Truckee, CA (Wednesday, June 28, 2006) - Officials of California's Northstar-at-Tahoe ski and snowboard resort have announced the launch of the next phase of an extensive mountain improvement plan, which includes two new ski lifts, relocating the cross-country skiing center, expanding its snowmaking system, adding new parking lots and additional ski and snowboard terrain.

These improvements will noticeably improve access to the most popular areas of the mountain, enhance the convenience of getting to and around the resort and improve flow and circulation of skiers/riders both at the base area and on the mountain, officials indicate.

NEW LIFTS ACCESS NEW TERRAIN
As the resort's village continues to expand its lodging and amenities, Northstar Resort plans to grow the mountain proportionately to support the new Village at Northstar. Mountain improvements already complete include the opening of Lookout Mountain and the addition of the $4 million Village Express, which opened in the 2004-05 season.

This summer, Northstar Resort is investing $10.5 million in the next phase of mountain improvements which will result in the completion of two new Doppelmayr chairlifts for the 2006/07 winter season. The planned lifts include a high-speed six-pack which will dramatically improve access to Lookout Mountain and the Backside. The new lift, the base of which will be situated directly across from the mid-mountain Day Lodge, will whisk riders up nearly 1,050 vertical feet in just five minutes. The new six-pack will access 13 total trails and 137 acres of total terrain, including 60 acres of new intermediate terrain. Included in this terrain is a new mile-long run to connect guests directly from the top of the six-pack to the Backside.

The second lift is a surface lift replacing Salmon Tow, which transported guests over to the resort's advanced terrain on Lookout Mountain. Without providing details, resort officials say that the new lift will be friendly to both skiers and snowboarders. The lift will be easily accessible from the top of the new six-pack lift, providing convenient access to Lookout Mountain.

"These two lifts will significantly improve uphill capacity and circulation on the mountain," said Tim Silva, Northstar Resort's general manager. "Previously, guests were required to take two lifts to get from mid-mountain to the Backside. Now, they can easily access this popular terrain with one chair ride, cutting their ride time nearly in half."

Northstar Resort’s overall mountain improvement plan calls for the addition and/or replacement of six lifts in total.

NEW VILLAGE AT NORTHSTAR PUTS FINAL TOUCHES ON PHASE ONE
Phase One of the new Village at Northstar will be complete this upcoming winter with new shops, boutiques, art galleries and restaurants to complement the ice skating rink and nine fire pits located at the heart of the Village. All skier services such as the ticket and season pass office, group sales, season and day lockers, new and expanded free overnight ski check and basket check will be open in the Village Center, adjacent to the ice rink. Upon completion, Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort will have invested a total of $30 million into these commercial improvements.

IMPROVED PARKING
In order to better circulate traffic flow on Northstar Drive, Northstar Resort plans to add a new parking lot containing 600 spaces behind the gas station at the entrance of Northstar Drive. This will alleviate traffic congestion by routing a significant number of cars into this new parking area and off of the resort's main thoroughfare. Shuttle buses will pick up skiers/riders from the lot and drop them off at the entrance to the Village, minimizing the walk required to get from the car to the slopes.

SNOWMAKING SYSTEM GETS BOOST
Northstar Resort will expand its already extensive snowmaking system on the terrain located off of Vista Express and the new six-pack lift. More than 50 percent of the developed mountain will now be covered with snowmaking.

RELOCATED CROSS-COUNTRY CENTER
Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort is in the process of relocating its cross-country ski center to make room for the new Ritz-Carlton Highlands resort being built at mid-mountain. The expanded 1,400 square foot cross-country center will be easily accessible from the top of the Gondola and will offer more convenient and direct access to the resort's most popular and scenic cross-country trails. A sundeck and expanded teaching area will round out the improved experience for guests.