For Immediate Release:

Media Contacts:

Matt Sugar
Director of Communications
P: 970-726-1524
C: 303-356-4002
F: 970-726-1572 / Darcy Morse
Communications Manager
P: 970-726-1565
C: 970-531-8681
F: 970-726-1572

WINTER PARK RESORT BEGINS CONSTURCTION ON NORTH AMERICA’S HIGHEST HIGH-SPEED SIX-PACK CHAIRLIFT

WINTER PARK, COLO., March 6, 2007 - The “Panoramic Express” is the name selected for the new $8 million detachable six-pack chairlift that began construction this week on Winter Park Resort’s Parsenn Bowl. The new Leitner-Poma state-of-the-art chairlift will hoist skiers up to approximately 12,060 feet above sea level making it the highest, high-speed six-pack chairlift in all of North America.

Given the timing of this new chairlift addition, Winter Park skiers and riders will have the unique opportunity to catch a glimpse of this environmentally sensitive construction project taking place now instead of while the resort is closed over summer months. Construction of the Panoramic Express will incorporate the use of helicopters and over-snow equipment all designed to minimize ground disturbance.

Last summer, Winter Park Resort added the new Eagle Wind chairlift as part of its parent company, Intrawest ULC’s, continued commitment to invest $50 million over 10 years. The early construction effort of the new Panoramic Express is just the next step in the evolution of changes taking place at Winter Park Resort.

Working in close collaboration with its partners at the U.S. Forest Service, the Winter Park Mountain Master Plan Phase One Environmental Assessment was completed last year paving the way for major improvements such as the Panoramic Express.With this completed Environmental Assessment, Winter Park Resort can offer more access to its terrain through upgrades such as the Panoramic Express for Winter Park/Mary Jane loyalists and guests.

From now until April 15, the official closing day of Winter Park Resort, intermittent closures of various areas near the new lift construction will be necessary. The resort and its partners at the U.S. Forest Service, Sulphur Ranger District, are committed to using best managements practices to minimize ground disturbance in sensitive tundra vegetation. Although the intermittent closure of small portions of ski terrain is inconvenient, the resort offers over 3,000 acres of ski able terrain. Moving materials and equipment over snow protects this delicate terrain and will assure an on-time opening next ski season.

For more information on the new Panoramic Express chairlift, please contact Matt Sugar, director of communications at (303) 356-4002 or Darcy Morse, communications manager at (970) 531-8681.

For more information on Winter Park Resort please visit

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