Jay, VT (Friday, July 26, 2002) - Jay Peak Ski Resort busy this summer with over $1 million of improvements to the Resort in preparation for the 2002/2003 ski season.

Among the new improvements are two lifts, one a high capacity quad chair, and the other a Moving Carpet beginner lift. Both are designed to create a dedicated Beginner/Novice Zone within the resort itself.

"We have added two special lifts, ideal for new and novice skiers, that will access and service over 40 acres of novice terrain on 600 vertical feet of the mountain," explained Bill Stenger, the resort's president and CEO. "A high-capacity quad chair is being added, replacing the thirty-plus year old [Metro] T-Bar. A Moving Carpet lift will be added in the Snowsports School Learning Center just for first-time skiers and riders.

"These new lifts, coupled with the gentle terrain of our lower mountain, will transform Jay Peak into one of the East's most enjoyable Learning Centers for skiing and riding," Stenger concluded.

Jay's lower mountain terrain offers a variety of gentle, wide cruising slopes and special wooded glade paths for new skiers and riders.

Micky Doheny, Jay's Snowsports School director, added, "One of Jay Peak's best assets is its size and this new lift system will allow us to offer a remarkable and unique type of learning experience for our entry-level guests.

"In addition to the new lifts and terrain, we are adding a new Rental Program using the Rossignol Learning System for Alpine teaching. For riders, Jay will become a Burton Method Center. The Burton Method Center, sponsored by Burton Snowboard, allows Jay Peak to access special learning equipment and programs that are offered at only 5 other resorts in North America," Doheny added.

In addition to these items, more snowmaking is being added and a new groomer is joining the Jay Peak fleet.