News Release
March 27, 1996
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

"Virtual Skiing"

More Skiers Checking Out Slopes On-Line

Created by Dr. William Regli at the university's Department of Computer Science, the Server provides ski enthusiasts with more than 200 downloadable maps from local and international resorts such as Maryland's Wisp and Australia's Thredbo. The Server also includes more than 100 links to other on-line ski references. As one of the most comprehensive sources of ski-related information on the Internet, the site contains various items of interest such as the difficulty of runs, elevation of slopes, weather updates and resort rates.

PC Computing magazine's December 1995 issue listed the Server among the top 1001 Internet sites. The Server attracts more than 30,000 readers per month, with a steady increase in the number of "hits" or inquiries per day since its inception in 1994. The rise in popularity includes a growing number of readers internationally.

"We have been flooded with requests from resorts that want their maps included on the site. Many individuals also are asking us to add maps of their favorite resorts," said Dr. Regli. Use of the Server had expanded to the point that the university decided to seek an outside source to take over the project and develop it to its full potential, explained Carolyn Garrett, information science licensing manager for the Office of Technology Liaison.

"The university is continually searching for opportunities to build strong relationships with local businesses. We serve as a launching pad for the growth of new technologies that impact our economy locally and nationally," Garrett said.

InterVisage, Inc. has given the site the new name of SkiMaps(TM) and a new home page design. They will continue to build on the design and content of the Server to provide readers with a larger scope of ski-related information that's easily accessible, according to the company's president, Frank Klassen. They plan to double the number of ski maps available and add more site links to hotel, food and lodging resources. They also will offer opportunities for web page sponsorship by ski equipment manufacturers, resorts, travel agencies and other industries world-wide.

"We'd like to distinguish SkiMaps(TM) as the first place to visit when planning a ski trip," Klassen said. "We will continue to build on the site to offer the most complete and focused package of up-to-date information for ski enthusiasts."