Snowmaking Begins!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SNOWMAKING COMMENCES AT NORTHSTAR-AT-TAHOE™ RESORT

Cold Temperatures and Winter Weather in the Forecast Allow Resort to Ignite the Largest Snowmaking System on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe

Broadcast quality MPEG2 B-Roll footage is available for preview, download and broadcast use at: http://www.tahoemediacenter.com/091028_nssnowmaking

TRUCKEE, Calif. – Oct. 28, 2009 – With the arrival of cold temperatures and winter-like weather in the forecast, last night Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort turned on North Lake Tahoe’s largest snowmaking system for the first time this year. The ability to make snow this early in the season will allow the resort to offer some of the best early season snow conditions in North Lake Tahoe when the resort opens on November 21, conditions permitting.

“Thanks to the cooperation of Mother Nature, this is the earliest we’ve turned our snowmaking system on in the past 15 years,” said John Loomis, Director of Operations at Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort. “The cold temperatures in the forecast will permit us to continue our snowmaking efforts and offer guests access to a wide variety of terrain once we open.”

This past summer, new snowmaking was added to the beginner teaching area of the mountain, allowing for ski-in, ski-out access from The Ritz-Carlton Highlands, Lake Tahoe scheduled to open December 9, 2009, as well as improved early season conditions for those learning to ski and snowboard. This adds to Northstar Resort’s already extensive snowmaking system.

In an effort to improve the efficiency and quality of its snow grooming efforts, the resort invested in three new grooming machines by Prinoth, including a “Beast,” that is designed to reduce the time and fuel needed to maintain the snow surface.

The resort’s scheduled winter season is November 21, 2009 through April 18, 2010, weather and conditions permitting. For the latest snow conditions, upcoming event information and opening day updates for Northstar Resort, visit www.NorthstarAtTahoe.com or call 530.562.1330.

Guests are encouraged to book their ski/ride getaway to Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort by December 15, 2009 and stay for just $99.75 per person, per night (based on double occupancy). This offer includes two lift tickets per room, per night, some restrictions apply. For more information or reservations, visit www.NorthstarAtTahoe.com or call 1.800.GO.NORTH (466.6784).

Video images available: 
• Northstar Resort’s snowmaking system in action
• Soundbite from John Loomis, Director of Operations re: snowmaking
• Soundbite from Jessica VanPernis, resort spokesperson re: resort opening

To download video:  http://www.tahoemediacenter.com/091028_nssnowmaking

Contact:  For information about the footage, assistance with downloads, or to request a BetaSP copy, please contact the Lake Tahoe Media Center at 530.583.4206.

About Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort
One of the finest year-round mountain resorts in North America, Northstar Resort is host to a new base area village featuring 35 unique shops and restaurants, a conference center, 9,000 square foot skating rink, on-site lodging, special events and more. A winter sport enthusiast’s paradise, Northstar Resort offers 92 ski trails spread across 3,000 acres, award-winning terrain parks and snow sports including alpine and Telemark skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and tubing. Summer activities include mountain biking, golfing, scenic lift rides for sightseeing and hiking, horseback riding, fly-fishing and more.
 
Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort is located on Highway 267, just six miles north of Lake Tahoe and six miles south of downtown Truckee. For more information, call 1.800.GO.NORTH (1.800.466.6784) or visit www.NorthstarAtTahoe.com.

Press Contacts:
Jessica VanPernis, 530.562.3866
jvanpernis@boothcreek.com

Kirstin Cattell, 530.543.3132
kcattell.st@boothcreek.com

Kristin Yantis, 775.351.7904
kyantis@myprco.com

###