KILLINGTON, Vermont — Pico Mountain is teaming up with the United Way of Rutland County for the third-straight year to raise funds to benefit the local community on Pico’s opening weekend December 14th through the 16th.

“Over the past two years Pico Mountain has donated more than $20,000 to the United Way of Rutland County,” said Dave Rathbun, director of sales and marketing for Killington Resort and Pico Mountain. “And once again, we’re pleased to team up with the United Way to support our local community and kick off Pico Mountain’s 70th season.”

“Pico Mountain is a great partner and the funds generated on opening weekend will go a long way toward reaching our community fundraising goal of $605,000,” said Chuck Sharp, executive director of the United Way of Rutland County.

Pico Mountain will donate $10 for every Pico Express Card sold on opening weekend to the United Way of Rutland County. The Pico Mountain Express Card costs $14, plus tax, and offers savings of $10 off the window ticket rates of $49 for Adults (19-64), Young Adults (13-18) and Seniors (65-69); and $37 for Juniors (6-12) and Senior Plus (70+) every day of the season at Pico Mountain. The Pico Express Card works like a season pass (it has your picture on it), and is linked to your credit card. The first time each day your Pico Express Card is scanned at the lift your credit card is automatically charged the discounted rate.

Pico Express Cards will be available for purchase at the Pico Mountain ticket office where photos will be taken to process the card. For those purchasing Express Cards as gifts, a voucher will be offered that the recipient may bring back to Pico Mountain to have their photo taken to process their Pico Express Card.

Pico Mountain opens for the 2007-08 ski and snowboard season on Dec. 14th with three lifts serving top-to-bottom skiing and riding. Thanks to more than two and a half feet of snowfall, and optimal temperatures to make snow, Pico Mountain’s opening weekend will offer the best early-season skiing and riding conditions in recent memory.

Lift hours at Pico Mountain are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends and holidays. For updated mountain conditions, visit www.PicoMountain.com .

About Pico Mountain ??“ Pico Mountain is big mountain skiing with small mountain charm, featuring 50 trails and six lifts. Pico’s steeps and glades are complemented by great learning and family terrain that everyone can enjoy. The central base area makes it easy to stay connected with family and friends and affordable accommodations make a Pico vacation fun and hassle-free. www.PicoMountain.com.