Improvements at Burke Mountain

 Contact: Lauren Counter, CGPR

 781-639-4924, Ext. 112                         

lauren@cgprpublicrelations.com

BURKEMOUNTAIN INVESTS IN ON- AND OFF- MOUNTAIN EXPERIENCE FOR 2011-12 WINTER SEASON AS FIRST PHASE OF MULTI- YEAR IMPROVEMENT PLAN

New High-Speed Quad, 10 Acres of Expanded Terrain and Wind Turbine Sustain Genuine, Authentic Vermont

 Mountain Experience

            EAST BURKE, VERMONT (Sept. 7, 2011) – Reinforcing its commitment to provide skiers and riders with an authentic Vermont experience, Burke Mountain today announced a number of enhancements for the upcoming season as part of a multi- year improvement plan that will eventually include several low-density residential communities. Scheduled to open in mid December, Burke is adding a high- speed detachable quad and five new trails and glades for intermediates and experts, including a terrain park trail.  In addition, a wind tower, which started producing power at the end of August, will help offset approximately 15%-20% of the resort’s power needs with renewable energy.

The new “Mid Burke Express” lift, from Leitner-Poma North America, reaches the summit seven minutes faster than the existing Willoughby Quad. It gives skiers and riders faster access to the upper mountain’s terrain, making the entire mountain’s 2,011 feet of vertical accessible by high-speed quads. 

”Collectively, these on-mountain additions enrich the truly unique experience not found at any other Vermont resort,” said Tim McGuire, general manager and vice president of development.

“This is the first part of our plan to re-energize Burke. Over the next few months, we look forward to sharing our thoughts and additional plans with our friends in the greater Burke community. The new lift and additional terrain only add to the appeal of this very special place.” 

The wind tower, designed by Vermont based Northern Power Systems, is anticipated to produce about 300,000 kW hours per year (approximately the same amount consumed by the new lift annually). “This exemplifies our strong commitment to sensible operations while reducing Burke’s impacts on the environment.  In addition to the wind turbine, Burke has committed to a number of programs over the past several years including: resort wide recycling, composting of food waste, a green product purchase program, use of locally- grown foods, waste oil reuse, and ongoing internal energy audits and retrofits,” McGuire continued.

            The new trails and glades include:  Upper Lift Line (intermediate), Rerun (expert), Upper Power Line (expert), Lower Power Line (expert) and Jester (a terrain park trail).

About Burke Mountain: Located in the heart of Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, Burke, with over 260 acres of skiing and riding, has an elevation of 3267 ft., over 2011 ft. of vertical, and 50 natural trails including over 110 acres of glades. As the primary training and race facility to over 50 ski Olympians, Burke is home to Burke Mountain Academy, an internationally acclaimed ski- focused boarding school offering a college preparatory curriculum, sending many students to compete in the Olympics and other national and international competitions.

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