Westin Monache Resort Prepares to Open

James McGillivray Named GM of the Third Venture Between Intrawest and Starwood

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. October 14, 2008

MAMMOUTH LAKES, CA, June 21, 2007. The Westin Monache Resort, Mammoth is scheduled to open its doors in fall 2007, bringing a hotel brand recognized the world over for its instinctive service and signature amenities. In addition to being the first internationally recognized upper-upscale hotel property in Mammoth, the Monache will also be one of the first flagged condo-hotels to open in California.

The 230-condominium Westin Monache Resort (pronounced "mon-ah-she"), will be the first full-service property in a region becoming increasingly popular with not only its loyal Southern California following, but also vacationers from around the country. One of the fastest-growing mountain destinations in North America, Mammoth is located in the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains (south of Reno, NV and northeast of Los Angeles). The resort is one of the top three most visited ski areas in the U.S. and California's most popular four-season mountain destination. In addition, Mammoth ranked in the top 10 for Skiing Magazine's Top 25 Resorts for the '06/'07 season, and has been ranked the number one overall resort in North America by TransWorld.

The Westin Monache Resort will offer an ideal location in The Village at Mammoth, adjacent to Mammoth Mountain's 15-passenger express gondola. Among its many amenities, the new property will include panoramic views of the mountains; a full service restaurant; 24-hour room service; ski valet and rental shop; a pool and hot tubs; fitness facilities; underground parking; and more than 2,000-square-feet of meeting space. The property will feature a contemporary elegance that redefines mountain lodging.

"The eagerly anticipated opening of this newest Mammoth Lakes hotel is part of the town's drive to become a vacation destination on par with some of the finest mountain resorts in the world," said James McGillivray, general manager of the Westin Monache Resort. "The Westin brand is one recognized internationally for its renewing accommodations and superior service."

James McGillivray, the General Manager at the new Westin Monache Mammoth Lakes, brings to his new role both a passion for the hospitality industry and the sport of skiing. His extensive background in the ski resort hospitality industry and his love of the mountains will serve him well as he oversees the upscale 230-unit condominium-hotel scheduled to open in 2007.

Having arrived at Mammoth from Intrawest's Village at Blue Mountain in Ontario, Canada, McGillivray is familiar with the concept that underlies Intrawest's Mammoth property. At Blue Mountain, where McGillivray held numerous roles, the most recent being Vice President of Recreation, Retail and Planning, he watched the Village's transformation from a parking lot and snowmaking pond in 1999 to the four buildings, 650 condominium hotel units, and 40,000 square feet of retail that encompass The Village at Blue Mountain today. Prior to arriving at Mammoth, he was instrumental in the planning of The Village at Blue Mountain, which will include 1,200 units scheduled for completion in the next few years.

"The transformation that occurred at Blue Mountain is similar to the one that Mammoth is undergoing," said McGillivray. "I feel right at home here because what's happening in Mammoth has already happened in Blue Mountain with the opening of The Westin Trillium House. At Mammoth, The Westin Monache will take this destination to a whole new level. I am excited to become a part of Mammoth's transformation and to become actively involved in the Mammoth community and make it my own."

At Blue Mountain, McGillivray's accomplishments included engaging stakeholders (resort owners, local residents and various planning and approval agencies) to ensure full understanding of The Village growth plans and to encourage input and buy-in. He also utilized the expertise of his team along with his general knowledge to bring about significant growth, and was a key player in implementing Intrawest's Operational Excellence initiative.

McGillivray has felt at home in a mountain environment from the time he was fifteen, when he began working in the hospitality arena of Blue Mountain. Working at the resort, he developed an interest in the industry and graduated with a degree from Cornell School of Hotel Management in 1990. After graduating, he returned to the mountains, where he gained valuable experience at Banff Springs Hotel. Three years later, he went back to his roots at Blue Mountain, where over the last 13 years, he worked his way through most aspects of hotel and ski area operations. In 2000, he earned his MBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario.

McGillivray also served on the Southern Georgian Bay United Way board of directors for six years, including two years as President. He is currently a member of Cornell Hotel Society.

The Westin is the next step in Mammoth's renaissance, and will complement the already existing facilities at The Village at Mammoth, a driving force behind the area's redevelopment. The Village's design borrowed from European alpine ski towns and includes year-round activities and attractions, plus unique shops, fine restaurants, exciting nightlife and special events.

The Westin Monache Resort is the third venture between Intrawest and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. - Westin's parent company - following The Westin Resort and Spa at Tremblant, Quebec, which opened in 2000 and The Westin Trillium House at Blue Mountain in Ontario, which opened fall 2005.

"Intrawest has a proven track record of developing superior mountain and warm weather destinations," said Sue Brush, senior vice president of Westin Hotels & Resorts. "They also share our commitment to quality and creating memorable guest experiences."

The Westin Monache Resort, Mammoth is scheduled to open this fall. For more information contact Rebecca Broz, director of sales & marketing at 760-934-7306 or via email at [email protected].