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MOUNTAIN CREEK EXPANDS FREERIDE FACILITIES

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SAM Magazine—Mountain Creek, N.J., July 19, 2007—Mountain Creek is significantly upgrading its freeriding facilities. It’s part of a long-term commitment for the resort, which was one of the first ski areas to commit heavily to the freeride market.

The resort’s initiative focuses on redeveloping its South and Bear peaks into freeride zones, as well as transforming the South lodge into a youth-oriented community space with art, music and a video lab. The freeride zone includes 60 acres of progressive terrain for all skill levels, two dedicated high-speed detachable quads, a massive snowmaking installation, and night lighting.

According to Mountain Creek’s Shannon McSweeney, the resort’s “ultimate vision will roll out over the next 18 months or so.” That vision includes doubling the resort’s freeride acreage and park staff to 35 people, with more than 25 percent of the resort dedicated to freestyle terrain. And there’s sense in that: 60 percent of the mountain’s guests are younger than age 24.

While freeriders rejoiced, the move angered some in the mountain’s sizable ski racing community, which used be based out of South Peak. As a result of their protests, they’ll get new facilities at North Peak, where the primary village at Mountain Creek has been taking shape.