Attitash announces over $3 million in capital improvements

Attitash in Bartlett is planning more than $3 million in capital improvements 2007-2008 winter season.Primary investments include snowmaking enhancements, an extension to the Abenaki lift, two new grooming machines and improvements to the Adventure Center base lodging, totaling about $2.5 million.A detailed plan of the snowmaking project was announced earlier in the summer. The project targets several premier trails. State-of-the art, energy-efficient fan guns will be installed top to bottom on Illusion on Bear Peak as well as Moat, Spillway, Thads Choice, Upper Highway, The Learning Center and the base area on Attitash.The installation is the first phase of the snowmaking enhancement project, and the resorts goal is to open with a quality product on a range of terrain including beginner to expert trails as well as race trails and terrain park elements early in the season. Snowmaking is a priority at all of our resorts, and we are amongst the best at doing it right. We are committed to consistently delivering a quality product, said Kent Graham, vice president and general manager of Attitash, which is part of Peak Resorts.The Abenaki lift located on Bear Peak has been extended and a mid-station unload has been added to make travel between Attitash and Bear Peak faster. Guests can access the new Abenaki terminal through newly cut connector trails and ride the lift halfway to get to the base of Bear Peak.The new grooming equipment will include a Prinoth Dynamic Bison and a Prinoth Superior BR 350. The Bison is a specialized groomer, primarily used in terrain parks. This season Attitash plans to have park elements on opening day as well as new features offering a wider range of difficulty and excitement to their parks. We opted to add two groomers to the fleet to give us more flexibility and capacity in our grooming. We plan to really develop the parks and take them to another level this season, and the Bison will become a powerful tool in that process. said Kevin Kasten, mountain operations manager. The Adventure Center, which was originally designed with the primary focus of only servicing ski school guests, seasonal programs and rental equipment, is gradually being converted to have more of a base lodge feel. The resort is currently expanding the food service area offerings as well as moving a retail store to the first floor in order to service all guests needs. Attitash plans to open mid to late November with the goal of having open terrain on both peaks as well as terrain park elements set up in the Fly ZoneTerrain Park. There will be no closing date set as the resort plans to remain open as late into the season as conditions allow. This will be the first phase of capital improvements planned at Attitash. Attitash is part of Peak Resorts, owner and operators of 11 ski areas and two golf courses in six states. Peak Resorts Inc. is committed to building an enhanced resort experience at each of its properties. More information is available on the companys Web site, www.peakresorts.com.