VERNON, New Jersey — Its been another busy summer at Mountain Creek with over $500,000 worth of on-hill improvements, new rental gear and the much-anticipated opening of The Appalachian hotel, the resort’s new premium ski-in/ski-out lodging facility.

Mountain Creek has again improved upon their state-of-the-art snowmaking system with new pipes and snowguns on key trails including Half Moon, Zero G and Fox Run, which will provide for better and more consistent snow in these popular areas. More than two miles of old snowmaking pipe was removed from the mountain and recycled.

Additionally, improvements in trail drainage, the re-grading of Cab Ride, and the widening of Fox Run and the Half Moon Intro Park will improve layout and flow, as well as allow for a larger and more varied beginner terrain park at Vernon peak.

At the resort’s retail shops, Square One and Mountain Creek Clothing are swapping locations. Look for a new and expanded snowboard shop. Square One will now carry Volcom casual and outerwear and Forum snowboards in addition to the Burton, Analog, Quicksilver, Roxy and Bonfire lines. The store will now carry ski hardgoods from Salomon, Atomic and K2 as well as boots from Nordica and Salomon. Watch for the new accessory shop in the South Rental Shop called Head to Toe 2, which will also rent helmets and wrist guards (which will also be available at the original Head To Toe in the North Rental Shop.)

As part of the renewed focus on beginner and progression programs, Mountain Creek will debut larger intro-level terrain parks at both South and Vernon peaks which will provide freestyle riders and skiers a designated area to learn and improve their skills on less intimidating features. These parks will have easier elements geared toward skill progression, and the resort’s Ride and Ski School will offer freestyle learning programs utilizing these areas.

Mountain Creek’s rental department has purchased a new fleet of progression boots and strap bindings for the North Base shop, replacing the older step-in variety, as well as adding smaller children’s snowboards so that lessons can now be offered to riders age 5 and up.

Mountain Creek’s Ride & Ski School is putting their money where their mouth is, by making an unprecedented offer, the “Guaranteed to Ride or Ski” promotion. For $149 guests will receive three lift tickets, three rentals and three 1?? hour group clinics which can be redeemed at any time during the 06/07 season. If you still can’t ski or ride, you’ll receive free group lessons until you can! Plus upon completion of the third day on the slopes you’ll receive a free Triple Play card to come back and practice your new-found skills during the rest of the season! Now there’s no excuse to spend this winter indoors!

Additionally the resort is offering “Learn To” full day packages for just $89 or $69 for the half day package, both include lift ticket, rental equipment and 3?? hours of group instruction (1?? hours for the half day package). For intermediate or advanced skiers and riders who really want to hone their skills this season, grab an Unlimited Lesson Pass, which is available before December 10th for just $99 (or $119 after the deadline). This pass, which does not include lift tickets or rentals, provides for unlimited 1?? hour group lessons once a day for the entire season!

Of course, the popular camp-format programs will return, including Kids Kamp, Ride & Ski Camps, Weekend Ski Camp, Weekend Ride Camp: Progression Session, and the Buddy Werner Superstars race program. Additional Alpine Racing Development programs will also be offered. Top instructors will still be available for our regular ski and snowboard clinics, and private lessons, including a new package “Mom, Dad & Me Private Lesson” which is a one-hour lesson for the whole family!

Don’t miss out on the specialty programs like the popular Ladies Club, which will be held on both Tuesdays and Thursdays this winter, plus the Women’s Weekday Workshop on January 18-19th, Girls Learn to Ride clinics, Prime Time (for seniors 65+) and Burton Progression Freestyle.

And saving the best for last, this will mark the first winter season for The Appalachian hotel, which officially opened its doors this summer. The first village property, The Appalachian, will be recognized as Mountain Creek’s premier address, offering fantastic accommodations at the foot of the mountain and the first true ski-in/ski-out hotel. The Appalachian boasts a private courtyard with four-season pool and hot tubs, a well-equipped fitness center and details like stone fireplaces, wood beams and underground parking. Featuring studio, 1 and 2 bedroom condominium hotel units with fireplaces, fully equipped kitchens or kitchenettes, stunning mountain and valley views and wireless internet, The Appalachian will be the region’s premier mountain resort getaway. The Appalachian also caters to small meetings and conferences, bringing a sense of adventure and natural beauty that ordinary conference centers and hotels cannot duplicate.

Visit www.mountaincreek.com for more information.