SKI RESORT EXPANSION TO RENOVATE DECK MOUNTAIN HIGH ALSO PLANS IMPROVED TRAFFIC, INCREASED SEATING, STAGE FOR EVENTS.

Byline: Daily News

ANGELES NATIONAL FOREST -- Mountain High ski resort has begun a $2 million expansion of its West Resort base area.

Changes include the relocation of the Coyote and Roadrunner chairlifts, expansion and renovation of the deck, remodeling of the lodge, and the installation of a new surface lift to the Winter Sports School.

The work will add roughly 500 seats to the West deck and improve the flow of traffic both on and off the snow, officials said.

``This project has been on the drawing boards for some time and it's great to finally see it come to fruition,'' said Karl Kapuscinski, president and CEO. ``With an expansion of this size, guests are sure to see a difference when they visit the resort this winter.''

Moving the Coyote and Roadrunner chairlifts will cost $250,000 and take approximately three months. Guests will exit in the same location but enter in a new foundation roughly 100 yards up the mountain.

The move will reduce congestion in the base area and provide passengers with a wider lift maze and easier access, officials said.

In addition to the increased seating, the new deck will have a patio bar, barbecue, fire pit, equipment check and a permanent stage for events and concerts.

Extending from the new deck will be a 325-foot conveyor belt to the beginner terrain and the Winter Sports School.

Inside the lodge, the sport shop and restaurant are getting a face-lift, and the ticket windows are being redone with new platforms, windows and awnings.

The terrain parks will also get new features and an entertainment system will project videos and music across the slopes.

At the ski area's North Resort, a new 340-foot ``moving carpet'' has been added to the North Pole Tubing Park and work continues on the base lodge. Over $100,000 is being invested in the North Resort.