Marble Mountain receives more than half a million to improve ski conditions

Premier Danny Williams, MHA for Humber West, along with Paul Shelley, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, Tom Marshall, MHA for Humber East, and Kathy Goudie, MHA for Humber Valley, today announced support of $568,000 for Marble Mountain Development Corporation to help improve the resort�s snowmaking capability.

�In May of this year, we held consultations with regional stakeholders in Steady Brook regarding the future direction of the Marble Mountain Resort,� said Premier Williams. �The value of the Marble Mountain Resort to the West Coast as a tourism attraction, and its value to the province in general, were quite apparent throughout the consultation process. We understand the significance of positioning Marble Mountain to help capitalize on the existing growth opportunities in the Humber Valley Region. These improvements to the resort are one aspect of helping achieve our overall goal of increasing the length of the tourism season in the province.�

�When the Marble Mountain Development Corporation was formed in 1988, its primary goals were to create a ski resort that would act as an economic generator and a catalyst for tourism development in the region. Until now, it has been unable to promote a Christmas ski product due to the uncertainty regarding snow conditions at that time of year,� said Minister Shelley. �Other larger ski resorts have estimated that a significant percentage of their total revenue can be attributed to the Christmas period. It is anticipated that these new upgrades will have positive impacts for both the resort and other local tourism operators, and I am delighted with this level of support.�

Overall visitation for Marble Mountain increased from 75,249 in 2003-04 to 81,324 in 2004-05, representing an increase of just over eight per cent. Season pass visits increased this year from 49,565 to 53,291, or 7.5 per cent. Non-resident skier visits increased from 6,045 last year to 8,512 this year, representing an increase of 41 per cent. Since 1995, Marble Mountain has experienced an overall increase in skier visits of 84 per cent.

Minister Tom Marshall, MHA for Humber East, said government recognizes the regional impacts that an increase in visitor capacity will have to the area. �Marble Mountain is striving to meet the needs of discerning skiers and snowboarders from home and abroad, while contributing significantly to the local economy,� said Minister Marshall. �We understand that feedback from visitors is extremely positive, with the superb snow conditions and relaxed atmosphere topping the list of comments. The funding implications will, therefore, only serve to build upon what we already know about the Marble Mountain experience.�

�This announcement is certainly great news for my district of Humber Valley and, indeed, the entire West Coast,� said Ms. Goudie. �Increased snowmaking capacity at Marble Mountain will be a major boost to the regional economy, as it will allow the resort to open earlier to take advantage of the Christmas season. Residents and tourists alike will now have the opportunity to enjoy a longer ski season at this tremendous resort.�

Further growth in skier visitation is anticipated with the new upgrades planned for the resort. A new water intake, accompanied by upgrades to the pump and electrical systems and 12 new snow guns will help position the resort to take advantage of the lucrative Christmas season.

Also, the addition of snow tubing will further enhance the guest experience at Marble Mountain during the 2005-06 ski season.

Media contact:

Elizabeth Matthews, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3960, 690-5500, or elizabethmatthews@gov.nl.ca

Melony O�Neill, Communications, (709) 729-0557, 728-7762

2007 11 07                          4:15 p.m.