Contact: Lori O’Connell
(518) 402-8000

DEC ANNOUNCES NEW SKI CHAIRLIFT AND IMPROVEMENTS AT BELLEAYRE MOUNTAIN

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan today announced that Belleayre’s first “Super Chief” high-speed ski chairlift will open for the 2006-07 Belleayre Mountain ski season. Other significant improvement projects designed to enhance and update Belleayre Mountain and better accommodate skiers are slated to begin soon.

“Under Governor George Pataki’s leadership, Belleayre has become an important recreational and economic resource for the Catskill Region,” Commissioner Sheehan said. “This new chairlift along with all the improvements that are taking place at Belleayre Mountain continue to make Belleayre one of the State’s leading outdoor recreational areas. Special thanks to Senator John Bonacic for his ongoing support and contributions to help make these new projects and improvements happen, and thanks to the DEC staff at Belleayre for managing and operating this outstanding State land and recreational resource.”

The Super Chief lift equipment and design will now offer skiers the benefits of reduced travel time to the top of the mountain from --12 to 5-- minutes and easier access for skiers, as they will now be able to easily load on and off the lift. The Super Chief also provides better accommodations for skiers with disabilities. The total cost was $3 million.

Additional State funding will be allocated for further improvements at Belleayre Mountain Ski Center, including a $5.5 million State allocation for capital improvements that was facilitated by Senator Bonacic, along with an additional $750,000 allocated for Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) stewardship that will be used for the rehabilitation of the existing Discovery Lodge at the base of the mountain. The plans call for rehabilitating the existing lodge and adding 20,000 square feet of new lodge space. These improvements will help to alleviate overcrowding in the lodge on busy days, create a larger rental and sales area, allow for convenient and efficient ski and snowboard rentals, provide for more seating in the lodge, and allow more room for the Kids Camp which is a very popular program for skiers age 4-12.

“This is another great day at Belleayre and the beginning of another new and improved season. Skiers and snow boarders will spend more time on the slopes this winter and less time on the lift because of the Super Chief,” stated Senator Bonacic. “Consistent investment through the Senate and DEC, coupled with great management, has made Belleayre one of the finest ski
areas in the Northeast. The Ski Center is not only a benefit to the skiers and snowboarders, but our region's economy and the surrounding communities benefit as well. With every new winter season, I look forward to watching this ski center grow and thrive.”

The renovated facility will also incorporate more modern and efficient energy designs. Currently, Belleayre is in the process of selecting a consultant to design the lodge and the first phase of construction should begin in the fall of 2007.

These new enhancements and the advanced technology in this new high-speed chairlift demonstrates New York State’s continued commitment to Belleayre Mountain. The public is now better able to enjoy the outstanding recreational opportunities that skiing in the Catskill Mountains offers and the local community continues to benefit economically from having this facility operating in the region.

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Mary Young
Media Relations
NYS DEC
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12233-1016
518-402-8000