TRUCKEE, Calif. – Winter 2007-08 – Northstar™ Resort continues to make improvements and add amenities throughout the resort that cater to guests looking for the very best in winter mountain destinations. This season, guests will enjoy new alpine ski, snowboard and cross-country ski rental equipment, new trails, improved snowmaking and the introduction of a women’s specific Burton Learn to Ride program.

In addition to these and other on-mountain improvements, the resort has welcomed new retailers and restaurants to the Village at Northstar™, improved the resort’s parking and transportation, and begun the third phase of Village construction, offering more services and conveniences to guests than ever before.

NEW EQUIPMENT, TUNING ENHANCE GUEST EXPERIENCE
Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort has replaced the majority of its rental equipment including all of the snowboards and 2/3 of the snowboard boots, as well as 1/3 of all alpine ski equipment, and 100 percent of all cross-country ski equipment.

The resort has also invested in Snowell Tuning equipment, currently making it the only resort in California to be recognized as a Snowell Tuning Center. The Snowell Tuning equipment is used not only on Northstar Resort’s rental equipment on a regular basis, but is open to guests for tuning service as well. Snowell’s tuning philosophy is centered around minimal wear and more performance, service after service. The Snowell “renewal” method significantly increases the life span of skis and snowboards while maintaining steady handling and performance. And, with Snowell’s tuning machines, you can individually set the tuning for various types of skis/boards, conditions, etc. (there is no belt grinding used in this tuning process). The refinement means sharper edges, better grip and more safety while on the slopes. For more information on Snowell Tuning, visit www.SnowellUSA.com.

ON-MOUNTAIN IMPROVEMENTS
Northstar Resort’s snowmaking system has again been improved, allowing the resort to have even more terrain available to guests in the early season. The resort will be able to cover more acreage with snowmaking, has completely upgraded the system on Village Run, the trail that provides guests with direct access from mid-mountain to the Village at Northstar. In addition, the refill rate was improved, allowing the snowmaking system to pump more water at a faster, more efficient rate.

The resort has added four new intermediate ski trails to the Village at Northstar section of the mountain, bringing the trail total to 83, and the resort’s skiable acreage to 2,490. In addition, select trails located off the top of the Mt. Pluto bowl were widened this summer in an effort to make them more inviting to skiers and snowboarders, and the resort performed grading work on the cross-country trails, making what once was a steep climb, a gradual grade that is more inviting to all levels of cross-country skiers.

And, the Timberline lift, a triple chairlift that begins on Overlook Place and terminates at mid-mountain has been installed, making it even more convenient for homeowners within walking distance to get to the slopes.

WOMEN’S BURTON LEARN TO RIDE CLINICS
Snowboarders of every level can work toward reaching their riding potential at Northstar Resort’s three-day Burton Learn To Ride Clinics. Designed specifically for women and run by Kelly Smiley, a member of the AASI Western Technical Demonstration Team and a Northstar Resort Snowboard School instructor, the Burton Learn To Ride Clinics will help female riders gain skills and confidence on the slopes.

Northstar Resort’s three-day Women’s Ski Clinics have expanded to focus on female skiers at every level this season, offering tips and techniques developed by women for women. Supportive and welcoming, the clinics also include plenty of social time so that women can meet other women who love to spend time on the slopes.

Both ski and snowboard clinics will be offered January 9-11, February 1-3, March 5-7 and 26-28, 2008.

EAST WEST PARTNERS KICKS OFF NEXT PHASE OF DEVELOPMENT
Construction of The Ritz-Carlton Highlands, Lake Tahoe continued over the summer. Guests can now see the actual shape of the hotel. The hotel is being constructed using environmentally conscientious construction practices, and East West is striving for The Ritz-Carlton Highlands to operate a “green” building that maintains all of its operations in an environmentally friendly manner.

Work on the Trailside Town homes at The Highlands has also been ongoing throughout the summer, with owners of the first six units scheduled to move in this fall. Construction of the remaining 10 town homes began in May. These units will provide owners with ski-in / ski-out access to the mountain, and are located just steps from the location of The Ritz-Carlton Highlands, Lake Tahoe and just a short gondola ride to the Village at Northstar.

The site work and foundation for the Highlands Fire Station, the second fire station location at Northstar Resort, also commenced over the summer. The station will be located at mid-mountain and will contain three bays for emergency vehicles.

In addition to the building taking place on the mountain, construction of the next phase of the Village at Northstar, “Village Walk,” began in the spring. This project includes 101 town homes and condos. The town homes will be wholly owned, while the condos will be sold at fractional ownership. The units will have 2-3 bedrooms and range from 1,200 to 1,800 square feet. These units will have their own private fitness facility and underground parking. Village Walk is expected to open by Christmas week of the 2008-09 winter season.

And, in an effort to improve traffic flow and circulation, Northstar Resort has substantially expanded its mass transit program, with 100 percent of the bus fleet using biodiesel. This, coupled with improvements to the Castle Peak Park & Ride lot and the construction of a two-lane roundabout on Northstar Drive in front of the gas station will make it more convenient for guests visiting and staying at the resort to get around, help reduce emissions and energy use, and encourage guests to help limit the number of passenger vehicle trips around the resort.

NEW RETAILERS MOVE IN TO THE VILLAGE AT NORTHSTAR
The Village at Northstar continues to open new doors as retail stores and new restaurants including Mikuni Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar, Olivier Napa Valley, and Tahoe Creamery prepare to move in this fall. Spirits in Stone moved in this summer and their sculptures can been seen around the Village. A patio bar is planned for the Village Overlook above the skating rink, rightly named overlook bar, as well as two other bar locations in the Village at Northstar—rock bar and The Brown Bear—giving guests more opportunity to sit and enjoy the beautiful mountain setting.

About Northstar-at-Tahoe™ Resort
Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort is becoming one of the finest year-round destination mountain resorts in North America offering activities for all ages. With 83 trails spread across 2,490 acres, world-class terrain parks and snow sports including alpine and telemark skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and tubing, Northstar™ Resort is fun for all. The resort also offers summer activities including mountain biking, golfing, scenic lift rides for sightseeing and hiking, horseback riding, fly-fishing and much more. And, with the new Village at Northstar ™ featuring shopping, dining, special events and a 9,000 square foot skating rink, Northstar Resort offers something for everyone.