WESTIN EXPANDS RESORT COLLECTION WITH $23 MILLION CANADIAN SKI RESORT

Resort Offers Ski-in/Ski-out Access to SKI Magazine's Top Rated Eastern Destination

Nestled in the heart of the Laurentian Mountains, the $23 million Westin Resort, Tremblant opens today at Mont-Tremblant, located 75 miles north of Montreal. The 126-suite, five-star resort features more than 4,100 sq. ft. of meeting space and is managed by Intrawest, with Westin providing sales, marketing and Westin brand support through a franchise agreement.

"The Westin Resort, Tremblant is a wonderful addition to Westin's unparalleled collection of 32 resort properties worldwide," remarked Ted Darnall, president, North American hotel operations for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (Westin's parent company). "The French-Canadian charm of Tremblant, combined with Intrawest's commitment to developing superior projects and the high standards and power of the Westin brand, all position this resort as one of the best in North America."

The Quebecois-inspired Westin Resort, Tremblant, with its charming window gables, steep roofs and wrought iron detailing, is located in the heart of Tremblant's alpine village, and offers breathtaking sunset views of Lake Tremblant and the mountain. The resort's 126 suites are laid out across six levels, and each suite features a fireplace, Westin's signature, all white Heavenly Bed? and oversized bathrooms. One- and two- bedroom suites also offer kitchen facilities and a balcony.

Additional services and amenities include an upscale Japanese restaurant, a cafe-terrace with Bistro menu, European beauty spa, fitness facilities, expansive meeting space including six conference rooms and L'Equinoxe ballroom, outdoor swimming pool with therapeutic salt water, outdoor whirlpool, steam bath and ski valet.

Tremblant is not only recognized throughout North America for its first class winter installations, but also for the diversity of attractions and activities offered to visitors throughout the rest of the year. Year-round recreational activities include world-class skiing (downhill and cross-country), two USGA-rated championship golf courses (Le Diable and Le G?ant), a new Golf Academy, 14km long Lake Tremblant for fishing and watersports, a tennis center, snowmobiling, more than 20 km of hiking trails and 50 km of biking trails. Restaurants, boutiques and bistros line the cobblestone streets of the pedestrian ski village, also located within walking distance of the property.

Guests of The Westin Resort, Tremblant will enjoy added benefits unique to Westin. Service Express, a "one call does it all" concept exclusive to Westin hotels and resorts allows guests to dial one number on their telephone to order room service, call for a bellman or room attendant or have any other request filled. Additionally, Westin keeps in mind the special needs of families traveling with children with its Westin Kids Club program. The club includes provisions for children's safety and security as well as conveniences designed to make overnight and dining experiences more enjoyable for both parents and children.

Westin guests will also be able to earn their way toward free travel in Starwood's frequent guest program, Starwood Preferred Guest. With more than 700 participating hotels and resorts in 80 countries, including 100 resorts around the world, the program is the industry's most global and promises to be the best of the competition with a structure focused on simplicity, flexibility in redemption options and inclusion of all of Starwood's brands including Sheraton, St. Regis, Luxury Collection, W hotels and Four Points. The resort offers a variety of golf and ski packages which are very attractive to visitors from the U.S., given the favorable exchange rate of nearly 1.5 U.S dollars per Canadian dollar.