June Mountain, which was not open for skiing and snowboarding last winter, will resume operations Dec. 14 and allow children 12 and younger to use the slopes free of charge throughout the 2013-14 season.
The remote Eastern Sierra resort was closed for 2012-13 because of financial problems endured by Mammoth Mountain, the parent company, located in Mammoth Lakes 20 miles to the south.
June had been losing money each season and the new focus will be on improving the experience for beginners and those with intermediate-level abilities.
Part of that will be offering first-time beginner packages at a substantial discount.
"Personally, and I think I can speak for the June Lake community, in saying that we’re really excited to see those lifts turn again,” Carl Williams, June Mountain’s general manager, said in a news release issued Wednesday.
"Visitors are going to notice a couple changes, but we’re really focusing on what has always made June a special place and that's the family experience. We have terrain for all abilities and some really great parks, but June’s charm is its accessibility. This a great place to learn, and to really be comfortable and have fun while you’re doing it."
June Mountain, which is located just off U.S. 395, is considerably smaller and less high-tech than Mammoth. It's attractive, in part, because it does not lure the type of crowds that can make parking and accessibility difficult.
June, which boasts about 500 acres and some expert-level terrain, plans to enhance its snow-making capability and to upgrade Chair 1, which delivers skiers and snowboarders to other lifts that lead to the upper slopes.
It's not yet clear when these improvements will be made.
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