Steamboat Springs, CO (Friday, July 14, 2006) -

American Skiing Co. officials announced today that they are considering selling Colorado's Steamboat Ski Area. (photo: FTO/Marc Guido)

American Skiing Company (ASC), owner of several alpine ski and snowboard resorts across the United States, today announced that it is "initiating a strategic review of business options" for Colorado's Steamboat Ski and Resort Corporation, including selling the popular ski area.

"Steamboat's status as a world-renowned destination resort, combined with the financial performance generated by its tremendous management team and dedicated staff, have positioned the resort for success well into the future," said BJ Fair, American Skiing Company's CEO and President. "American Skiing Company is coming off its second straight record year which has created a number of opportunities for us to pursue. Given current positive market conditions and Steamboat's outstanding performance, the Board has decided to review potential alternatives with respect to Steamboat and engage financial advisors to assist in that process. Our intent is to drive the maximum value for the Company's stakeholders," Fair continued.

With one of the strongest and most recognizable brands in the ski industry, Steamboat has built a very loyal customer base, allowing it to record over a million skier visits per year.

American Skiing Company's ski and snowboard resorts include Steamboat in Colorado; The Canyons in Utah; Killington and Mount Snow in Vermont; Sunday River and Sugarloaf/USA in Maine; and Attitash in New Hampshire.