Blue Mountain Gets Even Larger - Resort Invests $10-Million in Major Terrain Expansion for Winter 2013/14

BLUE MOUNTAINS, ON, Feb. 17, 2013 /CNW/ - Ontario's largest mountain village resort is getting even bigger. Blue Mountain is investing $10-million to expand its ski and snowboard terrain and add new trails for winter 2013/14. The expansion includes an additional 64 acres of terrain, a new high-speed, six-person chairlift and six new trails. Snowmaking infrastructure and night lighting will be installed on three of the six trails. The expansion is slated for the existing Orchard area on the south end of the Resort and increases Blue Mountain's skiable terrain to 364 total acres across 42 trails - the most in Ontario.

"This is one of the most significant investments in the Resort's 73 year history and the largest expansion of a ski resort in Ontario in recent memory," said Dan Skelton, President and Chief Operating Officer, Blue Mountain Resort. "Skiing and Snowboarding is alive and well in Ontario, and our investment of more than $10-million demonstrates our ongoing commitment to our guests, employees and regional partners.  We continue to build towards our goal of being among Canada's premier resort destinations, offering a unique pedestrian village, luxurious accommodations, state-of-the-art conference facilities, year-round attractions and the best skiing and snowboarding in the province."

The increased terrain provided by the Orchard expansion is equivalent to adding 21 per cent of the Resort's current terrain, and further establishes Blue Mountain as Ontario's largest ski and snowboard destination. The Orchard has a diverse selection of trails and terrain for all skier and snowboarder levels. The expansion will introduce a new 1.6 km trail that will be the longest beginner trail in Ontario, and addresses volume and demand on existing runs. Blue Mountain will begin building and installing infrastructure this spring (2013), and expects to open the new terrain early in the 2013/14 winter season.

"More trails and improved skiing and snowboarding facilities enhance the visitor experience and give Ontario families more reasons to travel in our province," said Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. "I'd like to congratulate Blue Mountain on their expansion and their commitment to helping strengthen Ontario's snow and tourism industries."

Facts about the Orchard Expansion

• $10-million investment
• 64 additional acres of skiable terrain (bringing the Resort's total to 364 acres)
• Six new trails (bringing the Resort's total to 42 trails)
• One new state of the art high-speed, six-person chairlift, which will be the biggest in Ontario
• Longest beginner run in Ontario - 1.6 km
• Snowmaking and night lighting on three of the six trails (further infrastructure to be added in the following years)

For more information or to preview a video of the Orchard area, please visit www.bluemountain.ca/orchard.

About Blue Mountain Resort
Blue Mountain, Ontario's largest mountain resort is nestled on the shores of Georgian Bay, located 90 minutes north of Toronto. Blue Mountain has become the four-season destination of the North, visited by more than 1.5 million guests a year. Winter at the resort boasts 36 ski and snowboard trails enhanced by a world-class snowmaking system.  Summer months offer the largest downhill mountain biking facility in Ontario, Monterra Golf course, Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster, Cascade Putting Course and a private beach property among other seasonal attractions. Year-round the resort attracts visitors to more than 1,000 luxury accommodation units and 45 unique concept restaurants, bars and retail stores in our pedestrian Village. 37,500 square feet of state-of-the-art conference space caters year-round to corporate meeting groups. Blue Mountain is 50% owned by Intrawest ULC. Visit www.bluemountain.ca for more information.

SOURCE: Blue Mountain Resorts Limited

Media Contact:
Collin Matanowitsch
Manager, Public Relations
Blue Mountain Resort
Tel: [phone] ext: 6052
Email: [email protected]
www.bluemountain.ca