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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
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FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended: November 1, 2002
OR
[_] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Transition Period from
__________________ to __________________
Commission File Number: 333-26091
BOOTH CREEK SKI HOLDINGS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 84-1359604
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification Number)
1000 South Frontage Road West, Suite 100
Vail, Colorado 81657
(970) 476-1311
(Address, including zip code and telephone number, including
area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)
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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
None.
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None.
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [_]
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to
the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K. [X]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as
defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). Yes [_] No [X]
As of December 31, 2002, the number of shares outstanding of the
registrant's Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, was 1,000 shares. There is
no trading market for the registrant's Common Stock. Accordingly, the aggregate
market value of the Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant is
not determinable. See Part II, Item 5 of this Report.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Item Page Number
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PART I
1. Business..................................................... 1
2. Properties................................................... 15
3. Legal Proceedings............................................ 15
4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security
Holders...................................................... 16
PART II
5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related
Stockholder Matters.......................................... 17
6. Selected Financial Data...................................... 17
7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations.......................... 20
7a. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About
Market Risk.................................................. 38
8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.................. 39
9. Changes In and Disagreements With Accountants on
Accounting and Financial Disclosure.......................... 39
PART III
10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant........... 40
11. Executive Compensation....................................... 43
12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
and Management............................................... 47
13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions............... 51
14. Controls and Procedures...................................... 54
PART IV
15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and
Reports on Form 8-K.......................................... 55
Signatures................................................... 60
Certifications............................................... 62
Index of Financial Statements................................ F-1
PART I
Item 1. Business
Overview
As used in this Report, the "Company" or "Booth Creek" refers to Booth
Creek Ski Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise
requires. The Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Booth Creek Ski Group,
Inc. ("Parent"). The Company currently owns and operates six ski resort
complexes encompassing nine separate resorts, including the Northstar-at-Tahoe
("Northstar") and Sierra-at-Tahoe ("Sierra") ski resorts in the Lake Tahoe
region of Northern California, the Waterville Valley ("Waterville Valley"),
Mount Cranmore ("Mt. Cranmore") and Loon Mountain ("Loon Mountain") ski resorts
in the White Mountains of New Hampshire and the Summit at Snoqualmie (the
"Summit") ski resort complex, which consists of four separate resorts, in the
Cascade Mountains of Northwest Washington. The Company divested the Grand
Targhee ski resort ("Grand Targhee") in Wyoming on June 20, 2000, and the Bear
Mountain ski resort ("Bear Mountain") in Southern California on October 10,
2002.
The Company is the fourth largest ski resort operator in North America
based on approximately 2.2 million skier days recorded during the 2001/02 ski
season at its current resorts. Booth Creek primarily operates regional ski
resorts which attract the majority of their guests from their regional ski
markets, within a 200 mile driving radius of each resort. The Company's resort
properties are located near major skiing populations, including three of the
five largest regional ski markets in the United States: San
Francisco/Sacramento, Boston and Seattle/Tacoma. The Company's properties offer
approximately 6,485 acres of skiable terrain, 347 trails, 87 lifts (including 14
high-speed lifts and two gondolas) and on-mountain capacity to accommodate
approximately 45,000 guests daily. For the year ended November 1, 2002, the
Company generated revenues of $120.5 million, operating income of $14.8 million
and income from operations before depreciation, depletion and amortization
expense and the noncash cost of real estate sales ("Total EBITDA (excluding
Noncash Cost of Real Estate Sales)") of $34.3 million, and incurred a net loss
of $1.9 million. For the year ended November 2, 2001, the Company generated
revenues of $107.4 million, operating income of $2.3 million and Total EBITDA
(excluding Noncash Cost of Real Estate Sales) of $24.4 million, and incurred a
net loss of $13.8 million. See page 25 of this Report for additional information
regarding the manner in which Total EBITDA (excluding Noncash Cost of Real
Estate Sales) is calculated and the reasons why the Company believes such
measure provides useful information to investors.
The Company's resorts seek to differentiate themselves in their respective
markets by selectively upgrading on-mountain facilities and guest services,
employing targeted marketing strategies and offering extensive skier development
programs, all of which create a competitively-priced, high-quality guest
experience. The Company's current resorts have collectively invested
approximately $49.3 million (including $8.1 million of equipment acquired
through capital leases and other debt) in capital expenditures during the last
three fiscal years, including the addition of high-speed chairlifts, additional
snowmaking capabilities, improved trail grooming equipment, and enhanced
on-mountain skier service, retail and food service amenities. The Company
believes its existing resort infrastructure is reasonably well maintained. The
Company also uses targeted advertising, database marketing and strategic
marketing alliances to enhance the image of its resorts and increase regional
market share. The Company also offers extensive development programs to improve
the technical skill level of all types of skiers, which management believes is
important to expand the total skier population and increase skier visitation
frequency.
On October 10, 2002, the Company consummated the sale of all of the capital
stock of Bear Mountain, Inc., the owner and operator of the Bear Mountain ski
resort, to Snow Summit Ski Corporation for a purchase price of $12,000,000 in
cash, subject to certain adjustments for working capital, assumed debt and
allocations of off-season operating losses and capital expenditures. The
purchase price was determined through arms-length negotiations.
The following is an organizational chart of Parent, the Company and the
Company's subsidiaries. Each subsidiary of the Company is, directly or
indirectly, wholly-owned by Booth Creek.
1
[GRAPHIC OF ORGANIZATIONAL CHART OMITTED]
The Company's principal executive offices are located at 1000 South
Frontage Road West, Suite 100, Vail, Colorado 81657. Its telephone number at
that location is (970) 476-1311. The Company was incorporated in Delaware on
October 8, 1996.
Industry
There are approximately 493 ski areas in the United States which, during
the 2001/02 ski season, generated approximately 54.4 million skier days. A
"skier day" represents one skier or snowboarder visiting one ski resort for one
day, including skiers and snowboarders using complimentary tickets and season
passes. Calculation of skier days requires an estimate of visits by season
passholders. Although different ski resort operators may use different
methodologies for making such estimates, management believes that any resulting
differences in total skier days are immaterial. U.S. ski areas range from small
ski resort operators, which primarily cater to day skiers and regional overnight
skiers from nearby population centers, to larger resorts which, given the scope
of their operations and their accessibility, are able to attract skiers and
snowboarders from their regional ski markets as well as destination resort
guests who are seeking a comprehensive vacation experience. While regional ski
market skiers tend to focus primarily on lift ticket price and round-trip travel
time, destination travelers tend to be heavily influenced by the number of
amenities and activities offered as well as the perceived overall quality of the
vacation experience. The table below summarizes skier day information for each
region from the 1997/98 ski season through the 2001/02 ski season.
2
U.S. Ski Industry Regions and Skier Days
(In thousands)
Rocky Pacific Lake
Season Northeast Southeast Midwest Mtns West Tahoe Total
- --------------------- --------- --------- ------- ------ ------- ----- ------
1997/98.............. 12,712 4,343 6,707 19,191 7,419 3,750 54,122
1998/99.............. 12,299 4,261 6,005 18,440 6,702 4,382 52,089
1999/00.............. 12,025 5,191 6,422 18,109 6,560 3,891 52,198
2000/01.............. 13,697 5,458 7,580 19,324 7,355 3,923 57,337
2001/02.............. 12,188 4,994 6,980 18,123 8,098 4,028 54,411
Five year average.... 12,584 4,849 6,739 18,637 7,227 3,995 54,031
Northeast: CT, MA, ME, NH, NY, VT, RI
Southeast: AL, GA, KY, MD, NC, NJ, PA, TN, VA, WV
Midwest: IA, IL, IN, MI, MN, MO, ND, NE, OH, SD, WI
Rocky Mtns: CO, ID, MT, NM, UT, WY
Pacific West: AK, AZ, CA (excluding Lake Tahoe Region), NV, OR, WA
Source: 2001/02 Kottke National End of Season Survey
Over the last fifteen years, the ski resort industry has experienced a
period of consolidation. The number of United States ski areas has declined from
709 in 1986 to 493 in 2002. The number of ski areas may decline further, as many
mountain resorts lack the infrastructure and capital and management resources to
effectively compete in this multi-dimensional and service-intensive industry. Of
the 493 ski areas, the 2001/02 Kottke National End of Season Survey estimates
the average resort recorded approximately 110,000 skier days. All of the
Company's resorts, except Mt. Cranmore, typically record more than 200,000
annual skier days. The trend among leading resorts is toward investing in
improving technology and infrastructure, including high-speed lifts, attractive
facilities and extensive snowmaking capabilities to deliver a more consistent,
quality experience. During the last three fiscal years, the Company has invested
approximately $49.3 million in capital expenditures at its current resorts to
improve their competitive position and to meet sustaining capital requirements.
Management believes the need for increased investment in resorts in general has
required a greater access to capital and has enhanced the position of resorts
owned by larger, better capitalized owners. Despite the recent consolidation in
the ski industry, the industry remains fragmented, with no one resort accounting
for more than 3%, and no one resort operator accounting for more than 10%, of
the United States' approximately 54.4 million skier days during the 2001/02 ski
season. The four largest ski resort companies, including the Company, accounted
for approximately 27% of all U.S. skier days recorded during the 2001/02 ski
season.
The Lake Tahoe region has averaged approximately 4.0 million annual skier
days over the last five years. Management estimates that approximately 70% to
75% of the skiers visiting Lake Tahoe resorts during the 2001/02 ski season were
from the San Francisco, Sacramento and Central California Valley metropolitan
areas and the Lake Tahoe region. Other guests were principally from Southern
California and states with large ski populations, such as Texas, Illinois and
Florida.
The Northeast market (including New York) has averaged approximately 12.6
million annual skier days over the last five years. The Northeast market
consists of a significant percentage of day or weekend skiers due to the
relatively short driving radius to major metropolitan areas. While the Northeast
does not draw significant numbers of vacationing skiers from the Western regions
of the United States, it does compete with the Rocky Mountains and Pacific West
areas for Eastern vacationing skiers. The region's major ski areas and resorts
are concentrated in the mountainous areas of New England and Eastern New York,
with the bulk of skiers coming from the population centers located in eastern
Massachusetts, Southern New Hampshire, Connecticut, Eastern New York, New Jersey
and the Philadelphia area.
The Pacific West market has averaged approximately 7.2 million skier days
over the last five years. Management estimates that more than 90% of the skier
days recorded at Washington state resorts during the 2001/02 ski season were
attributable to residents of the Seattle/Tacoma metropolitan area. Other guests
were primarily from other parts of Washington, Oregon and Western Canada.
Washington state resorts do not attract a significant number of destination
skiers.
3
Resort Operations
The Company's six resort complexes offer a variety of ski and non-ski
activities. The table below provides a summary of each resort's ski operations
and is followed by a more detailed description of each resort.
Approx.
Snow- Approx.
Vertical making Beds
Skiable Drop Trail Within
Resort Acres (Feet) Trails Lifts Coverage 12 Miles
- -------------------- ------- -------- ------ ------------- -------- --------
Northstar-at-Tahoe.. 2,420 2,280 70 1 High-Speed 50% 16,000
Gondola
5 High-Speed
Quads (1)
4 Fixed Grip
7 Surface
Sierra-at-Tahoe..... 1,680 2,212 46 3 High-Speed 4% 30,000
Quads
6 Fixed Grip
3 Surface
Waterville Valley... 255 2,020 52 2 High-Speed 100% 6,500
Quads
6 Fixed Grip
4 Surface
Mt. Cranmore........ 183 1,270 39 1 High-Speed 100% 16,000
Quad
4 Fixed Grip
6 Surface
Loon Mountain....... 250 2,100 44 1 High-Speed 96% 13,000
Gondola
1 High-Speed
Quad
5 Fixed Grip
3 Surface
The Summit.......... 1,697 2,280 96 2 High-Speed 0% 1,000
Quads
17 Fixed Grip
6 Surface
(1) High-Speed Quads are four-person chairlifts which decelerate and detach
from a cable during passenger loading and unloading and reattach and
accelerate thereafter.
Total skier visits generated by each of the Company's resorts during the
2001/02, 2000/01 and 1999/00 ski seasons were as follows:
2001/02 2000/01 1999/00
(In thousands)
Northstar....................... 521 519 477
Sierra.......................... 419 391 310
Waterville Valley............... 205 235 204
Mt. Cranmore.................... 96 129 100
Loon Mountain................... 301 385 304
The Summit...................... 612 508 504
--------- --------- ----------
Current Resorts............... 2,154 2,167 1,899
Grand Targhee................... - - 137
Bear Mountain................... 303 333 251
--------- --------- ----------
2,457 2,500 2,287
========= ========= ==========
4
Northstar-at-Tahoe
Northstar-at-Tahoe, located near the north end of Lake Tahoe, California,
offers extensive activities and services in both winter and summer. The resort's
8,600-foot Mt. Pluto features 2,420 acres of skiable terrain and a 2,280 foot
vertical drop. Northstar's 70 ski trails are served by 17 operating lifts,
including one gondola, 5 high-speed quads, two triple lifts and two double
lifts, which combine to transport up to approximately 23,000 skiers uphill per
hour. Northstar also has approximately 65 kilometers of groomed trails for
cross-country skiing and snowshoeing and several on-mountain terrain parks for
snowboarders and adventurous skiers. Other amenities at Northstar include a
village consisting of condominium/hotel accommodations, restaurants, bars,
shops, a child-care center, conference facilities, a 22,700 square foot
on-mountain ski lodge, a 9,000 square foot rental equipment facility and a 5,800
square foot on-mountain children's ski school facility. Summer recreation
amenities include an 18-hole golf course, extensive mountain biking trails and
bike rentals, ten tennis courts, a horseback riding stable, fly fishing and
swimming pools. Northstar currently ranks third in total skier days in the Lake
Tahoe area. In 2002, Northstar was ranked by Ski magazine as the 21st best ski
resort in North America and received gold medals in a number of important
categories, including guest service, family programs, grooming, terrain parks,
lifts and favorable weather.
Northstar's snowmaking system is engineered to cover approximately 50% of
its ski trails. Annual snowfall at the resort has averaged 285 inches per year
during the past five years. Northstar has water rights from various sources
which, when coupled with its 60 million gallon water storage capacity, have been
sufficient to support the resort's needs.
Northstar consists of approximately 8,000 acres of land privately owned by
the Company. Management believes that Northstar has significant opportunities to
develop additional ski terrain, as well as certain other real estate development
opportunities. Moreover, management believes that the planned expansion of the
existing on-mountain bed base at the resort from the East West development
project will result in increased skier days, thereby enhancing the value and
profitability of Northstar's resort operations. Such bed base development is
also expected to make additional ski terrain expansion at Northstar even more
attractive. See Part I, Item 1. "Business - Real Estate Development."
Sierra-at-Tahoe
Sierra-at-Tahoe is conveniently located near the large bed base of South
Lake Tahoe, California and is the closest major ski resort to Sacramento and the
Central California Valley. The resort's 8,852-foot peak offers 1,680 skiable
acres and a 2,212 foot vertical drop. Sierra's 46 ski trails are served by 12
operating lifts, including three high-speed quads, one triple lift and five
double lifts, which combine to transport up to approximately 15,000 skiers
uphill per hour. Sierra operates a 46,000 square foot base lodge which offers a
variety of food and beverage, retail and other skier services. Management
believes that Sierra's investment in its ski infrastructure has made it one of
the best ski values in the South Lake Tahoe area. Sierra does not offer
summertime activities. In 2002, Ski magazine ranked Sierra as the 11th best ski
resort in the Pacific region, and Transworld Snowboarding magazine ranked Sierra
as the 18th best overall snowboarding resort in North America.
Sierra owns 20 acres of its 1,689 gross acreage and leases the remainder
under a Term Special Use Permit from the United States Forest Service (the
"Forest Service"). See Part I, Item 1. "Business - Regulation and Legislation."
Due to its abundant annual snowfall, which has averaged approximately 484 inches
per year over the past five years, Sierra's snowmaking equipment covers only 4%
of Sierra's total terrain.
Waterville Valley
Waterville Valley's major base facilities are located on the 4,004 foot
high Mt. Tecumseh and offer 255 skiable acres and a vertical drop of 2,020 feet.
Waterville Valley's 52 trails are served by 12 operating lifts, including two
high-speed quads, two triple lifts and four double lifts, which combine to
transport up to approximately 16,000 skiers uphill per hour. The resort operates
a 42,000 square foot base lodge (complete with multiple food and beverage
service centers and a child care facility), three other base area facilities
comprising approximately 27,500 square feet, a mid-mountain lodge featuring a
cafeteria and deli and a mountain-top lodge with a snack bar and restaurant
dining.
5
The Waterville Valley resort has a year-round Adventure Center offering
mountain bikers, cross-country skiers and hikers access to 105 kilometers of
trails in the White Mountain National Forest. Other area amenities, which are
primarily owned and operated by third parties, include an ice skating arena,
golf course, tennis center, sports and fitness center, horsedrawn sleigh rides,
skateboard park, beach and paddle boats. Waterville Valley's Conference Center
has 17,000 square feet of meeting space and provides banquet facilities for up
to 1,000 people. With 11 meeting rooms, a business center, audio-visual
capabilities and a self-contained pub, the Conference Center's on-site staff
supports events year-round. Waterville Valley is consistently recognized as one
of the top 20 ski resorts in the East by Ski magazine.
Waterville Valley owns 11 acres on Snow Mountain and two acres at the
Conference Center. It leases 790 acres of land on Mt. Tecumseh under a Term
Special Use Permit issued by the Forest Service. See Part I, Item 1. "Business -
Regulation and Legislation." Waterville Valley's snowmaking system is engineered
to cover 100% of the ski trails on Mt. Tecumseh. Water for snowmaking is
currently pumped from a local river and a pond. Waterville Valley is in the
process of seeking permits for additional water sources and water storage
facilities for snowmaking.
Mt. Cranmore
Mt. Cranmore is the oldest continuously operated ski area in the United
States. Located in the hub of New Hampshire's Mount Washington Valley, Mt.
Cranmore's 1,714 foot summit offers 183 skiable acres and a 1,270 foot vertical
drop. Mt. Cranmore's 39 trails are served by 11 operating lifts, including one
high-speed quad, one triple lift and three double lifts, which combine to
transport up to approximately 7,000 skiers uphill per hour. The mountain is
serviced by two base lodges, offering multiple eating locations and
pub/restaurant facilities, as well as a restaurant at the summit. In addition,
Mt. Cranmore owns a year-round 46,000 square foot athletic facility which
includes four outdoor tennis courts, four indoor tennis courts, a pool, a spa, a
weight-lifting area, aerobic training rooms, an indoor climbing wall, locker
rooms, a kitchen area and a nursery. Mt. Cranmore also operates on-site retail
and rental shops.
Mt. Cranmore owns 754 acres and holds easements enabling it to develop an
additional 500 acres of ski terrain. Mt. Cranmore does not lease any of its land
from the federal government. Mt. Cranmore's snowmaking equipment consists of a
computerized weather-monitoring and snowmaking system which covers 100% of the
resort's trails. In addition to pumping rights from a nearby stream, Mt.
Cranmore has an understanding with the local water district for an additional
reservoir of one million gallons of water for snowmaking. In addition, Mt.
Cranmore's base area pond holds 1.5 million gallons of water.
Loon Mountain
Loon Mountain is located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire in the
town of Lincoln. The resort's 3,050 foot peak features 250 skiable acres and a
2,100 foot vertical drop. Loon Mountain's 44 trails are served by 10 operating
lifts, including a four-passenger gondola, a high-speed quad, two triple lifts
and three double lifts, which combine to transport over 10,000 skiers uphill per
hour. Loon Mountain's trails cater mostly to intermediate level skiers (64%),
with trails provided for beginners (20%) and experts (16%) as well. Resort
amenities include a base lodge with a cafeteria and coffee shop, a restaurant
and deck at the summit, the 17,600 square foot Governor Adams lodge (which
provides traditional lodge facilities and also serves as a venue for summer
outdoor activities and concerts), two rental shops and a new ski and snowboard
tuning facility, a 17,300 square foot children's center, trails for
cross-country skiing, horseback riding and mountain biking, indoor and outdoor
climbing walls and a steam engine railroad for shuttling visitors. Loon Mountain
has the snowmaking capacity to cover approximately 96% of its skiable terrain.
In 2002, Loon Mountain was ranked as the sixth best ski resort in the East by
Ski magazine.
Loon Mountain owns 565 acres and leases 1,366 acres of land in the White
Mountain National Forest under a Term Special Use Permit issued by the Forest
Service permitting year-round recreational use. During 2002, Loon Mountain
received certain approvals from the Forest Service which generally permit the
enhancement and expansion of the resort, including new ski terrain and
facilities. See Part I, Item 1. "Business - Regulation and Legislation."
Management believes that Loon Mountain has significant real estate development
opportunities in connection with the expansion and enhancement of the resort.
See Part I, Item 1. "Business - Real Estate Development."
6
The Summit at Snoqualmie
The Summit at Snoqualmie is located in the Cascade Mountains of Northwest
Washington and consists of four separate resorts, Alpental at the Summit
("Alpental"), Summit West, Summit Central and Summit East, which collectively
offer 1,697 acres of skiable terrain. Individually, Alpental has a 5,450 foot
top elevation, a 2,280 foot vertical drop, 302 acres of skiable trails and runs
(121 acres of which are lighted for night skiing) and approximately 523 acres of
backcountry terrain; Summit West has a 3,765 foot top elevation, a 765 foot
vertical drop and 197 acres of skiable trails and runs (189 acres of which are
lighted for night skiing); Summit Central has a 3,865 foot top elevation, a
1,025 foot vertical drop and 466 acres of skiable trails and runs (231 acres of
which are lighted for night skiing); and Summit East has a 3,710 foot top
elevation, a 1,100 foot vertical drop and 209 acres of skiable trails and runs.
In total, the Summit complex has 96 designated trails and runs served by 25
operating lifts, including two high-speed quads, two fixed grip quads, four
triple lifts, 11 double lifts and six surface lifts, which combine to transport
up to approximately 33,000 skiers uphill per hour. The Summit Nordic Center also
offers approximately 55 kilometers of cross-country skiing on an expert trail
system and a lighted beginner student trail which hosts a season-long night
racing series. In addition, the Summit West, Summit Central and Summit East
areas are interconnected by a cross-over trail system. The Summit operates 10
lodges which provide an aggregate of approximately 123,000 square feet of space
for food and beverage services (restaurants and cafeterias), skier services and
entertainment.
Overall, the Summit complex is one of the largest learn-to-ski areas in the
United States, with approximately 25% of its 2001/02 skier days being
attributable to guests enrolled in ski school programs. In addition, the Summit
is the largest night skiing complex in the United States, with approximately 20%
to 25% of its skier visits each season being recorded at night.
The Summit owns 686 acres of its 4,103 gross acreage, leases approximately
440 acres under a private permit, utilizes 1,280 acres for cross-country skiing
under an annual operating agreement with the Forest Service and utilizes 1,697
acres of mountain terrain under a Forest Service Term Special Use Permit. See
Part I, Item 1. "Business - Regulation and Legislation." The Summit typically
enjoys abundant annual snowfall, averaging 450 inches annually over the past
five years. As a result, there are no man-made snowmaking capabilities at any of
the Summit resorts.
Business Segments and Principal Products
The Company operates in two business segments: resort operations and real
estate and other. Business segment information is presented in Note 13 to the
accompanying consolidated financial statements.
The Company's principal products from resort operations include lift
tickets, season passes, snow school lessons, equipment rentals, retail sales,
food and beverage operations and other ancillary products and services. See Part
II, Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations - General," for information regarding the composition of
the Company's resort operations revenues for the last three fiscal years.
Real Estate Development
The Company has certain holdings of land suitable for either the expansion
of ski terrain or the development of residential and commercial properties. The
Company also has terrain expansion opportunities on land within its current
Forest Service permit areas as well as on land owned by third parties. In
management's view, increasing the on-mountain bed base, expanding retail and
other commercial services and developing additional skiable terrain at a resort
can accelerate growth in skier days and ski-related revenues.
The Company's real estate development strategy for residential and
commercial properties is comprised of the following components: (1) to build
recurring resort cash flow through increased bed base and diversification of
revenue sources, (2) to partner with proven real estate developers, (3) to
invest on a limited basis in infrastructure development in conjunction with the
development of single family lots at Northstar, and (4) to refrain from
investment in vertical or commercial development except in conjunction with the
development of ski related facilities.
7
The Company's strategy with regard to the expansion of skiable terrain at
its resorts is based on the evaluation of several key factors, including (i) the
anticipated growth of the skier base within the relevant market and the
Company's ability to improve its competitive position in that market, as
measured by the potential increase in the number of skier days, revenues and
revenue per skier on a long-term basis which the Company believes it can capture
through expansion and upgrades, and (ii) the return on capital expected to be
realized from an expansion project versus alternative projects. Management
undertakes extensive planning and pre-development steps prior to investing
significant capital into any development project. Currently, the Company is in
the process of developing comprehensive master plans and obtaining entitlements
(e.g., zoning approvals) for Northstar, Loon Mountain, Waterville Valley and the
Summit. In management's view, the expansion projects at Northstar and Loon
Mountain represent the Company's best development opportunities, and would
likely take priority over the pursuit of expansion and development initiatives
at the Company's other resorts.
The Company's resorts have traditionally taken a conservative approach
toward residential and commercial development, and real estate development
efforts have taken place primarily at Northstar. Current and future single
family residential development at Northstar is limited based on the present real
estate master development plan, and consists of three phases or subdivisions
known as "Unit 7", "Unit 7A" and "Unit 7B."
The property underlying the Unit 7 development lots was sold by Trimont
Land Company ("TLC"), the owner and operator of Northstar and a wholly-owned
subsidiary of the Company, to Trimont Land Holdings, Inc. ("TLH"), a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent and an affiliate of the Company, on November
17, 1999. The Company obtained a fairness opinion for the transaction from an
independent firm qualified in the subject matter of the transaction. See Note 8
to the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Under the terms of the
transaction with TLH, the Company is entitled to receive any excess net cash
proceeds (over the proceeds received in November 1999) from the subsequent
resale of the lots by TLH.
During the year ended November 1, 2002, TLH consummated the sale of 25 Unit
7 lots for net proceeds of approximately $11,300,000. As the net proceeds of the
25 lot sales were more than the $6,000,000 in cash initially paid by TLH for the
underlying real estate, additional cash proceeds of $5,300,000 were distributed
to TLC during the year ended November 1, 2002. In addition, during the year
ended November 1, 2002 the Company relieved the existing $6,000,000 deposit
liability relating to cash previously paid by TLH for the property on November
17, 1999. As of November 1, 2002, one lot remained available for sale within the
Unit 7 subdivision.
The Company has received preliminary approvals for the Unit 7A subdivision,
which consists of 15 single family lots. Initial infrastructure construction
commenced in October 2002, and is expected to be completed during the summer of
2003. Marketing and sales activities have commenced in 2003. Subject to further
regulatory approvals and market demand, lot closings are currently targeted to
begin in the fourth calendar quarter of 2003. However, no assurances can be
given regarding the ultimate timing of lot closings or proceeds therefrom.
The Company is in the preliminary stages of the entitlement and approval
process for the Unit 7B subdivision, which is expected to consist of between 10
and 18 single family lots.
On September 22, 2000, TLC and TLH entered into an Agreement for Purchase
and Sale of Real Property (the "Northstar Real Estate Agreement") relating to
certain development real estate at Northstar. Pursuant to the Northstar Real
Estate Agreement, TLC agreed to sell to TLH certain development real estate
consisting of approximately 550 acres of land located at Northstar (the
"Development Real Estate") for a total purchase price of $27,600,000, of which
85% was payable in cash and 15% was payable in the form of convertible secured
subordinated promissory notes. The purchase price was based on an appraisal
obtained from an independent third party appraiser. In addition to receiving the
fair market value for the Development Real Estate, under the terms of the
Northstar Real Estate Agreement (i) TLH or its joint venture partner, East West
Partners, Inc. (together with its affiliates, "East West"), is required, at its
expense, to pay for substantially all mitigation costs associated with the
development project, and (ii) TLH is obligated to reconvey to TLC certain excess
land following the subdivision of the Development Real Estate. TLC retained
significant approval rights over various aspects of the real estate development,
including development activities that could impact resort operations at
Northstar.
In connection with the execution of the Northstar Real Estate Agreement,
TLH and East West entered into a joint venture agreement (the "East West Joint
Venture") providing for the development of the property purchased by TLH and
subsequently transferred to the East West Joint Venture. The proposed project
contemplated by the East West Joint Venture includes the development of a
mixture of approximately 1,800 hotel, condominium, townhome and time share
units, as well as significant additional commercial/retail space in Northstar.
Under the East West Joint Venture, TLH retains financial responsibility for
approximately $5,000,000 of costs associated with the development of the
infrastructure of the Development Real Estate.
8
On September 22, 2000, TLC and TLH consummated the sale of the initial land
parcels contemplated by the Northstar Real Estate Agreement, and TLC transferred
the bulk of the Development Real Estate to TLH for a total purchase price of
$21,000,000, of which $17,850,000, or 85%, was paid in cash and $3,150,000, or
15%, was paid in the form of a convertible secured subordinated promissory note.
During the year ended November 1, 2002, TLH paid $5,610,000 to TLC, which
represents the cash portion of the purchase price for the remaining Development
Real Estate subject to the Northstar Real Estate Agreement. The $5,610,000
payment has been deferred as a deposit liability as of November 1, 2002 pending
the consummation of the sale of the remaining Development Real Estate under the
Northstar Real Estate Agreement, which is subject to certain subdivision
requirements to effect the transfer of such property and other normal and
customary closing conditions, and is expected to be consummated in 2003.
Management believes that the expected substantial increase in on-mountain
bed base from the East West development will result in increased visitation and
skier days at Northstar, thereby enhancing the value and profitability of
Northstar's resort operations. The Company has been able to secure these
benefits without incurring the economic risks associated with real estate
development.
The Company intends to enhance the ski terrain at the Northstar resort by
upgrading the existing trails and lifts, reducing or eliminating on-mountain
bottlenecks and providing better access to and from the resort's existing base
area. During 1999 and 2000, five trails were cut on Lookout Mountain and a new
detachable quad lift was constructed to provide new advanced skiing terrain at
the resort. The Company has preliminarily identified a number of other sites
within Northstar's present boundaries that are suitable for future expansion. In
general, such expansion is expected to occur concurrently with the anticipated
bed base expansion resulting from the East West development. In 2002, the
Company submitted applications for permit approvals for various mountain
improvements, including new and replacement lifts, additional trails and trail
widening and snowmaking infrastructure. These applications are currently being
reviewed by applicable regulatory agencies. Any lift construction or terrain
expansion would require customary permits and approvals, and no assurance can be
given that the Company will be able to develop any additional terrain at
Northstar or, if completed, any such projects will be successful. In addition,
in 2000 and 2001, the Company expanded and improved the existing snowmaking
system at Northstar in order to lessen the influence of unfavorable weather,
which can negatively impact operating conditions at the resort.
In addition, Northstar has a program to harvest timber through third party
contracting. The timber harvesting program, which produced revenues of $405,000
during the year ended November 1, 2002, is managed carefully to avoid
interference with Northstar's resort operations and prevent any diminution in
the quality of the resort's natural environment.
As part of the new Special Use Permit obtained in 2002, Loon Mountain
leases approximately 581 acres known as "South Mountain" from the Forest
Service. The available South Mountain land is located in an area directly
adjacent to the present Loon Mountain ski area and would be able to accommodate
alpine and cross country trails, ski lifts (including one connecting the current
ski area with South Mountain) and snowmaking from newly installed snowmaking
facilities. Expansion and upgrades to the resort would serve to better meet and
fulfill the anticipated needs of guests by enhancing the quality and diversity
of skiable terrain. Loon Mountain owns 327 acres of land located at the base of
South Mountain and approximately 5 acres at the base of the existing ski area.
The current zoning for this property is rural residential and general use, and
would allow for, subject to approvals, construction of a maximum of 997 units.
Loon Mountain also owns (1) approximately 32 acres of land with existing
approvals for development of 31 single family lots, and (2) 49 acres of land
which is zoned rural residential and could accommodate up to a maximum of 147
additional units, subject to receipt of applicable approvals. The timing and
scope of development will depend on market conditions, receipt of required
regulatory approvals, the limitations set out in the Forest Service's Record of
Decision and in the settlement agreements with certain environmental plaintiffs,
the Company's financial position and an evaluation of the Company's other
expansion opportunities. See Part I, Item 1. "Business - Regulation and
Legislation."
9
Mt. Cranmore holds a perpetual easement entitling it to develop at least
500 acres of additional ski terrain known as the "Black Cap Mountain area" or
"Black Cap." The Black Cap easement was granted in 1951 and allows the Company
to expand Mt. Cranmore's existing ski and recreational infrastructure and
develop additional trails. The Black Cap property underlying the Company's
easement is privately owned by a third party. The Black Cap land available for
development by the Company is high-quality, mostly north and west-facing ski
terrain located in an area that can accommodate alpine and cross-country trails,
ski lifts and snowmaking. Expansion could increase Mt. Cranmore's skier
capacity, and could enhance the quality and diversity of its skiable terrain.
Additionally, Mt. Cranmore has 35 acres of privately owned land at the southwest
flank of the mountain. This southwest facing ski-in/ski-out land is very
suitable for development. The Company does not have any immediate expansion or
development plans for Mt. Cranmore and the timing and scope of any development
will depend on market conditions, receipt of required regulatory approvals, the
Company's financial position and the Company's other expansion opportunities.
The Summit owns 66 acres of real property on various parcels in and around
its resorts, a portion of which is available for residential development. The
developmental real estate at the Summit is owned by DRE, L.L.C. (the "Real
Estate LLC"), a subsidiary of the Company. The Summit also owns 39 acres of real
property at Summit East that is ski-to/ski-from and is zoned as high-density
residential and commercial. Any potential real estate development activities at
the Summit could be constrained by existing or future planned resort operations
at the Summit. The Summit's development parcels will be studied for future
development potential when market conditions warrant.
The Company has no agreements, arrangements or understandings with respect
to financing the development of any of the real estate projects discussed
herein. Any future development would be subject to, among other things, the
Company's ability to obtain the necessary financing and all necessary permits
and approvals. The Senior Credit Facility, the Indenture and the Securities
Purchase Agreements (as defined herein) each contain restrictive covenants that
may significantly limit the Company's ability to pursue real estate development
opportunities. No assurance can be given that the Company will develop any
additional properties or, if completed, any such projects will be successful.
Moreover, there can be no assurances that the East West development at Northstar
will be successful or be completed as currently planned, or that such
development will have the currently anticipated favorable effects on the
Company's resort operations. In addition, there are significant risks inherent
in any expansion project and in the implementation of the Company's development
strategy.
Marketing and Sales
Staff
The Company has a marketing and sales staff of approximately 60 persons,
including a marketing director at each resort who reports to the Vice President
of Marketing and Sales, as well as to each resort's general manager. The
marketing staff at each resort is responsible for the development of
resort-specific marketing plans including advertising, sales, public relations,
events, promotions, Internet strategies and research. Each resort's marketing
personnel also participate in the development of the Company's overall marketing
strategy.
Strategy
The Company's marketing plans are designed to attract both day skiers and
vacationers by emphasizing the Company's diverse facilities and services and
proximity to three of the five largest regional ski markets in the United
States. The Company has positioned each of its resorts as an attractive
alternative to competing regional resorts and to other forms of leisure and
entertainment. The primary objectives of the Company's marketing efforts are to
(i) increase each of its resorts' relative market share, (ii) expand the number
of skiers in each of its markets, (iii) increase skier visitation frequency,
(iv) increase the expenditures of each of its visitors, (v) attract and retain
new guests to the Company's resorts by expanding the scope of Booth Creek's
resorts to winter recreation centers offering a multitude of snowsport options
in addition to skiing and snowboarding, and (vi) develop products and execute
sales efforts that provide advance bookings and sales.
The Company's marketing efforts are predicated on knowing its guests and
understanding the markets in which it competes. Accordingly, the Company's
resorts, typically through professional firms, conduct extensive market
research, including on-site guest surveys, focus groups, advertising tests and
phone and Internet surveys. Each of the Company's resorts develops its own
resort-specific marketing program based upon its unique qualities and
characteristics, as well as the demographics of its skier base.
10
Programs
The Company has developed a number of specific marketing and sales programs
to achieve its objectives, including the following:
o Customer loyalty and season pass programs
o Sales initiatives
o Multimedia advertising (including Internet strategies)
o Data-base marketing programs (including e-mail broadcasting)
o Snowsport development programs
o Strategic marketing alliances
o School, group and business affiliations
Customer loyalty and season pass programs. The Company believes that the
success of each of its resorts depends, in large part, on its ability to retain
and increase the skier visitation frequency of its existing customer base. The
Company believes a critical component to developing customer frequency will be
the success of its customer loyalty programs, including its Vertical Plus
frequent skier programs in place at the Company's Lake Tahoe resorts. For an
annual membership fee, Vertical Plus members receive a special, personalized
identification wristband containing a preprogrammed computer microchip which
acts as their lift access for the season. In addition to offering daily ticket
discounts, the system tracks members' expenditures and the amount of vertical
feet skied at participating resorts and rewards members with prizes based on the
number of vertical feet skied in a season. Other benefits of the program include
members-only lift lines, direct lift access, the convenience of being able to
make cashless retail transactions and electronic messaging. In addition, over
the past several years, the Company's resorts have successfully introduced new
season pass products that were attractively priced to entice visitation during
non-peak periods, stimulate demand, attract market share and develop guest
loyalty. The Company is continuing its successful season pass initiatives for
the 2002/03 ski season.
Sales Initiatives. The Company's sales initiatives include a variety of
programs designed to increase and enhance buying opportunities for its customers
in order to provide a complete vacation experience. Through merchandising
efforts, increasing sales outlets and channels, sales training for front-line
employees, on-site and Internet-based promotions and other marketing efforts,
the Company seeks to increase sales of products and services to its customers
and generate additional revenue per skier visit.
Multimedia advertising. The Company's marketing efforts include print,
broadcast, outdoor, Internet and direct mail advertising, with the particular
method tailored for each resort and existing market opportunities. The Company
is also very active in a variety of promotional programs designed to attract
guests from population centers in and around the San Francisco, Sacramento,
Seattle and Boston metropolitan areas and states with large skier populations
such as Texas, Illinois, Florida and New York. For example, the Company's
Northstar and Sierra resorts have participated in extensive cooperative
marketing with other Lake Tahoe resorts to promote the region as a premier
vacation destination. Market research has shown that the typical Booth Creek
guest utilizes the Internet extensively as a source of information and
additional Company resources have been concentrated towards this communication
vehicle. For the 2002/03 ski season, Booth Creek will continue to feature
e-commerce "virtual stores" on each resort's website offering products such as
season passes, loyalty program memberships, gift certificates and lodging/lift
packages as well as private lessons, child care and lift tickets.
Data-base marketing programs. Through the information obtained from its
customer loyalty and season pass programs, extensive market surveys and other
market research, the Company maintains a data-base containing detailed
information on its existing customers. Management believes that data-base
marketing is an effective and efficient method to identify, target and maintain
an on-going relationship with the Company's best customers. For example, the
Company has been successful in the use of targeted direct mailings and e-mail
broadcasts, which are designed to match customer preferences with special offers
to build volume and penetration.
11
Snowsport development programs. The Company's resorts operate a variety of
snowsport development programs designed to improve the skills of children and
beginners, as well as more advanced skiers and snowboarders. The Company's
resorts operate ski schools that are consistently rated among the best in their
respective regions. In addition, several of the Company's resorts have
introduced a development program, geared toward intermediate and advanced
skiers, which offers free specialized instruction and daily training. This
program has increased guest loyalty and repeat visitation. Other efforts have
been instituted at all resorts to embrace and welcome new participants to the
sport of skiing or snowboarding.
Strategic marketing alliances. The Company is a national ski resort
operator with approximately 2.2 million skier days recorded during the 2001/02
ski season. At least one of the Company's resorts is within driving distance of
three of the five largest ski markets in the United States. Sponsorship
opportunities include potential relationships with automobile manufacturers,
soft drink companies, and ski and snowboard equipment manufacturers. For
example, Northstar and Sierra have relationships with a major automobile
manufacturer that involves over $1.2 million worth of television exposure, free
use of vehicles for Company purposes and a vehicle give-away promotion for
resort guests. This provides exposure of Booth Creek's resorts to a targeted
audience of skiers in key markets.
School, group and business affiliations. The Company is dedicated to
developing special programs designed to attract school, business and other
groups. By introducing skiing, snowboarding and other methods of sliding on snow
to a wider audience, these programs broaden the Company's customer base and have
proven to be a particularly effective way to build name recognition and brand
loyalty. Sales personnel at each resort provide year-round assistance to group
leaders in organizing and developing events. Business affiliations are developed
and maintained through corporate ticket programs, whereby participating
businesses are given an opportunity to provide their employees with
incentive-based pricing.
Seasonality
The business of the Company is highly seasonal, with the vast majority of
its annual revenues expected to be generated between November and April of each
fiscal year. Management considers it essential to achieve optimal operating
results during key holidays and weekends during this period. The Company's
results of operations are, in turn, significantly dependent upon favorable
weather conditions and other factors beyond the Company's control.
During the off-season months of May through October, the Company's resorts
typically experience a substantial reduction in labor and utility expense due to
the absence of ski operations, but make significant expenditures for
maintenance, expansion and capital improvements in preparation for the ensuing
ski season.
Competition
The general unavailability of new developable ski mountains, regulatory
requirements and the high costs and expertise required to build and operate
resorts present significant barriers to entry in the ski industry. In the past
15 years, many proposed resorts have been stalled or abandoned due to
environmental issues and the high costs of entering into the capital intensive
ski industry. The domestic ski industry is currently comprised of approximately
493 resorts and is highly competitive. The Company's competitive position in the
markets in which it competes is dependent upon many diverse factors, including
proximity to population centers, pricing, snowmaking capabilities, type and
quality of skiing offered, prevailing weather conditions, and quality and price
of complementary services.
The Company's Lake Tahoe resorts, Northstar and Sierra, face strong
competition from Lake Tahoe's five other major ski resorts. Northstar's primary
competition in the North Lake Tahoe area is from Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows
and Sugar Bowl. Northstar also competes with major ski and non-ski destination
resorts throughout North America. Sierra primarily competes in the South Lake
Tahoe area with Heavenly and Kirkwood.
The Company's New England resorts, Waterville Valley, Mt. Cranmore and Loon
Mountain, compete in the highly competitive Northeast ski market, which consists
of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut and
New York. Within the Northeast region, skiers can choose from over 50 major
resorts and ski areas, most of which are located in the mountainous areas of New
England and eastern New York. Waterville Valley's, Mt. Cranmore's and Loon
Mountain's competitors include Bretton Woods, Mount Sunapee, Attitash/Bear Peak,
Gunstock, Cannon Mountain, King Pine and Wildcat Mountain in New Hampshire, as
well as other major regional ski resort operators, including Okemo, Sunday
River, Killington, Wachusett Mountain, Smuggler's Notch, Stowe, Stratton
Mountain and Shawnee Peak.
12
The Summit competes primarily with 11 other ski resorts in Washington,
including Crystal Mountain, Stevens Pass, White Pass, Mission Ridge and Mt.
Baker. Additional competition comes from the regional destination resorts at Mt.
Bachelor, Mt. Hood Meadows, Sun Valley and Whistler/Blackcomb, as well as other
day and weekend ski facilities in Oregon and British Columbia.
On a regional basis, at least one of the Company's resorts is readily
accessible to three of the five largest ski markets in the United States.
Management estimates that more than 70% of the skiers visiting the Company's
Lake Tahoe resorts are from the San Francisco/San Jose, Sacramento, Central
California Valley and Lake Tahoe regions. Waterville Valley, Mt. Cranmore and
Loon Mountain are estimated to attract more than 75% of their guests from
Massachusetts and New Hampshire, with a large percentage of such visitors coming
from the Boston metropolitan area. The Summit attracts more than 90% of its
guests from the Seattle/Tacoma metropolitan region.
Regulation and Legislation
The Company's operations are dependent upon its ownership or control over
the real property used in its ski operations at each resort. The real property
presently used at the Northstar and Mt. Cranmore resorts is owned by the
Company, leased from third parties or controlled by easements. The Company has
the right to use a substantial portion of the real property associated with the
Sierra, Summit and Waterville Valley resorts under the terms of Term Special Use
Permits issued by the Forest Service. The Sierra permit expires in 2039, the
Waterville Valley permit expires in 2034 and the Summit permit expires in 2032.
A substantial portion of the real property associated with the Loon
Mountain resort is likewise used under a Forest Service Term Special Use Permit.
In 1993, the Forest Service authorized various improvements at Loon Mountain and
an expansion onto the adjacent South Mountain. The United States Court of
Appeals for the First Circuit overturned this authorization in 1996 on the
ground that the Forest Service had failed to properly address certain
environmental issues under the National Environmental Policy Act ("NEPA"). On
remand from the Court of Appeals, the United States District Court for the
District of New Hampshire (the "District Court") entered a final order dated
December 11, 1998 which imposed certain conditions and limitations on the Forest
Service and Loon Mountain Recreation Corporation ("LMRC") until the Forest
Service completed an additional environmental review process under NEPA. In
response to a separate 1997 action filed by an individual and an environmental
group, the District Court entered an injunction on February 12, 1999 which
limited LMRC's snowmaking and use of a snowmaking pipeline until the Forest
Service completed the additional environmental review process under NEPA.
Effective February 22, 2001, certain plaintiffs in the lawsuits alleging
violations of environmental laws by the Forest Service and LMRC entered into
settlement agreements with LMRC which resolved all issues among the plaintiffs
and LMRC relating to LMRC's prior operations and proposal for near term
expansion and upgrading of Loon Mountain. Among other things, these agreements
impose certain restrictions on the operation of the resort and the future
development of certain private land at the resort.
LMRC notified the District Court and interested parties that the December
11, 1998 final order and February 12, 1999 injunction expired under their terms
when the Forest Service completed its NEPA process, issued a Record of Decision
("ROD") on February 26, 2002 approving the Loon Mountain Final Environmental
Impact Statement (the "Final EIS"), and issued a Term Special Use Permit to LMRC
for Loon Mountain on June 24, 2002 (thereby replacing Loon Mountain's three
existing Forest Service permits). The new Loon Mountain Term Special Use Permit
expires in 2042.
Two written administrative appeals to the ROD were filed with the Forest
Service. One of the two appellants settled with LMRC and withdrew its appeal.
The Forest Service denied the other administrative appeal and upheld the ROD in
a letter decision dated June 7, 2002. With these actions, the Forest Service has
concluded its administrative appeal process for the ROD. The ROD and the Forest
Service's June 7, 2002 letter decision are subject to judicial review in federal
court under the Administrative Procedure Act by the appellant whose
administrative appeal was denied by the Forest Service. As of the date of this
Report, no action for judicial review had been filed. The Company can give no
assurance regarding whether such a judicial appeal will be filed or the timing
or outcome of such a process.
Elements of the expansion and development activities addressed in the Final
EIS that occur on private lands will be subject to separate federal, state and
local permitting processes. While the Company believes that it will successfully
navigate these remaining steps to undertaking the activities authorized in the
ROD, it can give no assurance regarding the timing or outcome of such processes.
13
The Forest Service has the right to approve the location, design and
construction of improvements in permit areas and many operational matters at
resorts with permits. Under the Term Special Use Permits, the Company is
required to pay fees to the Forest Service. The fees range from 1.5% to
approximately 4.0% of certain revenues, with the rate generally rising with
increased revenues. The calculation of gross revenues includes, among other
things, revenue from lift ticket, season pass, ski school lesson, food and
beverage, rental equipment and retail merchandise sales. Total fees paid to the
Forest Service by the Company during the year ended November 1, 2002 were
$1,352,000.
The Company believes that its relations with the Forest Service are good,
and, to the best of its knowledge, no Term Special Use Permit for any major ski
resort has ever been terminated by the Forest Service. The United States
Secretary of Agriculture has the right to terminate any Term Special Use Permit
upon 180-days notice if, in planning for the uses of the national forest, the
public interest requires termination. Term Special Use Permits may also be
terminated or suspended because of non-compliance by the permittee; however, the
Forest Service would be required to notify the Company of the grounds for such
action and to provide it with reasonable time to correct any curable
non-compliance.
The Company's resorts are subject to a wide variety of federal, state and
local laws and regulations relating to land use, water resources, discharge,
storage, treatment and disposal of various materials and other environmental
matters. Except as otherwise described in this section, management believes that
the Company's resorts are presently in compliance with all land use and
environmental laws, except where non-compliance is not expected to result in a
material adverse effect on its financial condition. While the Company is
required from time to time to undertake remediation activities at its resorts to
assure compliance with environmental laws or to address instances of
non-compliance, the Company believes that the cost of complying with known
requirements, as well as anticipated investigation and remediation activities,
will not have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or future
results of operations. However, failure to comply with such laws could result in
the imposition of severe penalties and other costs or restrictions on operations
by government agencies or courts that could materially adversely affect
operations.
The operations at the resorts require numerous permits and approvals from
federal, state and local authorities, including permits relating to land use,
ski lifts and the sale of alcoholic beverages. In addition, the Company's
operations are heavily dependent on its continued ability, under applicable
laws, regulations, policies, permits, licenses or contractual arrangements, to
have access to adequate supplies of water with which to make snow and service
the other needs of its facilities, and otherwise to conduct its operations.
There can be no assurance that new applications of existing laws, regulations
and policies, or changes in such laws, regulations and policies will not occur
in a manner that could have a detrimental effect on the Company, or that
material permits, licenses or agreements will not be canceled, or renewed, or
will be renewed on terms materially less favorable to the Company. Major
expansions of any one or more of the Company's resorts could require, among
other things, the filing of an environmental impact statement or other
documentation with the Forest Service and state or local governments under NEPA
and certain state or local NEPA counterparts if it is determined that the
expansion may have a significant impact upon the environment. Although the
Company has no reason to believe that it will not be successful in implementing
its operations and development plans, no assurance can be given that necessary
permits and approvals will be obtained or renewed.
Certain regulatory approvals associated with a snowmaking pipeline at Loon
Mountain, as well as certain contractual obligations, impose minimum stream flow
requirements on Loon Mountain. These requirements will compel Loon Mountain to
construct water storage facilities within approximately four years, and such
construction may require further regulatory approvals and environmental
documentation under NEPA. No assurances can be given that such regulatory
approvals will be obtained or that the Company will have the financial resources
to complete such construction.
Except for certain permitting and environmental compliance matters relating
to Loon Mountain described above and in Part I, Item 3. "Legal Proceedings," the
Company has not received any notice of material non-compliance with permits,
licenses or approvals necessary for the operation of its properties or of any
material liability under any environmental law or regulation.
14
Employees
As of December 31, 2002, the Company employed a full-time corporate staff
of 40 persons. In addition, the Company's resorts employ an aggregate of
approximately 500 full-time and approximately 4,400 seasonal employees. None of
the employees of the Company or its resorts is represented by a labor union, and
the Company considers its employee relations to be good.
Item 2. Properties
Northstar consists of approximately 8,000 acres of land privately owned by
the Company. Sierra owns 20 acres of its 1,689 gross acreage and leases the
remainder under a Term Special Use Permit with the Forest Service. Waterville
Valley owns 11 acres on Snow Mountain and two acres at the Conference Center,
and leases 790 acres of land on Mt. Tecumseh from the federal government under a
Term Special Use Permit issued by the Forest Service. Mt. Cranmore owns 754
acres and holds deeded easements enabling it to develop an additional 500 acres
of ski terrain. Loon Mountain owns 565 acres and leases 1,366 acres of land in
the White Mountain National Forest under a Term Special Use Permit issued by the
Forest Service permitting year-round recreational use. The Summit owns 686 acres
of its 4,103 gross acreage, leases approximately 440 acres under a private
permit, utilizes 1,280 acres for cross-country skiing under an annual operating
agreement with the Forest Service and utilizes 1,697 acres of mountain terrain
under a Forest Service Term Special Use Permit. In addition, each of the
Company's resorts have ski lodges and other facilities that management believes
are suitable for the Company's current operations. For further information
regarding the Company's properties, see Part I, Item 1. "Business - Resort
Operations" and "- Regulation and Legislation."
Substantially all of the consolidated assets of the Company are pledged as
collateral for outstanding borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility (as
defined herein). In addition, the Term Special Use Permits with the Forest
Service relating to the Sierra, Waterville Valley, Loon Mountain and Summit
resorts are encumbered as collateral for the Senior Credit Facility.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
Each of the Company's resorts has pending and is regularly subject to
litigation, and the threat thereof, with respect to personal injury claims
relating principally to snow sports activities at its resorts as well as to
premises and vehicular operations and workers' compensation matters. The Company
maintains liability insurance that the Company considers adequate to insure
claims related to such usual and customary risks associated with the operation
of four-season recreation resorts.
In connection with the Company's 1998 acquisition of Loon Mountain
Recreation Corporation ("LMRC"), certain shareholders of LMRC filed several
lawsuits challenging the transaction and seeking to exercise dissenters' rights
under the New Hampshire Business Corporation Act. Each of these lawsuits has
been decided or otherwise resolved in favor of the Company, LMRC and its former
directors, resulting in no further liability or obligation relating to the
transaction for LMRC, its former directors or the Company and its affiliates.
The New Hampshire Superior Court has awarded attorneys fees to the defendants in
certain of these cases in the amount of $972,000 (with $420,000 for LMRC and the
Company and $552,000 for the insurer that funded certain costs of defending the
former LMRC directors), although the amount of such award remains subject to
appeal and the likelihood or timing of collection of such amount is uncertain.
On January 3, 2002, an adjacent property owner (the "Easement Plaintiff")
affiliated with certain of the plaintiffs in several of the lawsuits challenging
the Company's acquisition of LMRC, filed suit against LMRC and Loon Realty Corp.
in the Grafton County, New Hampshire Superior Court. LMRC and Loon Realty Corp.
are the beneficiaries of certain easements across Easement Plaintiff's land, and
Easement Plaintiff sought to vacate such easements and recover damages relating
to the use thereof. This latest action was the refiling of a suit raising
identical claims that was ultimately dismissed by the New Hampshire Supreme
Court. On June 5, 2002, the Grafton County, New Hampshire Superior Court
dismissed this suit and, based on its determination that the Easement Plaintiff
brought this action in bad faith, ruled that LMRC and Loon Realty Corp. are
entitled to recovery of attorney's fees and costs. The New Hampshire Supreme
Court summarily affirmed the Superior Court's dismissal of the suit and this
matter is therefore resolved.
15
In 1995, an individual sued the Forest Service in the United States
District Court for the District of New Hampshire (the "District Court") alleging
that the Forest Service had violated the National Environmental Policy Act
("NEPA"), the Clean Water Act ("CWA"), and an executive order in approving
improvements to and an expansion at Loon Mountain. The District Court entered a
final order dated December 11, 1998 that imposed certain conditions and
limitations on LMRC's operations. Under its terms, the order was effective until
the Forest Service completed an additional environmental review process under
NEPA and issued a new Term Special Use Permit for Loon Mountain. In 1997, an
individual and an environmental group filed a second lawsuit against the Forest
Service in the District Court alleging that the Forest Service violated NEPA in
authorizing LMRC to construct and operate a snowmaking pipeline. The District
Court entered an injunction on February 12, 1999 which limited LMRC's use of the
snowmaking pipeline until the Forest Service completed its additional
environmental analysis under NEPA and issued a Record of Decision ("ROD").
As described in Part I, Item 1. "Business - Regulation and Legislation", on
February 26, 2002, the Forest Service completed its environmental analysis under
NEPA and issued a ROD approving the Final Environmental Impact Statement for
Loon Mountain. The Forest Service issued a Term Special Use Permit to LMRC for
Loon Mountain on June 24, 2002. The Forest Service denied an administrative
appeal of the ROD in a June 7, 2002 letter decision. The ROD and the June 7,
2002 letter decision are subject to judicial review in federal court. As of the
date of this Report, no action for judicial review had been filed. The Company
can give no assurance regarding whether such a judicial appeal will be filed or
the timing or outcome of such process.
Effective February 22, 2001, certain plaintiffs in lawsuits (each of which
have now been dismissed or settled) alleging violations of environmental laws by
LMRC entered into settlement agreements with LMRC, which resolve all issues
among them and LMRC relating to LMRC's prior operations and current proposal for
near term expansion and upgrading of the Loon Mountain resort. Among other
things, these agreements impose certain restrictions on the operation of the
resort and the future development of certain private land at the resort.
On November 13, 2001, the Company filed a lawsuit against ASU International
LLC, Essex Insurance Company and Certain Underwriters, Lloyd's London
(collectively, the "Insurers") in Superior Court in Massachusetts. The Company
had placed with the Insurers weather/income stabilization coverage for the
2000/01 ski season for certain of its resorts. During the applicable period of
the policies, the Company incurred losses at two of its resorts which the
Company believes were covered under the terms of such policies. The Company
believes that it complied with its obligations under the policies and has
properly reported and made claims in accordance with the policies for losses
aggregating in excess of $1.5 million. In response to the Insurers' failure to
properly process the Company's claims, the Company seeks recovery for breach of
contract, breach of covenant of good faith and unfair and deceptive business
practices. The Company's complaint seeks recovery for the full amount of its
claims as well as multiple damages and attorneys' fees based on its assertion of
unfair and deceptive claims practices by the Insurers.
Partial resolution of the claims was reached and a payment of $700,000 was
made by the Insurers in April 2002. This payment was made and accepted without
prejudice to the remainder of the Company's claims. This lawsuit remains in the
discovery phase, with certain key depositions scheduled for the first quarter of
2003. Based on an evaluation of information and progress of discovery to date
and the advice of counsel, the Company believes that realization of its recorded
claims is probable. However, no assurance can be given regarding the timing of
resolution of this matter.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
On October 4, 2002, Parent, the sole shareholder of the Company, acting
through its President, Christopher P. Ryman, voted to reelect and confirm George
N. Gillett, Jr., Dean C. Kehler, Edward Levy and Gary M. Pelletier as the
members of the Board of Directors of the Company. No other matters were
submitted to a vote of security holders of the Company during the fourth quarter
of fiscal 2002.
16
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters
There is no established trading market for any class of equity securities
of the Company. All of the Company's equity securities are owned by Parent.
The Company's principal debt agreements contain restrictions on the
Company's ability to pay dividends. The Company has not paid any dividends on
its common stock since inception. See Part II, Item 7. "Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity" and
Note 5 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
The following selected financial data should be read in conjunction with
the consolidated financial statements of the Company and related notes thereto
included elsewhere in this Report and Part II, Item 7. "Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations." The selected
consolidated financial data of the Company as of and for the years ended October
30, 1998, October 29, 1999, October 27, 2000, November 2, 2001 and November 1,
2002, have been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of
the Company, which have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors.
The financial information presented below includes information on "Total
EBITDA," "Noncash Cost of Real Estate Sales" and "Total EBITDA (excluding
Noncash Cost of Real Estate Sales)." "Total EBITDA" represents operating income
before depreciation, depletion and amortization expense. "Noncash Cost of Real
Estate Sales" represents the allocated portion of real estate development
expenditures previously capitalized (including acquisition costs allocated to
real estate development) which relate to current real estate sales. Although
EBITDA is not a measure of performance under accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States ("GAAP"), the information is presented because
management believes it provides useful information regarding a company's ability
to incur and service debt. Further, Total EBITDA (excluding Noncash Cost of Real
Estate Sales) is calculated consistent with the manner that "EBITDA" is
calculated under the Indenture governing the Company's 12.5% senior notes due
2007 (the "Senior Notes"), and therefore, management believes this measure is
meaningful to holders of the Senior Notes. EBITDA should not be considered in
isolation or as a substitute for net income, operating income, cash flows from
operating activities and other income or cash flow statement data prepared in
accordance with GAAP, or as a measure of profitability or liquidity. In
addition, the EBITDA measures as determined by the Company may not be comparable
to related or similar measures as reported by other companies and do not
represent funds available for discretionary use.
17
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Year Year Year Year
Ended Ended Ended Ended Ended
October October October November November
30, 1998(b) 29, 1999 27, 2000(c) 2, 2001 1, 2002
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
(Dollars in Thousands, except Revenue per Skier Day)
Statement of Operations Data: (a)
Revenue:
Resort Operations............................. $ 86,131 $ 101,962 $ 108,430 $ 107,090 $ 108,827
Real Estate and Other......................... 7,608 12,744 19,670 276 11,705
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
93,739 114,706 128,100 107,366 120,532
Operating Expenses:
Cost of Sales - Resort Operations............. 54,570 66,581 62,804 61,290 63,137
Cost of Sales - Real Estate and Other......... 4,671 5,244 4,507 211 2,920
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (d).. 15,535 18,769 19,437 22,181 17,094
Selling, General and Administrative........... 17,313 20,736 21,187 21,428 22,614
Unusual Items, Net............................ - 487 - - -
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Operating Income................................. 1,650 2,889 20,165 2,256 14,767
Other Income (Expense):
Interest Expense.............................. (17,456) (18,517) (18,158) (16,822) (15,281)
Amortization of Deferred Financing Costs...... (1,203) (1,093) (1,084) (966) (1,126)
Gain on Early Retirement of Debt.............. - - - 1,723 2,761
Other Income (Expense)........................ (280) (261) 47 153 (105)
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Other Income (Expense), Net................... (18,939) (19,871) (19,195) (15,912) (13,751)
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before
Change in Accounting Principle................ (17,289) (16,982) 970 (13,656) 1,016
Discontinued Operations:
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations of
Bear Mountain Resort........................ (241) (1,811) (1,327) (138) 549
Loss on Sale of Bear Mountain Resort.......... - - - - (3,235)
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Loss on Discontinued Operations.................. (241) (1,811) (1,327) (138) (2,686)
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Loss Before Change in Accounting Principle....... (17,530) (18,793) (357) (13,794) (1,670)
Change in Accounting Principle for Goodwill (d).. - - - - (200)
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net Loss......................................... $ (17,530) $ (18,793) $ (357) $ (13,794) $ (1,870)
=========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
Other Financial and Operating Data:
Total Skier Days (e)............................. 1,811,000 2,139,000 2,036,000 2,167,000 2,154,000
Revenue (Excluding Paid Skier Visit Insurance
Policy Revenue) per Skier Day (f)............. $ 47.56 $ 47.67 $ 50.56 $ 48.61 $ 50.52
Capital Expenditures for Property and Equipment.. $ 15,500 $ 14,342 $ 21,909 $ 12,944 $ 11,638
Net Cash Provided by (Used in):
Operating Activities.......................... $ 7,559 $ 15,393 $ 29,737 $ 13,366 $ 23,523
Investing Activities.......................... $ (47,718) $ (18,504) $ (9,124) $ (15,280) $ (782)
Financing Activities.......................... $ 40,322 $ 2,947 $ (20,378) $ 1,676 $ (22,535)
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges (g) .......... - - 1.03 - 1.05
Total EBITDA (h)................................. $ 17,185 $ 21,658 $ 39,602 $ 24,437 $ 31,861
Noncash Cost of Real Estate Sales................ $ 3,721 $ 4,743 $ 2,460 $ - $ 2,478
Total EBITDA (Excluding Noncash Cost of Real
Estate Sales) (h)............................. $ 20,906 $ 26,401 $ 42,062 $ 24,437 $ 34,339
As of As of As of As of As of
October October October November November
30, 1998 29, 1999 27, 2000 2, 2001 1, 2002
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Balance Sheet Data: (In Thousands)
Working Capital (Deficit), Including Revolving
Credit Facility Borrowings.................... $ (33,093) $ (45,309) $ (31,628) $ (46,221) $ (35,935)
Total Assets..................................... $ 218,546 $ 210,346 $ 199,063 $ 189,218 $ 166,600
Long-term Debt................................... $ 137,352 $ 136,483 $ 136,790 $ 128,664 $ 120,195
Total Debt (i)................................... $ 156,280 $ 160,986 $ 144,498 $ 148,040 $ 127,157
Preferred Stock of Subsidiary (j)................ $ 2,634 $ 2,133 $ 1,638 $ 1,136 $ -
Common Shareholder's Equity...................... $ 37,377 $ 18,584 $ 18,227 $ 4,433 $ 2,563
(see accompanying footnotes)
18
Notes to Selected Financial Data
(a) Pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144,
"Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets" ("SFAS No.
144"), which was adopted by the Company effective as of October 28, 2000,
the historical results of operations and loss on sale of the Bear Mountain
resort are presented as discontinued operations in the Company's
consolidated statements of operations. As the sale of the Grand Targhee
resort occurred prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 144, the former
operations of the Grand Targhee resort through June 20, 2000 are reflected
in the Company's continuing operations for the years ended October 30,
1998, October 29, 1999 and October 27, 2000.
(b) Reflects the financial results of Waterville Valley, Mt. Cranmore,
Northstar, Sierra, the Summit and Grand Targhee for the entire period, and
Loon Mountain for the period beginning February 26, 1998, the date on which
it was acquired by the Company. Reported total skier days for the year
ended October 30, 1998 reflects 77,000 actual skier days for Loon Mountain
during the period of the Company's ownership. Total skier days for Loon
Mountain for the entire 1997/98 ski season were 350,000 skier days.
(c) Reflects the divestiture of the Grand Targhee resort on June 20, 2000.
(d) In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standard Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible
Assets" ("SFAS No. 142"). The Company adopted SFAS No. 142 effective as of
November 3, 2001. Under the new rules, goodwill will no longer be amortized
but will be subject to annual impairment tests in accordance with the
pronouncement. In connection with the adoption of SFAS No. 142, the Company
performed a transitional impairment test for recorded goodwill as of
November 3, 2001 for each resort. Based on the transitional impairment
test, the Company wrote down goodwill by $200,000 for one resort, which has
been reflected as the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle
for the year ended November 1, 2002. The following table reflects the
amount of recorded goodwill amortization and adjusted net income (loss)
excluding such goodwill amortization for the periods indicated:
Year Year Year Year
Ended Ended Ended Ended
October October October November
30, 1998 29, 1999 27, 2000 2, 2001
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
(In Thousands)
Reported Net (Loss).....$ (17,530) $ (18,793) $ (357) $ (13,794)
Goodwill Amortization... 2,237 2,391 2,356 2,343
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Adjusted Net Income
(Loss) ...............$ (15,293) $ (16,402) $ 1,999 $ (11,451)
========== ========== ========== ==========
(e) Total skier days associated with Bear Mountain's operations have been
excluded from the Company's reported total skier days disclosed in Other
Financial and Operating Data.
(f) Reflects revenue from resort operations divided by total skier days. For
the years ended October 27, 2000 and November 2, 2001, the amount presented
for revenue per skier day excludes the effect of paid skier visit insurance
policy revenue of $5,480,000 and $1,754,000, respectively.
19
(g) For purposes of this computation, earnings are the sum of (i) income (loss)
from continuing operations, and (ii) fixed charges excluding capitalized
interest and preferred stock dividend requirements. Fixed charges are the
sum of (i) interest expensed and capitalized, (ii) an estimate of the
interest within rent expense, (iii) amortization of deferred financing
costs, and (iv) preferred stock dividend requirements. Earnings were
inadequate to cover fixed charges by approximately $13,800,000, $17,500,000
and $17,700,000 during the years ended November 2, 2001, October 29, 1999
and October 30, 1998, respectively.
(h) The following table reconciles operating income from the Company's
consolidated statements of operations to Total EBITDA and Total EBITDA
(excluding Noncash Cost of Real Estate Sales) for the periods indicated:
Year Year Year Year Year
Ended Ended Ended Ended Ended
October October October November November
30, 1998 29, 1999 27, 2000 2, 2001 1, 2002
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
(In Thousands)
Reported Operating Income................. $ 1,650 $ 2,889 $ 20,165 $ 2,256 $ 14,767
Depreciation and Depletion................ 13,298 16,339 17,037 19,776 17,094
Amortization of Goodwill and Other
Intangible Assets....................... 2,237 2,430 2,400 2,405 -
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Total EBITDA.............................. 17,185 21,658 39,602 24,437 31,861
Noncash Cost of Real Estate Sales......... 3,721 4,743 2,460 - 2,478
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Total EBITDA (Excluding Noncash Cost of
Real Estate Sales)...................... $ 20,906 $ 26,401 $ 42,062 $ 24,437 $ 34,339
=========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
(i) Includes Revolving Credit Facility borrowings, current portion of long-term
debt and long-term debt.
(j) Represented preferred stock of a subsidiary of the Company which was
subject to mandatory redemption requirements through January 15, 2002.
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the
consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included elsewhere
in this Report. The following discussion contains certain forward-looking
statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The Company's actual results
could differ materially from those discussed herein. Factors that could cause or
contribute to the differences are discussed in "- Risk Factors," "-
Forward-Looking Statements" and elsewhere in this Report.
General
The Company's ski operations are highly sensitive to weather conditions and
the overall strength of the national economy and the regional economies in the
areas in which the Company operates. The Company believes that the geographic
diversity of its resorts and the use of extensive snowmaking technology coupled
with advanced trail grooming equipment, which together can provide consistent
skiing conditions, can partially mitigate the risk of both economic downturns
and adverse weather conditions in any given region. However, the Company remains
vulnerable to warm weather, heavy rains, high winds, drought and other types of
severe or unusual weather conditions, which can have a significant effect on the
operating revenues and profitability at one or more of the Company's resorts.
Moreover, since 2000, the Company has sold two resorts (Grand Targhee and Bear
Mountain), thereby reducing its geographical diversity.
The Company's three most weather-sensitive resorts, Waterville Valley, Loon
Mountain and Mt. Cranmore, have invested heavily in snowmaking capabilities to
provide coverage on virtually all of their trails and have been open for skiing
at least 136, 139 and 99 days, respectively, during each of the last five ski
seasons, including the 2001/02 ski season. However, the efficiency and
effectiveness of snowmaking operations can be negatively impacted by numerous
factors, including temperature variability, reliability of water sources,
availability and cost of adequate energy supplies and unfavorable weather events
such as heavy rains.
Sierra and the Summit generally experience higher natural snowfall levels,
averaging approximately 484 and 450 inches of snowfall, respectively, per year
for the past five ski seasons. As a result of their historic natural snowfall,
their snowmaking capabilities in terms of trail coverage are considerably less
extensive than at Waterville Valley, Loon Mountain or Mt. Cranmore. However,
such resorts are dependent upon early season snowfall to provide necessary
terrain for the important Christmas holiday period, and therefore, the timing
and extent of natural snowfall can significantly impact operating conditions.
20
Northstar has averaged approximately 285 inches of snowfall per year for
the past five ski seasons. The resort has snowmaking capabilities to provide
coverage on approximately 50% of its trails. Although the resort's operations
depend significantly on natural snowfall, particularly in the early part of the
ski season, in recent years the Company has invested in additional snowmaking
facilities to improve Northstar's snowmaking production capacity.
The Company's results of operations are also highly dependent on the
Company's ability to compete in each of the large regional ski markets in which
it operates. Management estimates that at Northstar and Sierra approximately 70%
of the 2001/02 ski season total skier days were attributable to residents of the
San Francisco/San Jose, Sacramento, Central California Valley and Lake Tahoe
regions. At Waterville Valley, Loon Mountain and Mt. Cranmore, more than 75% of
the 2001/02 ski season total skier days were attributable to residents of
Massachusetts and New Hampshire, with a large percentage of such visitors coming
from the Boston metropolitan area. At the Summit, the Company estimates that
approximately 90% of the 2001/02 ski season total skier days were attributable
to residents of the Seattle/Tacoma metropolitan region.
The Company seeks to maximize revenues and operating income by managing the
mix of skier days and revenue per skier day. These strategies are also designed
to maximize resort cash flow. The strategy for each resort is based on the
demographic profile of its market and the physical capacity of its mountain and
facilities. The Company seeks to increase skier days by developing effective
ticket pricing and season pass strategies and sales and marketing programs to
improve peak and off-peak volume. The Company also seeks to increase skier days
by offering a quality guest experience and developing effective target marketing
programs. See Part I, Item 1. "Business - Marketing and Sales." The Company
seeks to improve revenue per skier day by effectively managing the price,
quality and value of each of its ski-related services, including retail shops,
equipment rentals, lessons and food and beverage facilities.
The Company's current resorts have invested approximately $49.3 million
(including $8.1 million of equipment acquired through capital leases and other
debt) in capital expenditures during the last three fiscal years to upgrade
chairlift capacity, expand terrain, improve skier service, enhance retail and
food and beverage facilities, increase snowmaking capabilities and to meet
sustaining capital requirements, all of which management believes are important
in providing a quality guest experience.
The following table summarizes the sources of the Company's revenues from
resort operations for the years ended November 1, 2002, November 2, 2001 and
October 27, 2000. The information for the year ended October 27, 2000 includes
the operating results of the Grand Targhee resort, which was sold in June 2000.
Pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144, which the
Company adopted in fiscal 2001, the information presented does not include the
operating results of the Bear Mountain resort, which was sold in October 2002.
Year Ended
---------------------------------------------
November 1, November 2, October 27,
2002 2001 2000
------------ ------------ ------------
(In thousands)
Lift Tickets......................$ 42,655 $ 42,900 $ 40,427
Season Passes..................... 14,520 11,596 10,931
Snow School....................... 8,119 7,348 6,802
Equipment Rental.................. 8,930 8,597 7,773
Retail............................ 4,916 4,965 5,311
Food and Beverage................. 15,864 15,895 16,132
Other............................. 13,823 14,035 15,574
------------ ------------ ------------
Revenues from Resort Operations
before Paid Skier Visit
Insurance...................... 108,827 105,336 102,950
Paid Skier Visit Insurance........ - 1,754 5,480
------------ ------------ ------------
Total Resort Operations Revenues..$ 108,827 $ 107,090 $ 108,430
============ ============ ============
21
A meaningful portion of total operating costs at the Company's resorts are
variable, consisting primarily of retail and food service cost of sales,
utilities and labor expense. These variable costs can fluctuate significantly
based upon skier days and seasonal factors. With the exception of certain
management, administrative and maintenance personnel, substantially all of the
Company's employees are compensated on an hourly basis. Management believes a
key element to maximizing profitability during the winter season is to closely
monitor staffing requirements and to adjust staffing levels when skier volumes
or seasonal needs dictate.
Each of the Company's resorts is subject to the threat of personal injury
claims relating principally to snow sports activities as well as premises and
vehicular operations and workers' compensation matters. The Company maintains
various forms of insurance covering claims related to its properties and usual
and customary risks associated with the operation of four-season recreation
resorts. As a result of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the
insurance industry has experienced significant losses and a substantial
reduction in underwriting capacity, which has generally resulted in
significantly higher renewal premiums for companies seeking insurance. In
connection with its annual renewal of insurance coverage for 2003, the Company
experienced an increase in insurance premium costs of approximately $1,500,000
over the level of such costs in 2002. In addition, the elimination of paid skier
visit insurance coverage is likely to lead to more variability in the Company's
operating results.
The Company's real estate and other segment is primarily engaged in the
sale of single family lots, development real estate and timber at Northstar. The
revenues, operating income and cash flows of the real estate and other segment
are highly variable. Revenues from the Company's real estate and other segment
were $11,705,000, $276,000 and $19,670,000 for the years ended November 1, 2002,
November 2, 2001 and October 27, 2000, respectively.
Results of Operations of the Company
Overview
The opening and closing dates for the Company's resorts for the 2001/02,
2000/01 and 1999/00 ski seasons were as follows:
Opening Dates
2001/02 Season 2000/01 Season 1999/00 Season
Northstar............. Nov. 29, 2001 Nov. 18, 2000 Nov. 20, 1999
Sierra................ Nov. 25, 2001 Nov. 3, 2000 Nov. 24, 1999
Waterville Valley*.... Nov. 16, 2001 Nov. 19, 2000 Nov. 19, 1999
Mt. Cranmore.......... Dec. 15, 2001 Nov. 25, 2000 Dec. 4, 1999
Loon Mountain*........ Nov. 16, 2001 Nov. 22, 2000 Nov. 19, 1999
The Summit............ Nov. 30, 2001 Dec. 1, 2000 Nov. 27, 1999
Closing Dates
2001/02 Season 2000/01 Season 1999/00 Season
Northstar............. April 21, 2002 April 22, 2001 April 24, 2000
Sierra................ April 15, 2002 April 23, 2001 April 24, 2000
Waterville Valley..... April 7, 2002 April 15, 2001 April 9, 2000
Mt. Cranmore.......... March 24, 2002 April 1, 2001 March 26, 2000
Loon Mountain......... April 14, 2002 April 29, 2001 April 23, 2000
The Summit............ May 5, 2002 April 22, 2001 April 23, 2000
* Following their openings for the 2001/02 season, Waterville Valley and Loon
Mountain ceased operations in December 2001 for six and ten days,
respectively, due to eroding conditions as a result of warm weather.
22
Due to warm temperatures and the lack of natural snowfall in the Lake Tahoe
region for most of November 2001, Northstar and Sierra did not open for the
2001/02 season until after Thanksgiving Day, whereas for the 2000/01 season,
Northstar opened on schedule and Sierra experienced an unusually early opening.
In the first half of December 2001, the Lake Tahoe region received significantly
above average snowfall, which allowed Northstar and Sierra to open 100% of their
terrain earlier than usual, and provided favorable conditions going into the
Christmas holiday period and the first half of January 2002. However, snowfall
levels in the Lake Tahoe region in January and February 2002 were below
historical levels, and several weekends in March 2002 were negatively impacted
by disruptive storms. In addition, the early timing of the Easter holiday period
and softening conditions in April 2002 negatively impacted late season business.
For the 2000/01 season as a whole, snowfall levels in the Lake Tahoe region were
below historical levels, although as compared to the 1999/00 ski season, both
Northstar and Sierra benefited from generally improved trail coverage and
conditions during the 2000 Christmas holiday period and early January 2001. For
the 1999/00 ski season, Northstar and Sierra experienced unseasonably dry
weather and a lack of natural snowfall during November, December and the first
part of January 2000, which significantly impacted terrain availability at these
resorts during such period. However, snowfall for these resorts returned to more
normal levels during the later half of January and February 2000.
For the 2001/02 season, the Northeast experienced drought conditions and
one of the warmest winters on record. While Waterville Valley and Loon Mountain
opened for the 2001/02 season on schedule, the resorts were forced to close for
six and ten days, respectively, in early December 2001 due to eroding conditions
as a result of warm weather. Mt. Cranmore was unable to open for the 2001/02
season until December 15, 2001. In addition to difficult early season conditions
and below average snowfall, the Company's New Hampshire resorts experienced an
above average number of negative weather events during the 2001/02 season,
including periods of warm weather and rain. By comparison, weather conditions
for the Company's New Hampshire resorts for the 2000/01 season were generally
favorable, with cold temperatures and above average snowfall. The New Hampshire
resorts experienced variable temperatures and a lack of significant natural
snowfall through the middle of January of the 1999/00 ski season.
The Summit received above average snowfall and experienced generally
favorable conditions during the 2001/02 season, whereas the 2000/01 season was
marked by significantly below average snowfall. Conditions at the Summit for the
1999/00 season were generally favorable.
On October 10, 2002, the Company consummated the sale of all of the capital
stock of Bear Mountain, Inc., the owner and operator of the Bear Mountain ski
resort, to Snow Summit Ski Corporation for a purchase price of $12,000,000 in
cash, subject to certain adjustments for working capital, assumed debt and
allocations of off-season operating losses and capital expenditures. The
purchase price was determined through arms-length negotiations. As a result of
the disposal, the Company has reflected the historical operating results of Bear
Mountain as discontinued operations in its consolidated statements of
operations. Based on the terms of the transaction, the Company recognized a loss
on sale of $3,235,000. Additional financial information relating to Bear
Mountain is included in Note 10 to the accompanying consolidated financial
statements.
The Company sold the assets associated with the Grand Targhee resort on
June 20, 2000. Grand Targhee contributed resort operations revenues of
$7,367,000, income from operations of $1,539,000 and income from operations
before depreciation expense of $2,229,000 during the year ended October 27,
2000.
The Company's fiscal years ended November 1, 2002 and October 27, 2000 were
52 week periods, whereas the fiscal year ended November 2, 2001 was a 53 week
period. As the additional week in 2001 occurred during the non-peak period prior
to the start of the 2001/02 ski season, the inclusion of the 53rd week in 2001
did not have a significant impact on the comparability of resort operations
revenues between periods. Cost of operations for the Company's resort business
and selling, general and administrative expense in 2001 included approximately
$400,000 in incremental labor costs due to payroll associated with the 53rd
week.
23
Year Ended November 1, 2002 Compared to the Year Ended November 2, 2001
Continuing Operations:
Total revenue for the year ended November 1, 2002 was $120,532,000, an
increase of $13,166,000, or 12%, over the Company's revenues for the year ended
November 2, 2001. Revenues from resort operations for the 2002 period were
$108,827,000, an increase of $1,737,000, or 2%, as compared to the 2001 period.
Revenues from real estate operations for the year ended November 1, 2002 were
$11,300,000, due to the close of escrow on 25 lots within the Unit 7 development
at Northstar. There were no real estate sales in the 2001 period. Timber
operations contributed revenues of $405,000 in the 2002 period as compared to
$276,000 in the 2001 period.
For the 2000/01 season, the Company arranged for four separate paid skier
visit insurance policies covering Bear Mountain, Loon Mountain, Waterville
Valley and the Summit. The policies had a deductible for the initial decline
from targeted paid skier visit and revenue levels and stated maximum coverage
levels. In addition, the policies required the insured to experience monthly or
annual snowfall amounts below certain agreed upon levels before a claim could be
filed for the decline in paid skier visits. For the year ended November 2, 2001,
the Company recorded resort operations revenues of $1,500,000 for claims
attributable to lower than agreed upon paid skier visits and snowfall levels
under the Summit and Waterville Valley policies. The Company's claims were
determined based on a specified formula under the paid skier visit insurance
policies and snowfall information verified by an independent third party. The
Company believes that it fully complied with its obligations under the policies,
and properly reported and made claims in accordance with the policies for losses
aggregating in excess of $1,500,000. As a result of the underwriters' failure to
properly process the Company's claims, in November 2001, the Company filed a
lawsuit against the underwriters seeking recovery for breach of contract, breach
of covenant of good faith and unfair and deceptive business practices. In April
2002, the underwriters made a partial offer of settlement of $700,000, which the
Company accepted with a reservation of all rights and remedies under the terms
of the policies and applicable law with respect to its remaining claims. The
Company intends to vigorously pursue collection of its remaining claims. The
parties to the lawsuit are currently conducting discovery in the matter. Based
on an evaluation of information to date and the advice of counsel, the Company
believes that realization of its recorded claims is probable. However, no
assurance can be given regarding the timing of the resolution of this matter.
For the 1999/00 ski season, the Company arranged for four separate paid
skier visit insurance policies covering its Lake Tahoe resorts (Northstar and
Sierra), its New Hampshire resorts (Waterville Valley, Mt. Cranmore and Loon
Mountain), Bear Mountain and the Summit. For the year ended November 2, 2001,
resort operations revenues included $254,000 for additional claim recoveries
received upon the final settlement of the 1999/00 paid skier visit insurance
policies in excess of the amounts recognized in fiscal 2000.
Resort operations revenues were $108,827,000 for the year ended November 1,
2002, an increase of $3,491,000, or 3%, from the 2001 period (excluding the
effect of paid skier visit insurance). Revenues for Northstar increased by
$798,000, primarily due to higher per skier revenue yields. Revenues for Sierra
increased by $1,518,000 due to higher skier visits and increased season pass
sales, as well as moderate increases in per skier revenue yields. Revenues for
Waterville Valley, Mt. Cranmore and Loon Mountain decreased by $628,000,
$688,000 and $985,000, respectively, primarily due to lower skier visits,
partially offset by improved per skier revenue yields. The Summit's revenues
increased by $3,476,000 due primarily to a significant increase in skier visits,
as well as higher season pass revenues and yield improvements. The improvement
in per skier revenue yields at the Company's resorts was primarily due to price
increases, and to a lesser extent, sales of additional services and products to
the Company's guests.
Cost of sales for resort operations for the year ended November 1, 2002
were $63,137,000, an increase of $1,847,000, or 3%, as compared to the 2001
period. The increase was the result of the combined effects of the following
items: (1) increased workers' compensation provisions of approximately
$1,900,000 for unfavorable trends in workers' compensation exposures at the
Company's California and Washington resorts, (2) increased credit card costs,
Forest Service permit fees and other variable operating costs related to
increased revenues, and (3) normal inflationary factors.
Cost of sales for real estate and timber operations for the year ended
November 1, 2002 was $2,920,000, including Noncash Cost of Real Estate Sales (as
defined on page 25 of this Report) of $2,478,000, primarily as a result of the
close of escrow on 25 lots within the Unit 7 development at Northstar. Cost of
sales for timber operations for the year ended November 2, 2001 were $211,000.
Depreciation and depletion expense for the year ended November 1, 2002 was
$17,094,000, a decrease of $2,682,000 from the 2001 period. The decline in
depreciation expense was primarily due to certain assets acquired in connection
with the Company's resort acquisitions in 1996 and 1997 having become fully
depreciated.
24
The Company's operating results for the year ended November 2, 2001
reflected goodwill amortization of $2,343,000. Adjusted net loss for the year
ended November 2, 2001 would have been $11,451,000 excluding such goodwill
amortization. In connection with the adoption of SFAS No. 142, the Company
performed a transitional impairment test for recorded goodwill as of November 3,
2001 for each resort. Based on the results of the transitional impairment test,
the Company wrote down goodwill by $200,000 for one resort, which has been
reflected as the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle in the
accompanying statement of operations for the year ended November 1, 2002.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended November 1,
2002 were $22,614,000, an increase of $1,186,000, or 6%, as compared to the 2001
period. Selling, general and administrative expenses for the 2002 and 2001
periods include $1,214,000 and $829,000, respectively, relating to the Company's
real estate segment. The increase in total selling, general and administrative
expenses between the 2002 and 2001 periods was principally due to the following
factors: (1) an increase in payroll due to the addition of certain resort and
corporate management and administrative positions, as well as increased
commission costs due to higher commissionable sales, and (2) normal inflationary
factors.
Operating income for the year ended November 1, 2002 was $14,767,000, an
increase of $12,511,000 over the operating income generated for the 2001 period,
as a result of the factors discussed above.
Interest expense for the year ended November 1, 2002 totaled $15,281,000, a
decrease of $1,541,000, or 9%, from the Company's interest expense for the year
ended November 2, 2001, as a result of lower average interest rates and reduced
borrowings.
The Company recognized gains on the early retirement of debt of $2,761,000
and $1,723,000 for the years ended November 1, 2002 and November 2, 2001,
respectively, relating to the repurchase of its 12.5% senior notes due 2001 (the
"Senior Notes").
The Company's income from continuing operations for the year ended November
1, 2002 was $1,016,000, an increase of $14,672,000 from the loss from continuing
operations of $13,656,000 for the 2001 period, as a result of the factors
discussed above.
As of November 1, 2002 and November 2, 2001, the Company had estimated net
operating loss carryforwards of approximately $88,600,000 and $84,700,000,
respectively, for federal income tax reporting purposes, which expire between
2012 and 2022. The tax benefits of such net operating losses are fully offset by
a valuation reserve. Accordingly, during the years ended November 1, 2002 and
November 2, 2001, no income tax benefit has been provided.
Discontinued Operations:
The Company recognized income from the discontinued operations of Bear
Mountain, excluding the loss recorded on the sale of the capital stock of Bear
Mountain, of $549,000 for the year ended November 1, 2002, an increase of
$687,000 from the loss generated during the 2001 period. The increase was
primarily the result of reduced depreciation expense as certain assets acquired
as part of the acquisition of Bear Mountain in 1996 have become fully
depreciated, partially offset by (1) decreased revenues principally as a result
of lower skier visits during the 2001/02 ski season, and (2) increased cost of
sales primarily as a result of the Company's involvement in electrical rate
proceedings and other regulatory matters involving Bear Mountain.
The Company's net loss for the year ended November 1, 2002 was $1,870,000,
an improvement of $11,924,000 from the net loss of $13,794,000 generated for the
year ended November 2, 2001, as a result of the factors discussed above.
The financial information presented below includes information on "Total
EBITDA," "Noncash Cost of Real Estate Sales," and "Total EBITDA (excluding
Noncash Cost of Real Estate Sales)." "Total EBITDA" represents operating income
before depreciation, depletion and amortization expense. "Noncash Cost of Real
Estate Sales" represents the allocated portion of real estate development
expenditures previously capitalized (including acquisition costs allocated to
real estate development) which relate to current real estate sales. Although
EBITDA is not a measure of performance under accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States ("GAAP"), the information is presented because
management believes it provides useful information regarding a company's ability
to incur and service debt. Further, Total EBITDA (excluding Noncash Cost of Real
25
Estate Sales) is calculated consistent with the manner that "EBITDA" is
calculated under the Indenture governing the Company's Senior Notes, and
therefore, management believes this measure is meaningful to holders of the
Senior Notes. EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute
for net income, operating income, cash flows from operating activities and other
income or cash flow statement data prepared in accordance with GAAP, or as a
measure of profitability or liquidity. In addition, the EBITDA measures as
determined by the Company may not be comparable to related or similar measures
as reported by other companies and do not represent funds available for
discretionary use.
Year Ended
November 1, November 2, Percentage
2002 2001 Increase Increase
---------- ----------- ---------- ----------
(In thousands)
Total EBITDA.................. $ 31,861 $ 24,437 $ 7,424 30%
Noncash Cost of Real
Estate Sales................ $ 2,478 $ - $ 2,478 100
Total EBITDA (excluding
Noncash Cost of Real
Estate Sales)............... $ 34,339 $ 24,437 $ 9,902 41
Year Ended November 2, 2001 Compared to the Year Ended October 27, 2000
Continuing Operations:
Total revenue for the year ended November 2, 2001 was $107,366,000, a
decrease of $20,734,000, or 16%, from the Company's revenues for the year ended
October 27, 2000. Revenues from resort operations for the 2001 period were
$107,090,000, a decrease of $1,340,000, or 1%, as compared to the 2000 period.
Revenues from real estate and other operations for the year ended November 2,
2001 were $276,000, a decrease of $19,394,000 from the 2000 period.
Due primarily to the generally improved weather and terrain conditions
experienced by the Company's Lake Tahoe and New Hampshire resorts during the
2000/01 ski season as compared to the 1999/00 season as well as increased season
pass visits due to a greater number of passes sold and higher estimated pass
visits per passholder, total skier visits (excluding Bear Mountain for both
periods and including Grand Targhee for the 2000 period) increased by 131,000,
or 6%, to 2,167,000 visits for the 2000/01 ski season.
For the 2000/01 season, the Company arranged for four separate paid skier
visit insurance policies covering Bear Mountain, Loon Mountain, Waterville
Valley and the Summit. The policies had a deductible for the initial decline
from targeted paid skier visit and revenue levels and stated maximum coverage
levels. In addition, the policies required the insured to experience monthly or
annual snowfall amounts below certain agreed upon levels before a claim could be
filed for the decline in paid skier visits. For the year ended November 2, 2001,
the Company recorded resort operations revenues of $1,500,000 for claims
attributable to lower than agreed upon paid skier visits and snowfall levels
under the Summit and Waterville Valley policies. The Company's claims were
determined based on a specified formula under the paid skier visit insurance
policies and snowfall information verified by an independent third party. The
Company believes that it fully complied with its obligations under the policies,
and properly reported and made claims in accordance with the policies for losses
aggregating in excess of $1,500,000. As a result of the underwriters' failure to
properly process the Company's claims, in November 2001, the Company filed a
lawsuit against the underwriters seeking recovery for breach of contract, breach
of covenant of good faith and unfair and deceptive business practices. In April
2002, the underwriters made a partial offer of settlement of $700,000, which the
Company accepted with a reservation of all rights and remedies under the terms
of the policies and applicable law with respect to its remaining claims. The
Company intends to vigorously pursue collection of its remaining claims. The
parties to the lawsuit are currently conducting discovery in the matter. Based
on an evaluation of information to date and the advice of counsel, the Company
believes that realization of its recorded claims is probable. However, no
assurance can be given regarding the timing of the resolution of this matter.
For the 1999/00 ski season, the Company arranged for four separate paid
skier visit insurance policies covering its Lake Tahoe resorts (Northstar and
Sierra), its New Hampshire resorts (Waterville Valley, Mt. Cranmore and Loon
Mountain), Bear Mountain and the Summit. For the year ended October 27, 2000,
the Company recognized revenues of $6,600,000 (including $1,120,000 reflected in
discontinued operations relating to Bear Mountain) for estimated claims proceeds
under such policies. For the year ended November 2, 2001, resort operations
revenues included $254,000 for additional claim recoveries which were received
upon the final settlement of the 1999/00 paid skier visit insurance policies in
excess of the amounts recognized in fiscal 2000.
26
Resort operations revenues, excluding the effect of paid skier visit
insurance, were $105,336,000 for the year ended November 2, 2001, an increase of
$2,386,000, or 2%, from the comparable revenues for the 2000 period. Revenues
for Northstar and Sierra increased by $2,919,000 and $3,772,000, respectively,
primarily due to higher skier visits. Revenues for Waterville Valley, Mt.
Cranmore and Loon Mountain increased by $830,000, $1,077,000 and $912,000,
respectively, due principally to higher skier visits, partially offset by
reduced yields due to changes in the mix of skier visits. Revenues at the Summit
increased by $243,000 due to higher season pass sales and a slight increase in
skier visits. Offsetting these increases was the effect of the divestiture of
the Grand Targhee resort, which contributed revenues of $7,367,000 during the
year ended October 27, 2000.
There were no sales of real estate during the year ended November 2, 2001.
Revenues from real estate and other operations for the year ended October 27,
2000 were $19,670,000, consisting primarily of (1) revenues of $17,850,000 from
the sale of certain developmental property at Northstar, (2) revenues from the
close of escrow on the final four lots in Phases 4 and 4A of the Big Springs
Development at Northstar, and (3) timber sales of $669,000. Timber operations
contributed revenues of $276,000 in the 2001 period. The reduction in timber
harvesting and related revenues in the 2001 period was principally due to
harvesting restrictions as a result of adverse fire conditions in the Lake Tahoe
region.
Cost of sales for resort operations for the year ended November 2, 2001
were $61,290,000, a decrease of $1,514,000, or 2%, as compared to the 2000
period. Excluding cost of sales incurred by the Grand Targhee resort of
$4,419,000 during the 2000 period, cost of sales for resort operations increased
by $2,905,000 in 2001, or 5%, over the 2000 period. The increase was primarily
the result of increased payroll and operating expenses as a result of the more
normalized operations, increases in business volumes and extended seasons at the
Northstar, Sierra and New Hampshire resorts due to improved snowfall and
operating conditions. In addition, the following items also contributed to the
increase: (1) the impact of the 53rd week of operations in 2001, (2) wage
pressures due to the competitive labor markets in the areas of the Company's
resorts and statutory changes affecting wage rates and overtime regulations in
California, (3) higher utility and fuel prices, (4) additional operating costs
associated with the launch of the new Lookout Mountain terrain expansion at
Northstar, (5) increased snowmaking costs due to higher snowmaking production,
and (6) normal inflationary factors.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended November 2,
2001 were $21,428,000, an increase of $241,000, or 1%, as compared to the 2000
period. Excluding selling, general and administrative expenses incurred by the
Grand Targhee resort of $719,000 during the 2000 period, selling, general and
administrative expenses increased by $960,000 in 2001, or 5%, over the 2000
period. The increase was primarily the result of (1) general and administrative
expenses of $829,000 associated with real estate development activities at
Northstar and Loon Mountain, (2) the impact of the 53rd week of operations in
2001, (3) normal inflationary factors, (4) sales and marketing initiatives at
the Company's resorts, and (5) marketing and promotional activities associated
with the launch of the Lookout Mountain terrain expansion at Northstar.
Cost of sales for real estate and other operations for the year ended
October 27, 2000 of $4,507,000, including Noncash Cost of Real Estate Sales (as
defined on page 25 of this Report) of $2,460,000, consisted of land basis,
development and transaction costs associated with the sale of real estate at
Northstar, and cost of sales for timber operations of $486,000. Cost of sales
for real estate and other operations for the year ended November 2, 2001 was
$211,000 and consisted solely of timber harvesting costs.
Operating income for the year ended November 2, 2001 was $2,256,000, a
decrease of $17,909,000, or 89%, from the operating income generated for the
2000 period, as a result of the factors discussed above.
Interest expense for the year ended November 2, 2001 totaled $16,822,000, a
decrease of $1,336,000, or 7%, from the Company's interest expense for the year
ended October 27, 2000. The decrease was primarily the result of the Company's
repurchase of $8,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its Senior Notes during
the year ended November 2, 2001, as well as the effect of lower average
borrowing levels and interest rates on the Company's Senior Credit Facility in
the 2001 period.
27
The Company recognized a gain on the early retirement of debt of $1,723,000
for the year ended November 2, 2001 as a result of the repurchase of $8,000,000
aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes.
As of November 2, 2001 and October 27, 2000, the Company had estimated net
operating loss carryforwards of approximately $84,700,000 and $74,500,000,
respectively, for federal income tax reporting purposes. The tax benefits of
such net operating losses were fully offset by a valuation reserve. Accordingly,
during the years ended November 2, 2001 and October 27, 2000, no income tax
benefit has been provided.
Discontinued Operations:
The Company recognized losses from the discontinued operations of Bear
Mountain of $138,000 and $1,327,000 for the years ended November 2, 2001 and
October 27, 2000, respectively. The reduced loss in the 2001 period as compared
to the 2000 period was primarily the result of increased skier visits and
operating revenues during the 2000/01 ski season, partially offset by increased
cost of sales for such period.
The Company's net loss for the year ended November 2, 2001 was $13,794,000,
as compared to a net loss of $357,000 for the year ended October 27, 2000, as a
result of the factors discussed above.
Total EBITDA and Total EBITDA (excluding Noncash Cost of Real Estate Sales)
declined significantly between the years ended October 27, 2000 and November 2,
2001, as set forth below. EBITDA is not a measure of performance under GAAP and
should not be viewed as a substitute for GAAP measures of financial performance.
See page 25 of this Report for additional information regarding the manner in
which Total EBITDA and Noncash Cost of Real Estate Sales are calculated and the
reasons why the Company believes such measures provide useful information to
investors.
Year Ended
November 2, October 27, Percentage
2001 2000 Decrease Decrease
---------- ----------- ---------- ----------
(In thousands)
Total EBITDA.................. $ 24,437 $ 39,602 $ (15,165) (38)%
Noncash Cost of Real
Estate Sales................ $ - $ 2,460 $ (2,460) (100)
Total EBITDA (excluding
Noncash Cost of Real
Estate Sales)............... $ 24,437 $ 42,062 $ (17,625) (42)
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company's primary liquidity needs are to fund capital expenditures,
service indebtedness and support seasonal working capital requirements. The
Company's primary sources of liquidity are cash flow from operations and
borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility (as defined below). Virtually all of
the Company's operating income is generated by its subsidiaries. As a result,
the Company is dependent on the earnings and cash flow of, and dividends and
distributions or advances from, its subsidiaries to provide the funds necessary
to meet its debt service obligations.
Effective March 15, 2002, the Company and its subsidiaries entered into an
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the "Senior Credit Facility") with Fleet
National Bank, as administrative agent ("Agent"), and certain lenders. The
following summary of the terms of the Senior Credit Facility, as amended, is
qualified by reference to (i) the complete agreement governing the Senior Credit
Facility, which is filed as an exhibit to this Report, and (ii) the First
Amendment to the Senior Credit Facility, which is filed as an exhibit to this
Report.
The Senior Credit Facility provides a revolving credit facility (the
"Revolving Credit Facility") with borrowing availability of up to $25,000,000,
and a term loan facility (the "Term Facility") with borrowing availability of up
to $25,000,000. The Senior Credit Facility requires that the Company not have
any borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility for a period of 30
consecutive days commencing sometime between January 15 and February 28 of each
year. The Term Facility provides for quarterly commitment reductions of
$1,000,000 on the last day of January, April, July and October of each year
beginning on January 31, 2003 and continuing through October 31, 2005, the
maturity date of the Senior Credit Facility. The Company is required to repay
amounts outstanding under the Term Facility on such dates by an amount equal to
the greater of (i) the amount by which outstanding Term Facility borrowings
exceed the then-applicable term loan commitment and (ii) the Excess Cash
Proceeds (as defined in the Senior Credit Facility) derived from specified real
estate asset sales determined on a cumulative basis. No amount of the Term
Facility which is repaid may be reborrowed. The entire unpaid balance under the
Senior Credit Facility is due and payable on October 31, 2005. Borrowings under
the Senior Credit Facility are secured by (a) a pledge to the Agent for the
ratable benefit of the financial institutions party to the Senior Credit
Facility of all of the capital stock of Booth Creek's principal subsidiaries and
(b) a grant of a security interest in substantially all of the consolidated
assets of Booth Creek and its subsidiaries.
28
The Senior Credit Facility contains financial covenants relating to the
maintenance of (a) minimum consolidated resort EBITDA (as defined in the Senior
Credit Facility) measured quarterly on a rolling four quarter basis, (b) the
ratio of consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the Senior Credit Facility) to
consolidated debt service, and (c) levels of adjusted consolidated leverage. The
Senior Credit Facility also contains restrictive covenants pertaining to the
management and operation of Booth Creek and its subsidiaries. The covenants
include, among others, significant limitations on indebtedness, guarantees,
letters of credit, liens, investments, distributions, capital expenditures,
mergers, acquisitions, asset sales, fundamental corporate changes, transactions
with affiliates, optional payments and modification of debt instruments and
issuances of stock.
For purposes of calculating interest, loans under the Senior Credit
Facility can be, at the election of the Company, Base Rate Loans or LIBOR Rate
Loans or a combination thereof. Base Rate Loans bear interest at the sum of (a)
the higher of (i) Agent's prime rate or (ii) the federal funds rate plus .5%
plus (b) a margin of 1.5%. LIBOR Rate Loans bear interest at the LIBOR rate plus
a margin of 4%. Interest on loans outstanding is payable quarterly. The Senior
Credit Facility also requires commitment fees of .5% based on the unused
borrowing availability of the Revolving Credit Facility. Borrowings outstanding
under the Term Facility as of November 1, 2002 bore interest at an annual rate
of 6.8% pursuant to the LIBOR rate option. Borrowings under the Revolving Credit
Facility as of November 1, 2002 bore interest at an annual rate of 6.25%
pursuant to the base rate option.
Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility could be used for working
capital and general corporate purposes including, with the consent of the
lenders, to repurchase Senior Notes. Borrowings under the Term Facility could be
used to repurchase the Company's Senior Notes or repay certain other
indebtedness, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon. During the year
ended November 1, 2002, the Company repurchased $29,325,000 aggregate principal
amount of Senior Notes in privately-negotiated transactions through borrowings
under the Term Facility and available cash resources. As of November 1, 2002,
outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility and Term Facility
were $1,245,000 and $25,000,000, respectively. In November and December 2002,
the Company repurchased $16,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes
for $15,080,000. The Company may consider repurchasing additional Senior Notes
in the future if it could do so on favorable terms subject to financing and
liquidity constraints. As of January 24, 2003, borrowings outstanding under the
Revolving Credit Facility were approximately $6,200,000.
The Company had a net working capital deficit of $35,935,000 as of November
1, 2002 (including $1,245,000 in outstanding borrowings under the Revolving
Credit Facility), which will negatively affect liquidity during 2003. The
Company's net working capital deficit as of November 1, 2002 was due in part to
unearned revenue and deposits from resort operations of $15,232,000 for season
pass and membership product sales, lodging deposits and other prepaid products,
as well as real estate deposits of $5,610,000. The Company's working capital
deficit as of November 2, 2001 was $46,221,000.
The Company generated cash from operating activities of $23,523,000 for the
year ended November 1, 2002 as compared to $13,366,000 for the year ended
November 2, 2001. The increase in operating cash flows for the 2002 period was
primarily due to the improved operating results for such period as a result of
increased real estate sales.
Cash used in investing activities totaled $782,000 and $15,280,000 for the
years ended November 1, 2002 and November 2, 2001, respectively. The results for
the 2002 and 2001 periods primarily reflect capital expenditures for the
purchase of property and equipment. In addition, the results for the 2002 period
reflect proceeds of $11,954,000 from the sale of the Bear Mountain resort.
29
Cash used in financing activities for the year ended November 1, 2002
totaled $22,535,000, which reflects net repayments of the Revolving Credit
Facility of $16,383,000, scheduled payments of long-term debt and preferred
stock of $2,361,000 and $1,151,000, respectively, and the incurrence of deferred
financing costs of $2,052,000. Additionally, financing cash flows for the 2002
period reflect borrowings of $25,000,000 under the Term Facility, which together
with available cash resources, were used to repurchase $29,325,000 aggregate
principal amount of Senior Notes for $25,588,000. Cash provided by financing
activities totaled $1,676,000 for the year ended November 2, 2001, which
principally consisted of net borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility of
$11,276,000, scheduled payments of long-term debt and preferred stock of
$2,979,000 and $629,000, respectively, and the repurchase of $8,000,000
aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes for $5,990,000.
On November 17, 1999, Trimont Land Company ("TLC"), the owner and operator
of Northstar and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, consummated the sale
to Trimont Land Holdings, Inc. ("TLH"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent and
an affiliate of the Company, of certain single family development property
underlying a portion of the Unit 7 and 7A developments at Northstar for an
aggregate sales price of $7,050,000, subject to adjustment as described below.
The consideration paid to TLC consisted of $6,000,000 in cash and a promissory
note (the "Unit 7 Note") for $1,050,000, subject to adjustment. The Company
obtained a fairness opinion for the transaction from an independent firm
qualified in the subject matter of the transaction. In connection with the sale
of development real estate on September 22, 2000 as described below, TLH's
interests in the Unit 7A lots were transferred back to TLC on September 22,
2000.
Under the terms of the Unit 7 Note, TLC is entitled to receive the greater
of (a) $1,050,000 plus accrued interest at 7% per annum, or (b) the Net Cash
Proceeds (as defined) derived from the resale of TLH's lots within Unit 7.
Pursuant to the terms of the sale, TLC retained the obligation to complete the
scheduled construction of the Unit 7 development, which was substantially
completed in November 2001. The Company recognizes revenue and related costs of
sales for these real estate transactions upon the close of escrow for lot sales
between TLH and third party buyers, and had reflected the $6,000,000 cash
received as a deposit liability as of November 2, 2001.
For the year ended November 1, 2002, TLH consummated the sale of 25 Unit 7
lots for net proceeds of approximately $11,300,000. As the net proceeds of the
25 lot sales were more than the $6,000,000 in cash initially paid by TLH for the
underlying real estate, additional cash proceeds of $5,300,000 were distributed
to TLC during the year ended November 1, 2002. In addition, the Company relieved
the existing $6,000,000 deposit liability during the year ended November 1,
2002. As of November 1, 2002, one lot remained available for sale within the
Unit 7 subdivision.
On September 22, 2000, TLC and TLH entered into an Agreement for Purchase
and Sale of Real Property (the "Northstar Real Estate Agreement") pursuant to
which TLC agreed to sell to TLH certain development real estate consisting of
approximately 550 acres of land located at Northstar (the "Development Real
Estate") for a total purchase price of $27,600,000, of which 85% was payable in
cash and 15% was payable in the form of convertible secured subordinated
promissory notes. The purchase price was based on an appraisal obtained from an
independent third party appraiser. Concurrently therewith, TLC and TLH
consummated the sale of the initial land parcels contemplated by the Northstar
Real Estate Agreement, and TLC transferred the bulk of the Development Real
Estate to TLH for a total purchase price of $21,000,000, of which $17,850,000,
or 85%, was paid in cash and $3,150,000, or 15%, was paid in the form of a
convertible secured subordinated promissory note.
During the year ended November 1, 2002, TLH paid $5,610,000 to TLC, which
represents the cash portion of the purchase price for the remaining Development
Real Estate subject to the Northstar Real Estate Agreement. The $5,610,000
payment has been deferred as a deposit liability pending the consummation of the
sale of the remaining Development Real Estate under the Northstar Real Estate
Agreement, which is subject to certain subdivision requirements to effect the
transfer of such property and other normal and customary closing conditions, and
is expected to be consummated in 2003.
The transactions described above between TLC and TLH have facilitated the
sale and development of real estate at Northstar while at the same time
minimizing development risk to the Company and providing the Company with
immediate liquidity. Management believes that the terms of the transactions have
been at least as favorable as would have been available from unrelated parties.
As noted above, the Company has obtained fairness opinions and/or appraisals
from independent third parties to support this belief. Neither the Company nor
any of its subsidiaries, including TLC, has provided credit support to TLH or
has any commitment or obligation to provide funds to TLH in the future.
30
The Company's capital expenditures for property and equipment during the
year ended November 1, 2002 were $14,314,000 (including $2,676,000 of equipment
acquired through capital leases). As of November 1, 2002, the portion of fiscal
2002 capital programs which will be expended in fiscal 2003 is estimated to be
approximately $2,800,000, which excludes grooming equipment to be acquired under
capital leases. Total capital expenditures for the Company's fiscal 2003 capital
programs are preliminarily estimated to range between $7,000,000 and
$11,000,000. Capital expenditures for real estate development projects in fiscal
2003 are preliminarily estimated to range between $4,000,000 and $4,700,000. The
Company plans to fund future capital expenditures from available cash flow,
vendor financing to the extent permitted under the Senior Credit Facility and
the Indenture for the Company's Senior Notes and/or borrowings under the
Revolving Credit Facility, including borrowing availability under the Revolving
Credit Facility as a result of the receipt of the proceeds from the sale of Bear
Mountain in October 2002. Commitments for future capital expenditures were
approximately $2,400,000 at November 1, 2002.
Management believes that there is a considerable degree of flexibility in
the timing (and, to a lesser degree, the scope) of its capital expenditure
program, and even greater flexibility as to its real estate development
objectives. While the capital expenditure program described above is regarded by
management as important, both as to timing and scope, discretionary capital
spending above maintenance levels can be deferred, in some instances for
substantial periods of time, in order to address cash flow or other constraints.
With respect to the Company's potential real estate development
opportunities, management believes that such efforts would enhance ski-related
revenues and contribute independently to earnings. In addition, with respect to
significant development projects, the Company expects to continue to pursue
arrangements that would reduce infrastructure and other development costs.
Nonetheless, existing lodging facilities in the vicinity of each resort are
believed to be adequate to support current skier volumes and a deferral or
curtailment of development efforts is not regarded by management as likely to
adversely affect skier days and ski-related revenues or profitability. The
Company also believes that its current infrastructure is sufficient, and that
development of real estate opportunities is not presently necessary to support
its existing operations.
The Company's significant contractual obligations include long-term debt
(including capital lease obligations) and operating leases. As of November 1,
2002, the Company's scheduled maturities of long-term debt and operating lease
commitments for the periods indicated were as follows (in thousands):
Year Ending October
--------------------------------------------------
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Thereafter Total
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---------- -----
Long-term
Debt (a) $ 5,717 $ 6,173 $ 17,721 $ 98 $ 96,203 $ - $ 125,912
======= ======= ======== ====== ======== ======= =========
Operating
Leases $ 1,334 $ 905 $ 742 $ 366 $ 110 $ 2,120 $ 5,577
======= ======= ======== ====== ======== ======= =========
(a) In November and December 2002, the Company repurchased $16,000,000
aggregate principal amount of its Senior Notes due March 15, 2007 for
$15,080,000.
In connection with certain single family real estate development projects
at Northstar, self-insured workers' compensation arrangements for the Summit and
certain other aspects of its operations, the Company has arranged for surety
bonds from third-party surety bonding companies or letters of credit from
financial institutions. The aggregate amount of surety bonds and letters of
credit in place at November 1, 2002 were approximately $1,500,000 and $100,000,
respectively.
The Company's liquidity has been and will continue to be significantly
affected by its high leverage. As a result of its leveraged position, the
Company will have significant cash requirements to service debt and funds
available for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and general
corporate purposes will be limited. In addition, the Company's high level of
debt may increase its vulnerability to competitive pressures and the seasonality
of the skiing and recreational industries. Any decline in the Company's expected
operating performance could have a material adverse effect on the Company's
liquidity and on its ability to service its debt and make required capital
expenditures.
31
In addition, the Senior Credit Facility and the Indenture governing the
Company's Senior Notes each contain covenants that, among other things,
significantly limit the Company's ability to obtain additional sources of
capital and may affect the Company's liquidity. These covenants restrict the
ability of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries to, among other things,
incur additional indebtedness, create liens, make investments, consummate
certain asset sales, create subsidiaries, issue subsidiary stock, consolidate or
merge with any other person, or transfer all or substantially all of the assets
of the Company. Further, upon the occurrence of a Change of Control (as defined
in the Indenture), the Company may be required to repurchase the Senior Notes at
101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest. The
occurrence of a Change of Control may also constitute a default under the Senior
Credit Facility. No assurance can be given that the Company would be able to
finance a Change of Control repurchase offer. The Senior Credit Facility also
requires the Company to maintain specified consolidated financial ratios and
satisfy certain consolidated financial tests. The Company's ability to meet
these financial covenants may be affected by events beyond its control, and
there can be no assurance that the Company will meet those covenants.
As of November 1, 2002, the Company had $125,912,000 of total long-term
debt. The Company expects that existing cash, cash generated from operations and
cash proceeds of planned real estate sales at Northstar, together with borrowing
availability, will be adequate to fund the Company's debt service and other cash
operating requirements over the next twelve months. In order to focus the
Company's resources on attractive investment opportunities at certain of its
resorts and to satisfy short-term and long-term liquidity requirements, the
Company may in the future consider divestitures of non-strategic assets,
including resorts, if such transactions can be completed on favorable terms.
Any decline in the Company's expected operating performance or the
inability of management to successfully implement the Company's business
strategy, could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial
position and liquidity. In such case, the Company could be required to attempt
to refinance all or a portion of its existing debt, sell other assets or obtain
additional financing. No assurance can be given of the Company's ability to do
so or the terms of any such transaction. In addition, the Company would require
additional financing for expansion of its existing properties or for future
acquisitions, if any. No assurances can be given that any such financing would
be available on commercially reasonable terms. See "Forward-Looking Statements"
herein.
The Company believes that inflation has had little effect on its results of
operations and any impact on costs has been largely offset by increased pricing.
Critical Accounting Policies
The preparation of the Company's consolidated financial statements in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires the selection
of appropriate accounting policies, as well as the use of judgment by management
in applying such accounting policies and formulating financial estimates. These
judgments and estimates are based on historical experience, terms of existing
contracts and customer arrangements and information available from other
sources, as appropriate. By their nature, these judgments and estimates are
subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty. In applying the Company's
accounting policies and determining financial estimates, different business
conditions or the use of different assumptions may result in materially
different amounts reported in the Company's consolidated financial statements.
The Company has identified its most critical accounting policies, which
relate to (i) revenue recognition for resort operations, (ii) revenue
recognition for real estate sales, (iii) valuation of long-lived assets and
goodwill, and (iv) evaluation of contingencies and reserve estimates. The
critical accounting policies were determined by considering which policies
involved the most complexity, subjective decisions or estimation.
Revenue Recognition for Resort Operations - Revenues from resort operations
are generated from a wide variety of sources, including lift ticket sales, snow
school lessons, equipment rentals, retail product sales, food and beverage
operations, lodging and property management services and other recreational
activities, and are recognized as services are provided and products are sold.
Sales of season passes are initially deferred in unearned revenue and recognized
ratably over the season. Revenues relating to paid skier visit insurance
arrangements in prior years were recognized based on an evaluation of the policy
arrangements, actual and forecasted skier visits, actual snowfall amounts and
other relevant factors. The Company also periodically evaluates the
collectibility of all of its receivables, and, if necessary, provides for an
adequate allowance for doubtful accounts.
32
Revenue Recognition for Real Estate Sales - Sales and profits on real
estate sales are recognized using the full accrual method at the point that the
Company's receivables from land sales are deemed collectible and the Company has
no significant remaining obligations for construction or development, which
typically occurs upon transfer of title. If such conditions are not met, the
recognition of all or part of the sales and profit is postponed. The Company
thoroughly evaluates contractual agreements and the underlying facts and
circumstances relating to its real estate transactions, including the
involvement of related parties, to determine the appropriate revenue recognition
treatment of such transactions in accordance with Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 66, "Accounting for Sales of Real Estate," and related
pronouncements.
Valuation of Long-Lived Assets and Goodwill - The Company periodically
evaluates whether there are facts and circumstances that indicate potential
impairment of its long-lived assets. If impairment indicators are present, the
Company reviews the carrying value of its long-lived assets for continued
appropriateness. The Company also performs periodic impairment tests for
recorded goodwill. The impairment evaluations for long-lived assets and goodwill
are based upon projections of future cash flows, estimated purchase multiples
and other relevant factors. While the Company believes its estimates are
reasonable, different assumptions could materially affect these evaluations.
Evaluation of Contingencies and Reserve Estimates - The Company's
operations are affected by various contingencies, including commercial
litigation, personal injury claims relating principally to snow sports
activities, self-insured workers' compensation matters and self-insured employee
health and welfare arrangements. The Company performs periodic evaluations of
these contingencies and, based on the advice of counsel, information provided by
third-party claims administrators and other pertinent information, provides
reserves for its best estimate of the eventual outcome of these matters. These
estimated liabilities are reviewed and appropriately adjusted as the facts and
circumstances related to these contingencies change. While the Company believes
its estimates are reasonable, different assumptions could materially affect
these evaluations.
Pending Accounting Pronouncement
In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 143, "Accounting for Asset
Retirement Obligations" ("SFAS No. 143"), which addresses financial accounting
and reporting for obligations associated with the retirement of tangible
long-lived assets and associated asset retirement costs. The new rules apply to
legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets that
result from the acquisition, construction, development and (or) normal operation
of a long-lived asset. SFAS No. 143 is effective for the Company at the
beginning of fiscal 2003. The Company believes the adoption of SFAS No. 143 will
not have a material impact on its consolidated financial position or results of
operations.
Seasonality
The business of the Company is highly seasonal, with the vast majority of
its annual revenues expected to be generated between November and April of each
fiscal year. Management considers it essential to achieve optimal operating
results during key holidays and weekends during this period. The Company's
results of operations are, in turn, significantly dependent upon favorable
weather conditions and other factors beyond the Company's control.
During the off-season months of May through October, the Company's resorts
typically experience a substantial reduction in labor and utility expense due to
the absence of ski operations, but make significant expenditures for
maintenance, expansion and capital improvements in preparation for the ensuing
ski season.
Risk Factors
In this section, references to "we" or "our" refers to Booth Creek and its
subsidiaries unless the context requires otherwise.
33
We have a substantial amount of debt, which may harm our financial condition and
require us to use a significant portion of our cash flow to satisfy our debt
obligations.
We have debt that is substantially greater than our shareholder's equity
and a significant portion of our cash flows from operations will be used to
satisfy our debt obligations. For the year ended November 1, 2002, our
consolidated interest expense was $15,281,000. Our Senior Credit Facility
provides for quarterly commitment reductions of $1,000,000 on the last day of
January, April, July and October of each year beginning on January 31, 2003 and
continuing through October 31, 2005, the maturity date of the Senior Credit
Facility. Our Senior Notes mature in March 2007. Therefore, a downturn in our
business could limit our ability to make payments to satisfy our debt
obligations. The following chart sets forth certain important information
regarding our capitalization and is presented as of or for the year ended
November 1, 2002:
Total indebtedness....................................... $ 127,157,000
Shareholder's equity..................................... $ 2,563,000
Total capitalization..................................... $ 129,720,000
Debt to total capitalization............................. 98%
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges for the year ended
November 1, 2002....................................... 1.05 to 1
Our indebtedness could:
o Increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic conditions and
the seasonality of the skiing and recreational industries;
o Limit our ability to use operating cash flow in other areas of our
business because we must dedicate a substantial portion of these funds
to payments on our existing indebtedness;
o Limit our ability to obtain other financing to fund future working
capital needs, acquisitions, capital expenditures and other general
corporate requirements;
o Limit our ability to take advantage of business opportunities as a
result of various restrictive covenants in our principal debt
agreements; and
o Place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors
that have less debt.
Our Indenture and Senior Credit Facility restrict our operations.
As customary in similar agreements, the Indenture governing the Senior
Notes and the agreements governing the Senior Credit Facility restrict our
ability to, among other things:
o Sell or transfer assets;
o Incur additional indebtedness;
o Make certain investments or acquisitions;
o Make capital expenditures; and
o Engage in certain transactions with affiliates.
As a result of these restrictions, the Company may not be able to engage in
certain transactions which management believes would be beneficial to the
Company and its results of operations.
We are structured as a holding company and have no assets other than the common
stock of our subsidiaries.
We are a holding company and our ability to pay principal and interest on
debt will be dependent upon the receipt of dividends and other distributions, or
the payment of principal and interest on intercompany borrowings, from our
subsidiaries. We do not have, and we do not expect in the future to have, any
material assets other than the common stock of our direct and indirect
subsidiaries. The breach of any of the conditions or provisions under the
documents governing the indebtedness of subsidiaries could result in a default
which in turn could accelerate the maturity of a debt. If the maturity of debt
were accelerated, the indebtedness would be required to be paid in full before
the subsidiary would be permitted to distribute any assets to the parent
company. There can be no assurance that our assets or those of our subsidiaries
would be sufficient to repay all of our outstanding debt.
34
Regional and national economic conditions could adversely affect our results of
operations.
The skiing industry is cyclical in nature and is particularly vulnerable to
shifts in regional and national economic conditions. Skiing is a discretionary
recreational activity entailing relatively high costs of participation, and
negative conditions or developments in the regional or national economies where
we operate could adversely impact our skier visits and our real estate and other
revenues. Accordingly, our financial condition, particularly in light of our
highly leveraged position, could be adversely affected by any weakening of the
national economy or in the regional economies in which we operate.
Our business is highly seasonal and unfavorable weather conditions can
significantly affect our business.
Ski resort operations are highly seasonal. Over the last two fiscal years,
we have realized an average of approximately 93% of our resort operations
revenues and all of our operating income during our first and second quarters.
Further, a significant portion of resort operations revenue was generated during
the Christmas and Presidents' Day vacation weeks and other winter holiday
periods. In addition, our resorts typically experience operating losses and
negative cash flows during our third and fourth quarters. During the third and
fourth quarters in 2002, for example, we had operating losses aggregating
approximately $21,000,000 and negative cash flow from operations aggregating
approximately $11,400,000.
A high degree of seasonality in our revenues increases the impact of
certain events on our operating results. Adverse weather conditions, access
route closures, equipment and power failures, and other developments of even
moderate or limited duration occurring during our peak business periods could
significantly reduce our revenues. Adverse weather conditions can also increase
power and other operating costs associated with snowmaking or could render
snowmaking wholly or partially ineffective in maintaining quality skiing
conditions. Furthermore, unfavorable weather conditions, regardless of actual
skiing conditions, can result in decreased skier visits.
We operate in a highly competitive industry which makes maintaining our customer
base a difficult task.
The ski industry is highly competitive and capital intensive. Our
competitors include major ski resort operators in the western and northeastern
United States as well as other worldwide recreation resorts, including warm
weather resorts and various alternative leisure activities. Our competitive
position depends on a number of factors, such as our proximity to population
centers, the availability and cost of transportation to and within a resort,
natural snowfall, the quality and coverage of snowmaking operations, resort
size, the attractiveness of terrain, lift ticket prices, prevailing weather
conditions, the appeal of related services, the quality and the availability of
lodging facilities and resort reputation. Some of our competitors may have
greater competitive position and relative ability to withstand adverse
developments, as well as greater financial resources than we do. Increased
competition in the areas in which we operate or in general leisure activities
could negatively affect our results of operations.
A significant portion of our ski resorts are operated under leases or Forest
Service permits.
We lease a significant portion of the land underlying certain of our ski
resorts or use them pursuant to licenses from governmental and private entities.
If any of these arrangements were terminated or not renewed upon expiration, or
renewed on terms materially less favorable to us, our ability to possess and use
the land would be impaired. A substantial portion of the skiable terrain at our
resorts is federal land that is used under the terms of permits with the Forest
Service. The permits give the Forest Service the right to review and comment on
the location, design and construction of improvements in the permit area and on
certain other operational matters. Also, any future expansion on our part could
require an amendment of these permits, which may involve additional review under
the federal National Environmental Policy Act or other federal, state or local
environmental laws and the imposition of additional conditions and requirements.
The permits can also be terminated or modified by the Forest Service to serve
the public interest or in the event we fail to perform any of our obligations
under the permits. Any additional conditions and requirements under these
permits or the termination or non-renewal or modification of any of them could
negatively affect our results of operations.
Our business is subject to significant environmental and land use regulation.
We are subject to a wide variety of federal, state and local laws and
regulations relating to land use and development and to environmental compliance
and permitting obligations, including those related to the use, storage,
discharge, emission and disposal of hazardous materials. Any failure to comply
with these laws could result in capital or operating expenditures or the
imposition of severe penalties or restrictions on our operations that could
adversely affect our present and future resort operations. In addition, these
laws and regulations could change in a manner that materially and adversely
affects our ability to conduct our business or to implement desired expansions
and improvements to our facilities.
35
Our business is reliant upon the availability and cost of adequate energy
resources.
Our operations are heavily dependent upon our ability to obtain adequate
supplies of energy on favorable terms. The operations of our lodge facilities,
ski lifts, snowmaking equipment and other facilities at our resorts require
substantial amounts of energy. Each of our resorts obtains energy from local
energy suppliers. In recent years, California, where two of our resorts are
located, has experienced power outages and significant volatility in energy
costs. Any significant impairment in our ability to obtain adequate energy
resources to operate our resorts or any material increase in our energy costs
would negatively affect our business and results of operations.
A disruption in our water supply would impact our snowmaking capabilities and
impact our operations.
Our operations are heavily dependent upon our ability, under applicable
federal, state and local laws, regulations, policies, permits, and licenses or
contractual arrangements, including leases, reservations in deeds, easements and
rights-of-way, to have access to adequate supplies of water with which to make
snow and service the other needs of our facilities, and otherwise conduct our
operations. There can be no assurance that existing laws, regulations and
policies, or changes in such laws, regulations and policies will not have an
adverse effect on our access to or use of our water supply. In addition, there
can be no assurances that important permits, licenses or agreements will be
renewed, not be cancelled, expire or renewed on terms no less favorable to us.
Any failure to have access to adequate water supplies to support our current
operations and anticipated expansion would have a material adverse effect on our
business and operating results.
In addition, our rights to use various water sources on or about our
properties may be also subject to significant restrictions or the rights of
other riparian users and the public generally. For example, Waterville Valley's
snowmaking equipment is presently dependent on a single source of water that is
inconsistent during the winter months and Loon Mountain's snowmaking operations
and proposed expansion onto South Mountain have historically been the subject of
litigation and regulatory proceedings. Any additional restrictions or negative
determinations in this area could have a material adverse effect on our business
and operating results.
Acts of terrorism could have an adverse effect on tourism and the availability
of air travel and could decrease customer traffic to our resorts.
Acts of terrorism, including the ongoing effects of the September 11, 2001
terrorist attacks, on potential customers' propensity to travel to our resorts
is unclear. If these events and the continued economic slowdown were to depress
the public's propensity to take vacations requiring air travel, it could have an
adverse effect on our results of operations. Our Northstar resort in particular
is partially dependent on customers arriving by air transportation, and any
significant disruption in the public's willingness or ability to travel by air
could adversely impact our results of operations.
We may not be able to repurchase the Senior Notes upon a change of control.
Upon a change of control (as defined in the Indenture governing the Senior
Notes), we will be required to make an offer to repurchase all of the
outstanding Senior Notes at 101% of their principal amount plus accrued and
unpaid interest up to, but not including, the date of repurchase. The source of
funds for such purchase would be our available cash or third-party financing.
However, there can be no assurance that we will have enough available funds, or
be able to enter into satisfactory financing arrangements, at the time of any
change of control to make the required repurchases of tendered notes.
The loss of any of our executive officers or key personnel would harm our
business.
Our success depends to a significant extent upon the performance and
continued service of various key management and operational personnel. Certain
of the Company's executive officers are parties to long-term employment
agreements which expire within one year. The loss of the services of these or
other key personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business and
operations.
36
Recent Trends and Outlook
The Company's ski operations are highly sensitive to weather conditions and
the overall strength of the national economy and the regional economies in which
the Company operates. Recent trends affecting the Company's early season results
for the 2002/03 ski season include the following:
o The opening dates for the Company's resorts for the 2002/03 ski season
were as follows:
Northstar................................. November 22, 2002
Sierra.................................... December 16, 2002
Waterville Valley......................... November 22, 2002
Mt. Cranmore............................. November 29, 2002
Loon Mountain............................. November 15, 2002
The Summit............................... December 27, 2002
o The Lake Tahoe region experienced relatively dry conditions and a lack
of natural snowfall through mid-December 2002. During the period of
December 14th to the 21st, the region received a number of powerful
storms resulting in over six feet of snowfall at Northstar and Sierra.
While the storms provided excellent skiing conditions for the
Christmas holiday season, the storms caused prolonged power outages
prior to Christmas, difficult road conditions and other factors which
negatively affected skier visitation for the Company's Lake Tahoe
resorts on a number of days during mid-December 2002.
o During the early part of the 2002/03 ski season, the northeastern
United States experienced generally colder temperatures and increased
snowfall as compared to the record warm winter of 2001/02. As a
result, the Company's New Hampshire resorts have experienced generally
good operating conditions for the early part of the 2002/03 ski
season.
o From the opening of the 2002/03 ski season through late January 2003,
the Pacific Northwest has experienced unseasonably warm temperatures
and below average snowfall. The Company's Summit resort commenced
partial operations on December 27, 2002, as compared to a November 30,
2001 opening for the 2001/02 ski season. Further, conditions at the
Summit were generally favorable throughout the 2001/02 ski season. The
difficult early season conditions at the Summit during the 2002/03 ski
season have negatively affected early season skier visitation to a
significant extent as compared to the 2001/02 season.
o A meaningful portion of the Company's customer base is comprised of
committed season pass holders. Through mid-January 2003, the Company's
2002/03 season pass sales were approximately 27% higher than the total
level of season passes sold for the 2001/02 ski season. A portion of
the increase is attributable to the introduction of new pass products
which could reduce sales of other lift ticket products.
o The impact of the relatively weak United States economy on the
Company's business is not presently determinable. Although,
historically, economic downturns have not had a material adverse
effect on the ski industry in general, there can be no assurance that
the current economic downturn will not have a material adverse effect
on the Company's results of operations. See "- Risk Factors - Regional
and national economic conditions could adversely affect our results of
operations."
Forward-Looking Statements
Except for historical matters, the matters discussed in Part II, Item 7.
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations" and elsewhere in this Report are forward-looking statements that
involve risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements are made
pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995. The reader can identify these statements by forward-looking
words such as "may," "will," "expect," "plan," "intend," "anticipate,"
"believe," "estimate," and "continue" or similar words. Forward-looking
statements are based on management's current views and assumptions and involve
risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect the Company's business
and expected operating results. The Company wishes to caution the reader that
certain factors, including those described below, could significantly and
materially affect the Company's actual results, causing results to differ
materially from those in any forward-looking statement. These factors include,
but are not limited to:
37
o Uncertainty as to future financial results,
o The substantial leverage and liquidity constraints of the Company,
o Significant operating restrictions under the Company's debt
agreements,
o The capital intensive nature of development of the Company's ski
resorts,
o Uncertainties associated with obtaining financing for future real
estate projects and to undertake future capital improvements,
o Uncertainties regarding the timing and success of our real estate
development projects and their ultimate impact on our operating
results,
o Demand for and costs associated with real estate development,
o The discretionary nature of consumers' spending for skiing and resort
real estate,
o Regional and national economic conditions,
o Weather conditions,
o Negative demand for our services and products resulting from potential
terrorism threats,
o Availability and cost of commercial air service,
o The threat or commencement of wars,
o Availability and terms of insurance coverage, as well as increases in
the cost of insurance coverage,
o Natural disasters (such as earthquakes and floods),
o Competition and pricing pressures,
o Governmental regulation and litigation and other risks associated with
expansion and development,
o The adequacy of the water supplies at each of the Company's resorts,
o Availability of adequate energy supplies for the operation of the
Company's resorts, including snowmaking operations, and volatility in
the prices charged for energy and fuel, and
o The occupancy of leased property and property used pursuant to the
United States Forest Service permits,
o Other factors identified under "- Risk Factors" above.
Item 7a. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
The Company's market risk sensitive instruments do not subject the Company
to material market risk exposures, except for risks related to interest rate
fluctuations. As of November 1, 2002, the Company had debt outstanding
(including under the Revolving Credit Facility) with a carrying value of
$127,157,000 and an estimated fair value of approximately $119,000,000.
Fixed interest rate debt outstanding as of November 1, 2002, which excludes
borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility, was $100,912,000, carried an
average interest rate of approximately 12.3%, and matures as follows (in
thousands):
Year Ending October
------------------------------------------------
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Total
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- -----
Senior Notes (a) $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 96,175 $ 96,175
Other Debt 1,717 2,173 721 98 28 4,737
------- ------- ------- ------ -------- ---------
$ 1,717 $ 2,173 $ 721 $ 98 $ 96,203 $ 100,912
======= ======= ======= ====== ======== =========
(a) In November and December 2002, the Company repurchased $16,000,000
aggregate principal amount of its Senior Notes due March 15, 2007 for
$15,080,000.
The amount of borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility and Term
Facility as of November 1, 2002 were $1,245,000 and $25,000,000, respectively.
For purposes of calculating interest, borrowings under the Senior Credit
Facility can be, at the election of the Company, Base Rate Loans or LIBOR Rate
Loans or a combination thereof. Base Rate Loans bear interest at the sum of (a)
the higher of (i) Agent's prime rate or (ii) the federal funds rate plus .5%
plus (b) a margin of 1.5%. LIBOR Rate Loans bear interest at the LIBOR rate plus
a margin of 4%. Borrowings outstanding under the Term Facility as of November 1,
2002 bore interest at an annual rate of 6.8% pursuant to the LIBOR rate option.
Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility as of November 1, 2002 bore
interest at an annual rate of 6.25% pursuant to the base rate option.
38
The Company has entered into two interest rate cap agreements for an
aggregate notional amount of $15,000,000 through July 15, 2005, declining to
$14,000,000 through October 31, 2005. These interest rate cap agreements are
designed to limit the Company's exposure to the effects of rising interest rates
with respect to borrowings outstanding under the Term Facility. In exchange for
upfront payments of $179,000, the Company will receive floating rate payments
from the counterparties to the interest rate cap agreements during those periods
in which the three month LIBOR rate exceeds 6%.
A 100 basis point increase or decrease in interest rates would have an
immaterial effect on the Company's future pretax earnings and cash flows.
For further information regarding the Company's indebtedness, see Part II,
Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations" and Note 5 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
The financial statements and supplementary financial information that are
required to be included pursuant to this Item 8 are listed in Item 15 of this
Report under the caption "(a)1." and follow Item 15. The financial statements
and supplementary financial information specifically referenced in such list are
incorporated in this Item 8 by reference.
Item 9. Changes In and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and
Financial Disclosure
None.
39
PART III
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
Directors, Executive Officers and Key Employees
The following table sets forth information with respect to the directors,
executive officers and other key employees of the Company and Booth Creek Ski
Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Parent"), of which the Company is a
wholly-owned subsidiary.
Name Age Position
George N. Gillett, Jr....... 64 Chairman of the Board of Directors; Chief
Executive Officer, Assistant Secretary, and
Director of the Company and Parent
Christopher P. Ryman........ 51 President, Chief Operating Officer and
Assistant Secretary of the Company, and
President and Assistant Secretary of Parent
Elizabeth J. Cole........... 42 Executive Vice President, Chief Financial
Officer, Treasurer and Assistant Secretary
of the Company and Parent
Timothy H. Beck............. 52 Executive Vice President, Planning of the
Company
Brian J. Pope............... 40 Vice President of Accounting and Finance,
Assistant Treasurer and Assistant Secretary
of the Company, and Vice President and
Assistant Secretary of Parent
David G. Corbin............. 50 Vice President of Resort Development of
the Company
Ross D. Agre................ 34 Vice President and General Counsel and
Secretary of the Company and Parent
Julianne Maurer............. 46 Vice President of Marketing and Sales of
the Company
Susan L. Tjossem............ 49 Vice President Guest Experience and Product
Development of the Company
Mark St. J. Petrozzi........ 43 Vice President of Risk Management of the
Company
Laura B. Moriarty........... 47 Vice President of Human Resources of the
Company
Gary M. Pelletier........... 41 Director of the Company and Parent
Dean C. Kehler.............. 46 Director of the Company and Parent
Edward Levy................. 39 Director of the Company and Parent
Timothy Silva............... 51 General Manager - Northstar
John A. Rice................ 47 General Manager - Sierra
Thomas H. Day............... 48 General Manager - Waterville Valley
Ted M. Austin............... 42 General Manager - Mt. Cranmore
Rick F. Kelley.............. 47 General Manager - Loon Mountain
Dan Brewster................ 42 General Manager - Summit
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
George N. Gillett, Jr. Mr. Gillett has been the Chairman of the Board of
Directors of the Company since its formation in October 1996 and Chief Executive
Officer since October 1997. Mr. Gillett has been Chairman, Chief Executive
Officer and President since December 1999 of Booth Creek Management Corporation
(formerly Booth Creek, Inc.), which oversees Mr. Gillett's family business
interests and provides certain management services to the Company. Since July
2001, Mr. Gillett has been Chairman of Club de Hockey Canadien, Inc., which owns
and operates the Montreal Canadiens hockey team, and has been the managing
general partner of the entity that owns and operates the Centre Bell stadium in
Montreal. Mr. Gillett has been Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since June
2000 of GT Acquisition I, LLC, which acquired the Grand Targhee Ski and Summer
Resort from the Company in 2000. In addition, Mr. Gillett has served in various
capacities in several privately held companies engaged in the processing and
marketing of meat and poultry products, including as Chairman of Packerland
Packing Company, Inc. from August 1994 to July 2001, as Chairman of Corporate
Brand Foods America, Inc. from January 1997 to February 2000, as Chairman since
September 2002 of Swift Foods Company, as Vice Chairman since January 2001 of
Petaluma Holdings, LLC and as Vice Chairman since March 2002 of KDSB Holdings,
LLC. Mr. Gillett has also served as Chairman since May 1997 of Northland
Holdings, Inc., a company engaged in marine transportation, and as Chairman and
President since January 2001 of GNBC Holdings Corp., a producer of landscaping
and gardening products.
40
Christopher P. Ryman. Mr. Ryman became President, Chief Operating Officer
and Assistant Secretary of the Company in May 1998. Mr. Ryman was Chief
Operating Officer and Senior Vice President of Vail Associates, Inc. from 1995
to May 1998. Prior to that time, from 1992 to 1995, he was Senior Vice President
of Mountain Operations at Vail Associates, Inc.
Elizabeth J. Cole. Ms. Cole has held the positions of Executive Vice
President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Company since May 1998.
Ms. Cole also held the position of Secretary of the Company from May 1998 until
October 2001, at which time she was appointed Assistant Secretary. From May 1995
until May 1998, Ms. Cole worked at Vail Associates, Inc., with her most recent
position there being that of Vice President, Business Development. Prior to this
time Ms. Cole was affiliated with Aurora Capital Partners, a private equity
fund. During her employment with Aurora Capital Partners, she served as the
Chief Financial Officer of Petrowax PA, Inc., a manufacturer of petroleum waxes.
Timothy H. Beck. Mr. Beck has held the position of Executive Vice
President, Planning of the Company since July 1997. Prior to this time he served
as President of Sno-engineering, Inc., a leading ski resort and real estate
consulting and appraisal firm, since January 1991.
Brian J. Pope. Mr. Pope has held the position of Vice President of
Accounting and Finance of the Company since August 1998. In December 1998, Mr.
Pope was also named to the positions of Assistant Treasurer and Assistant
Secretary of the Company. Prior to August 1998, he served as Senior Manager in
the Assurance and Advisory Business Services unit of Ernst & Young LLP.
David G. Corbin. Mr. Corbin became the Vice President of Resort Development
of the Company in August 2000. Prior to this time, he served as a Vice President
with Vail Resorts Development Company since 1993.
Ross D. Agre. Mr. Agre has held the position of Vice President and General
Counsel of the Company since September 2001. In October 2001, Mr. Agre was also
named Secretary of the Company. From October 1994 to August 2001, Mr. Agre was
associated with the law firm of Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy LLP, and was
principally involved in the practice of corporate law.
Julianne Maurer. Ms. Maurer has held the position of Vice President of
Marketing and Sales of the Company since December 1996. Prior to this time she
served as Director of Marketing of the Fibreboard Resort Group as well as
Director of Marketing for Northstar.
Susan L. Tjossem. Ms. Tjossem has held the position of Vice President Guest
Experience and Product Development of the Company since March 2002. Prior to
this time, Ms. Tjossem served in a variety of positions with the Vail and Beaver
Creek resorts since 1975, including most recently Vice President Sports and
Recreational Services and Senior Managing Director Sports and Recreational
Services.
Mark St. J. Petrozzi. Mr. Petrozzi has held the position of Vice President
of Risk Management of the Company since January 1998. Between July 1988 and
January 1998, Mr. Petrozzi held various management positions with Willis
Corroon, a national insurance brokerage and consulting firm.
Laura B. Moriarty. Ms. Moriarty has held the position of Vice President of
Human Resources of the Company since September 1997. Prior to this time, Ms.
Moriarty was the Training Development Director at Harvey's Resort Casino since
October 1994.
41
Gary M. Pelletier. Mr. Pelletier has been a director of the Company since
October 2001. Mr. Pelletier has been with John Hancock Life Insurance Company
("John Hancock") since June 2001 and currently serves as a Managing Director
with the Bond and Corporate Finance Group. Mr. Pelletier is responsible for a
portfolio of investments specializing in media, entertainment and recreational
related businesses, and has investment responsibilities with respect to Hancock
Mezzanine Partners L.P., a shareholder of Parent. Prior to June 2001, Mr.
Pelletier was employed by State Street Corporation since 1987, and most recently
was in charge of Global Fixed Income Credit Research for State Street Advisors,
the asset management arm of State Street Corporation.
Dean C. Kehler. Mr. Kehler has been a director of the Company since July
1999. Mr. Kehler is a Vice Chairman of CIBC World Markets Corp. (an affiliate of
CIBC WG Argosy Merchant Fund 2, L.L.C. - the "CIBC Merchant Fund"), co-head of
CIBC World Markets High Yield Merchant Banking Funds, and a member of CIBC World
Markets Corp.'s Executive Board, U.S. Management Committee and Investment
Committee, and has investment responsibilities with respect to the CIBC Merchant
Fund and the Co-Investment Merchant Fund, LLC (the "Co-Investment Fund"). The
CIBC Merchant Fund and the Co-Investment Fund are shareholders of Parent. Mr.
Kehler is also a founder of Trimaran Capital Partners, a private asset
management firm which manages private equity funds and a portfolio of structured
investment funds. Prior to joining CIBC World Markets Corp., Mr. Kehler was a
Managing Director of Argosy Group L.P., an investment banking firm, from
February 1990 to August 1995. Mr. Kehler serves as a director of inviva, Inc.
and PrimeCo Wireless Communications, LLC.
Edward Levy. Mr. Levy has been a director of the Company since July 1999.
Mr. Levy has been a Managing Director of CIBC World Markets Corp. (an affiliate
of CIBC Merchant Fund and the Co-Investment Fund) since August 1995, and co-head
of CIBC World Markets Corp.'s Leveraged Finance Group since June 2001, and has
investment responsibilities with respect to the CIBC Merchant Fund and the
Co-Investment Fund. From February 1990 to August 1995, Mr. Levy was a Managing
Director of Argosy Group, L.P., an investment banking firm. Mr. Levy is also a
director of Norcross Safety Products.
Timothy Silva. Mr. Silva has been the General Manager of Northstar since
January 1995. Prior to this time, he served as Director of Operations of
Northstar, since February 1992.
John A. Rice. Mr. Rice has been the General Manager of Sierra since July
1993. Prior to this time he served as Vice President of Administration of Bear
Mountain, Ltd. (the predecessor of Bear Mountain, Inc.) since July 1988.
Thomas H. Day. Mr. Day has been the General Manager of Waterville Valley
since May 1997. Prior to this time, he served as Mountain Manager of Waterville
Valley since 1986.
Ted M. Austin. Mr. Austin became the General Manager of Mt. Cranmore in
September 1997. Prior to this time, he served as Director of Marketing at Sierra
since August 1993.
Rick F. Kelley. Mr. Kelley became the General Manager of Loon Mountain in
March 1998. Prior to this time, he served as Manager of Operations, Director of
Mountain Operations, Director of Skiing Operations, Director of Technical
Operations and Director of Maintenance Operations as well as serving in a
variety of other positions at Loon Mountain since 1978.
Dan Brewster. Mr. Brewster became the General Manager of the Summit in
September 2000. Prior to this time, he served in a variety of other positions at
the Summit since 1979, including Director of Operations, Director of Planning
and Development, Vice President of Ski Lifts, Inc. (the owner and operator of
the Summit) and Director of Human Resources.
Board of Directors
All directors of Booth Creek and Parent hold office until the respective
annual meeting of stockholders next following their election, or until their
successors are elected and qualified. On October 4, 2002, George N. Gillett,
Jr., Gary M. Pelletier, Dean C. Kehler and Edward Levy were re-elected to serve
as members of the Board of Directors of Parent and the Company, and George N.
Gillett, Jr. was re-appointed as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the
Company. See Part III, Item 13. "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
- - Stockholders Agreements."
42
During the year ended November 1, 2002 and as of the date of this Report,
neither the Board of Directors of Booth Creek nor Parent had any committees,
including any audit committee. All decisions relating to the selection,
compensation and oversight of the Company's independent auditors are made by the
Company's Board of Directors.
Code of Ethics
Effective January 14, 2003, the Company adopted a Code of Business Conduct
and Ethics applicable to its Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief
Operating Officer, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and Vice
President of Accounting and Finance. The Company's Code of Business Conduct and
Ethics has been filed as an exhibit to this Report.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Compensation of Executive Officers
The following table sets forth the compensation paid by Booth Creek to (i)
its Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer and (ii) each of the four
most highly compensated executive officers of the Company in fiscal 2002
(collectively, the "Named Executives"), for services rendered in all capacities
to the Company during the periods indicated.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
Long-Term
Annual Compensation Compensation
----------------------- ------------
Other Restricted All
Annual Stock Other
Salary Bonus Comp. Awards Compen-
Name and Principal Position Year ($) ($) ($)(1) ($)(2) sation($)
- --------------------------- --- ------ ------ --------- -------- ---------
George N. Gillett, Jr.... 2002 - - - - -
Chairman of the Board, 2001 - - - - -
Chief Executive Officer 2000 - - - - -
and Director (3)
Christopher P. Ryman..... 2002 335,000 175,000 - - 16,425 (4)
President, Chief 2001 335,000 167,500 - 11,536 11,026 (5)
Operating Officer and 2000 315,000 315,000 - - 11,032 (6)
Assistant Secretary
Elizabeth J. Cole........ 2002 275,000 175,000 - - 14,388 (7)
Executive Vice President, 2001 275,000 165,000 - 11,536 10,447 (8)
Chief Financial Officer, 2000 250,000 250,000 - - 7,720 (9)
Treasurer and Secretary
Timothy H. Beck.......... 2002 195,000 70,000 - - 12,855(10)
Executive Vice 2001 195,000 78,000 - 1,960 8,668(11)
President, Planning 2000 185,000 110,000 - - 6,568(12)
Brian J. Pope............ 2002 185,000 95,000 - - 9,742(13)
Vice President of 2001 185,000 95,000 - 2,800 7,995(14)
Accounting and 2000 165,000 110,000 - - 5,997(14)
Finance, Assistant
Treasurer,
Assistant Secretary
- --------------------------
(1) Each person's other annual compensation is below the threshold required to
be disclosed under the applicable rules of the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
43
(2) The amounts disclosed in this column reflect the dollar values of
restricted shares granted during fiscal 2001 pursuant to Parent's 2001
Incentive Stock Plan. The total number of restricted shares held by the
Named Executives and their aggregate market value as of November 1, 2002
were as follows: Christopher P. Ryman, 824 shares valued at $11,536;
Elizabeth J. Cole, 824 shares valued at $11,536; Timothy H. Beck, 140
shares valued at $1,960; and Brian J. Pope, 200 shares valued at $2,800.
(3) Mr. Gillett is the sole shareholder, sole director and Chief Executive
Officer of Booth Creek Management Corporation which, pursuant to the
Management Agreement (as defined below), provides the Company with
management services. See Part III, Item 13. "Certain Relationships and
Related Transactions - Management Agreement with Booth Creek Management
Corporation."
(4) Consists of a 401(k) matching contribution of $9,742, term life insurance
premiums of $1,463 and excess disability premiums of $5,220.
(5) Consists of a 401(k) matching contribution of $8,838 and term life
insurance premiums of $2,188.
(6) Consists of a 401(k) matching contribution of $7,087 and term life
insurance premiums of $3,945.
(7) Consists of a 401(k) matching contribution of $8,427, term life insurance
premiums of $3,615 and excess disability premiums of $2,346.
(8) Consists of a 401(k) matching contribution of $8,352 and term life
insurance premiums of $2,095.
(9) Consists of a 401(k) matching contribution of $5,625 and term life
insurance premiums of $2,095.
(10) Consists of a 401(k) matching contribution of $7,202, term life insurance
premiums of $1,765 and excess disability premiums of $3,888.
(11) Consists of a 401(k) matching contribution of $6,903 and term life
insurance premiums of $1,765.
(12) Consists of a 401(k) matching contribution of $4,803 and term life
insurance premiums of $1,765.
(13) Consists of a 401(k) matching contribution of $7,814 and excess disability
premiums of $1,928.
(14) Consists of a 401(k) matching contribution.
Parent 2001 Stock Incentive Plan
Parent has established the Booth Creek Ski Group, Inc. 2001 Stock Incentive
Plan (the "Parent 2001 Stock Incentive Plan"), pursuant to which various forms
of stock awards with respect to a maximum of 2,473 shares of Parent's Class B
Common Stock may be granted. In connection with the adoption of the Parent 2001
Stock Incentive Plan, Parent's 1997 stock option plan was terminated. Stock
awards may be granted under the Parent 2001 Stock Incentive Plan to employees
and independent contractors of Parent and Parent-controlled businesses,
including the Company, at the discretion of the Board of Directors of Parent.
Under the Parent 2001 Stock Incentive Plan, Parent entered into restricted
stock arrangements with Christopher P. Ryman, Elizabeth J. Cole, Timothy H. Beck
and Brian J. Pope (each a "Holder") which provided for the issuance of 824, 824,
140 and 200 restricted shares, respectively. Each Holder was vested with respect
to 80% of the shares on November 1, 2002, and will vest with respect to the
remaining 20% of the related shares on November 1, 2003. Holders are entitled to
receive dividends on restricted shares to the same extent as holders of
unrestricted shares. After vesting of the restricted stock, Holders are also
entitled to deferred compensation from Parent pursuant to a specified formula,
which is paid upon sale of their shares or under certain other circumstances.
Employment and Other Agreements
Christopher P. Ryman
The Company and Parent are parties to an employment agreement, as amended
and restated, with Christopher P. Ryman, President and Chief Operating Officer
of the Company and Parent. Mr. Ryman's employment under such agreement commenced
on May 1, 2000, and the agreement is scheduled to expire on October 31, 2003,
unless sooner terminated. For the year ended November 1, 2002, Mr. Ryman
received a base salary of $335,000 from the Company, which is subject to annual
review and increase as Mr. Ryman and the Company may agree. The agreement
provides that the Company's Board of Directors will establish reasonable
performance incentive goals for Mr. Ryman for each fiscal year, with a bonus
target of 50% of his base salary if such goals are obtained. Mr. Ryman is also
eligible for separate incentive compensation from Parent. Under the terms of his
employment agreement, Mr. Ryman is eligible to participate in the health,
44
disability and retirement plans offered to executives of the Company, at
participation levels and with benefits not less favorable than those provided to
the plans' respective highest ranking participants. In addition, Mr. Ryman is
entitled to certain supplemental disability and life insurance benefits. Mr.
Ryman and a designee of his choice are eligible for certain membership benefits
in clubs owned or controlled by the Company or its affiliates, or clubs in which
the Company or its affiliates may have an interest, as further described in the
employment agreement. The employment agreement also provides that the Company
shall convey to Mr. Ryman a single family lot from two alternative sites at the
Northstar resort. Further, the Company and Parent are required to reimburse Mr.
Ryman for all reasonable and necessary expenses incurred by him in the discharge
of his duties and have agreed to indemnify him to the maximum extent permitted
by Delaware law. In the event that the Company requires Mr. Ryman to relocate
his residence, the employment agreement provides that the Company and Mr. Ryman
shall agree upon a reasonable relocation package.
In accordance with Mr. Ryman's employment agreement, Parent has issued to
Mr. Ryman 824 shares of its Class B Common Stock in the form of restricted
stock. The employment agreement further provides that portions of the restricted
stock will be forfeitable under certain circumstances. The restricted stock is
subject to a stockholders agreement. See Part III, Item 13. "Certain
Relationships and Related Transactions - Stockholders Agreements."
Under the terms of his employment agreement, Mr. Ryman's employment may be
terminated prior to October 31, 2003 upon:
o His death or disability,
o Notice from the Company or Parent for cause (as described in his
agreement),
o Notice from the Company or Parent of termination other than for cause,
o 60 days' prior notice from Mr. Ryman given within six months from the
date that the CIBC Merchant Fund and John Hancock and their respective
affiliates together own beneficially capital stock of Parent entitling
them to cast less than a majority of the votes entitled to be cast on
any matter upon which a holder of a share of stock of a Delaware
corporation of which only one class of stock is outstanding would be
entitled to vote, treating any Parent outstanding nonvoting stock that
is convertible into Parent voting stock as if it had been so
converted, or
o 30 days' prior notice from Mr. Ryman given within two months of the
date on which his duties and authority having been materially reduced
from those existing on May 1, 2000, unless such duties and authority
are restored within a 30 day period.
In the event Mr. Ryman's employment shall be terminated pursuant to the
last three items described above, the Company will provide Mr. Ryman with a
payment equal to one and one-half times his base salary, and provide
continuation of insurance benefits until the earlier of (a) 18 months, or (b)
the date on which Mr. Ryman becomes eligible for comparable health, disability
and life insurance benefits from new employment. During the term of his
employment and for certain specified periods thereafter, Mr. Ryman will be
subject to provisions prohibiting (1) his competition with the Company and
Parent, (2) solicitation of certain of Parent or Company management personnel,
(3) diversion of Parent or Company vendors, customers or others doing business
with Parent or the Company, and (4) disparaging Parent, the Company or any of
their personnel or revealing any information that might impair the reputation or
goodwill of Parent, the Company or their personnel. Mr. Ryman's employment
agreement also contains provisions relating to non-disclosure of certain
confidential information of Parent and the Company (as described in the
agreement).
Elizabeth J. Cole
The Company and Parent are parties to an employment agreement, as amended
and restated, with Elizabeth J. Cole, Executive Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer of the Company and Parent. Ms. Cole's employment under such
agreement commenced on May 1, 2000, and the agreement is scheduled to expire on
October 31, 2003, unless sooner terminated. For the year ended November 1, 2002,
Ms. Cole received a base salary of $275,000 from the Company, which is subject
to annual review and increase as Ms. Cole and the Company may agree. The
agreement provides that the Company's Board of Directors will establish
reasonable performance incentive goals for Ms. Cole for each fiscal year, with a
bonus target of 50% of her base salary if such goals are obtained. Ms. Cole is
also eligible for separate incentive compensation from Parent. Under the terms
of her employment agreement, Ms. Cole is eligible to participate in the health,
disability and retirement plans offered to executives of the Company, at
participation levels and with benefits not less favorable than those provided to
the plans' respective highest ranking participants. In addition, Ms. Cole is
45
entitled to certain supplemental disability and life insurance benefits. Ms.
Cole and a designee of her choice are eligible for certain membership benefits
in clubs owned or controlled by the Company or its affiliates, or clubs in which
the Company or its affiliates may have an interest, as further described in the
employment agreement. The employment agreement also provides that the Company
shall convey to Ms. Cole a single family lot from two alternative sites at the
Northstar resort. Further, the Company and Parent reimburse Ms. Cole for all
reasonable and necessary expenses incurred by her in the discharge of her duties
and have agreed to indemnify her to the maximum extent permitted by Delaware
law. In the event that the Company requires Ms. Cole to relocate her residence,
the employment agreement provides that the Company and Ms. Cole shall agree upon
a reasonable relocation package.
In accordance with Ms. Cole's employment agreement, Parent has issued to
Ms. Cole 824 shares of its Class B Common Stock in the form of restricted stock.
The employment agreement further provides that portions of the restricted stock
will be forfeitable under certain circumstances. The restricted stock is subject
to a stockholders agreement. See Part III, Item 13. "Certain Relationships and
Related Transactions - Stockholders Agreements."
Under the terms of her employment agreement, Ms. Cole's employment may be
terminated prior to October 31, 2003 upon:
o Her death or disability,
o Notice from the Company or Parent for cause (as described in her
agreement),
o Notice from the Company or Parent of termination other than for cause,
o 60 days' prior notice from Ms. Cole given within six months from the
date that the CIBC Merchant Fund and John Hancock and their respective
affiliates together own beneficially capital stock of Parent entitling
them to cast less than a majority of the votes entitled to be cast on
any matter upon which a holder of a share of stock of a Delaware
corporation of which only one class of stock is outstanding would be
entitled to vote, treating any Parent outstanding nonvoting stock that
is convertible into Parent voting stock as if it had been so
converted, or
o 30 days' prior notice from Ms. Cole given within two months of the
date on which her duties and authority having been materially reduced
from those existing on May 1, 2000, unless such duties and authority
are restored within a 30 day period.
In the event Ms. Cole's employment shall be terminated pursuant to the last
three items described above, the Company will provide Ms. Cole with a payment
equal to one and one-half times her base salary, and provide continuation of
insurance benefits until the earlier of (a) 18 months, or (b) Ms. Cole becomes
eligible for comparable health, disability and life insurance benefits from new
employment. During the term of her employment and for certain specified periods
thereafter, Ms. Cole will be subject to provisions prohibiting (1) her
competition with the Company or Parent, (2) solicitation of certain of Parent or
Company management personnel, (3) diversion of Parent or Company vendors,
customers or others doing business with Parent or the Company, and (4)
disparaging Parent, the Company or any of their personnel or revealing any
information that might impair the reputation or goodwill of Parent, the Company
and their personnel. Ms. Cole's employment agreement also contains provisions
relating to non-disclosure of certain confidential information of Parent and the
Company (as described in the agreement).
Timothy H. Beck
The Company is a party to an employment agreement, as amended, with Timothy
H. Beck, Executive Vice President, Planning of the Company. Mr. Beck's
employment under such agreement commenced on July 1, 1997, and the agreement is
scheduled to expire on November 1, 2003, unless sooner terminated. For the year
ended November 1, 2002, Mr. Beck received a base salary of $195,000, which is
subject to annual review and discretionary increase by the Company. Mr. Beck
will also be entitled to receive an annual incentive bonus of up to 50% of his
base salary based upon the Company's attainment of certain targeted financial,
business and personal goals. Under the terms of his employment agreement, Mr.
Beck is entitled to four weeks paid vacation per year and is eligible to
participate in the health, disability, retirement, profit sharing, equity award
and savings plans offered to other executives of the Company. The employment
agreement also provides Mr. Beck with the right to purchase a single family lot
at the Company's basis from two alternative sites at the Northstar resort. In
addition, pursuant to his agreement, the Company provides Mr. Beck with a
$1,000,000 term life insurance policy, reimburses him for all reasonable and
necessary expenses incurred by him in the discharge of his duties and
46
indemnifies him to the maximum extent permitted by Delaware law. In the event
that the Company requires Mr. Beck to relocate his residence to the community in
which the Company's executive offices are located (as described in his
agreement), the Company shall reimburse Mr. Beck for certain costs related to
such relocation.
Under the terms of his employment agreement, Mr. Beck's employment may be
terminated by the Company at any time, with or without cause, or upon his death,
disability or resignation. In the event Mr. Beck's employment is terminated
"without cause", by Mr. Beck for "good reason" or in the event of a "change in
control" (each as described in his agreement), the Company will provide Mr. Beck
with salary continuation and continuation of health and disability insurance
coverage for a period of 18 months or until such time as Mr. Beck is eligible
for comparable benefits from another entity, whichever date is sooner. During
the term of his employment and for certain specified periods thereafter, Mr.
Beck will be subject to provisions prohibiting (1) his competition with the
Company or Parent, (2) solicitation of certain of Parent or Company management
personnel, (3) diversion of Parent or Company vendors, customers or others doing
business with Parent or the Company, and (4) disparaging Parent, the Company or
any of their personnel or revealing any information that might impair the
reputation or goodwill of Parent, the Company and their personnel. Mr. Beck's
employment agreement also contains provisions relating to non-disclosure of
certain confidential information of Parent and the Company (as described in his
agreement).
Brian J. Pope
Mr. Pope is entitled to severance pay equal to 12 months' salary if his
employment is terminated without cause before November 1, 2003.
Compensation of Directors
No director of Booth Creek or Parent receives compensation for acting in
such capacity.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
The Company's compensation policies are determined and executive officer
compensation decisions are made by the Board of Directors, which currently
consists of George N. Gillett, Jr., Gary M. Pelletier, Dean C. Kehler and Edward
Levy. Mr. Gillett is the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and is the sole
shareholder, sole director and Chief Executive Officer of Booth Creek Management
Corporation, which provides the Company with management services. See Part III,
Item 13. "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions."
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
The Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent. The following table
sets forth information concerning the beneficial ownership of Parent's Common
Stock (including Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock) as of December
31, 2002 by (i) each person known to the Company to own beneficially more than
5% of the outstanding Common Stock of Parent, (ii) by each director and Named
Executive of the Company and (iii) all directors and executive officers of the
Company as a group. Each share of Parent's Class B Common Stock is non-voting
(except with respect to certain amendments to the certificate of incorporation
and bylaws of Parent and as otherwise required by the General Corporation Law of
the State of Delaware) and is convertible into one share of voting Class A
Common Stock of Parent at any time, subject to applicable regulatory approvals.
All shares are owned with sole voting and investment power, unless otherwise
indicated.
The percentages of beneficial ownership in the accompanying table
represents the relative interests assuming that only such individual holder's
respective Class B Common Stock or Warrants were converted with respect to the
existing number of outstanding Class A or Class B shares.
47
Parent's Class A Parent's Class B
Common Stock Common Stock
Beneficially Owned Beneficially Owned
---------------------- ----------------------
Beneficial Owner Shares % Shares %
- ------------------------------------- ------------- -------- ------------- --------
Booth Creek Partners Limited II,
L.L.L.P............................... 825.70 (1) 100% 182.90 (2) 2%
6755 Granite Creek Road
Teton Village, Wyoming 83025
John Hancock Life Insurance
Company............................... 9,160.21 (3) 93% 9,160.21 (3) 65%
John Hancock Place
200 Clarendon Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02117
CIBC WG Argosy Merchant Fund 2, L.L.C... 3,147.36 (4) 83% 3,147.36 (4) 26%
425 Lexington Avenue, 3rd Floor
New York, New York 10017
George N. Gillett, Jr................... 825.70 (5) 100% 182.90 (5) 2%
Chairman of the Board of the Company
Rose Gillett............................ 825.70 (5) 100% 182.90 (5) 2%
6755 Granite Creek Road
Teton Village, Wyoming 83025
Jeffrey J. Joyce........................ 96.42 (6) 15% - -
3330 Cumberland Blvd., Suite 500
Atlanta, Georgia 30339
Hancock Mezzanine Partners L.P.......... 529.03 (7) 45% 529.03 (7) 5%
John Hancock Place
200 Clarendon Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02117
Co-Investment Merchant Fund, LLC........ 349.70 (8) 35% 349.70 (8) 3%
425 Lexington Ave., 3rd Floor
New York, New York 10017
Gary M. Pelletier....................... 9,689.24 (9) 94% 9,689.24 (9) 68%
Director of the Company and Parent
Dean C. Kehler.......................... 3,497.06 (10) 84% 3,497.06 (10) 29%
Director of the Company and Parent
Edward Levy............................. 3,497.06 (11) 84% 3,497.06 (11) 29%
Director of the Company and Parent
Christopher P. Ryman.................... 824.00 (12) 56% 824.00 (12) 7%
President, Chief Operating Officer
and Assistant Secretary of the
Company; President and Assistant
Secretary of Parent
Elizabeth J. Cole....................... 824.00 (13) 56% 824.00 (13) 7%
Executive Vice President, Chief
Financial Officer, Treasurer and
Assistant Secretary of the Company
and Parent
Timothy H. Beck......................... 140.00 (14) 18% 140.00 (14) 1%
Executive Vice President, Planning
of the Company
Brian J. Pope........................... 200.00 (15) 24% 200.00 (15) 2%
Vice President of Accounting and
Finance, Assistant Treasurer and
Assistant Secretary of the Company;
Vice President and Assistant
Secretary of Parent
Total Executive Officers and
Directors as a Group.................. 16,000.00 (16) 100% - -
- ---------------------
(1) Comprised of 642.80 shares of Class A Common Stock of Parent and Warrants
to purchase 182.90 shares of Class B Common Stock of Parent. Each share of
Parent's Class B Common Stock is convertible into one share of Class A
Common Stock of Parent at any time, subject to applicable regulatory
approvals. Each Warrant may be exercised for one share of Parent's Class B
Common Stock at an exercise price of $.01 per share.
48
(2) Represents Warrants to purchase 182.90 shares of Class B Common Stock of
Parent.
(3) Comprised of 6,268.31 shares of Class B Common Stock of Parent and Warrants
to purchase 2,891.90 shares of Class B Common Stock of Parent. Each share
of Parent's Class B Common Stock is convertible into one share of Class A
Common Stock of Parent at any time, subject to applicable regulatory
approvals. Each Warrant may be exercised for one share of Parent's Class B
Common Stock at an exercise price of $.01 per share.
(4) Comprised of 2,227.92 shares of Class B Common Stock of Parent and Warrants
to purchase 919.44 shares of Class B Common Stock of Parent. Each share of
Parent's Class B Common Stock is convertible into one share of Class A
Common Stock of Parent at any time, subject to applicable regulatory
approvals. Each Warrant may be exercised for one share of Parent's Class B
Common Stock at an exercise price of $.01 per share.
(5) Booth Creek Partners Limited II, L.L.L.P. owns directly 642.80 shares of
Class A Common Stock of Parent and Warrants to purchase 182.90 shares of
Class B Common Stock of Parent. Each share of Parent's Class B Common Stock
is convertible into one share of Class A Common Stock of Parent at any
time, subject to applicable regulatory approvals. Each Warrant may be
exercised for one share of Parent's Class B Common Stock at an exercise
price of $.01 per share. George N. Gillett, Jr. is the managing general
partner and Rose Gillett is a co-general partner of Booth Creek Partners
Limited II, L.L.L.P. and each may be deemed to possess shared voting and/or
investment power with respect to the interests held therein. Accordingly,
the beneficial ownership of such interests may be attributed to George N.
Gillett, Jr. and Rose Gillett. Rose Gillett is the wife of George N.
Gillett, Jr.
(6) Represents shares of Class A Common Stock of Parent that Mr. Joyce has an
option to purchase from Booth Creek Partners Limited II, L.L.L.P. (the
"Option") pursuant to that certain Option Letter Agreement dated December
3, 1996, as amended. The Option is exercisable, in whole or in part, at any
time on or prior to December 1, 2006 at an initial exercise price equal to
$2,066.12 per share, which exercise price shall increase by $55.10 on each
December 1. The shares subject to the Option and the per share exercise
price are subject to adjustment under certain circumstances, and the
obligation of Booth Creek Partners Limited II, L.L.L.P. to sell shares of
Class A Common Stock of Parent upon exercise of the Option is subject to
compliance with applicable securities laws.
(7) Comprised of 364.73 shares of Class B Common Stock of Parent and Warrants
to purchase 164.30 shares of Class B Common Stock of Parent. Each share of
Parent's Class B Common Stock is convertible into one share of Class A
Common Stock of Parent at any time, subject to applicable regulatory
approvals. Each Warrant may be exercised for one share of Parent's Class B
Common Stock at an exercise price of $.01 per share.
(8) Comprised of 247.54 shares of Class B Common Stock of Parent and Warrants
to purchase 102.16 shares of Class B Common Stock of Parent. Each share of
Parent's Class B Common Stock is convertible into one share of Class A
Common Stock of Parent at any time, subject to applicable regulatory
approvals. Each Warrant may be exercised for one share of Parent's Class B
Common Stock at an exercise price of $.01 per share.
(9) Represents an aggregate of 6,633.04 shares of Class B Common Stock of
Parent and Warrants to purchase 3,056.20 shares of Class B Common Stock of
Parent held of record by John Hancock and Hancock Mezzanine Partners L.P.
(the "Hancock Entities"). Each share of Parent's Class B Common Stock is
convertible into one share of Class A Common Stock of Parent at any time,
subject to applicable regulatory approvals. Each Warrant may be exercised
for one share of Parent's Class B Common Stock at an exercise price of $.01
per share. Mr. Pelletier disclaims beneficial ownership of the securities
held by the Hancock Entities.
(10) Represents an aggregate of 2,475.46 shares of Class B Common Stock of
Parent and Warrants to purchase 1,021.60 shares of Class B Common Stock of
Parent held of record by CIBC WG Argosy Merchant Fund 2, L.L.C. and
Co-Investment Merchant Fund, L.L.C. (the "CIBC Entities"). Each share of
Parent's Class B Common Stock is convertible into one share of Class A
Common Stock of Parent at any time, subject to applicable regulatory
approvals. Each Warrant may be exercised for one share of Parent's Class B
Common Stock at an exercise price of $.01 per share. Mr. Kehler disclaims
beneficial ownership of the securities held by the CIBC Entities.
49
(11) Represents an aggregate of 2,475.46 shares of Class B Common Stock of
Parent and Warrants to purchase 1,021.60 shares of Class B Common Stock of
Parent held of record by the CIBC Entities. Each share of Parent's Class B
Common Stock is convertible into one share of Class A Common Stock of
Parent at any time, subject to applicable regulatory approvals. Each
Warrant may be exercised for one share of Parent's Class B Common Stock at
an exercise price of $.01 per share. Mr. Levy disclaims beneficial
ownership of the securities held by the CIBC Entities.
(12) Represents 824.00 shares of restricted Class B Common Stock of Parent held
by Mr. Ryman pursuant to his employment agreement. See Part III, Item II.
"Executive Compensation - Employment and Other Agreements." Each share of
Parent's Class B Common Stock is convertible into one share of Class A
Common Stock of Parent at any time, subject to applicable regulatory
approvals.
(13) Represents 824.00 shares of restricted Class B Common Stock of Parent held
by Ms. Cole pursuant to her employment agreement. See Part III, Item II.
"Executive Compensation - Employment and Other Agreements." Each share of
Parent's Class B Common Stock is convertible into one share of Class A
Common Stock of Parent at any time, subject to applicable regulatory
approvals.
(14) Represents 140.00 shares of restricted Class B Common Stock of Parent held
by Mr. Beck pursuant to that certain restricted stock agreement by and
between Parent and Mr. Beck. See Part III, Item 11. "Executive Compensation
- Parent 2001 Stock Incentive Plan." Each share of Parent's Class B Common
Stock is convertible into one share of Class A Common Stock of Parent at
anytime, subject to applicable regulatory approvals.
(15) Represents 200.00 shares of restricted Class B Common Stock of Parent held
by Mr. Pope pursuant to that certain restricted stock agreement by and
between Parent and Mr. Pope. See Part III, Item 11. "Executive Compensation
- Parent 2001 Stock Incentive Plan." Each share of Parent's Class B Common
Stock is convertible into one share of Class A Common Stock of Parent at
anytime, subject to applicable regulatory approvals.
(16) Represents (i) 642.80 shares of Class A Common Stock of Parent and Warrants
to purchase 182.90 shares of Class B Common Stock of Parent owned by Booth
Creek Partners Limited II, L.L.L.P., of which George N. Gillett, Jr. may be
deemed to be the beneficial owner, (ii) 6,633.04 shares of Class B Common
Stock of Parent and Warrants to purchase 3,056.20 shares of Class B Common
Stock of Parent owned by the Hancock Entities, of which Gary M. Pelletier
may be deemed to be the beneficial owner as described in note (9) above,
(iii) 2,475.46 shares of Class B Common Stock of Parent and Warrants to
purchase 1,021.60 shares of Class B Common Stock of Parent owned by the
CIBC Entities, of which each of Dean C. Kehler and Edward Levy may be
deemed to be the beneficial owners as described in notes (10) and (11)
above, (iv) 824.00 shares of Class B Common Stock of Parent held by
Christopher P. Ryman as described in note (12) above, (v) 824.00 shares of
Class B Common Stock of Parent held by Elizabeth J. Cole as described in
note (13) above, (vi) 140.00 shares of Class B Common Stock of Parent held
by Timothy H. Beck as described in note (14) above, and (vii) 200.00 shares
of Class B Common Stock of Parent held by Brian J. Pope as described in
Note (15) above.
50
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
Securities Purchase Agreements
Since its formation in October 1996, the Company and Parent have each
engaged in a series of transactions with the principal security holders of
Parent for the purpose of raising capital to finance the acquisitions of the
Company's resorts and for general corporate purposes. In connection with these
transactions, the principal security holders of Parent (comprised of Booth Creek
Partners Limited II, L.L.L.P., the Hancock Entities and the CIBC Entities) and
Parent have entered into Securities Purchase Agreements dated November 27, 1996,
as amended and restated on February 26, 1998, September 14, 1998 and May 28,
2000 (the "Securities Purchase Agreements"). Pursuant to the Securities Purchase
Agreements, Parent has issued shares of Class A and Class B Common Stock,
warrants to purchase Class B Common Stock (the "Warrants") and Parent Notes. The
Parent Notes mature on November 27, 2008 and bear interest at 12% per annum, if
paid in cash, or 14% per annum, if paid in kind, payable semi-annually on each
May 27 and November 27. George N. Gillett, Jr. and his affiliates own 100% of
the outstanding Class A Common Stock. A copy of the Securities Purchase
Agreement dated as of May 28, 2000 is incorporated herein by reference as
Exhibit 4.6 of this Report.
The Securities Purchase Agreements, which govern the Parent Notes, contain
restrictive covenants pertaining to the management and operation of Parent and
its subsidiaries, including the Company. The covenants include, among others,
significant limitations on funded debt and current debt, dividends and other
stock payments, redemption, retirement, purchase or acquisition of equity
interests in Parent and its subsidiaries, transactions with affiliates,
investments, liens, issuances of stock, asset sales, acquisitions, mergers,
fundamental corporate changes, tax consolidation, modifications of certain
documents and leases. The Securities Purchase Agreements further required that
all of the issued and outstanding common stock of the Company be pledged to
secure the Parent Notes, and provide that Parent shall cause the Company to pay
cash dividends to Parent in the maximum amount permitted by law, subject to
restrictions contained in the Company's debt agreements, in order to satisfy
Parent's interest payment obligations under the Parent Notes.
The Securities Purchase Agreements provide for events of default customary
in agreements of this type, including: (i) failure to make payments when due;
(ii) breach of covenants; (iii) bankruptcy defaults; (iv) breach of
representations or warranties in any material respect when made; (v) default by
Parent or any of its subsidiaries under any agreement relating to debt for
borrowed money in excess of $1.0 million in the aggregate; (vi) final judgments
for the payment of money against Parent or any of its subsidiaries in excess of
$1.0 million in the aggregate; (vii) ERISA defaults; (viii) any operative
document ceasing to be in full force and effect; (ix) any enforcement of liens
against Parent or any of its subsidiaries; and (x) a change of control of
Parent.
The Warrants are exercisable, subject to certain conditions, at a per share
price of $0.01 (as adjusted by certain anti-dilution provisions) at any time
prior to November 27, 2008, on which date all unexercised Warrants will be
deemed automatically exercised.
The Securities Purchase Agreements provide that the holders of at least 85%
of the Purchased Common Shares (as defined in the Securities Purchase
Agreements) and shares issuable upon exercise of the Warrants will each be
entitled to require Parent to register their shares under the Securities Act for
resale to the public. The holders of Registrable Shares (as defined in the
Securities Purchase Agreements) are also entitled to certain piggyback and other
registration rights, subject in all cases to certain qualifications.
Stockholders Agreements
In connection with the Securities Purchase Agreements described above,
Parent, Booth Creek Partners Limited II, L.L.L.P., John Hancock, Hancock
Mezzanine Partners L.P., the CIBC Merchant Fund and Co-Investment Fund have
entered into the Stockholders Agreement dated November 27, 1996, as amended and
restated on February 26, 1998, August 5, 1998 and May 28, 2000 (the
"Stockholders Agreement"). A copy of the Stockholders Agreement dated as of May
28, 2000 is incorporated herein by reference as a component of Exhibit 4.6 of
this Report.
51
Pursuant to the Stockholders Agreement, the Board of Directors of Parent
shall consist of three individuals selected by Booth Creek Partners Limited II,
L.L.L.P. and two individuals designated by John Hancock. The Board of Directors
of Parent and the Company currently consists of George N. Gillett, Jr., Dean C.
Kehler, Edward Levy and Gary M. Pelletier. See Part III, Item 10. "Directors and
Executive Officers of the Registrant - Board of Directors." Without the consent
of owners of 75% or more of Parent's equity securities (the "Required Owners"),
neither Parent nor any subsidiary of Parent, including the Company, may issue
any equity securities except for certain enumerated permitted issuances. With
respect to issuance of equity securities of Parent requiring the approval of the
Required Owners, the Required Owners also are entitled to certain preemptive
rights. In addition, the Stockholders Agreement provides that neither Parent nor
any of its subsidiaries, including the Company, may acquire any assets or
business from any other person (other than inventory and equipment in the
ordinary course of business), or sell or otherwise dispose of all or
substantially all of the assets of any resort or the stock of any subsidiary,
without the consent of the Required Owners.
The Stockholders Agreement requires that, under certain circumstances,
Parent grant to Booth Creek Partners Limited II, L.L.L.P. registration rights
with respect to its equity securities which are in all material respects the
same as those provided to the Institutional Investors (as defined) under the
Securities Purchase Agreements.
In addition to the foregoing, the Stockholders Agreement gives each party
thereto certain co-sale rights and rights of first offer upon the sale or other
transfer of any equity securities of Parent by any other party, and requires
that, as a condition to the issuance or transfer of any equity securities of
Parent to any third party (other than a person who acquires such securities
pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act) that
such person become a party to the Stockholders Agreement and agree to be bound
by all the terms and conditions thereof.
The Stockholders Agreement shall terminate, and be of no force or effect,
upon the consummation of a Qualified Public Offering (as defined in the
Stockholders Agreement). The Stockholders Agreement may be amended, superseded
or otherwise modified, and its terms may be waived, by the Required Owners,
subject to certain limited exceptions.
In connection with the issuance of restricted stock to Christopher P.
Ryman, Elizabeth J. Cole, Timothy H. Beck and Brian J. Pope, these individuals
entered into a separate stockholders agreement with the Institutional Investors,
which generally provides for certain co-sale and registration rights for the
executives and drag-along rights for the Institutional Investors. See Part III,
Item 11. "Executive Compensation - Parent 2001 Stock Incentive Plan."
Sales of Real Estate to Trimont Land Holdings, Inc. and Related Transactions
On November 17, 1999, Trimont Land Company ("TLC"), the owner and operator
of Northstar and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, consummated the sale
to Trimont Land Holdings, Inc. ("TLH"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent and
an affiliate of the Company, of certain single family development property
underlying a portion of the Unit 7 and 7A developments at Northstar for an
aggregate sales price of $7,050,000, subject to adjustment as described below.
The consideration paid to TLC consisted of $6,000,000 in cash and a promissory
note (the "Unit 7 Note") for $l,050,000, subject to adjustment. The Company
obtained a fairness opinion for the transaction from an independent firm
qualified in the subject matter of the transaction. In connection with the sale
of development real estate on September 22, 2000 as described below, TLH's
interests in the Unit 7A lots were transferred back to TLC on September 22,
2000.
Under the terms of the Unit 7 Note, TLC is entitled to receive the greater
of (a) $1,050,000 plus accrued interest at 7% per annum, or (b) the Net Cash
Proceeds (as defined) derived from the resale of TLH's lots within Unit 7.
Pursuant to the terms of the sale, TLC retained the obligation to complete the
scheduled construction of the Unit 7 development, which was substantially
completed in November 2001. The Company recognizes revenue and related costs of
sales for these real estate transactions upon the close of escrow for lot sales
between TLH and third party buyers, and had reflected the $6,000,000 in cash
received as a deposit liability as of November 2, 2001.
For the year ended November 1, 2002, TLH consummated the sale of 25 Unit 7
lots for net proceeds of approximately $11,300,000. As the net proceeds of the
25 lot sales were more than the $6,000,000 in cash initially paid by TLH for the
underlying real estate, additional cash proceeds of $5,300,000 were distributed
to TLC during the year ended November 1, 2002. In addition, the Company relieved
the existing $6,000,000 deposit liability during the year ended November 1,
2002. As of November 1, 2002, one lot remained available for sale within the
Unit 7 subdivision.
52
Timothy H. Beck, Executive Vice President, Planning of the Company,
purchased one of the Unit 7 lots sold by TLH during the year end November 1,
2002. The Company believes the net selling price of $453,000 for the lot sold
approximated the fair value of such property.
On September 22, 2000, TLC and TLH entered into an Agreement for Purchase
and Sale of Real Property (the "Northstar Real Estate Agreement") pursuant to
which TLC agreed to sell to TLH certain development real estate consisting of
approximately 550 acres of land located at Northstar (the "Development Real
Estate") for a total purchase price of $27,600,000, of which 85% was payable in
cash and 15% was payable in the form of convertible secured subordinated
promissory notes. The purchase price was based on an appraisal obtained from an
independent third party appraiser. Concurrently therewith, TLC and TLH
consummated the sale of the initial land parcels contemplated by the Northstar
Real Estate Agreement, and TLC transferred the bulk of the Development Real
Estate to TLH for a total purchase price of $21,000,000, of which $17,850,000,
or 85%, was paid in cash and $3,150,000, or 15%, was paid in the form of a
convertible secured subordinated promissory note (the "Convertible Secured
Note"). The Convertible Secured Note is subordinated to other indebtedness of
TLH, including amounts owed to John Hancock, an affiliate of the Company.
The Convertible Secured Note requires quarterly interest payments at the
rate of 10% per annum if paid in cash, or 12% if paid in kind, and is due in
full in September 2005. The Convertible Secured Note is secured by TLH's
membership interest in a real estate joint venture (the "East West Joint
Venture") to which TLH is a party. The Convertible Secured Note is convertible
at TLC's option into 15% of TLH's membership interest in the East West Joint
Venture, which enables TLC to obtain, at TLC's option, a profit participation in
the Development Real Estate. The Company obtained an opinion from an independent
firm qualified and experienced in the subject matter of the transaction that the
terms of the sale of the Development Real Estate were fair and reasonable to the
Company and TLC and at least as favorable as the terms which could have been
obtained in a comparable transaction made on an arms-length basis between
unaffiliated parties.
During the year ended November 1, 2002, TLH paid $5,610,000 to TLC, which
represents the cash portion of the purchase price for the remaining Development
Real Estate subject to the Northstar Real Estate Agreement. The $5,610,000
payment has been deferred as a deposit liability pending the consummation of the
sale of the remaining Development Real Estate under the Northstar Real Estate
Agreement, which is subject to certain subdivision requirements to effect the
transfer of such property and other normal and customary closing conditions, and
is expected to be consummated in 2003.
Management Agreement with Booth Creek Management Corporation
On May 26, 2000, the Company and Parent entered into an Amended and
Restated Management Agreement (the "Management Agreement") with Booth Creek
Management Corporation (the "Management Company") pursuant to which the
Management Company agreed to provide Parent, Booth Creek and its subsidiaries
with management advice with respect to, among other things, (i) formulation and
implementation of financial, marketing and operating strategies, (ii)
development of business plans and policies, (iii) corporate finance matters,
including acquisitions, divestitures, debt and equity financings and capital
expenditures, (iv) administrative and operating matters, including unified
management of the Company's ski resorts, (v) research, marketing and promotion,
and (vi) other general business matters. George N. Gillett, Jr. is the sole
shareholder, sole director and Chief Executive Officer of the Management
Company. A copy of the Management Agreement has been filed as Exhibit 10.11 to
this Report and is incorporated by reference herein.
Under the terms of the Management Agreement, Parent and the Company provide
customary indemnification, reimburse certain costs and pay the Management
Company an annual management fee of $100,000, plus a discretionary operating
bonus. No operating bonus was paid for the year ended November 1, 2002.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, with certain limitations, the
Management Company and any officer, director, employee, agent or attorney of the
Management Company (collectively, the "Indemnities") shall not have any
liability to Parent, Booth Creek or any of their subsidiaries for any loss,
damage, cost or expense (including, without limitation, any court costs,
attorneys' fees and any special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages)
allegedly arising out of the Management Company's management services rendered
to the Parent, Booth Creek or any of their subsidiaries or Indemnities' acts,
conduct or omissions in connection with the Management Company's management
services rendered to Booth Creek or any of their subsidiaries.
53
In addition, to the fullest extent permitted by law, each of Parent and
Booth Creek indemnifies the Indemnitees and holds the Indemnitees harmless
against any loss, damage, cost or expense (including, without limitation, court
costs and reasonable attorneys' fees) which the Indemnitees may sustain or incur
by reason of any threatened, pending or completed investigation, action, claim,
demand, suit, proceeding or recovery by any person (other than the Indemnitees)
allegedly arising out of the Management Company's management services rendered
to the Parent, Booth Creek or any of their subsidiaries or the Indemnitees'
acts, conduct or omissions in connection with the Management Company's
management services rendered to the Parent, Booth Creek or any of their
subsidiaries.
Financial Services
CIBC World Markets Corp., an affiliate of the CIBC Merchant Fund, has
provided financial and investment banking services to the Company from time to
time, including in connection with the Company's repurchase of its Senior Notes.
The Company paid fees aggregating $100,000 to CIBC World Markets Corp. for such
services during the year ended November 1, 2002.
Item 14. Controls and Procedures
a) The Company, under the supervision and with the participation of the
Company's management, including the Company's Chief Executive Officer,
President and Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer,
carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and
operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (the
"Evaluation") as of the last day of the period covered by this Report.
Based upon the Evaluation, the Company's Chief Executive Officer,
President and Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer
concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are
effective in timely alerting them to material information required to
be disclosed in our periodic reports filed with the SEC. It should be
noted that the design of any system of controls is based in part upon
certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there
can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its
stated goals under all potential future conditions, regardless of how
remote.
b) There were no significant changes in the Company's internal controls
or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls
subsequent to the date of the Evaluation.
54
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K
(a) List of Documents Filed as Part of This Report:
1. Financial Statements:
The financial statements listed on page F-1 are filed as part of
this Report.
2. Financial Statement Schedules:
All schedules are omitted because they are not applicable, not
required or the information is included elsewhere in the
consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.
3. List of Exhibits:
+2.1 Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of September 18, 1997
by and among Booth Creek Ski Group, Inc., LMRC Acquisition
Corp. and Loon Mountain Recreation Corporation.
+2.2 First Amendment to Merger Agreement, dated December 22,
1997, by and among Booth Creek Ski Group, Inc., LMRC
Acquisition Corp. and Loon Mountain Recreation Corporation.
*3.1 Certificate of Incorporation of Booth Creek Ski Holdings,
Inc.
*3.2 Bylaws of Booth Creek Ski Holdings, Inc.
*3.3 Restated Articles of Incorporation of Trimont Land Company.
*3.4 Bylaws of Trimont Land Company.
*3.5 Certificate of Incorporation of Sierra-at-Tahoe, Inc.
*3.6 Bylaws of Sierra-at-Tahoe, Inc.
*3.7 Certificate of Incorporation of Booth Creek Ski Acquisition
Corp.
*3.8 Bylaws of Booth Creek Ski Acquisition Corp.
*3.9 Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of
Waterville Valley Ski Resort, Inc.
*3.10 Bylaws of Waterville Valley Ski Resort, Inc.
*3.11 Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Mount
Cranmore Ski Resort, Inc.
*3.12 Bylaws of Mount Cranmore Ski Resort, Inc.
*3.13 Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Ski
Lifts, Inc.
*3.14 Bylaws of Ski Lifts, Inc.
**3.15 Articles of Incorporation of LMRC Holding Corp.
**3.16 Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Loon
Mountain Recreation Corporation.
**3.17 Amended and Restated Bylaws of Loon Mountain Recreation
Corporation.
55
**3.18 Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Loon
Realty Corp.
**3.19 Amended and Restated Bylaws of Loon Realty Corp.
**3.20 Bylaws of LMRC Holding Corp.
*4.1 Indenture dated as of March 18, 1997 by and among Booth
Creek Ski Holdings, Inc., as Issuer, Trimont Land Company,
Sierra-at-Tahoe, Inc., Bear Mountain, Inc., Waterville
Valley Ski Resort, Inc., Mount Cranmore Ski Resort, Inc.,
Booth Creek Ski Acquisition Corp. and Ski Lifts, Inc., as
Subsidiary Guarantors, and HSBC Bank USA, as Trustee
(including the form of 12.5% Senior Note due 2007 and the
form of Guarantee).
*4.2 Supplemental Indenture No. 1 to Indenture dated as of April
25, 1997 by and among Booth Creek Ski Holdings, Inc., as
Issuer, Trimont Land Company, Sierra-at-Tahoe, Inc., Bear
Mountain, Inc., Waterville Valley Ski Resort, Inc., Mount
Cranmore Ski Resort, Inc., Booth Creek Ski Acquisition Corp.
and Ski Lifts, Inc., as Subsidiary Guarantors, HSBC Bank
USA, as Trustee.
+4.3 Supplemental Indenture No. 2 to Indenture dated as of
February 20, 1998 by and among Booth Creek Ski Holdings,
Inc., as Issuer, Trimont Land Company, Sierra-at-Tahoe,
Inc., Bear Mountain, Inc., Waterville Valley Ski Resort,
Inc., Mount Cranmore Ski Resort, Inc., Booth Creek Ski
Acquisition Corp. and Ski Lifts, Inc., as Subsidiary
Guarantors, and HSBC Bank USA, as Trustee.
+4.4 Supplemental Indenture No. 3 to Indenture dated as of
February 26, 1998, by and among Booth Creek Ski Holdings,
Inc., as Issuer, LMRC Holding Corp., Loon Mountain
Recreation Corporation and Loon Realty Corp., as Subsidiary
Guarantors, and HSBC Bank USA, as Trustee.
++4.5 Supplemental Indenture No. 4 to Indenture dated as of
October 8, 1998 by and among Booth Creek Ski Holdings, Inc.,
as Issuer, Booth Creek Ski Acquisition, Inc., and HSBC Bank
USA, as Trustee.
##4.6 Second Amended and Restated Securities Purchase Agreement
and certain related agreements dated as of May 28, 2000,
among Booth Creek Ski Group, Inc., Booth Creek Ski Holdings,
Inc., the Subsidiary Guarantors as defined therein and each
of John Hancock Life Insurance Company, CIBC WG Argosy
Merchant Fund 2, L.L.C., Hancock Mezzanine Partners, L.P.,
Co-Investment Merchant Fund, LLC and Booth Creek Partners
Limited II, L.L.L.P.
####4.7 Stockholders Agreement dated January 22, 2002 among
Christopher P. Ryman, Elizabeth J. Cole, Timothy H. Beck,
Brian J. Pope, John Hancock Life Insurance Company, Hancock
Mezzanine Partners, L.P., CIBC WG Argosy Merchant Fund 2,
L.L.C., Co-Investment Merchant Fund, LLC and Booth Creek Ski
Group, Inc.
@10.1 Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of March 15,
2002 among Booth Creek Ski Holdings, Inc., the other
Borrowers thereunder, the Guarantor named therein, the
Lenders named therein, and Fleet National Bank, as Agent for
the Lenders.
@@@10.2 First Amendment dated October 10, 2002 to Amended and
Restated Credit Agreement dated as of March 15, 2002 among
Booth Creek Ski Holdings, Inc., the other Borrowers
thereunder, the Guarantor named therein, the Lenders named
therein, and Fleet National Bank, as Agent for the Lenders.
*10.3 Purchase and Sale Agreement dated as of August 30, 1996 by
and between Waterville Valley Ski Area, Ltd., Cranmore,
Inc., American Skiing Company and Booth Creek Ski
Acquisition Corp.
56
*10.4 Subordinated Promissory Note dated November 27, 1996 issued
by Booth Creek Ski Acquisition Corp., Waterville Valley Ski
Resort, Inc. and Mount Cranmore Ski Resort, Inc. to American
Skiing Company.
*10.5 Stock Purchase and Indemnification Agreement dated as of
November 26, 1996 among Booth Creek Ski Holdings, Inc.,
Fibreboard Corporation, Trimont Land Company,
Sierra-at-Tahoe, Inc. and Bear Mountain, Inc.
*10.6 Escrow Agreement dated December 3, 1996 by and among
Fibreboard Corporation, Booth Creek Ski Holdings, Inc. and
First Trust of California.
*10.7 Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of February 21, 1997 by
and between Booth Creek Ski Holdings, Inc., William W.
Moffett, Jr., David R. Moffett, Laurie M. Padden,
individually and as custodian for Christina Padden, Jennifer
Padden and Mary M. Padden, Stephen R. Moffett, Katharine E.
Moffett, Frances J. DeBruler, individually and as
representative of the Estate of Jean S. DeBruler, Jr.,
deceased, and Peggy Westerlund, and David R. Moffett, as
representative.
*10.8 Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of February 21,
1997 by and between DRE, L.L.C., William W. Moffett, Jr.,
David R. Moffett, Laurie M. Padden, individually and as
custodian for Christina Padden, Jennifer Padden and Mary M.
Padden, Stephen R. Moffett, Katharine E. Moffett, Frances J.
DeBruler, individually and as representative of the Estate
of Jean S. DeBruler, Jr., deceased, and Peggy Westerlund and
David R. Moffett, as representative.
#10.9 Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of March 21, 2000, as
modified and amended, by and between Booth Creek Ski
Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation, as Seller, and GT
Acquisition I, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as
Buyer.
###10.10 Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Real Property and
certain related agreements dated September 22, 2000 between
Trimont Land Company and Trimont Land Holdings, Inc.
##10.11 Amended and Restated Management Agreement dated as of May
26, 2000 by and between Booth Creek Ski Holdings, Inc. and
Booth Creek Management Corporation.
*10.12 Ski Area Term Special Use Permit No. 4002/01 issued by the
United States Forest Service to Waterville Valley Ski
Resort, Inc.
*10.13 Ski Area Term Special Use Permit No. 4127/09 issued by the
United States Forest Service to Ski Lifts, Inc.
*10.14 Annual Special Use Permit Nos. 4127/19 & 4127/19 issued by
the United States Forest Service to Ski Lifts, Inc.
57
@@10.15 Ski Area Term Special Use Permit No. 4008/1 issued by the
United States Forest Service to Loon Mountain Recreation
Corporation.
+++10.16 Ski Area Term Special Use Permit No. 4186 issued by the
United States Forest Service to Sierra-at-Tahoe, Inc.
@@10.17 Stock Purchase Agreement dated July 22, 2002 among Bear
Mountain Resort, Inc., Snow Summit Ski Corporation and Booth
Creek Ski Holdings, Inc.
**10.18 Employment Agreement dated as of July 1, 1997, by and
between Booth Creek Ski Holdings, Inc. and Timothy H. Beck.
####10.19 Amendment No. 1 to the Employment Agreement by and
between Booth Creek Ski Holdings, Inc. and Timothy H. Beck.
####10.20 Amended and Restated Employment Agreement by and
between Booth Creek Ski Group, Inc., Booth Creek Ski
Holdings, Inc. and Christopher P. Ryman.
####10.21 Amended and Restated Employment Agreement by and
between Booth Creek Ski Group, Inc., Booth Creek Ski
Holdings, Inc. and Elizabeth J. Cole.
####10.22 Booth Creek Ski Group, Inc. 2001 Stock Incentive Plan.
####10.23 Restricted Stock Agreement by and between Booth Creek
Ski Group, Inc. and Timothy H. Beck.
####10.24 Deferred Compensation Agreement by and between Booth
Creek Ski Group, Inc. and Timothy H. Beck.
####10.25 Restricted Stock Agreement by and between Booth Creek
Ski Group, Inc. and Brian J. Pope.
####10.26 Deferred Compensation Agreement by and between Booth
Creek Ski Group, Inc. and Brian J. Pope.
####10.27 Severance Agreement by and between Booth Creek Ski
Group, Inc., Booth Creek Ski Holdings, Inc. and Brian J.
Pope.
@@@@12.1 Statement of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
@@@@21.1 Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
@@@@99.1 Certification of George N. Gillett, Jr., Chief Executive
Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted
pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
@@@@99.2 Certification of Christopher P. Ryman, President and
Chief Operating Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
of 2002
@@@@99.3 Certification of Elizabeth J. Cole, Executive Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C.
Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
@@@@99.4 Booth Creek Ski Holdings, Inc. Code of Business Conduct
and Ethics adopted January 14, 2003.
- ---------------------
* Filed with Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Reg. No. 333-26091) and
incorporated herein by reference.
** Filed with the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarterly
Period Ended January 30, 1998 and incorporated herein by reference.
+ Filed with the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 26, 1998
and incorporated herein by reference.
++ Filed with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year
Ended October 30, 1998 and incorporated herein by reference.
58
+++ Filed with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year
Ended October 29, 1999 and incorporated herein by reference.
# Filed with the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 21, 2000
and incorporated herein by reference.
## Filed with the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarterly
Period Ended July 28, 2000 and incorporated herein by reference.
### Filed with the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 22,
2000 and incorporated herein by reference.
#### Filed with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year
Ended November 2, 2001 and incorporated herein by reference.
@ Filed with the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarterly
Period Ended February 1, 2002 and incorporated herein by reference.
@@ Filed with the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarterly
Period Ended August 2, 2002 and incorporated herein by reference.
@@@ Filed with the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 10, 2002
and incorporated herein by reference.
@@@@ Filed herewith as an Exhibit to this Form 10-K.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K.
The Company filed a Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 10, 2002, reporting
under Item 5 thereof the sale of all of the capital stock of Bear Mountain, Inc.
to Snow Summit Ski Corporation.
(c) Exhibits: See (a)3 above for a listing of Exhibits filed as a part of this
Report.
(d) Additional Financial Statement Schedules: None.
Supplemental Information to be Furnished with Reports Filed Pursuant to Section
15(d) of the Act by Registrants Which Have Not Registered Securities Pursuant to
Section 12 of the Act
Neither an annual report covering the Registrant's last fiscal year nor
proxy materials with respect to any annual or other meeting of security holders
have been sent to security holders.
59
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to
be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the
City of Truckee, State of California, as of January 28, 2003.
BOOTH CREEK SKI HOLDINGS, INC.
(Registrant)
By: /s/ CHRISTOPHER P. RYMAN
-------------------------------------------------
Christopher P. Ryman
President and Chief Operating Officer
By: /s/ ELIZABETH J. COLE
-------------------------------------------------
Elizabeth J. Cole
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
By: /s/ BRIAN J. POPE
-------------------------------------------------
Brian J. Pope
Vice President of Accounting and Finance
(Principal Accounting Officer)
60
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, this Report has been signed by the following persons in the capacities
and as of the dates indicated.
Signature Title Date
--------- ----- ----
/s/ GEORGE N. GILLETT, JR. Chairman of the Board of January 28, 2003
- ---------------------------- Directors and Chief
George N. Gillett, Jr. Executive Officer
(Principal Executive
Officer)
/s/ GARY M. PELLETIER Member of the Board of January 28, 2003
- ---------------------------- Directors
Gary M. Pelletier
/s/ DEAN C. KEHLER Member of the Board of January 28, 2003
- ---------------------------- Directors
Dean C. Kehler
/s/ EDWARD LEVY Member of the Board of January 28, 2003
- ---------------------------- Directors
Edward Levy
/s/ CHRISTOPHER P. RYMAN President and Chief January 28, 2003
- ---------------------------- Operating Officer
Christopher P. Ryman
/s/ ELIZABETH J. COLE Executive Vice President January 28, 2003
- ---------------------------- and Chief Financial
Elizabeth J. Cole Officer (Principal
Financial Officer)
/s/ BRIAN J. POPE Vice President of January 28, 2003
- ---------------------------- Accounting and Finance
Brian J. Pope (Principal Accounting
Officer)
61
CERTIFICATIONS
I, George N. Gillett, Jr., certify that:
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Booth Creek Ski
Holdings, Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to
make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such
statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by
this annual report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial
information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material
respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of
the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;
4. The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for
establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined
in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:
a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that
material information relating to the registrant, including its
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those
entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report
is being prepared;
b) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls
and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of
this annual report (the "Evaluation Date"); and
c) presented in this annual report our conclusions about the
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our
evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;
5. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on
our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit
committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the
equivalent function):
a) all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal
controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to
record, process, summarize and report financial data and have
identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in
internal controls; and
b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other
employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal
controls; and
6. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have indicated in this
annual report whether or not there were significant changes in internal
controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal
controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including
any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material
weaknesses.
January 28, 2003
By: /s/ GEORGE N. GILLETT, JR.
-------------------------------------------------
George N. Gillett, Jr.
Chief Executive Officer
62
I, Christopher P. Ryman, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Booth Creek Ski
Holdings, Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to
make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such
statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by
this annual report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial
information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material
respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of
the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;
4. The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for
establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined
in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:
a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that
material information relating to the registrant, including its
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those
entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report
is being prepared;
b) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls
and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of
this annual report (the "Evaluation Date"); and
c) presented in this annual report our conclusions about the
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our
evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;
5. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on
our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit
committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the
equivalent function):
a) all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal
controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to
record, process, summarize and report financial data and have
identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in
internal controls; and
b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other
employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal
controls; and
6. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have indicated in this
annual report whether or not there were significant changes in internal
controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal
controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including
any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material
weaknesses.
January 28, 2003
By: /s/ CHRISTOPHER P. RYMAN
-------------------------------------------------
Christopher P. Ryman
President and Chief Operating Officer
63
I, Elizabeth J.Cole, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Booth Creek Ski
Holdings, Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to
make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such
statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by
this annual report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial
information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material
respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of
the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;
4. The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for
establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined
in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:
a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that
material information relating to the registrant, including its
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those
entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report
is being prepared;
b) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls
and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of
this annual report (the "Evaluation Date"); and
c) presented in this annual report our conclusions about the
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our
evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;
5. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on
our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit
committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the
equivalent function):
a) all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal
controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to
record, process, summarize and report financial data and have
identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in
internal controls; and
b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other
employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal
controls; and
6. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have indicated in this
annual report whether or not there were significant changes in internal
controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal
controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including
any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material
weaknesses.
January 28, 2003
By: /s/ ELIZABETH J. COLE
-------------------------------------------------
Elizabeth J.Cole
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
64
BOOTH CREEK SKI HOLDINGS, INC.
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
INDEX OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Page
Report of Independent Auditors....................................... F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets.......................................... F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations................................ F-4
Consolidated Statements of Shareholder's Equity...................... F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows................................ F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements........................... F-7
F-1
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
Booth Creek Ski Holdings, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Booth Creek
Ski Holdings, Inc. as of November 1, 2002 and November 2, 2001, and the related
consolidated statements of operations, shareholder's equity, and cash flows for
each of the three years in the period ended November 1, 2002. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform
the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements
are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An
audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Booth Creek Ski
Holdings, Inc. at November 1, 2002 and November 2, 2001, and the consolidated
results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the
period ended November 1, 2002 in conformity with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States.
As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, Booth
Creek Ski Holdings, Inc. adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
142 "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" on November 3, 2001.
/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Sacramento, California
December 20, 2002
F-2
BOOTH CREEK SKI HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
November 1, November 2,
2002 2001
--------------- ---------------
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash.................................... $ 664 $ 458
Accounts receivable, net of allowance
of $44 and $39, respectively........... 1,964 1,937
Insurance proceeds receivable........... 800 1,500
Inventories............................. 2,298 2,486
Prepaid expenses and other current
assets................................. 1,425 1,616
--------------- ---------------
Total current assets...................... 7,151 7,997
Property and equipment, net............... 119,337 139,347
Real estate held for development and
sale...................................... 6,966 8,220
Deferred financing costs, net of
accumulated amortization
of $4,609 and $5,128, respectively...... 4,137 4,087
Timber rights and other assets............ 6,071 6,429
Goodwill.................................. 22,938 23,138
--------------- ---------------
Total assets.............................. $ 166,600 $ 189,218
=============== ===============
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Revolving credit facility............... $ 1,245 $ 17,628
Current portion of long-term debt....... 5,717 1,748
Accounts payable and accrued
liabilities............................ 36,124 34,842
--------------- ---------------
Total current liabilities................. 43,086 54,218
Long-term debt............................ 120,195 128,664
Other long-term liabilities............... 756 767
Commitments and contingencies
Preferred stock of subsidiary............. - 1,136
Shareholder's equity:
Common stock, $.01 par value; 1,000
shares authorized,
issued and outstanding................. - -
Additional paid-in capital.............. 72,000 72,000
Accumulated deficit..................... (69,437) (67,567)
--------------- ---------------
Total shareholder's equity................ 2,563 4,433
--------------- ---------------
Total liabilities and
shareholder's equity.................... $ 166,600 $ 189,218
=============== ===============
See accompanying notes.
F-3
BOOTH CREEK SKI HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands)
Year Ended
----------------------------------------------
November 1, November 2, October 27,
2002 2001 2000
-------------- -------------- --------------
Revenue:
Resort operations............ $ 108,827 $ 107,090 $ 108,430
Real estate and other
(including revenues from
related parties of $11,300
and $18,905 for the years
ended Nov. 1, 2002 and Oct.
27, 2000, respectively).... 11,705 276 19,670
-------------- -------------- --------------
Total revenue.................. 120,532 107,366 128,100
Operating expenses:
Cost of sales - resort
operations.................. 63,137 61,290 62,804
Cost of sales - real estate
and other................... 2,920 211 4,507
Depreciation and depletion... 17,094 19,776 17,037
Amortization of goodwill and
other intangible
assets...................... - 2,405 2,400
Selling, general and
administrative expense...... 22,614 21,428 21,187
-------------- -------------- --------------
Total operating expenses....... 105,765 105,110 107,935
-------------- -------------- --------------
Operating income............... 14,767 2,256 20,165
Other income (expense):
Interest expense............. (15,281) (16,822) (18,158)
Amortization of deferred
financing costs............. (1,126) (966) (1,084)
Minority interest............ (15) (127) (179)
Gain on sale of Grand
Targhee resort to related
party....................... - - 369
Gain on early retirement
of debt..................... 2,761 1,723 -
Other income (expense)....... (90) 280 (143)
-------------- -------------- --------------
Other income (expense), net.... (13,751) (15,912) (19,195)
-------------- -------------- --------------
Income (loss) from continuing
operations before change
in accounting principle...... 1,016 (13,656) 970
Discontinued operations:
Income (loss) from
discontinued operations of
Bear Mountain resort......... 549 (138) (1,327)
Loss on sale of Bear
Mountain resort.............. (3,235) - -
-------------- -------------- --------------
Loss on discontinued
operations.................... (2,686) (138) (1,327)
-------------- -------------- --------------
Loss before change in
accounting principle.......... (1,670) (13,794) (357)
Change in accounting principle
for goodwill.................. (200) - -
-------------- -------------- --------------
Net loss....................... $ (1,870) $ (13,794) $ (357)
============== ============== ==============
See accompanying notes.
F-4
BOOTH CREEK SKI HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
(In thousands, except shares)
Additional
Common Stock Paid-in Accumulated
--------------
Shares Amount Capital Deficit Total
-------- ------- --------- ------------ -------
Balance at October 29, 1999.... 1,000 $ - $ 72,000 $ (53,416) $ 18,584
Net loss....................... - - - (357) (357)
-------------------------------------------------
Balance at October 27, 2000.... 1,000 - 72,000 (53,773) 18,227
Net loss....................... - - - (13,794) (13,794)
-------------------------------------------------
Balance at November 2, 2001.... 1,000 - 72,000 (67,567) 4,433
Net loss....................... - - - (1,870) (1,870)
-------------------------------------------------
Balance at November 1, 2002.... 1,000 $ - $ 72,000 $ (69,437) $ 2,563
======== ======= ========= ============ =======
See accompanying notes.
F-5
BOOTH CREEK SKI HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
Year Ended
----------------------------------------------
November 1, November 2, October 27,
2002 2001 2000
-------------- -------------- --------------
Cash flows from operating
activities:
Net loss.......................... $ (1,870) $ (13,794) $ (357)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss
to net cash
provided by operating
activities:
Depreciation and depletion..... 18,439 22,716 20,172
Amortization of goodwill and
other intangible assets....... - 2,405 2,400
Noncash cost of real estate
sales......................... 2,478 - 2,460
Amortization of deferred
financing costs............... 1,126 966 1,084
Minority interest.............. 15 127 179
Gain on sale of Grand Targhee
resort to related party....... - - (369)
Gain on early retirement
of debt....................... (2,761) (1,723) -
Loss on sale of Bear Mountain
resort........................ 3,235 - -
Change in accounting principle
for goodwill.................. 200 - -
Changes in operating assets
and liabilities,
net of divestitures:
Accounts receivable......... (188) (8) (366)
Insurance proceeds
receivable................. 700 2,570 (2,271)
Inventories................. (31) (380) 394
Prepaid expenses and other
current assets............. 186 (422) (264)
Accounts payable and
accrued liabilities........ 2,005 927 5,940
Other long-term liabilities. (11) (18) 735
-------------- -------------- ------------
Net cash provided by operating
activities...................... 23,523 13,366 29,737
Cash flows from investing
activities:
Capital expenditures for property
and equipment................... (11,638) (12,944) (21,909)
Capital expenditures for real
estate held for
development and sale............ (1,224) (1,654) (175)
Proceeds on sale of Bear Mountain
resort.......................... 11,954 - -
Proceeds on sale of Grand Targhee
resort to related party......... - - 11,422
Proceeds on disposal of property
and equipment................... - - 1,060
Other assets...................... 126 (682) 478
-------------- -------------- ------------
Net cash used in investing
activities...................... (782) (15,280) (9,124)
Cash flows from financing
activities:
Borrowings under revolving
credit facility................. 27,880 34,001 63,767
Repayments under revolving
credit facility................. (44,263) (22,725) (80,450)
Proceeds of long-term debt........ 25,000 - -
Principal payments of long-term
debt............................ (27,949) (8,969) (2,670)
Deferred financing costs.......... (2,052) (2) (351)
Purchase of preferred stock of
subsidiary and
payment of dividends............ (1,151) (629) (674)
-------------- -------------- ------------
Net cash provided by (used in)
financing activities............ (22,535) 1,676 (20,378)
-------------- -------------- ------------
Increase (decrease) in cash....... 206 (238) 235
Cash at beginning of year......... 458 696 461
-------------- -------------- ------------
Cash at end of year............... $ 664 $ 458 $ 696
============== ============== ============
See accompanying notes.
F-6
BOOTH CREEK SKI HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
November 1, 2002
1. Organization, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting
Policies
Booth Creek Ski Holdings, Inc. ("Booth Creek") was organized on October 8,
1996 in the State of Delaware for the purpose of acquiring and operating various
ski resorts, including Northstar-at-Tahoe ("Northstar"), Sierra-at-Tahoe
("Sierra"), Waterville Valley, Mt. Cranmore, Loon Mountain and the Summit at
Snoqualmie (the "Summit"). Booth Creek also conducts certain real estate
development activities, primarily at Northstar. Booth Creek sold the Grand
Targhee ski resort ("Grand Targhee") on June 20, 2000, and sold the Bear
Mountain ski resort ("Bear Mountain") on October 10, 2002. The operating results
of Grand Targhee prior to June 20, 2000 are included in the Company's continuing
operations for the year ended October 27, 2000. The operating results of Bear
Mountain have been reflected as discontinued operations in the accompanying
statements of operations for all periods presented.
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Booth Creek
and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the "Company"), all of which
are wholly-owned. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have
been eliminated.
Booth Creek is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Booth Creek Ski Group, Inc.
("Parent").
Reporting Periods
The Company's fiscal year ends on the Friday closest to October 31 of each
year. Fiscal 2002 and 2000 were 52 week years. Fiscal 2001 was a 53 week year.
Business and Principal Markets
Northstar is a year-round destination resort including ski and golf
facilities. Sierra is a regional ski area which attracts both day and
destination skiers. Both Northstar and Sierra are located near Lake Tahoe,
California. Waterville Valley, Mt. Cranmore and Loon Mountain are regional ski
resorts attracting both day and destination skiers, and are located in New
Hampshire. The Summit is located in Northwest Washington and is a day ski
resort.
Operations are highly seasonal at all locations with the majority of
revenues realized during the ski season from late November through early April.
The length of the ski season and the profitability of operations are
significantly impacted by weather conditions. Although Northstar, Waterville
Valley, Mt. Cranmore and Loon Mountain have snowmaking capacity to mitigate some
of the effects of adverse weather conditions, abnormally warm weather or lack of
adequate snowfall can materially affect revenues. Sierra and the Summit lack
significant snowmaking capabilities but generally experience higher annual
snowfall.
Other operational risks and uncertainties that face the Company include
competitive pressures affecting the number of skier visits and ticket prices;
the success of marketing efforts to maintain and increase skier visits; the
possibility of equipment failure; and continued availability and cost of water
supplies and energy sources for snowmaking and other operations.
Cash
Included in cash at November 1, 2002 and November 2, 2001 is restricted
cash of $327,000 and $378,000, respectively, relating to advance deposits and
rental fees due to property owners for lodging and property rentals.
F-7
BOOTH CREEK SKI HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
1. Organization, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting
Policies - (Continued)
Inventories
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or
market. The components of inventories are as follows:
November 1, November 2,
2002 2001
--------------- ---------------
(In thousands)
Retail products........................ $ 1,432 $ 1,604
Supplies............................... 618 622
Food and beverage...................... 248 260
--------------- ---------------
$ 2,298 $ 2,486
=============== ===============
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is provided on the
straight-line method based upon the estimated service lives or capital lease
terms, which are as follows:
Land improvements................................. 20 years
Buildings and improvements........................ 20 years
Lift equipment.................................... 15 years
Other machinery and equipment..................... 3 to 15 years
Amortization of assets recorded under capital leases is included in
depreciation expense.
Real Estate Activities
The Company capitalizes as real estate held for development and sale the
original acquisition cost, direct construction and development costs, and other
related costs. Property taxes, insurance and interest incurred on costs related
to real estate under development are capitalized during periods in which
activities necessary to prepare the property for its intended use are in
progress. Land costs and other common costs incurred prior to construction are
allocated to each land parcel benefited. Construction-related costs are
allocated to individual units in each development phase using the relative sales
value method. Selling expenses are charged against income in the period
incurred. Interest capitalized on real estate development projects for the years
ended November 1, 2002, November 2, 2001 and October 27, 2000 was $30,000,
$54,000 and $28,000, respectively.
Sales and profits on real estate sales are recognized using the full
accrual method at the point that the Company's receivables from land sales are
deemed collectible and the Company has no significant remaining obligations for
construction or development, which typically occurs upon transfer of title. If
such conditions are not met, the recognition of all or part of the sales and
profit is postponed. The Company thoroughly evaluates the contractual agreements
and underlying facts and circumstances relating to its real estate transactions,
including the involvement of related parties, to determine the appropriate
revenue recognition treatment of such transactions in accordance with Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 66, "Accounting for Sales of Real Estate,"
and related pronouncements.
F-8
BOOTH CREEK SKI HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
1. Organization, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting
Policies - (Continued)
Long-Lived Assets
The Company evaluates potential impairment of long-lived assets in
accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144, "Accounting
for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets" ("SFAS No. 144"). As of
November 1, 2002, management believes that there had not been any impairment of
the Company's long-lived assets.
Goodwill
In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, "Goodwill and Other
Intangible Assets" ("SFAS No. 142"). The Company adopted SFAS No. 142 effective
as of November 3, 2001. Under the new rules, goodwill will no longer be
amortized but will be subject to annual impairment tests in accordance with the
pronouncement. The Company's operating results for the years ended November 2,
2001 and October 27, 2000 reflected goodwill amortization of $2,343,000 and
$2,356,000, respectively. Excluding such goodwill amortization, adjusted net
loss would have been $11,451,000 for the year ended November 2, 2001, and
adjusted net income would have been $1,999,000 for the year ended October 27,
2000. In connection with the adoption of SFAS No. 142, the Company performed a
transitional impairment test for recorded goodwill as of November 3, 2001 for
each resort. Based on the transitional impairment test, the Company wrote down
goodwill by $200,000 for one resort, which has been reflected as the cumulative
effect of a change in accounting principle in the accompanying statement of
operations for the year ended November 1, 2002.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The fair value of amounts outstanding under the Company's Senior Credit
Facility approximates book value, as the interest rate on such debt generally
varies with changes in market interest rates. The fair value of the Company's
12.5% senior notes due March 15, 2007 (the "Senior Notes") was approximately
$88,000,000 and $96,000,000 at November 1, 2002 and November 2, 2001,
respectively, which was based on the market price of such debt.
Revenue Recognition
Revenues from resort operations are generated from a wide variety of
sources, including lift ticket sales, snow school lessons, equipment rentals,
retail product sales, food and beverage operations, lodging and property
management services and other recreational activities, and are recognized as
services are provided and products are sold. Sales of season passes are
initially deferred in unearned revenue and recognized ratably over the ski
season.
Contingencies and Reserve Estimates
The Company's operations are affected by various contingencies, including
commercial litigation, personal injury claims relating principally to snow
sports activities, self-insured workers' compensation matters and self-insured
employee health and welfare arrangements. The Company performs periodic
evaluations of these contingencies and, based on the advice of counsel,
information provided by third-party claims administrators and other pertinent
information, provides reserves for its best estimate of the eventual outcome of
these matters. These estimated liabilities are reviewed and appropriately
adjusted as the facts and circumstances related to these contingencies change.
Amortization
Through November 2, 2001, the excess of the purchase price over the fair
values of the net assets acquired (goodwill) has been amortized using the
straight-line method over a period of 15 years.
Deferred financing costs are being amortized over the lives of the related
obligations.
F-9
BOOTH CREEK SKI HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
1. Organization, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting
Policies - (Continued)
Advertising Costs
The production cost of advertisements is expensed when the advertisement is
initially released. The cost of professional services for advertisements, sales
campaigns and promotions is expensed when the services are rendered. The cost of
brochures and other winter marketing collateral is expensed over the ski season.
Advertising expenses for the years ended November 1, 2002, November 2, 2001 and
October 27, 2000 were $4,196,000, $3,970,000 and $3,611,000, respectively.
Income Taxes
Deferred income taxes are provided for temporary differences between the
carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and
the amounts used for income tax purposes.
The Company is included in the federal and state tax returns of Parent. The
provision for federal and state income tax is computed as if the Company filed
separate consolidated tax returns.
Comprehensive Income
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 130, "Reporting
Comprehensive Income" requires that comprehensive income and its components, as
defined in the pronouncement, be reported within the consolidated financial
statements of the Company. As of and for the years ended November 1, 2002,
November 2, 2001 and October 27, 2000, the Company does not have any
transactions that would necessitate disclosure of comprehensive income.
Pending Accounting Pronouncement
In June 2001, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations" ("SFAS No. 143"), which
addresses financial accounting and reporting for obligations associated with the
retirement of tangible long-lived assets and associated asset retirement costs.
The new rules apply to legal obligations associated with the retirement of
long-lived assets that result from the acquisition, construction, development
and (or) normal operation of a long-lived asset. SFAS No. 143 is effective for
the Company at the beginning of fiscal 2003. The Company believes the adoption
of SFAS No. 143 will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial
position or results of operations.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made to the accompanying consolidated
financial statements as of and for the years ended November 2, 2001 and October
27, 2000 to conform to the current presentation.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and
accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
F-10
BOOTH CREEK SKI HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
2. Paid Skier Visit Insurance Programs
For the 2000/01 season, the Company arranged for four separate paid skier
visit insurance policies covering Bear Mountain, Loon Mountain, Waterville
Valley and the Summit. The policies had a deductible for the initial decline
from targeted paid skier visit and revenue levels and stated maximum coverage
levels. In addition, the policies required the insured to experience monthly or
annual snowfall amounts below certain agreed upon levels before a claim could be
filed for the decline in paid skier visits. For the year ended November 2, 2001,
the Company recorded resort operations revenues of $1,500,000 for claims
attributable to lower than agreed upon paid skier visits and snowfall levels
under the Summit and Waterville Valley policies. The Company's claims were
determined based on a specified formula under the paid skier visit insurance
policies and snowfall information verified by an independent third party. The
Company believes that it fully complied with its obligations under the policies,
and properly reported and made claims in accordance with the policies for losses
aggregating in excess of $1,500,000. As a result of the underwriters' failure to
properly process the Company's claims, in November 2001, the Company filed a
lawsuit against the underwriters seeking recovery for breach of contract, breach
of covenant of good faith and unfair and deceptive business practices. In April
2002, the underwriters made a partial offer of settlement of $700,000, which the
Company accepted with a reservation of all rights and remedies under the terms
of the policies and applicable law with respect to its remaining claims. The
Company intends to vigorously pursue collection of its remaining claims. The
parties to the lawsuit are currently conducting discovery in the matter. Based
on an evaluation of information to date and the advice of counsel, the Company
believes that realization of its recorded claims is probable. However, no
assurance can be given regarding the timing of the resolution of this matter.
For the 1999/00 ski season, the Company arranged for four separate paid
skier visit insurance policies covering its Lake Tahoe resorts (Northstar and
Sierra), its New Hampshire resorts (Waterville Valley, Mt. Cranmore and Loon
Mountain), Bear Mountain and the Summit. For the year ended October 27, 2000,
the Company recognized revenues of $6,600,000 (including $1,120,000 reflected in
discontinued operations relating to Bear Mountain) for estimated claims proceeds
under such policies. For the year ended November 2, 2001, resort operations
revenues included $254,000 for additional claim recoveries which were received
upon the final settlement of the 1999/00 paid skier visit insurance policies in
excess of the amounts recognized in fiscal 2000.
3. Property and Equipment
Property and equipment consist of the following:
November 1, November 2,
2002 2001
--------------- ---------------
(In thousands)
Land and improvements.................. $ 31,433 $ 39,510
Buildings and improvements............. 46,598 48,946
Lift equipment......................... 45,222 49,921
Other machinery and equipment.......... 62,471 68,680
Construction in progress............... 13,550 11,825
--------------- ---------------
199,274 218,882
Less accumulated depreciation and
amortization......................... 79,937 79,535
--------------- ---------------
$ 119,337 $ 139,347
=============== ===============
F-11
BOOTH CREEK SKI HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
4. Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities consist of the following:
November 1, November 2,
2002 2001
--------------- ---------------
(In thousands)
Accounts payable....................... $ 4,552 $ 7,836
Accrued compensation and benefits...... 4,031 4,159
Taxes other than income taxes.......... 972 1,131
Unearned revenue and deposits-
resort operations..................... 15,232 11,601
Unearned deposits from related party-
real estate operations................ 5,610 6,000
Interest............................... 1,647 2,063
Other.................................. 4,080 2,052
--------------- ---------------
$ 36,124 $ 34,842
=============== ===============
5. Financing Arrangements
Senior Credit Facility
Effective March 15, 2002, the Company and its subsidiaries entered into an
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the "Senior Credit Facility") with Fleet
National Bank, as administrative agent ("Agent"), and certain lenders. The
following is a summary of certain provisions of the Senior Credit Facility, as
currently amended.
General - The Senior Credit Facility provides for a revolving credit
facility (the "Revolving Credit Facility") with borrowing availability of
up to $25,000,000, and a term loan facility (the "Term Facility") with
borrowing availability of up to $25,000,000. Borrowings under the Senior
Credit Facility are collectively referred to herein as "Loans."
Interest - For purposes of calculating interest, Loans can be, at the
election of the Company, Base Rate Loans or LIBOR Rate Loans or a
combination thereof. Base Rate Loans bear interest at the sum of (a) the
higher of (i) Agent's prime rate or (ii) the federal funds rate plus .5%
plus (b) a margin of 1.5%. LIBOR Rate Loans bear interest at the LIBOR rate
plus a margin of 4%. Interest on Loans outstanding is payable quarterly.
The Senior Credit Facility also requires commitment fees of .5% based on
the unused borrowing availability of the Revolving Credit Facility.
Borrowings outstanding under the Term Facility as of November 1, 2002 bore
interest at an annual rate of 6.8% pursuant to the LIBOR rate option.
Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility as of November 1, 2002 bore
interest at an annual rate of 6.25% pursuant to the base rate option.
Repayment - Subject to the provisions of the Senior Credit Facility,
the Company may, from time to time, borrow, repay and reborrow under the
Revolving Credit Facility. The Senior Credit Facility requires that the
Company not have any borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility for a
period of 30 consecutive days commencing sometime between January 15 and
February 28 of each year. The Term Facility provides for quarterly
commitment reductions of $1,000,000 on the last day of January, April, July
and October of each year beginning on January 31, 2003 and continuing
through October 31, 2005, the maturity date of the Senior Credit Facility.
The Company is required to repay amounts outstanding under the Term
Facility on such dates by an amount equal to the greater of (i) the amount
by which outstanding Term Facility borrowings exceed the then-applicable
term loan commitment and (ii) the Excess Cash Proceeds (as defined in the
Senior Credit Facility) derived from specified real estate asset sales
determined on a cumulative basis. No amount of the Term Facility which is
repaid may be reborrowed. The entire unpaid balance under the Senior Credit
Facility is due and payable on October 31, 2005.
F-12
BOOTH CREEK SKI HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
5. Financing Arrangements - (Continued)
Security - Borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility are secured by
(a) a pledge to the Agent for the ratable benefit of the financial
institutions party to the Senior Credit Facility of all of the capital
stock of Booth Creek's principal subsidiaries and (b) a grant of a security
interest in substantially all of the consolidated assets of Booth Creek and
its subsidiaries.
Covenants - The Senior Credit Facility contains financial covenants
relating to the maintenance of (a) minimum consolidated resort EBITDA (as
defined in the Senior Credit Facility) measured quarterly on a rolling four
quarter basis, (b) the ratio of consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the
Senior Credit Facility) to consolidated debt service, and (c) levels of
adjusted consolidated leverage. The Senior Credit Facility also contains
restrictive covenants pertaining to the management and operation of Booth
Creek and its subsidiaries. The covenants include, among others,
significant limitations on indebtedness, guarantees, letters of credit,
liens, investments, distributions, capital expenditures, mergers,
acquisitions, asset sales, fundamental corporate changes, transactions with
affiliates, optional payments and modification of debt instruments and
issuances of stock.
Use of Proceeds - Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility could
be used for working capital and other general corporate purposes including,
with the consent of the lenders, the repurchase of the Company's Senior
Notes. Borrowings under the Term Facility could be used to repurchase the
Company's Senior Notes or repay certain other indebtedness, together with
accrued and unpaid interest thereon. For the year ended November 1, 2002,
the Company repurchased $29,325,000 aggregate principal amount of Senior
Notes in privately-negotiated transactions through borrowings under the
Term Facility and available cash resources. As of November 1, 2002,
outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility and Term
Facility were $1,245,000 and $25,000,000, respectively.
The Company has entered into two interest rate cap agreements for an
aggregate notional amount of $15,000,000 through July 31, 2005, declining to
$14,000,000 through October 31, 2005. These interest rate cap agreements are
designed to limit the Company's exposure to the effects of rising interest rates
with respect to borrowings outstanding under the Term Facility. In exchange for
upfront payments of $179,000, the Company will receive floating rate payments
from the counterparties to the interest rate cap agreements during those periods
in which the three month LIBOR rate exceeds 6%. These agreements are accounted
for at their fair value, with fluctuations recorded through the statement of
operations. As of November 1, 2002, the fair value of these agreements was
$41,000.
Senior Notes
As of November 1, 2002, the Company had outstanding $96,175,000 aggregate
principal amount of its Senior Notes. The Senior Notes mature on March 15, 2007,
and bear interest at 12.5% per annum, payable semi-annually on March 15 and
September 15. The Senior Notes are redeemable at the option of the Company, in
whole or in part, at a current redemption price of 106.25% declining through
maturity, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date. The Senior
Notes are general senior unsecured obligations of the Company ranking equally in
right of payment with all other existing and future senior indebtedness of the
Company and senior in right of payment to any subordinated indebtedness of the
Company.
The Senior Notes are unconditionally guaranteed, on an unsecured senior
basis, as to the payment of principal, premium, if any, and interest, jointly
and severally (the "Guarantees"), by all Restricted Subsidiaries of the Company,
as defined in the indenture for the Senior Notes (the "Indenture"), having
either assets or shareholders' equity in excess of $20,000 (the "Guarantors").
All of the Company's direct and indirect subsidiaries are Restricted
Subsidiaries, except DRE, L.L.C.
The Senior Notes are effectively subordinated in right of payment to all
secured indebtedness of the Company and the Guarantors, including indebtedness
under the Senior Credit Facility. In addition, the Senior Notes are structurally
subordinated to any indebtedness of the Company's subsidiaries that are not
Guarantors. The Indenture contains covenants for the benefit of the holders of
the Senior Notes that, among other things, limit the ability of the
F-13
BOOTH CREEK SKI HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
5. Financing Arrangements - (Continued)
Company and any Restricted Subsidiaries to: (i) incur additional indebtedness;
(ii) pay dividends and make other distributions; (iii) issue stock of
subsidiaries; (iv) make certain investments; (v) repurchase stock; (vi) create
liens; (vii) enter into transactions with affiliates; (viii) enter into sale and
leaseback transactions; (ix) create dividend or other payment restrictions
affecting Restricted Subsidiaries; (x) merge or consolidate the Company or any
Guarantor; and (xi) sell assets.
The Guarantors are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Booth Creek and have fully
and unconditionally guaranteed the Senior Notes on a joint and several basis.
Booth Creek is a holding company and has no significant operations, assets or
cash flows separate from its investments in its subsidiaries. In addition, the
assets, equity, revenues, income and cash flow of DRE, L.L.C., Booth Creek's
only non-guarantor subsidiary, are minor and the membership interest in DRE,
L.L.C. is entirely owned by Booth Creek. There are no significant restrictions
on the ability of the Guarantors to pay dividends or otherwise transfer funds to
Booth Creek. Accordingly, Booth Creek has not presented separate financial
statements and other disclosures concerning the Guarantors or its non-guarantor
subsidiary because management has determined that such information is not
material to investors.
During the year ended November 1, 2002, the Company repurchased $29,325,000
aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes for $25,588,000. After giving effect
to the write-off of related deferred financing costs and other costs totaling
$976,000, the Company recognized a gain on early retirement of debt of
$2,761,000.
During the year ended November 2, 2001, the Company repurchased $8,000,000
aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes for $5,990,000. After giving effect
to the write-off of related deferred financing costs of $287,000, the Company
recognized a gain on early retirement of debt of $1,723,000.
In April 2002, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 145, "Rescission of FASB Statements No. 4, 44, and 64, Amendment of FASB
Statement No. 14, and Technical Corrections" ("SFAS No. 145"). Among other
modifications, SFAS No. 145 rescinds Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 4, "Reporting Gains and Losses from Extinguishment of Debt," which generally
provided that gains or losses from the extinguishment of debt be classified as
an extraordinary item in the statement of operations. The Company adopted SFAS
No. 145 effective as of November 1, 2002. In accordance with SFAS No. 145 and
related pronouncements, the Company no longer classifies gains or losses from
the early extinguishment of debt as an extraordinary item, and prior period
financial statements have been appropriately reclassified.
During November and December 2002, the Company repurchased $16,000,000
aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes for $15,080,000.
Other Debt
Other debt of $4,737,000 and $4,912,000 at November 1, 2002 and November 2,
2001, respectively, consists of various capital lease obligations, notes payable
and amounts owed under the American Skiing Company ("ASC") Seller Note for a
portion of the purchase price for the acquisitions of Waterville Valley and Mt.
Cranmore. The ASC Seller Note requires principal payments of $350,000 and
$1,050,000 on January 31, 2003 and June 30, 2004, respectively. The ASC Seller
Note bears interest at 12% per annum payable semi-annually on each June 30 and
December 31.
For the years ended November 1, 2002, November 2, 2001 and October 27,
2000, the Company entered into long-term debt and capital lease obligations of
$2,676,000, $3,245,000 and $2,874,000, respectively, for the purchase of
equipment.
During the years ended November 1, 2002, November 2, 2001 and October 27,
2000, the Company paid cash for interest costs of $15,697,000, $17,054,000 and
$18,473,000, respectively, net of amounts capitalized of $78,000, $59,000 and
$149,000 respectively.
F-14
BOOTH CREEK SKI HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
5. Financing Arrangements - (Continued)
As of November 1, 2002, the maturities of long-term debt were as follows:
Year
Ending
October (In thousands)
--------
2003......................................... $ 5,717
2004......................................... 6,173
2005......................................... 17,721
2006......................................... 98
2007......................................... 96,203
---------------
Total long-term debt......................... 125,912
Less current portion......................... 5,717
---------------
Long-term debt............................... $ 120,195
===============
6. Commitments and Contingencies
Lease Commitments
The Company leases certain machinery, equipment and facilities under
operating leases. Aggregate future minimum lease payments as of November 1, 2002
were as follows:
Year
Ending
October (In thousands)
--------
2003......................................... $ 1,334
2004......................................... 905
2005......................................... 742
2006......................................... 366
2007......................................... 110
Thereafter................................... 2,120
---------------
$ 5,577
===============
Total rent expense for all operating leases amounted to $2,378,000,
$2,225,000 and $3,279,000 for the years ended November 1, 2002, November 2, 2001
and October 27, 2000, respectively.
The Company leases certain machinery and equipment under capital leases.
Aggregate future minimum lease payments as of November 1, 2002 for the years
ending October 2003, October 2004, October 2005 and October 2006 were
$1,522,000, $1,202,000, $734,000 and $85,000, respectively. The cost of
equipment recorded under capital leases at November 1, 2002 and November 2, 2001
was $4,819,000 and $4,690,000, respectively, and the related accumulated
depreciation at such dates was $2,147,000 and $1,812,000, respectively.
In addition, the Company leases property from the U.S. Forest Service under
Term Special Use Permits for all or certain portions of the operations of
Sierra, Waterville Valley, Loon Mountain and the Summit. These leases are
effective through 2039, 2034, 2042 and 2032, respectively. Lease payments are
based on a percentage of revenues, and were $1,352,000, $1,215,000 and
$1,166,000 for the years ended November 1, 2002, November 2, 2001 and October
27, 2000, respectively.
F-15
BOOTH CREEK SKI HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
6. Commitments and Contingencies - (Continued)
Other Commitments
Commitments for future capital expenditures totaled approximately
$2,400,000 at November 1, 2002.
In connection with certain single family real estate development projects
at Northstar, self-insured workers' compensation arrangements for the Summit and
certain other aspects of its operations, the Company has arranged for surety
bonds from third-party surety bonding companies or letters of credit from
financial institutions. The aggregate amount of surety bonds and letters of
credit in place at November 1, 2002 were approximately $1,500,000 and $100,000,
respectively.
Litigation
The nature of the ski industry includes the risk of skier injuries.
Generally, the Company has insurance to cover potential claims; in some cases
the amounts of the claims may be substantial. The Company is also involved in a
number of other claims arising from its operations.
Management, in consultation with legal counsel, believes resolution of
these claims will not have a material adverse impact on the Company's
consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
Pledge of Stock
The stock of the Company is pledged to secure approximately $99,000,000 of
indebtedness of Parent.
7. Income Taxes
The difference between the statutory federal income tax rate and the
effective tax rate is attributable to the following:
Year Ended
-------------------------------------
November 1, November 2, October 27,
2002 2001 2000
----------- ----------- -----------
(In thousands)
Tax benefit computed at
federal statutory
rate of 35% of pre-tax loss.... $ 655 $ 4,828 $ 62
Net change in valuation
allowance...................... (594) (4,419) (55)
Other, net....................... (61) (409) (7)
----------- ----------- -----------
$ - $ - $ -
=========== =========== ===========
F-16
BOOTH CREEK SKI HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
7. Income Taxes - (Continued)
Significant components of the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities
are as follows:
November 1, November 2,
2002 2001
--------------- ---------------
(In thousands)
Deferred tax assets:
Accruals and reserves................ $ 1,529 $ 1,235
Alternative minimum tax credit
carryforwards....................... 352 352
Net operating loss carryforwards..... 32,344 30,925
--------------- ---------------
Total deferred tax assets.......... 34,225 32,512
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment............... (15,358) (14,750)
Goodwill............................. (511) -
--------------- ---------------
Total deferred tax liabilities..... (15,869) (14,750)
--------------- ---------------
Net deferred tax assets................ 18,356 17,762
Valuation allowance.................... (18,356) (17,762)
Net deferred tax assets reflected --------------- ---------------
in the accompanying consolidated
balance sheets....................... $ - $ -
=============== ===============
At November 1, 2002, the Company has net operating loss carryforwards of
approximately $88,600,000 for federal income tax reporting purposes, which
expire between 2012 and 2022.
8. Real Estate Transactions with Related Parties
Phases 4 and 4A of the Big Springs Development
On July 28, 1999, Trimont Land Company ("TLC"), the owner and operator of
Northstar and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, consummated the sale of
the property comprising Phases 4 and 4A of the Big Springs Development to
Trimont Land Holdings, Inc. ("TLH"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent and an
affiliate of the Company, for an aggregate sales price of $10,000,000, subject
to adjustment as described below. The consideration initially paid to TLC
consisted of $8,500,000 in cash and a promissory note (the "Phase 4/4A Note")
for $1,500,000, subject to adjustment. Under the terms of the Phase 4/4A Note,
TLC obtained the right to receive the greater of (a) $1,500,000 plus accrued
interest at 7% per annum, or (b) the Net Cash Proceeds (as defined) of the
resale of the lots within Phases 4 and 4A. The Company obtained a fairness
opinion for the transaction from an independent firm qualified in the subject
matter of the transaction. The Company recognized revenue and related costs of
sales for these transactions upon the substantial completion of construction and
the close of escrow for lot sales between TLH and third-party buyers. During the
year ended October 27, 2000, the final four lots within Phases 4 and 4A closed
escrow. In accordance with the terms of the transaction between TLH and TLC, the
Company received proceeds and recognized real estate sales of $1,055,000 during
the year ended October 27, 2000.
Unit 7 and 7A Development
On November 17, 1999, TLC consummated the sale to TLH of certain single
family development property underlying a portion of the Unit 7 and 7A
developments at Northstar for an aggregate sales price of $7,050,000, subject to
adjustment as described below. The consideration paid to TLC consisted of
$6,000,000 in cash and a promissory note (the "Unit 7 Note") for $l,050,000,
subject to adjustment. The Company obtained a fairness opinion for the
transaction from an independent firm qualified in the subject matter of the
transaction. In connection with the sale of development real estate on September
22, 2000 as described below, TLH's interests in the Unit 7A lots were
transferred back to TLC on September 22, 2000.
F-17
BOOTH CREEK SKI HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
8. Real Estate Transactions with Related Parties - (Continued)
Under the terms of the Unit 7 Note, TLC is entitled to receive the greater
of (a) $1,050,000 plus accrued interest at 7% per annum, or (b) the Net Cash
Proceeds (as defined) derived from the resale of TLH's lots within Unit 7.
Pursuant to the terms of the sale, TLC retained the obligation to complete the
scheduled construction of the Unit 7 development, which was substantially
completed in November 2001. The Company recognizes revenue and related costs of
sales for these real estate transactions upon the close of escrow for lot sales
between TLH and third party buyers, and had reflected the $6,000,000 in cash
received as a deposit liability as of November 2, 2001.
For the year ended November 1, 2002, TLH consummated the sale of 25 Unit 7
lots for net proceeds of approximately $11,300,000. As the net proceeds of the
25 lot sales were more than the $6,000,000 in cash initially paid by TLH for the
underlying real estate, additional cash proceeds of $5,300,000 were distributed
to TLC during the year ended November 1, 2002. In addition, the Company relieved
the existing $6,000,000 deposit liability during the year ended November 1,
2002. As of November 1, 2002, one lot remained available for sale within the
Unit 7 subdivision.
Development Real Estate
On September 22, 2000, TLC and TLH entered into an Agreement for Purchase
and Sale of Real Property (the "Northstar Real Estate Agreement") pursuant to
which TLC agreed to sell to TLH certain development real estate consisting of
approximately 550 acres of land located at Northstar (the "Development Real
Estate") for a total purchase price of $27,600,000, of which 85% was payable in
cash and 15% was payable in the form of convertible secured subordinated
promissory notes. The purchase price was based on an appraisal obtained from an
independent third party appraiser. Concurrently therewith, TLC and TLH
consummated the sale of the initial land parcels contemplated by the Northstar
Real Estate Agreement, and TLC transferred the bulk of the Development Real
Estate to TLH for a total purchase price of $21,000,000, of which $17,850,000,
or 85%, was paid in cash and $3,150,000, or 15%, was paid in the form of a
convertible secured subordinated promissory note (the "Convertible Secured
Note").
In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for real estate
transactions, the Company has recorded revenues for the sale of the initial land
parcels to the extent of cash received by TLC. The Company will recognize
revenues and profits on the portion of the sales price represented by the
Convertible Secured Note as collections are made, and accordingly, has reflected
$3,150,000 of deferred revenue as an offset to the Convertible Secured Note in
the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of November 1, 2002 and November
2, 2001. The Convertible Secured Note requires quarterly interest payments at
the rate of 10% per annum if paid in cash, or 12% if paid in kind, and is due in
full in September 2005. No interest is currently being accrued on the
Convertible Secured Note, as such interest will be recognized as collections are
made. The Convertible Secured Note is secured by TLH's membership interest in a
real estate joint venture (the "East West Joint Venture") to which TLH is a
party. The Convertible Secured Note is convertible at TLC's option into 15% of
TLH's membership interest in the East West Joint Venture, which enables TLC to
obtain, at TLC's option, a profit participation in the Development Real Estate.
The Company obtained an opinion from an independent firm qualified and
experienced in the subject matter of the transaction that the terms of the sale
of Development Real Estate were fair and reasonable to the Company and TLC and
at least as favorable as the terms which could have been obtained in a
comparable transaction made on an arms-length basis between unaffiliated
parties.
During the year ended November 1, 2002, TLH paid $5,610,000 to TLC, which
represents the cash portion of the purchase price for the remaining Development
Real Estate subject to the Northstar Real Estate Agreement. The $5,610,000
payment has been deferred as a deposit liability pending the consummation of the
sale of the remaining Development Real Estate under the Northstar Real Estate
Agreement, which is subject to certain subdivision requirements to effect the
transfer of such property and other normal and customary closing conditions, and
is expected to be consummated in 2003.
F-18
BOOTH CREEK SKI HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
9. Sale of Grand Targhee to Related Party
On June 20, 2000, the Company sold all of the assets associated with the
Grand Targhee resort for approximately $11,400,000 in cash to GT Acquisition I,
LLC ("GT Acquisition"), an entity formed and controlled by the Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer of the Company. At the closing of the transaction, GT
Acquisition also assumed all liabilities relating to the Grand Targhee resort.
The sale of the Grand Targhee resort resulted in a gain of $369,000 during the
year ended October 27, 2000. The Company obtained a fairness opinion for the
transaction from an independent firm qualified in the subject matter of the
transaction.
10. Sale of Bear Mountain Resort
On October 10, 2002, the Company consummated the sale of all of the capital
stock of Bear Mountain, Inc., the owner and operator of the Bear Mountain ski
resort, to Snow Summit Ski Corporation for a purchase price of $12,000,000 in
cash, subject to certain adjustments for working capital, assumed debt and
allocations of off-season operating losses and capital expenditures. The
purchase price was determined through arms-length negotiations. As of result of
the disposition, the Company has reflected the historical operating results of
Bear Mountain as discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated
statements of operations. Based on the terms of the transaction, the Company
recognized a loss on the sale of $3,235,000.
In connection with the sale of Bear Mountain, the Company obtained an
amendment to the Senior Credit Facility to permit the transaction and modify
certain covenant computations and other provisions of the Senior Credit
Facility.
Summary operating results for Bear Mountain for the periods indicated
below, which have historically been included in the Company's resort segment
operating results, were as follows:
Year Ended
-----------------------------------------------------
November 1, November 2, October 27,
2002 2001 2000
----------------- ----------------- -----------------
(In thousands)
Total revenue......... $ 14,067 $ 14,539 $ 11,255
Total expenses........ (13,518) (14,677) (12,582)
----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Total income (loss)
from discontinued
operations.......... $ 549 $ (138) $ (1,327)
================= ================= =================
Bear Mountain generated income from operations before depreciation of
$1,946,000, $2,863,000 and $1,868,000 for the years ended November 1, 2002,
November 2, 2001 and October 27, 2000, respectively.
11. Management Agreement with Related Party and Other Related Party
Transactions
On May 26, 2000, the Company and Parent entered into an Amended and
Restated Management Agreement (the "Management Agreement") with Booth Creek
Management Corporation (the "Management Company") pursuant to which the
Management Company agreed to provide Parent, Booth Creek and its subsidiaries
with management advice with respect to, among other things, (i) formulation and
implementation of financial, marketing and operating strategies, (ii)
development of business plans and policies, (iii) corporate finance matters,
including acquisitions, divestitures, debt and equity financings and capital
expenditures, (iv) administrative and operating matters, including unified
management of the Company's ski resorts, (v) research, marketing and promotion,
and (vi) other general business matters. The Company's Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer is the sole shareholder, sole director and Chief Executive
Officer of the Management Company.
Under the terms of the amended Management Agreement, Parent and the Company
provide customary indemnification, reimburse certain costs and pay the
Management Company an annual management fee of $100,000, plus a discretionary
operating bonus. Management fees and reimbursable expenses incurred by the
Company during the years ended November 1, 2002, November 2, 2001 and October
27, 2000 were $75,000, $75,000 and $246,000, respectively.
F-19
BOOTH CREEK SKI HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
11. Management Agreement with Related Party and Other Related Party
Transactions - (Continued)
CIBC World Markets Corp., an affiliate of a significant shareholder of
Parent, has provided financial and investment banking services to the Company
from time to time, including in connection with the Company's repurchase of its
Senior Notes. The Company paid fees aggregating $100,000 to CIBC World Markets
Corp. for such services during the year ended November 1, 2002.
12. Employee Benefit Plan
The Company maintains a defined contribution retirement plan (the "Plan"),
qualified under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code, for certain
eligible employees. Pursuant to the Plan, eligible employees may contribute a
portion of their compensation, subject to a maximum amount per year as specified
by law. The Company provides a matching contribution based on specified
percentages of amounts contributed by participants. The Company's contribution
expense for the years ended November 1, 2002, November 2, 2001 and October 27,
2000 were $637,000, $605,000 and $615,000, respectively.
13. Business Segments
The Company currently operates in two business segments, resort operations
and real estate and other. The Company's resort operations segment is currently
comprised of six ski resort complexes, which provide lift access, snow school
lessons, retail, equipment rental, food and beverage offerings, lodging and
property management services and ancillary products and services. The real
estate and other segment is primarily engaged in the development and sale of
real estate at Northstar and the harvesting of timber rights. Given the
distinctive nature of their respective products, these segments are managed
separately. Data by segment is as follows:
Year Ended
-------------------------------------
November 1, November 2, October 27,
2002 2001 2000
----------- ----------- -----------
(In thousands)
Revenue:
Resort operations............... $ 108,827 $ 107,090 $ 108,430
Real estate and other........... 11,705 276 19,670
----------- ----------- -----------
$ 120,532 $ 107,366 $ 128,100
=========== =========== ===========
Operating income (loss):
Resort operations............... $ 7,398 $ 3,148 $ 5,337
Real estate and other........... 7,369 (892) 14,828
----------- ----------- -----------
$ 14,767 $ 2,256 $ 20,165
=========== =========== ===========
Depreciation, depletion,
amortization and noncash cost
of real estate sales:
Resort operations............... $ 16,892 $ 22,053 $ 19,192
Real estate and other........... 2,680 128 2,705
----------- ----------- -----------
$ 19,572 $ 22,181 $ 21,897
=========== =========== ===========
F-20
BOOTH CREEK SKI HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
13. Business Segments - (Continued)
Capital expenditures by segment, which include expenditures relating to
Bear Mountain for each period presented, and segment assets, which reflect the
assets of Bear Mountain as of November 2, 2001, were as follows:
Year Ended
-------------------------------------
November 1, November 2, October 27,
2002 2001 2000
----------- ----------- -----------
(In thousands)
Capital expenditures:
Resort operations............... $ 11,638 $ 12,944 $ 21,909
Real estate and other........... 1,224 1,654 175
----------- ----------- -----------
$ 12,862 $ 14,598 $ 22,084
=========== =========== ===========
November 1, November 2,
2002 2001
----------- -----------
Segment assets:
Resort operations............... $ 148,427 $ 169,919
Real estate and other........... 10,939 12,345
Corporate and other
nonidentifiable assets......... 7,234 6,954
----------- -----------
$ 166,600 189,218
=========== ===========
F-21
Exhibit Index
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION
------ -----------
+2.1 Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of September 18, 1997
by and among Booth Creek Ski Group, Inc., LMRC Acquisition
Corp. and Loon Mountain Recreation Corporation.
+2.2 First Amendment to Merger Agreement, dated December 22,
1997, by and among Booth Creek Ski Group, Inc., LMRC
Acquisition Corp. and Loon Mountain Recreation Corporation.
*3.1 Certificate of Incorporation of Booth Creek Ski Holdings,
Inc.
*3.2 Bylaws of Booth Creek Ski Holdings, Inc.
*3.3 Restated Articles of Incorporation of Trimont Land Company.
*3.4 Bylaws of Trimont Land Company.
*3.5 Certificate of Incorporation of Sierra-at-Tahoe, Inc.
*3.6 Bylaws of Sierra-at-Tahoe, Inc.
*3.7 Certificate of Incorporation of Booth Creek Ski Acquisition
Corp.
*3.8 Bylaws of Booth Creek Ski Acquisition Corp.
*3.9 Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of
Waterville Valley Ski Resort, Inc.
*3.10 Bylaws of Waterville Valley Ski Resort, Inc.
*3.11 Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Mount
Cranmore Ski Resort, Inc.
*3.12 Bylaws of Mount Cranmore Ski Resort, Inc.
*3.13 Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Ski
Lifts, Inc.
*3.14 Bylaws of Ski Lifts, Inc.
**3.15 Articles of Incorporation of LMRC Holding Corp.
**3.16 Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Loon
Mountain Recreation Corporation.
**3.17 Amended and Restated Bylaws of Loon Mountain Recreation
Corporation.
**3.18 Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Loon
Realty Corp.
**3.19 Amended and Restated Bylaws of Loon Realty Corp.
**3.20 Bylaws of LMRC Holding Corp.
*4.1 Indenture dated as of March 18, 1997 by and among Booth
Creek Ski Holdings, Inc., as Issuer, Trimont Land Company,
Sierra-at-Tahoe, Inc., Bear Mountain, Inc., Waterville
Valley Ski Resort, Inc., Mount Cranmore Ski Resort, Inc.,
Booth Creek Ski Acquisition Corp. and Ski Lifts, Inc., as
Subsidiary Guarantors, and HSBC Bank USA, as Trustee
(including the form of 12 1/2% Senior Note due 2007 and the
form of Guarantee).
i
*4.2 Supplemental Indenture No. 1 to Indenture dated as of April
25, 1997 by and among Booth Creek Ski Holdings, Inc., as
Issuer, Trimont Land Company, Sierra-at-Tahoe, Inc., Bear
Mountain, Inc., Waterville Valley Ski Resort, Inc., Mount
Cranmore Ski Resort, Inc., Booth Creek Ski Acquisition Corp.
and Ski Lifts, Inc., as Subsidiary Guarantors, HSBC Bank
USA, as Trustee.
+4.3 Supplemental Indenture No. 2 to Indenture dated as of
February 20, 1998 by and among Booth Creek Ski Holdings,
Inc., as Issuer, Trimont Land Company, Sierra-at-Tahoe,
Inc., Bear Mountain, Inc., Waterville Valley Ski Resort,
Inc., Mount Cranmore Ski Resort, Inc., Booth Creek Ski
Acquisition Corp. and Ski Lifts, Inc., as Subsidiary
Guarantors, and HSBC Bank USA, as Trustee.
+4.4 Supplemental Indenture No. 3 to Indenture dated as of
February 26, 1998, by and among Booth Creek Ski Holdings,
Inc., as Issuer, LMRC Holding Corp., Loon Mountain
Recreation Corporation and Loon Realty Corp., as Subsidiary
Guarantors, and HSBC Bank USA, as Trustee.
++4.5 Supplemental Indenture No. 4 to Indenture dated as of
October 8, 1998 by and among Booth Creek Ski Holdings, Inc.,
as Issuer, Booth Creek Ski Acquisition, Inc., and HSBC Bank
USA, as Trustee.
##4.6 Second Amended and Restated Securities Purchase Agreement
and certain related agreements dated as of May 28, 2000,
among Booth Creek Ski Group, Inc., Booth Creek Ski Holdings,
Inc., the Subsidiary Guarantors as defined therein and each
of John Hancock Life Insurance Company, CIBC WG Argosy
Merchant Fund 2, L.L.C., Hancock Mezzanine Partners, L.P.,
Co-Investment Merchant Fund, LLC and Booth Creek Partners
Limited II, L.L.L.P.
####4.7 Stockholders Agreement dated January 22, 2002 among
Christopher P. Ryman, Elizabeth J. Cole, Timothy H. Beck,
Brian J. Pope, John Hancock Life Insurance Company, Hancock
Mezzanine Partners, L.P., CIBC WG Argosy Merchant Fund 2,
L.L.C., Co-Investment Merchant Fund, LLC and Booth Creek Ski
Group, Inc.
@10.1 Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of March 15,
2002 among Booth Creek Ski Holdings, Inc., the other
Borrowers thereunder, the Guarantor named therein, the
Lenders named therein, and Fleet National Bank, as Agent for
the Lenders.
@@@10.2 First Amendment dated October 10, 2002 to Amended and
Restated Credit Agreement dated as of March 15, 2002 among
Booth Creek Ski Holdings, Inc., the other Borrowers
thereunder, the Guarantor named therein, the Lenders named
therein, and Fleet National Bank, as Agent for the Lenders.
*10.3 Purchase and Sale Agreement dated as of August 30, 1996 by
and between Waterville Valley Ski Area, Ltd., Cranmore,
Inc., American Skiing Company and Booth Creek Ski
Acquisition Corp.
*10.4 Subordinated Promissory Note dated November 27, 1996 issued
by Booth Creek Ski Acquisition Corp., Waterville Valley Ski
Resort, Inc. and Mount Cranmore Ski Resort, Inc. to American
Skiing Company.
*10.5 Stock Purchase and Indemnification Agreement dated as of
November 26, 1996 among Booth Creek Ski Holdings, Inc.,
Fibreboard Corporation, Trimont Land Company,
Sierra-at-Tahoe, Inc. and Bear Mountain, Inc.
ii
*10.6 Escrow Agreement dated December 3, 1996 by and among
Fibreboard Corporation, Booth Creek Ski Holdings, Inc. and
First Trust of California.
*10.7 Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of February 21, 1997 by
and between Booth Creek Ski Holdings, Inc., William W.
Moffett, Jr., David R. Moffett, Laurie M. Padden,
individually and as custodian for Christina Padden, Jennifer
Padden and Mary M. Padden, Stephen R. Moffett, Katharine E.
Moffett, Frances J. DeBruler, individually and as
representative of the Estate of Jean S. DeBruler, Jr.,
deceased, and Peggy Westerlund, and David R. Moffett, as
representative.
*10.8 Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of February 21,
1997 by and between DRE, L.L.C., William W. Moffett, Jr.,
David R. Moffett, Laurie M. Padden, individually and as
custodian for Christina Padden, Jennifer Padden and Mary M.
Padden, Stephen R. Moffett, Katharine E. Moffett, Frances J.
DeBruler, individually and as representative of the Estate
of Jean S. DeBruler, Jr., deceased, and Peggy Westerlund and
David R. Moffett, as representative.
#10.9 Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of March 21, 2000, as
modified and amended, by and between Booth Creek Ski
Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation, as Seller, and GT
Acquisition I, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as
Buyer.
###10.10 Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Real Property and
certain related agreements dated September 22, 2000 between
Trimont Land Company and Trimont Land Holdings, Inc.
##10.11 Amended and Restated Management Agreement dated as of May
26, 2000 by and between Booth Creek Ski Holdings, Inc. and
Booth Creek Management Corporation.
*10.12 Ski Area Term Special Use Permit No. 4002/01 issued by the
United States Forest Service to Waterville Valley Ski
Resort, Inc.
*10.13 Ski Area Term Special Use Permit No. 4127/09 issued by the
United States Forest Service to Ski Lifts, Inc.
*10.14 Annual Special Use Permit Nos. 4127/19 & 4127/19 issued by
the United States Forest Service to Ski Lifts, Inc.
@@10.15 Ski Area Term Special Use Permit No. 4008/1 issued by the
United States Forest Service to Loon Mountain Recreation
Corporation.
+++10.16 Ski Area Term Special Use Permit No. 4186 issued by the
United States Forest Service to Sierra-at-Tahoe, Inc.
@@10.17 Stock Purchase Agreement dated July 22, 2002 among Bear
Mountain Resort, Inc., Snow Summit Ski Corporation and Booth
Creek Ski Holdings, Inc.
**10.18 Employment Agreement dated as of July 1, 1997, by and
between Booth Creek Ski Holdings, Inc. and Timothy H. Beck.
####10.19 Amendment No. 1 to the Employment Agreement by and
between Booth Creek Ski Holdings, Inc. and Timothy H. Beck.
####10.20 Amended and Restated Employment Agreement by and
between Booth Creek Ski Group, Inc., Booth Creek Ski
Holdings, Inc. and Christopher P. Ryman.
####10.21 Amended and Restated Employment Agreement by and
between Booth Creek Ski Group, Inc., Booth Creek Ski
Holdings, Inc. and Elizabeth J. Cole.
iii
####10.22 Booth Creek Ski Group, Inc. 2001 Stock Incentive Plan.
####10.23 Restricted Stock Agreement by and between Booth Creek
Ski Group, Inc. and Timothy H. Beck.
####10.24 Deferred Compensation Agreement by and between Booth
Creek Ski Group, Inc. and Timothy H. Beck.
####10.25 Restricted Stock Agreement by and between Booth Creek
Ski Group, Inc. and Brian J. Pope.
####10.26 Deferred Compensation Agreement by and between Booth
Creek Ski Group, Inc. and Brian J. Pope.
####10.27 Severance Agreement by and between Booth Creek Ski
Group, Inc., Booth Creek Ski Holdings, Inc. and Brian J.
Pope.
@@@@12.1 Statement of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
@@@@21.1 Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
@@@@99.1 Certification of George N. Gillett, Jr., Chief Executive
Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted
pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
@@@@99.2 Certification of Christopher P. Ryman, President and
Chief Operating Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
of 2002
@@@@99.3 Certification of Elizabeth J. Cole, Executive Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C.
Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
@@@@99.4 Booth Creek Ski Holdings, Inc. Code of Business Conduct
and Ethics adopted January 14, 2003
- --------------------------
* Filed with Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Reg. No. 333-26091) and
incorporated herein by reference.
** Filed with the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarterly
Period Ended January 30, 1998 and incorporated herein by reference.
+ Filed with the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 26, 1998
and incorporated herein by reference.
++ Filed with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year
Ended October 30, 1998 and incorporated herein by reference.
+++ Filed with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year
Ended October 29, 1999 and incorporated herein by reference.
# Filed with the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 21, 2000
and incorporated herein by reference.
## Filed with the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarterly
Period Ended July 28, 2000 and incorporated herein by reference.
iv
### Filed with the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 22,
2000 and incorporated herein by reference.
#### Filed with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year
Ended November 2, 2001 and incorporated herein by reference.
@ Filed with the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarterly
Period Ended February 1, 2002 and incorporated herein by reference.
@@ Filed with the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarterly
Period Ended August 2, 2002 and incorporated herein by reference.
@@@ Filed with the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 10, 2002
and incorporated herein by reference.
@@@@ Filed herewith as an Exhibit to this Form 10-K.
v