Ontario’s largest mountain village resort is getting
even bigger. Blue Mountain is investing $10-million to expand its ski and
snowboard terrain and add new trails for winter 2013/14. The expansion includes
an additional 64 acres of terrain, a new high-speed, six-person chairlift and
six new trails. Snowmaking infrastructure and night lighting will be installed
on three of the six trails. The expansion is slated for the existing Orchard
area on the south end of the Resort and increases Blue Mountain’s skiable
terrain to 364 total acres across 42 trails – the most in Ontario.
“This is one of the most significant investments in
the Resort’s 73 year history and the largest expansion of a ski resort in
Ontario in recent memory,” said Dan Skelton, President and Chief Operating
Officer, Blue Mountain Resort. “Skiing and Snowboarding is alive and well in
Ontario, and our investment of more than $10-million demonstrates our ongoing
commitment to our guests, employees and regional partners. We continue to
build towards our goal of being among Canada’s premier resort destinations,
offering a unique pedestrian village, luxurious accommodations, state-of-the-art
conference facilities, year-round attractions and the best skiing and
snowboarding in the province.”
The increased terrain provided by the Orchard
expansion is equivalent to adding 21 per cent of the Resort’s current terrain,
and further establishes Blue Mountain as Ontario’s largest ski and snowboard
destination. The Orchard has a diverse selection of trails and terrain for all
skier and snowboarder levels. The expansion will introduce a new 1.6 km trail
that will be the longest beginner trail in Ontario, and addresses volume and
demand on existing runs. Blue Mountain will begin building and installing
infrastructure this spring (2013), and expects to open the new terrain early in
the 2013/14 winter season.
“More trails and improved skiing and snowboarding
facilities enhance the visitor experience and give Ontario families more
reasons to travel in our province,” said Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism,
Culture and Sport. “I’d like to congratulate Blue Mountain on their expansion
and their commitment to helping strengthen Ontario’s snow and tourism
industries.”
Facts About the Orchard Expansion
· $10-million investment
· 64 additional acres of skiable terrain (bringing the Resort’s total to
364 acres)
· Six new trails (bringing the Resort’s total to 42 trails)
· One new state of the art high-speed, six-person chairlift, which will be
the biggest in Ontario
· Longest beginner run in Ontario - 1.6 km
· Snowmaking and night lighting on three of the six trails (further
infrastructure to be added in the following years)
For more information or to preview a video of the
Orchard area, please visit www.bluemountain.ca/orchard.
