Sun Mountain Yabuli will have three upscale hotels, including a 24 all-suite boutique perched on the mountaintop. Two of the three hotels have been topped out, according to this morning's press release about the resort development program. Recognized as the country's top destination ski resort, it will host the World Winter University Games in early 2009.

Melco China Resorts also plans immediate minor upgrades Sky Mountain Beidahu and Star Mountain Beijing resorts. But, the owner is mapping out extensive expansions for both resorts. The to-do list includes Adventure Mountan Changchu resort, a members-only Lotus Mountain Club project that will be well under way by 2009. In addition, Melco is planning to acquire additional land to develop more resorts in the coming years.

Melco China Resorts is a partner of Hong Kong-based Melco International Development Ltd. It will develop, operate and manage the JV's mountain resorts. "Our move into the burgeoning mountain resort business in China enables our expansion in the mainland and provides an exceptional range of new experiences to address the growing need for up-market recreational activities among the country's fast growing middle and upper classes," Lawrence Ho, Melco's chairman and CEO, says in the press release.