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SAM Magazine-Waterville Valley, N.H., Oct. 11, 2010-The Sununu family is leading a group of local investors that has purchased Waterville Valley from Booth Creek Resorts. The assets include the Waterville Valley Ski Area, Waterville Valley Nordic Center, Waterville Valley Conference Center and Town Square.

Waterville Valley, opened in 1966, was one of the first resorts with a self-contained village designed as a four-season resort. It was developed by Olympian Tom Corcoran.

Chris Sununu will serve as CEO. Bob Fries, VP and GM of Waterville Valley during Corcoran's reign, will return as president. Since leaving Waterville Valley in 1992, Fries has managed resorts from Breckenridge, Colo., to Stratton, Vt., and served at The Olympic Authority in Lake Placid. Most recently, he was president of Ragged Mountain, N.H.

"Our vision for Waterville Valley puts the family vacation experience as a top priority," said Sununu. "My family has been coming to Waterville Valley for 30 years, and several of us have homes there. We want to preserve what is so special about Waterville Valley and at the same time begin to invest in the mountain to ensure the best possible skiing experience."

"Our team is coming in with some tremendous long-term plans to make Waterville Valley the premier resort destination in New England," said Fries. "Although time is short before the ski season, we still hope to make noticeable improvements for this winter. We are all very excited."

Tom Gross, current owner/operator of the White Mountain Athletic Club, will manage the group's interests in the valley itself. "We'll do whatever it takes to bring that magic back and give the vacationer and day skier what they expect and deserve," said Gross.

The Sununu family has strong personal and professional ties to Waterville Valley. The Annual Christa McAuliffe Ski Invitational was originated and supported by Gov. and Mrs. John H. Sununu from 1988 to 1994. Both the former Governor and his son, former Sen. John E. Sununu, have homes in Waterville Valley.

"The Sununu family is perfect for taking over the ownership of Waterville Valley," said Booth Creek president Chris Ryman. "We will miss Waterville as part of Booth Creek Resorts, but know this is a positive ownership change."