington’s Woodward Reservoir snowmaking expansion project.

“We’re connected,” said Killington President, Allen Wilson, “Now that the pipeline is completed, we have the resources to make more snow than ever before. This season, visitors to Killington can expect consistent conditions all season long.”

This project which increase snowmaking production by 30% includes the pipeline connection between Woodward Reservoir and Killington’s snowmaking ponds, the addition of tower mounted snowguns and an increase in pumping capacity.

Construction on the pipeline project began early this summer and the process received accolades from the District Environmental Commission #1 for excellent environmental compliance.

“We worked closely with the environmental community in bringing this project to fruition,” said Wilson. The idea for a connection between Killington and the Woodward Reservoir has been brewing since the early 1980’s. In 1996, under the leadership of Governor Howard Dean and Barbara Ripley of the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources an agreement was crafted that not only enabled Killington to access the reservoir for snowmaking water but also protected 4,000 acres of prime black bear habitat, provided protective casements for over four miles of the Long/Appalachian Trail in the vicinity of the Killington and Pico Resorts, reduced stream withdrawals for snowmaking in high elevation streams and guaranteed year-round stream flows in the brook below the reservoir.

There will be a reception for the press and the Killington community beginning at 12:00 PM on Monday October 1, 2000 at the Woodward Reservior which is located on Route 100, 11 miles south of the Junction of 100 and The Killington Road. Follow Route 100 south past the Killington Road, pass the Killington Skyeship and pass the former Sunrise Base Lodge. Farm and Wilderness Camp will be on the left hand side. Press conference will be just past the entrance to Farm and Wilderness. Governor Howard Dean will speak on ski areas and the environmental community working in cooperation. Carl Spangler, American Skiing Company Vice President of Planning and Regulatory Affairs will speak as will Les Otten, American Skiing Company CEO. A question and answer session will follow.

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