MOUNT SNOW, Vermont ??” In preparation of their 51st winter season Mount Snow has announced a tentative opening date of Saturday, November 19.

During the off-season Mount Snow undertook various capital improvements and projects, leading to several changes for 2005-06. One thing that hasn’t changed is Mount Snow’s convenient location. Mount Snow remains Vermont’s closest resort to the Northeast’s major metropolitan areas. Its proximity to Boston and New York City, and abundant lodging choices, make Mount Snow a great choice for travel savvy skiers and riders.

Winter is all about snow, and in keeping with its namesake, Mount Snow has taken several measures to increase the efficiency of its snowmaking systems. Work crews replaced over 2100 feet of snowmaking pipe and installed 42 HKD Ranger high efficiency snow guns, which enjoy higher water to air ratios than conventional devices.

Known for laying down meticulously grooved corduroy, Mount Snow’s grooming department recently purchased a ParkBully groomer ??“ complete with a 330-horsepower Mercedes Benz engine. Capable of reaching speeds of 13 MPH, the ParkBully will be cruising world-class terrain parks like Inferno, El Diablo, Un Blanco Gulch & Grommet all season long.

What’s 450-feet long, 18-feet tall and lives in the ground? Mount Snow took advantage of the warm summer months to dig the Gut Superpipe into the ground, and also plans on carving out the tubing lanes before opening day. By shaping these features out of earth less snowmaking is required to build and open these two popular attractions.

Mount Snow’s sale of Haystack Resort triggered an extensive re-branding activity. This introspective marketing process resulted in an updated logo and new brand elements for this season’s collateral.

Mount Snow raised $1,910 from chairlift rides during Oktoberfest’s “Ride for Relief” benefit for hurricane relief efforts. Mount Snow employees also participated by donating $13,506 of vacation time. The staff also voted to donate half of the money allocated for an end-of-season-summer party to the relief fund. In total, Mount Snow donated $17,337 cash to the American Red Cross.

This season the Mount Snow community will track the accomplishments of local hero Kelly Clark as she goes for Gold, again. Salt Lake City Gold Medalist Kelly Clark has her sights locked on another successful performance in Torino, Italy, having won the World Cup halfpipe contest in Bardonecchia last year.

More information on Mount Snow is available by visiting www.mountsnow.com