A premiere Mid-Atlantic ski and year-round resort, Seven Springs Mountain Resort, has announced that the board of directors approved a $6.5 million improvement and expansion plan that will offer any skier “the total ski experience.”

“We are extremely enthusiastic,” said James N. McClure, Seven Springs President. “Our improvement and expansion plans will make Seven Springs the ultimate skiers’ experience. We are improving every aspect of a skier’s visit with us... from time of arrival to time of departure.”

Seven Springs 2000-2001 Skier Improvements Plan includes a new 35,000 square-foot Skier Services Building, a new slope and trail network design for Giant Steps Slope.

The new building will allow for centralized ski-related services at a convenient location. “Everything our skiers will need to get to the slopes more easily will be provided at a single level,” said Scott Bender, vice president and general manager. These services will include season pass and group ski sales, ski school lesson sales, Tiny Tot ski school, Kids Korner day care, lockers and changing areas and ski ticket sales including a new electronic ticketing system. The lower level will accommodate changing areas and rest rooms, a lounge and 500 additional seasonal ski lockers. The upper level will house the retail ski shop and connect to the Main Lodge by means of a bridge/walkway. Current paved areas at and around the present ski lodge, new building and drop-off/pickup areas will become plazas with heated brick surfaces.

“With the addition of the plazas and a new ski lodge facade, we will create a warm and inviting arrival for our skiers,” Bender added. “Both the Skier Service Building and related improvements are designed to enhance the skiers’ experience and they will complement our spring and summer business as well.”

A 4,000-foot traversing trail network has been designed for Giant Steps Slope, with grades ranging between 12% and 25% typifying intermediate terrain. “Currently Giant Steps Slope is wide open,” said Bender. “This new configuration will be similar to our popular Lost Girl and Turtleneck Trail terrain. The plan allows us to create one of the best intermediate trails at Seven

Springs.” The new trail will be outlined with evergreen trees for a scenic, uninterrupted downhill experience and will be lit for night skiing. A 150-foot-wide slope for advanced skiing will be retained.

“We want to encourage every skier/snowboarder, whether they are a beginner or professional, to enjoy our new Skier Improvement Program during the 2000-2001 season. We’ve fashioned our plans to include something better for everyone,” said McClure.