December 15, 2007
Media Contacts:
Lisa Gerber, Big Leap Creative
Ofc: 208.255.2775
cell: 208.290.2525
Email: lisa@bigleapcreative.com J
Jennifer Ekstrom, Schweitzer Mountain communications manager
Ofc: 208.255.3082
Email: jekstrom@schweitzer.com
Ceremonial Opening of Basin Express at Schweitzer Mountain
Two new lifts and A Day for Heather - $10 ski day
Sandpoint, ID (December 13, 2007) - Schweitzer Mountain will christen one of their new chairlifts, the Basin Express, on December 14. First chair riders include current president and CEO Tom Chasse, Schweitzer’s first general manager from 1963 Sam Wormington, former general manager Tom Fortune, and mountain operations director Bill Williamson.
The lift’s debut happens in conjunction with A Day for Heather, a $10 ski day in honor of the late Heather Gibson with all proceeds benefiting Community Cancer Services (CCS), Sandpoint’s resource and information center for cancer patients and their families.
“Cancer affects so many people and Community Cancer Services is a great resource for people who live here,” said Schweitzer CEO Tom Chasse. “All of the funds stay local and help cancer patients right here in our own community.”
The Basin Express and the Lakeview Triple are the two new lifts that replace the original Chair One, which loaded just above the village base area with an option to off-load at Midway and topped off at the summit of Schweitzer Bowl. The new Basin Express is a high-speed detachable quad that begins adjacent to the Mill Building in the base area eliminating the hike up to the old Chair One. The lift travels 3700 feet to just below the run-out of The Face. The Basin Express provides vastly improved access to low angle intermediate terrain such as Midway Run and to the freestyle terrain park. Lakeview Triple, a fixed grip triple chair provides access to the mostly expert terrain in Schweitzer Bowl.
“These new lifts carry out our mission to further Schweitzer as an active family resort,” said CEO and president Tom Chasse, “It relieves the traffic pressure on the Great Escape Quad and provides more options for family skiing and those progressing from the beginner terrain on Musical Chairs.”
The two lifts reflect a $6 million dollar capital expenditure. This year, Schweitzer also invested in improvements to its grooming and snowmaking equipment and to the Lakeview Lodge, and built a new snow check area.
About Schweitzer Mountain Resort
Schweitzer Mountain Resort, one of the premier winter resorts in the Northwest, is situated in the Selkirk Mountains of the Idaho panhandle and the northwest Rocky Mountains, and is only 90 minutes from Spokane International Airport. Overlooking the town of Sandpoint and Lake Pend Oreille, Schweitzer has long been famous for its massive bowls and breathtaking views. Schweitzer continues its transformation into a year-round destination resort. More information on Schweitzer Mountain Resort is available by calling 800.831.8810 or visiting www.schweitzer.com <http://www.schweitzer.com>.
