This time last year, winter ski season didn't exist for June Lake and June
Mountain. This year's snow has created a far better experience as town's people
continue to plan for wider recreation and ski area improvements.

Manager of June Mountain, Carl Williams, described what's up. He said that the
County consultants are writing environmental documents for the Intrawest Rodeo
Grounds project. The draft EIR should be out by mid to late summer.

Williams said that the June Mountain Master Plan is about ready to go to the Forest
Service. That plan includes a request to install new lift technology and upgraded
snow-making facilities, plus other improvements like learning centers and
children's play areas.

As for this season, Williams said the snow is great and there's plenty of it, but
there are not plenty of skiers. Williams said numbers are off a bit from where
they should be. He blames the recession and near $4 per gallon gas prices for
"making people a bit more cautious." Last year's closure of June Mountain due to
lack of snow, Williams admits, may have discouraged some business this year.

To offer additional recreation if skiing is limited, June Mt. has plans for a snow
play area at the base of the Mountain. Williams said it would include snow-tubing
and other snow play as alternative recreation "regardless of natural snow. We'll
also have plenty of snow-making ability."