Searchmont's long-term prospects brighten

NEWS RELEASE

SEARCHMONT SKI ASSOCIATION INC.

************************* 'Give and Get a Mountain' fund-raising campaign update The Searchmont Ski Association updates community on 2011 campaign

(October 4, 2011) - Searchmont Ski Association Inc. (SSAI) is pleased to update its broad community of friends on its fund-raising efforts.

Since the launch of the campaign in April 2011, SSAI has approached corporate donors and senior levels of government to help support capital upgrades for our aging facilities.

We are excited to announce that SSAI has secured a commitment from the provincial government in the amount of $750,000 for infrastructure upgrades, including hill remediation, snowmaking, groomer replacement and Terrain Park and lift improvements.

SSAI board president Mr. Greg Peres said: “We are excited that our campaign is making significant inroads which should ensure the sustainability of our ski hill. Over the next three months, SSAI will focus its efforts on local private and business donors.”

In April 2011, SSAI initiated its fund-raising campaign titled “Give and Get a Mountain” with the goal to raise $3.5 million to upgrade infrastructure and guarantee Searchmont’s long-term sustainability while supporting continuous efforts to deliver a lively, healthy, state-of the-art facility.

The successful implementation of the campaign will cultivate an all-season establishment for the entire community to enjoy.

About Searchmont

- Successfully operated for the past 52 consecutive years

- Incorporated as a not-for-profit organization for the past eight years

- Employs over 135 individuals

- Annual economic impact of $5.4 million in the Algoma District

- Supports youth education and outreach programs

- Developed an adaptive ski program, “No Limits,” which provides individuals of all ages with disabilities the opportunity to ski using a sit-ski sled

- The best terrain (vertical, diversity and natural snow) in the Midwest, a true tourist destination, and the number one winter tourism attraction in Northern Ontario

- Regularly selected by Alpine Ontario as host for Provincial Championship races since the 1970s

- Searchmont and Area Freestyle Alliance (S.A.F.A) provides and maintains a terrain park which fosters the development of our youth in a fun and controlled environment in preparation for competition or just for fun

- Provides several activities including, but not limited to snowboarding, skiing, snowshoeing, biking, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, rock wall climbing, eco-challenges, and horse-back riding excursions; and

- Provides a year-round venue for group and corporate functions such as weddings and conferences.

To make a donation and for additional campaign information, please visit here or contact Dr. Luc C. Duchesne at 705- 253-6884, ext. 25 or by e-mail.

*************************