As the 2003-04 ski and snowboard season draws to a close, Northstar officials celebrated a new beginning at today�s commemorative toast and groundbreaking event marking the birth of a revitalized Village at Northstar.

�This is a highly anticipated, very exciting time,� said Tim Silva, general manager at Northstar.

Inspired by the grand lodge architecture of the American West, the new Village at Northstar will feature native stones and timber, cobblestone streets and outdoor fire pits, an eclectic variety of shops and restaurants, and an outdoor skating rink in the center of it all. Greatly enhanced services and amenities will transform this one-of-a-kind resort community into the ultimate mountain resort experience.

An aggressive construction timeline kicks off Mon., April 19, with approximately half of the total construction scheduled to take place in the first year. This summer, Northstar will invest approximately $1 million in temporary skier services and amenities known as The Village Plaza, creating an exceptional, efficient and inviting experience during the Village construction. Several substantial tents will be erected at the west end of the Village, near the Village Run ski trail. The Village Plaza will house social gathering areas such as an outdoor fire pit, and dining, ticketing, restroom facilities, a lively apr�s-ski lounge and overnight ski storage.

�In 20 months time, I think what Northstar will be most proud of is that we will have provided a unique, fun, full-service village experience to our guests and residents during the construction process,� Silva said. �More importantly, with East West Partners � our development partner whom we tapped to spearhead the Village project � we are taking every step to minimize construction impacts on the environment. We have developed and will follow a first-of-its kind comprehensive sustainability plan that I�m confident will become a model for future resort development and operational practices.�

Examples of the voluntary efforts that fall under the Northstar Sustainability Program include: � All timber used at Northstar will be certified as non-old growth. � Only water-saving appliances and low-flow fixtures may be used, in order to reduce water consumption. � Structures will not be built on slopes exceeding an average grade of 30 percent. � Drought resistant plant materials will be used to minimize irrigation requirements � No wood burning devices will be allowed in any new residences. � Recycling will be encouraged and made convenient for residents. � Builders and contractors must sort and recycle waste materials. � Outdoor lighting will be designed to protect views of the California night sky.

East West Partners has a long-standing reputation for reducing the environmental impacts of their projects. The new Village at Northstar will be built in accordance with guidelines of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system established by the U.S. Green Building Council, of which East West Partners is a member. LEED certification is a coveted designation and one that East West Partners and Northstar are dedicated to achieving.

While significant construction will begin next week, Northstar officials have worked hard to mitigate any impacts to summer operations with a scheduled opening of the golf course on May 15. Northstar�s Mountain Bike Park is scheduled to open on June 18, which will be accessed via the scenic Big Springs Gondola and Vista Express.

�We are striving to offer the top quality summer experience that our guests and residents expect from us,� said Silva. �We realize there will be a few inconveniences along the way but we will make every effort to minimize them.�

Northstar-at-Tahoe is located on Highway 267, just six miles from the stunning shores of Lake Tahoe. For more information on Northstar�s Village, please call 1-800-GO-NORTH or log onto www.NorthstarAtTahoe.com.

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Nicole Klay Communications Coordinator Northstar-at-Tahoe and Sierra-at-Tahoe office: 530.550.2618 fax: 530.550.9455 nklay@boothcreek.com