BARTLETT, New Hampshire ??” The online auction of Attitash Resort in the Mount Washington Valley of New Hampshire closes Thursday, March 3 at 11 a.m. The auction winner receives Attitash as their private ski area for that day for up 1000 people. The auction webpage was eclipsing 6000 “hits” as of 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 2 and the highest bid was $5,300.

The auction is underway at www.ebay.com. Attitash has fielded inquiries regarding the auction from ski clubs, corporations looking to host clients and staff, beer companies and radio stations. The final few hours of an online auction are often the most intensive as prospective buyers post what they hope will be the final bid. Interested parties may enter search term “Attitash” or item number 6513812773.

“Attitash for a day is definitely going to be sold,” said John Urdi, vice president of brand management. “It’s just a question of what will happen in the remaining hours of the auction. With the amount of interest the auction has been getting I wouldn’t be surprised to see a bunch of last minute bids. Having some of the best skiing and riding conditions in years hasn’t hurt matters either.”

April 4, 2005 is the day following the closing of the area to the public. Just over 50 percent of the ski area will be available to the highest bidder weather and conditions permitting. The side that is being offered is the eastern half of Attitash and it features 37 trails and a vertical drop 1,750 feet.

“With over 5 feet of snow in February and fast start to March, April 4 is looking to be a great spring ski day. Between now and then we have a host of events and parties like Spring Mania and Snow Golf,” said Urdi.

Attitash is currently 100 percent open after successful snowmaking operations and significant February snows. The resort is celebrating its 40th anniversary with the 40 Days and 40 Nights of Attitash. A complete schedule of events is available at www.attitash.com.