Vernon, NJ (Monday, April 24, 2006) - New Jersey's Mountain Creek ski and snowboard resort is now accepting reservations for The Appalachian hotel, set to open on July 1. This year marks a key milestone in the Mountain Creek development, as resort owner Intrawest will complete and deliver three projects totaling over 200 new vacation homes capable of being added to the rental pool, and 19,000 square feet of commercial space.

Construction on the "A" wing of The Appalachian is nearly complete, with finishing touches and inspections underway, and the homeowner closing process is expected to begin shortly. The "B" phase of the hotel is on schedule and expected to open in time for the 2006-07 ski and snowboard season, and the announcement of the first commercial tenants is anticipated in coming months.

The Appalachian will offer accommodations at the foot of the mountain and the first true ski-in/ski-out hotel at the resort. The facility will feature 100 studio, 1- and 2-bedroom condominium hotel units with fireplaces, fully equipped kitchens or kitchenettes, mountain and valley views and wireless internet.

The hotel boasts a private courtyard with four-season pool and hot tubs, a fitness center and details like stone fireplaces, wood beams and heated underground parking. The rustic Adirondack architecture will transport guests from the hustle and bustle of life in the nearby New York metro area to an outdoor adventure.

The Appalachian will also cater to small meetings and conferences. The hotel offers four state of the art conference rooms encompassing over 4,000 square feet of meeting space with a capacity of up to 70 in the largest rooms. Reservations for meetings and groups are now being accepted as well.

The second stage of construction at Black Creek Sanctuary with 28 additional homes is also expected early this summer. Black Creek Sanctuary was Mountain Creek’s first neighborhood. When completed, this gated resort community will include a total of 133 luxury 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom townhomes (eligible for the lodging program) nestled among lush foliage and a pristine wetland sanctuary.

Planning is also underway to build a year-round event calendar and "Base Camp" environment within the resort to supplement the existing major attractions, which include the ski resort, Mountain Creek Waterpark and Diablo Freeride Park, as well as the outdoor recreation opportunities offered by the adjacent Hamburg Mountain Wildlife Recreation area. Within the resort itself, there are nearly 130 acres of hiking and biking trails, five mountaintop lakes, fishing, and boating, as well as easy access to nearby golf courses, riding stables, wineries, The Appalachian Trail, High Point State Park and Delaware River.