ALYESKA RESORT MOUNTAIN NEWS

ALYESKA RESORT ANNOUNCES NEW SKI AREA GENERAL MANAGER
Dianna Hiibner

For Immediate Release
August 29, 2008
Media Contact: Jason Lott – (907) 754-2211 – info@alyeskaresort.com

Girdwood, AK - August 29, 2008 Alyeska Resort Ski Area announced today the promotion of Dianna Hiibner to Ski Area General Manager.  Di is a life long Alaskan who will take over the responsibilities of Ski Area General Manager in October , replacing Rich Eidem, who is moving back to Wyoming to be close to his family. 

“I look forward to starting my new position as the Alyeska Ski Area General Manager and want to see Alyeska Resort reach its full potential. Alyeska Resort is committed to the residents of Alaska as well as working towards becoming a year round destination for tourists”, stated Di.

Di has over 20 years in the ski industry getting her start at Crested Butte working in their Ski School Department.  She has been a member of Alyeska Resort since 1994 working in every facet of the resort from lift operator to trail crew, ski patrol, snowmaker, mountain host and most recently Mountain Service Manager.  Di brings a youthful exuberance and passion for skiing that resonates to each department.  Her racing accomplishments include competing in the Junior and Senior Nordic National Championships and Arctic Winter Games.  Di lives in Girdwood with her husband of 13 years and two young children who are involved in the Educational system in Girdwood. 

Alyeska Resort, located 40 miles south of Anchorage, is Alaska’s premier year-round resort.  Tucked amid the Chugach Mountain, Alyeska Ski Resort offers world class skiing and snowboarding with stunning views of the Turnagain Arm.  The 1,400 acres of terrain with 2,500 feet of vertical rise, is serviced by nine lifts included a new beginner quad, 60 passenger aerial tram, and high speed quad.  Ski-in, ski-out access is available from the Hotel Alyeska which features 304 recently renovated guest rooms and meeting space, the luxurious Spa at Alyeska, five dining venues with fine dining at Seven Glaciers and Sakura & Sushi Bar restaurants, and a salt water mountain-view indoor heated pool and whirlpool spa.  For more information on packages, events and rates call Alyeska Resort at 1-800-880-3880 or visit www.alyeskaresort.com.

MOUNTAIN NEWS

Alyeska Resort is finalizing the over $3 million dollar lift upgrade for the Winter 2008-2009 season. 

Chairlift #3 is being replaced with a fixed grip quad chairlift manufactured by Dopelmayrctec. The new lift alignment places the unloading station halfway between the old top station and the top of lift #7. The bottom station has been moved closer to the Sitzmark deck. The new fixed grip high speed quad lift will provide greater uphill capacity while eliminating a large amount of stops per ride due to passenger loading and unloading.

Chairlift #7 is being modified to include a midway unloading station and a conveyor loading system at the bottom station. These improvements will allow better utilization of the terrain for lower level skiers and allow the lift to be operated at a higher speed than in the past.  Providing a more streamline access point for kids and adults accessing the beginner lift directly behind the Hotel Alyeska.  Alyeska Resort will provide guests learning the sport a much easier loading and unloading experience encouraging them to come again and again.