UNITED WAY DAY KICKS OFF 2010-11 SKI, SNOWBOARD SEASON AT PICO MOUNTAIN

KILLINGTON, VT, (Nov. 30, 2010) – Pico Mountain is kicking off the 2010-11 ski and snowboard season a day earlier than expected on Friday, Dec. 17 with United Way Day.

Pico Mountain will contribute $20 to the United Wayof Rutland County from each $39 Express Card sold on Dec. 17. Plus, everyone who purchases an Express Card on Dec. 17 will ski for free on opening day and make a contribution to an organization dedicated to helping those in our community.

“This is an exciting partnership for us and funds generated from Pico Mountain’s United Way Day will go a long way toward accomplishing our 2010 fundraising goal of $560,000,” says Chuck Sharp, Executive Director of the Rutland County United Way.

For the 2010-11 season, the Pico Express Cardoffers $29 mid-week, non-peak tickets and $39 weekend and peak day rates. The Express Card works like a season pass (with the skier/riders picture on it), and is linked to a credit card. The first time each day the Express Card is scanned at the lift, the credit card is automatically charged the discounted rate. Pico Express Cards also make great holiday gifts and stocking stuffers.

“We’re excited to open a day earlier than expected and offer our guests a free day of skiing, and a great deal on the Express Card, while supporting a great community cause,” said Tracy Taylor, Pico Mountain’s director of operations.

The United Way of Rutland County is celebrating its 67^thyear as one of 1,400 nationwide non-profit chapters dedicated to serving their communities. Last year’s United Way Day raised more than $2,000 for the Rutland Chapter, aiding them as they continue to serve local children and families in need. Over the past five year, Pico Mountain has raised more than $30,000 for the United Way of Rutland County through winter and summer United Way Days.

Pico Mountain will open for it’s 74^thseason on December 17, 2010. Lift hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends and Peak days. Pico Mountain will also offer free learn to ski/ridelessons Dec. 18 through Dec. 24, including lift ticket, lesson and rentals.

About PicoMountain:
With more vertical drop than 80 percent of New England mountains, Pico Mountain offers mogul trails, glades, groomed cruisers and the new Triple Slope Terrain Park, all of which lead back to one classically-styled Vermont base lodge. First-timers can enjoy gentle learning trails and a new tow-rope, while more advanced skiers and snowboarders will enjoy finding their way into the glades on a fresh powder day.  Our 50 trails, 214 skiable acres and seven lifts (including two high-speed quads) mean our slopes are never crowded and our guests make the most out of their days. Pico Mountain is also Vermont’s only non-smoking ski resort. Pico – Big Mountain Terrain, Small Mountain Charm. www.PicoMountain.com.

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