Category: Ski Americas

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Aspen Snowmass Announces The Meeting 14 FilmFest Screenings

The state of the industry in Colorado - Alterra expects to sell 250,000 Ikon ski passes while Vail Resorts Epic Pass sales are up thanks to the $99 military pass

Aspen Snowmass Announces The Meeting 14 FilmFest Screenings,   Presented by Rylo

FilmFest Screenings will take place Oct. 4-6

The Meeting 14, presented by Rylo, FilmFest will take place in Aspen Snowmass Oct. 4-6 and feature screenings of the latest outdoor and ski/snowboard film.  Films will include “Free Solo” By National Geographic, “Would You,” by Jeremy Pancras Visuals, “All In,” by Matchstick Productions, Zig Zag by Level 1, “We Tried,” by Shredbots and “Stay Tuned,” by Absinthe Films. In addition, the FilmFest will once again include the entertaining local’s favorite, NEPSA awards, a short film contest centered on skiing, snowboarding and comedic acts by local and amateur filmmakers. For the second year, the NEPSA awards will include a photo contest, in which local and regional photographers can enter a piece of work that will be displayed in a gallery format prior to the NEPSA video presentation.

The Meeting Aspen 2017 - Photo by Jeremey Swanson. Aspen Skiing Company.
The Meeting Aspen 2017 – Photo by Jeremey Swanson. Aspen Skiing Company.

The following films will be screened at The Meeting 14, presented by Rylo. For full list of film trailers, click here.

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Vail Resorts closes it acquisition of Okemo Mountain Resort, Mount Sunapee Resort and Crested Butte Mountain Resort.

Crested Butte. Colorado, photo credit Robb Pennie. Crested Butte is now part of Vail Resorts and is EPIC, with Okemo Mountain Resort and Mount Sunapee Resort.

Vail Resorts closes it acquisition of Okemo Mountain Resort, Mount Sunapee Resort and Crested Butte Mountain Resort.

  • The Epic Pass, Epic Local Pass and Military Epic Pass now include unlimited, unrestricted access to Okemo Mountain Resort, Mount Sunapee Resort and Crested Butte Mountain Resort for the 2018-19 season
  • Passes for the 2018-19 season are currently on sale, with prices increasing Oct. 7
Okemo resort is one of the resorts sold by the Mueller's to Vail Resorts. Okemo Mountain Resort, Mount Sunapee Resort and Crested Butte Mountain Resort are now EPIC.
Okemo resort is one of the resorts sold by the Mueller’s to Vail Resorts. Okemo Mountain Resort, Mount Sunapee Resort and Crested Butte Mountain Resort are now EPIC.

Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: MTN) today announced that the Company has closed on its acquisition of Triple Peaks, LLC, the parent company of Okemo Mountain Resort in Vermont, Mount Sunapee Resort in New Hampshire and Crested Butte Mountain Resort in Colorado. The Company purchased Triple Peaks from the Mueller family for a final purchase price of approximately $74 million, after adjustments for certain agreed-upon terms. As part of the transaction and with funds provided by Vail Resorts, Triple Peaks paid off $155 million in leases that all three resorts had with Ski Resort Holdings, LLC, an affiliate of Oz Real Estate.
Continue reading “Vail Resorts closes it acquisition of Okemo Mountain Resort, Mount Sunapee Resort and Crested Butte Mountain Resort.”

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PEAK RESORTS TO ACQUIRE SNOW TIME FOR $76 MILLION

Mount Snow, one of the Peak Resorts bought by Vail Resorts. Photo: Mackenzie.

Peak Resorts to acquire Snow Time for USD 76 Million.

Accretive Transaction Expands Peak’s Northeast Portfolio
with the Addition of Three High-Quality Resorts

Peak Resorts, Inc. (NASDAQ:SKIS) (“Peak” or the “Company”), a leading owner and operator of high-quality, individually branded U.S. ski resorts, announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire privately-held Snow Time, Inc. (“Snow Time”) for $76 million in total consideration.

Snow Time owns and operates three ski resorts in Pennsylvania: Liberty Mountain Resort, Whitetail Resort and Roundtop Mountain Resort. The three resorts are within driving distance of the Baltimore-Washington D.C. market, which comprises nearly 10 million people, and welcomed more than 600,000 visitors during the 2017/2018 ski season. Snow Time’s resorts offer a combined 65 trails, more than 325 skiable acres, and an average of approximately 700 vertical feet of terrain. Snow Time also operates two 18-hole golf courses, a 115-room hotel and 22,000 square foot conference center at Liberty Mountain Resort, and more than 20 food and beverage locations across its three resorts.

Mount Snow, part of the group of resorts owned by Peak Resorts, who acquired Snow Time recently.
Mount Snow, part of the group of resorts owned by Peak Resorts, who acquired Snow Time recently.

Snow Time generated approximately $50 million in revenue and approximately $11 million in adjusted EBITDA for the twelve-month period ended March 31, 2018, resulting in a purchase multiple of approximately 6.8x, before giving effect to expected operating synergies (a reconciliation from Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, is provided at the end of this press release). The transaction is expected to be completed prior to the beginning of the 2018/2019 ski season,subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

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Save the Date: Vail Snow Days is Back and Bigger Than Ever

Gondola One - Gold Cabin - photo by Jack Affleck - Vail Mountain. Emma, the World's First Digital Mountain Assistant, Kicks Off the 2018-19 Winter Season in Beta at Keystone Ski Resort

Vail Snow Days kicks off the 2018-19 winter season and returns bigger than ever with a four-day festival Thursday, Dec. 13 through Sunday, Dec. 16, 2018.
Vail Snow Days brings the entire community together to celebrate the early season. The schedule of activities for Vail Snow Days 2018 will include time-honored early season traditions including, the return of headliner concerts Friday and Saturday as well as new events including, the Pray for Snow Kick-off Celebration, pub crawls, and Bloodies and Bluegrass on Sunday.

Vail SnowDaze - Michael Franti. Photo Zach Mahone- Vail Mountain. Vail Snow Days.
Vail SnowDaze – Michael Franti. Photo Zach Mahone- Vail Mountain. Vail Snow Days.

The four-day festival will feature two nights of free concerts at Ford Park, presented by Bud Light. Big name headliners will be announced this fall and guests will have the opportunity to purchase Private Reserve VIP tickets.
The launch of Savor Vail will debut with early season offerings from local restaurants, bars, retail locations, galleries and spas.

Snow Days LIVE! will showcase live music all weekend long between Vail and Lionshead Villages as well as on-mountain.

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IKON Pass and the NFL’s Denver Broncos enter into a three-year strategic partnership.

NFL's Denver Broncos to enter in an agreement with the IKON pass for three years.

DENVER, Colo., September 6, 2018 – Alterra Mountain Company’s Ikon Pass and the Denver Broncos are teaming up on an integrated multi-year partnership, making the Ikon Pass the Preferred Ski Pass of Broncos Country.

The partnership is designed to provide Ikon Pass exposure to millions of fans nationwide throughout Broncos Country, a passionate group of fans who follow the team and visit Broncos Stadium at Mile High during each Broncos home game.

The IKON Pass signed up a three years agreement with the Denver Broncos to be the Preferred Ski Pass of Broncos Country.
The IKON Pass signed up a three years agreement with the Denver Broncos to be the Preferred Ski Pass of Broncos Country.

Creative elements at Broncos Stadium at Mile High will provide a glimpse into Ikon Pass premium destinations and generate visibility for the multi-resort pass product through branding at the Mile High Mountain Village between Gates 4 and 5 and LED in-stadium signage. The partnership also includes website, TV and radio advertisements and activations featuring appearances by Broncos mascot, Miles, cheerleaders and alumni.

“Football season is here and winter 2018-2019 is around the corner, which means it’s the perfect time to announce a partnership between the Ikon Pass and the Denver Broncos,” said Jimmy Huh, Director Media Marketing. “These are two brands with passionate fan support and a natural fit for anyone who is a fan of the Denver Broncos.”

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Alterra Mountain Company to acquire Crystal Mountain Resort in Washington.

A table with a view of Mount Rainer- Crystal Mountain Resort in Washington state acquired by Alterra Mountain Company.

Expanding Regional Access to the Company’s Family of Destinations. Alterra Mountain Company, the owner of the IKON Pass,  announces that it has entered into an agreement to purchase Crystal Mountain Resort in Washington, which would bring the company’s total to 14 year-round mountain destinations throughout North America, including the world’s largest heli-skiing operation.

“With the addition of Crystal Mountain Resort in Washington, we are able to expand our reach into the Pacific Northwest and offer our guests incredible experiences in the Cascade Mountains, while also giving Crystal Mountain Resort skiers and riders the opportunity to explore all the other premier destinations on the Ikon Pass,” said Rusty Gregory, Chief Executive Officer, Alterra Mountain Company. “Crystal Mountain is Washington’s premier resort and has been a favorite year-round destination for those in the greater Seattle-Tacoma area for years, and we are excited to include it in the Alterra Mountain Company family.”

Crystal Mountain Resort, last acquisition of Alterra Mountain Company - to be enjoyed by IKON Pass holders.
Crystal Mountain Resort, last acquisition of Alterra Mountain Company – to be enjoyed by IKON Pass holders.

Crystal Mountain Resort will be available on the Ikon Pass for winter 2018/2019. Access will be unlimited with no blackout dates on both the Ikon Pass and Ikon Base Pass. (Any Ikon Pass access or benefits at Crystal Mountain Resort is contingent upon the completion of Alterra Mountain Company’s transaction to acquire Crystal Mountain Resort.)

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Due to a slow season Las Leñas and Portillo are closing their seasons one month early.

Las Leñas, Cenidor, a black short steep piste in Las Leñas connecting the two sectors of the mountain. .

This winter season in the Southern Hemisphere in Argentina & Chile has been weird. Unfortunately for some of the resorts of the High Andes, the season has not been good. This is the case for Las Leñas in Argentina and Portillo in Chile. Valle Nevado seems to have a better snow base – maybe due to its altitude, as today was having all lifts opened but one, and only 9 pistes and the boarder cross park are closed.

Las Leñas view from the Piramide shopping center - 6th September 2018.
Las Leñas view from the Piramide shopping center – 6th September 2018.

More in the south, Chapelco and Bariloche seemed to have got better luck and got snow.

Continue reading “Due to a slow season Las Leñas and Portillo are closing their seasons one month early.”

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Aspen to “Give A Flake” In New Ad Campaign

wwwMattpowerphotography.com Jan 27, 2017 Aspen Mountain Groomer Shoot Klug, Packey, Tucker, Seth

KSNO News – With its 2018-19 national advertising campaign—Give A Flake—Aspen Snowmass has once again departed from traditional ski resort marketing. Rather than enticing potential visitors to Aspen Snowmass with pictures of blue skies and bountiful snow, the campaign instead invites them to join the ski resort in becoming activists on behalf of climate change and equal rights.

Aspen Snowmass created Give A Flake in conjunction with Karsh Hagan, a Denver-based marketing, design and technology company that worked with Aspen Snowmass to produce 2017-18’s The Aspen Way, laying the groundwork for this year’s campaign.

The Give a Flake campaign that Aspen has launched as a political campaign this season.
The Give a Flake campaign that Aspen has launched as a political campaign this season.

“Our founding vision, the Aspen Idea, was never about escaping reality or retreating from the world’s challenges. That’s why we are taking the bold step of launching the Give A Flake campaign,” says Mike Kaplan, president and CEO, Aspen Skiing Company. “This is not just an advertising slogan, rather it’s an all-out call to action. Collectively, we are a powerful voice, and by using it, we can make a difference.”

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Experience Japan’s renowned deep powder at Niseko United with the IKON Pass.

Niseko Grand Hirafu, part of Niseko United, now with the IKON Pass, making it the third continent under one ski pass.

The Ikon Pass Now Offers Skiers & Riders Access on Three Continents

Ikon Pass holders will now have access to more than 72,000 skiable acres over three continents with the addition of Niseko United, located on Japan’s northernmost island of Hokkaido. Japan is home to some of the planet’s most plentiful and light snow, making Niseko United a bucket list destination for any skier and rider on the hunt for fresh powder.

You can now experience the legendary powder of Niseko United with the IKON Pass.
You can now experience the legendary powder of Niseko United with the IKON Pass.

Niseko United is regarded as Japan’s premier mountain destination and is comprised of four ski resorts located on one mountain – Grand Hirafu, Hanazono, Niseko Village and Annupuri. Famous for the consistency and quality of its snow, Niseko United receives 50+ feet of snowfall every winter with just 7% of water content from crystallized moisture picked up from the Sea of Japan. Multi-million dollar investments in accommodation and infrastructure make Niseko United an excellent destination for families and powder hounds.

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The IKON Pass expands regional access into the Pacific Northwest, Midwest and Northeast.

Sugarloaf, now on the IKON Pass. JWalter Photo.

Loon Mountain, Sugarloaf and Sunday River Increase Access; Boyne Highlands, Boyne Mountain, The Summit at Snoqualmie, and Cypress Mountain Join the Ikon Pass Community.

The Ikon Pass community has expanded to all corners of the country with the addition of The Summit at Snoqualmie in Washington, Cypress Mountain in British Columbia and Boyne Highlands and Boyne Mountain in Michigan. Plus, access to Loon Mountain in New Hampshire and Sugarloaf and Sunday River in Maine just tripled.

Access
The Summit at Snoqualmie, Cypress Mountain, Boyne Highlands and Boyne Mountain will offer 7 days each on the Ikon Pass, and 5 days each on the Ikon Base Pass with 10 holiday blackout dates, (Dec. 26 – 31, 2018; Jan. 19 – 20, 2019; Feb. 16 – 17, 2019).

The Summit at Snowqualmie- now on the IKON Pass. Part of Boyne Resorts.
The Summit at Snowqualmie- now on the IKON Pass. Part of Boyne Resorts.

Loon Mountain, Sugarloaf, and Sunday River originally offered 7 days combined between the three destinations on the Ikon Pass, (5 days combined between the three destinations on the Ikon Base Pass) and will now offer 7 days at each destination (5 days at each destination on the Ikon Base Pass), bringing access to 21 days total on the Ikon Pass (15 days total on the Ikon Base Pass).

Continue reading “The IKON Pass expands regional access into the Pacific Northwest, Midwest and Northeast.”