BEAR VALLEY MOUNTAIN RESORT CONTINUES UPGRADES WITH NEW HIGH-SPEED LIFT

Family resort expands value for season pass holders with improvements at facilities combined with year-round discounts

BEAR VALLEY, Calif. – Bear Valley Mountain Resort, the premier year-round family destination, unveiled plans to add a new high-speed lift to the mountain. The addition of the quad lift, scheduled for operation in the 2006-07 ski season, comes as part of Bear Valley’s first phase facilities upgrade plans to enhance and expand the resort’s facilities and nearby lodging.

The new high-speed lift, manufactured by Leitner Poma of America, will replace Bear Valley’s Hibernation Chair and represents one of the most advanced, environmentally-friendly high speed quad lifts in production. Providing faster loading for skiers, a smoother ride and power redundancy to ensure always-on operation, the lift will reach the summit in less than half the time of the Hibernation Chair.

With 67 trails, including double Black Diamond slopes and an abundance of intermediate runs, skiers of all ages and abilities have long enjoyed Bear Valley’s scenic beauty, family atmosphere and diversified terrain. The addition of the new lift is one of many changes in the last 10 months as a result of the ownership change in July 2005. Other improvements include increased grooming capability, lodge remodeling, improved transportation to and from the mountain, enhanced guest services and Direct-to-lift tickets.

Bear Valley’s new season passes have also been enhanced to offer more value including all-season discounts to horseback riding, rafting, summer concerts, mountain biking and cross-country skiing. All Bear Valley season pass holders receive 10 percent off food and retail shop purchases at the Winter Lift, group lessons (ages 9+), ski / snowboard repairs and child care (ages 2+).

“Bear Valley continues to build upon its reputation as one of the premiere family destination in the Sierra’s,” said Jim Gentling, general manager, Bear Valley Mountain Resort. “The additions of our new high-speed quad lift combined with the tremendous value of the 2006/2007 season passes provide more great ways for visitors to enjoy the mountain.”