News Release

Girdwood, Alaska – March 22, 2004

Alpine Racers Make “Alaska’s Perfect Mountain” Shine

As host to the 2004 Chevrolet U.S. Alpine Championships, under crisp temperatures and clear skies, Alyeska Resort is living up to the name of a newly released book, “Alaska’s Perfect Mountain, Stories from Girdwood and the Alyeska Resort.” Limited copies are available for $29.95 in all of the retail outlets at Alyeska Resort or online at www.alyeskaresort.com.

The 120-page, four-color coffee table book highlights the bold vision of World War II veteran Ernie Baumann and his search for the best ski mountain he could find. The resort, created at the base of Mount Alyeska, was an ambitious dream come true made so in 1960 by a group of 11 Girdwood families, an Irish expatriate, a French baron, its current CEO, and one of the world’s richest men – Yoshiaki Tsutsumi.

“We’re excited about the release of this book, which highlights the diverse history of our mountain. We’re extremely proud of the vision that, while it seemed out of reach to many, was made reality because of dedicated individuals who cared enough to make it happen,” says Chris von Imhof, CEO and general manager of Alyeska Resort.

To date, Alyeska Resort has hosted a number of world-class events including the first International Airlines Ski Races in 1961, National Alpine Championships and Olympic Trials in 1963, World Cup Giant Slalom Ski Race in 1973, National Alpine Championships in 1981, World Masters Championship in 1987, Special Olympics World Winter Games in 2001, and World Mountain Running Trophy in 2003. Alyeska Resort also put in an ambitious bid to host the 1994 Olympic Games, which was lost to Lillehammer, Norway.

This week national competition is once again reuniting Olympic caliber skiers – some of whom, like Tommy Moe and Megan Gerety, trained on the mountain – for the Chevrolet 2004 U.S. Alpine Championships. Races are scheduled through March 23, 2004.

“Alaska’s Perfect Mountain, Stories from Girdwood and the Alyeska Resort” is written by Lana Johnson and photography is by Randy Brandon, both Girdwood residents. Epicenter Press is the publisher.

Note to Editor: A high-resolution image of book cover is available. Contact Gary Scott

Gary Scott
Marketing Communications Manager, Alyeska Resort
(907) 754-2211
gscott@alyeskaresort.com
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