February 17, 2007
PRESS RELEASE
EMBARGOED UNTIL: 12 noon, February 15, 2007
Media Contact: Lisa Gerber, Big Leap CreativeOfc: 208.255.2775, cell: 208.290.2525
Email: lisa@bigleapcreative.com
Schweitzer Announces Not One, But Two New Chairlifts for 2007-08 Season
Ten Million Dollars Invested in On-Mountain Improvements
Sandpoint, ID (February 15, 2007) –When the chairlifts close for the season in April, Schweitzer Mountain will begin demolition of the historic Chair One to make way for, not one, but two new lifts that will increase total uphill capacity for the mountain, and ease accessibility to more low angle terrain for skiers and snowboarders.
The Basin Express, a high-speed detachable quad will begin adjacent to the Mill Building in the base area, below the current Chair One loading station eliminating the hike to that chair. The lift will travel 3700 feet and will top off above and to the north of the current midway station just below the runout of The Face.
Lakeview Triple, a fixed grip triple chair will provide access to the mostly expert terrain in the South Bowl. It will load just above the current tower 11 on Chair One and the top station will be located just north of the current unload station of Chair One.
Ride times will decrease allowing skiers and snowboarders more time on the slopes and less time in line. Currently, it takes 7 minutes to reach the midway unload point on Chair One. The Basin Express will deliver skiers and riders above this location in just 3.7 minutes. The Lakeview Triple will provide a 4 1/2 minute ride to the summit.
The Basin Express provides vastly improve access to low angle intermediate terrain such as Midway Run and to the freestyle terrain park. “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.”
Overall, at full build-out, the two lifts will increase the resort’s total uphill capacity by 28%, from 9,267 people per hour to 12,807 people per hour with a total of 7 chairlifts, 3 surface lifts.
The two lifts reflect a $6 million dollar capital expenditure. Additionally, Schweitzer will invest $2 million in its utilities to accommodate the expansion and future growth, and an additional $2 million in grooming and snowmaking equipment, improvements to the Lakeview Lodge, and other chairlift upgrades. This is the largest on-mountain expansion the resort has executed in its history in a single year.
Timeline: Demolition of Chair One will begin in April 2007. The targeted completion date is by opening day for the 07-08 ski season.About Schweitzer Mountain Resort
Schweitzer Mountain Resort, one of the premier winter resorts in the Northwest, is situated in the Selkirk Mountains on the Idaho panhandle 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.
###
Click here to download this release in PDF format.
Click here to download the Basin Express/Lakeview Fact Sheet in PDF format.
