Mammoth Lakes, CA (Wednesday, January 5, 2005) - Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. and Intrawest Corporation today announced plans to build a 230-unit condominium-hotel under the hotel company's upper-upscale Westin brand in Mammoth Lakes, California. The Westin Monache, Mammoth, will be the first full-service, luxury property in the region and the flagship property of The Village at Mammoth. Construction will begin in spring 2005 and scheduled to be completed in spring 2007. The Westin Monache, Mammoth, in Mammoth Lakes will be the third venture between Intrawest and Starwood, following The Westin Resort and Spa at Tremblant, Québec which opened in 2000 and The Westin Trillium House at Blue Mountain in Ontario, which is scheduled to open in late summer 2005.

Mammoth is located in the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains (south of Reno, NV and northeast of Los Angeles). The resort hosted close to 1.5 million skiers last season, making it one of the top three most visited ski areas in the U.S. and California's most popular four-season mountain destinations.

"The arrival of the first international hotel brand is a very significant step for Mammoth to be recognized as a world-class destination," said Peter Cowley, VP Lodging Product Development for Intrawest. "Westin is an ideal partnership for us because it's a company with strong customer loyalty and a reputation of four star service and quality."

The Village at Mammoth is largely considered the driving force behind the area's renaissance. The Village's design borrowed from European alpine ski towns and includes year-round activities and attractions, plus shopping, restaurants, nightlife and many special events.

"Intrawest has a proven track record of developing superior mountain and warm weather destinations," said Sue Brush, senior vice president of Westin Hotels & Resorts. "They also share our commitment to quality and creating memorable guest experiences."

The Westin Monache, Mammoth will be located in The Village at Mammoth and adjacent to Mammoth Mountain's new 15-passenger express gondola. Among its many amenities, the new property will include panoramic views of the mountains; a full service restaurant; 24-hour room service; ski valet; a pool and hot tubs; fitness facilities; underground parking; and over 3000 square feet of meeting space.