SAM Magazine-Alta, Wyo., April 25, 2008-Grand Targhee Resort has proclaimed its entire base area will become smoke free as of June 1. The resort's official summer operating season begins June 21.

The policy asks all visitors and employees of the resort to refrain from smoking anywhere at the resort except for location at the east end of the main parking lot. Appropriate trash receptacles will be located in this area. in one designated area. Smoke-free areas include all buildings, the entire base area, parking lots, lift lines, and chairlifts.

Targhee began to limit smoking back in 2002, when all resort lodging units were designated as smoke-free. The base facilities, including the Trap Bar, followed in 2003.

"Our pristine environment immediately conjures up clean air and the participation in a healthy lifestyle. I truly believe our comprehensive no-smoking policy definitely compliments that expectation, and that our guests and staff will all directly benefit from this new initiative," said Susie Barnett-Bushong, director of marketing.

Smoking remains a national health issue. The Centers for Disease Control reports that in 2006, tobacco related-illnesses were the leading cause of preventable death in the country, killing more than 400,000 people, and that second hand smoke exposure was the third leading cause of preventable death, killing nearly 50,000. \