Heavenly, Northstar, and Kirkwood Resorts Announce Extended Ski Season

Northstar Black Diamonds runs- Photo: Elisabeth Biebl. Northstar Resort. Heavenly, Northstar, and Kirkwood Resorts Announce Extended Ski Season.

Heavenly, Northstar, and Kirkwood Resorts Announce Extended Ski Season

  • Heavenly Mountain Resort season extended through April 28, 2019, plus 3-day-weekend May 3-5
  • Northstar California Resort season extended through April 21, 2019
  • Kirkwood Mountain Resort season extended through April 14, 2019, plus 3-day-weekend April 19-21

After record-breaking snowfall throughout the Lake Tahoe region in February, the Best of Tahoe Resorts, including Heavenly Mountain Resort, Northstar California Resort, and Kirkwood Mountain Resort announced plans today to extend the 2018-19 ski and snowboard season. Plans may change based on weather, conditions or US Forest Service approval.

View of Lake Tahoe from the mountain. Photo: Heavenly Ski Resort. Elisabeth Biebl. Heavenly, Northstar, and Kirkwood Resorts Announce Extended Ski Season.
View of Lake Tahoe from the mountain. Photo: Heavenly Ski Resort. Elisabeth Biebl. Heavenly, Northstar, and Kirkwood Resorts Announce Extended Ski Season.

During the month of February alone, Heavenly has received 269” of snow, Northstar has received 286” and Kirkwood has received 271”.

“Record-breaking snow conditions paired with the hard work of our mountain operations teams have made for a truly unforgettable season so far,” said Mike Goar, vice president and chief operating officer of the Best of Tahoe Resorts. “With even more snow on the way, we are thrilled to extend the winter operations at all three of our Lake Tahoe resorts and offer skiers and riders additional opportunities to take advantage of these amazing spring conditions across the region.”

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Epic Pass expands European Access in World-Class Resort in France and Italy: Les 3 Vallées in France and Skirama Dolomiti Adamello Brenta in Italy.

Back Bowls of Vail, Colorado. Photo: Jack Affleck - Vail Resorts. Epic Pass expans European Access in World-Class Resort in France and Italy: Les 3 Vallées in France and Skirama Dolomiti Adamello Brenta in Italy.

Epic Pass expands European Access in World-Class Resort in France and Italy: Les 3 Vallées in France and Skirama Dolomiti Adamello Brenta in Italy.

  • Vail Resorts expands access to seven consecutive days of skiing at Les 3 Vallées in France and Skirama Dolomiti Adamello Brenta in Italy with no restrictions, resulting in 26 days of European access 
  • The Epic Pass is the ONLY multi-resort pass to offer significant access to European resorts
  • In one year, the Epic Pass has added access to 20 world-class resorts, inviting guests to experience an unprecedented total of 65 resorts throughout eight countries for $949, offering unlimited, unrestricted access to North America’s best resorts including Whistler Blackcomb, Vail, Park City and Breckenridge
  • The last chance to buy the 2018-19 Epic Pass is Sunday, Nov. 18.

Vail Resorts, Inc. announced today that Epic Pass holders will now receive seven days of skiing or snowboarding with no blackout dates at Les 3 Vallees, France and Skirama Dolomiti in a long-term alliance beginning with 2018-19 winter season. The Epic Pass, available for $949, offers skiers and snowboarders unlimited, unrestricted access to 19 mountain resorts, including world-class destinations like Whistler Blackcomb, Vail, Breckenridge and Park City, plus additional access to 46 more throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, France, Switzerland, Italy, and Austria. The Epic Pass is the only multi-resort pass to offer significant access to European resorts. Sunday, Nov. 18 is the last chance to buy the 2018-19 Epic Pass and the entire suite of Epic Season Pass options.

Skiing began in Europe and that storied heritage – along with the incredible terrain and abundant culture – puts Europe on the bucket list of every skier and snowboarder. The Epic Pass was the first multi-resort pass to offer North American and European access and now it offers an even more expansive experience.

Jardin d'enfants in Val Thorens. Photo credit: Les 3 Vallées. Epic Pass expans European Access in World-Class Resort in France and Italy: Les 3 Vallées in France and Skirama Dolomiti Adamello Brenta in Italy.
Jardin d’enfants in Val Thorens. Photo credit: Les 3 Vallées. Epic Pass expands European Access in World-Class Resort in France and Italy: Les 3 Vallées in France and Skirama Dolomiti Adamello Brenta in Italy.

“The value of the Epic Pass is giving skiers and snowboarders the flexibility to ski and ride where and when they want,”said Kirsten Lynch, chief marketing officer of Vail Resorts. “Our long-term alliances with Europe’s best ski resorts truly put the Epic Pass in a class of its own.”

“Les 3 Vallees is proud to expand the alliance with the Epic Pass and give skiers and snowboarders access to the largest interconnected ski area in the world,” said Vincent Lalanne, general manager of Les 3 Vallées. “We look forward to welcoming Epic Pass holders to experience the French Alps this season.”

Les Trois Vallées, an amazing expanse of pistes and off-pistes to challenge any type of skier. Photo: Les Trois Vallées.Epic Pass expands European Access in World-Class Resort in France and Italy: Les 3 Vallées in France and Skirama Dolomiti Adamello Brenta in Italy.
Les Trois Vallées, an amazing expanse of pistes and off-pistes to challenge any type of skier. Photo: Les Trois Vallées.Epic Pass expands European Access in World-Class Resort in France and Italy: Les 3 Vallées in France and Skirama Dolomiti Adamello Brenta in Italy.

Les 3 Vallées, the world’s largest connected ski area, is located in the Tarentaise Valley, in the heart of the French Alps. As implied by its name, the area consists of three valleys: Saint Bon, Les Allues and Les Belleville. The ski area is a network of seven resorts Courchevel, Méribel, Brides-les-Bains, Les Menuires, Saint Martin de Belleville, Val Thorens and Orelle. With 155 lifts, 372 miles (600km) of skiing on 332 marked pistes, Les 3 Vallées offers incredible skiing on high altitude terrain. 85% of the runs are above 5,905 feet (1 800 meters) and Les 3 Vallées is home to Val Thorens, Europe’s highest ski resort, at an altitude of 7,545 feet (2 300 meters).

Madonna di Campiglio, part of Skirama Dolomiti. Epic Pass expands European Access in World-Class Resort in France and Italy: Les 3 Vallées in France and Skirama Dolomiti Adamello Brenta in Italy.
Madonna di Campiglio, part of Skirama Dolomiti. Epic Pass expands European Access in World-Class Resort in France and Italy: Les 3 Vallées in France and Skirama Dolomiti Adamello Brenta in Italy.

South of the Alps, nestled amongst some of the most beautiful mountain peaks in the world such as the Brenta Dolomites and Adamello, is some of the best skiing in Italy. Skirama Dolomiti Adamello Brenta is home to 150 lifts and 236 miles (379 km) of ski slopes that make up acclaimed resorts such as Madonna di Campiglio and Pinzolo in Val Rendena; Folgarida-Marilleva, Peio and Tonale in Val di Sole; Ponte di Legno, Andalo-Fai della Paganella, Monte Bondone and Folgaria-Lavarone. The winter offering is enriched by the high-quality cuisine and the exclusive “Italian style.”

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Vail Resorts Announces Long-Term Wind Energy Contract And Plan To Eliminate Conventional Single-Use Dining Plastics In Its ‘Commitment To Zero’

Beaver Creek solar panel. Vail Resorts Announces Long-Term Wind Energy Contract And Plan To Eliminate Conventional Single-Use Dining Plastics In Its ‘Commitment To Zero’. Photo: Vail Resorts.

Vail Resorts Announces Long-Term Wind Energy Contract and Plan to Eliminate Conventional Single-Use Dining Plastics in its ‘Commitment to Zero’

Vail Resorts, Inc.  yesterday took major steps in its ‘Commitment to Zero,’ as the Company announced a long-term wind energy contract to purchase the equivalent amount of electricity needed to power 100 percent of its estimated FY 2019 North American operations by 2020. Additionally, Vail Resorts announced a partnership with Eco-Products to supply all of its North American restaurants with compostable and recycled-content items and eliminate conventional single-use plastics, a process which will begin during the 2018-19 winter season.

Eco - Beaver Creek Gold Dust Trail Snowmaking Compressor- Photo: Vail Resorts. Vail Resorts Announces Long-Term Wind Energy Contract And Plan To Eliminate Conventional Single-Use Dining Plastics In Its ‘Commitment To Zero’.
Eco – Beaver Creek Gold Dust Trail Snowmaking Compressor- Photo: Vail Resorts. Vail Resorts Announces Long-Term Wind Energy Contract And Plan To Eliminate Conventional Single-Use Dining Plastics In Its ‘Commitment To Zero’.
  • The agreement with Lincoln Clean Energy will produce enough wind energy to reduce the emissions associated with Vail Resorts’ estimated FY19 North American electricity use by 100 percent, which includes 17 resorts and their associated retail, hospitality, and corporate offices
  • Eco-Products named ‘Official Zero Waste Partner’ of Vail Resorts to help divert nearly 300 tons of waste from landfills through sustainable sourcing, including a Smart Straw initiative  
  • Today’s announcements are a part of the Company’s first EpicPromise Progress Report around its ‘Commitment to Zero’ initiative and corporate giving programs

Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: MTN) today took major steps in its ‘Commitment to Zero,’ as the Company announced a long-term wind energy contract to purchase the equivalent amount of electricity needed to power 100 percent of its estimated FY 2019 North American operations by 2020. Additionally, Vail Resorts announced a partnership with Eco-Products to supply all of its North American restaurants with compostable and recycled-content items and eliminate conventional single-use plastics, a process which will begin during the 2018-19 winter season.

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Emma, the World’s First Digital Mountain Assistant, Kicks Off the 2018-19 Winter Season in Beta at Keystone Ski Resort

A groomed run in Vail Mountain. Photo- Jack Affleck. Vail Resorts Commits to $175 Million to $180 Million in Capital Investments to Reimagine the Guest Experience for the 2019-20 Season

Emma, the World’s First Digital Mountain Assistant, Kicks Off the 2018-19 Winter Season in Beta at Keystone Ski Resort

– Emma, a first generation technology, offers guests real-time information on everything from snow conditions and parking to rentals and personal performance stats

– Designed to get smarter the more she interacts with guests, Emma is launching first at Keystone to take advantage of the early ski season

– To interact with Emma, guests at Keystone can text her at 77477  

Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: MTN) announced yesterday that Emma, the world’s first digital mountain assistant, has begun her inaugural winter season, launching in beta at Keystone Ski Resort in Colorado, which opened ahead of schedule this week. Emma is using the early season to better understand how guests ask questions while at the resort and will launch at eight additional ski resorts later this season: Vail, Beaver Creek and Breckenridge in Colorado; Park City in Utah; Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood in Tahoe; and Whistler Blackcomb in Canada.

Through simple text messaging, Emma (your Epic Mountain Assistant) offers guests real-time information on everything from snow conditions, parking and personal performance stats to recommendations on rentals, lessons and dining options. This first generation technology uses artificial intelligence (AI) through natural language processing (NLP) to answer questions, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through short message service (SMS) text. As Emma interacts with guests, she will get smarter, expanding her knowledge base and insight throughout the season.

Emma, the World's First Digital Mountain Assistant, Kicks Off the 2018-19 Winter Season in Beta at Keystone Ski Resort (PRNewsfoto/Vail Resorts, Inc.)
Emma, the World’s First Digital Mountain Assistant, Kicks Off the 2018-19 Winter Season in Beta at Keystone Ski Resort (PRNewsfoto/Vail Resorts, Inc.)

“We are excited for Emma to launch in beta at Keystone. The earlier Emma can interact with guests on a variety of topics, the faster she will learn and adjust to guest preferences,” said Kirsten Lynch, chief marketing officer for Vail Resorts. “Emma is the world’s first digital mountain assistant and continues a decade of pioneering technological firsts from Vail Resorts to enhance the guest experience.”

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More than 1,100 attended the 43rd Mountain Travel Symposium in South Lake Tahoe

View from the room at the Harrah's - MTS 2018 Heavenly, Lake Tahoe.

Exhausted but happy participants departed South Lake Tahoe over the weekend after several intense days of buying, selling, learning, schmoozing and skiing at the 43rd Mountain Travel Symposium.

Trade Exchange Floor - 43rd Mountain Travel Symposium, Heavenly, South Lake Tahoe. More than 1,100 attendees participated
Trade Exchange Floor – Mountain Travel Symposium, Heavenly, South Lake Tahoe.

More than 1,100 participants representing 24 countries took part. Fresh snow and bright sunshine capped the week of events, and those who were there to do business said they had full schedules and lots of deals got done. Most also got in a few runs on the slopes of Heavenly Resort as well.

Virginie Koulibaly from Valais Matterhorn Region addresses with Nick Turnell and Pascal Prinz of Switzerland Tourism the invited tour operators for the Switzerland Tourism evening with raclette at the 43rd annual Mountain Travel Symposium.
Virginie Koulibaly from Valais Matterhorn Region addresses with Nick Turnell and Pascal Prinz of Switzerland Tourism the invited tour operators for the Switzerland Tourism evening with raclette at Mountain Travel Symposium.

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Vail Resorts Introduces Emma, Your Epic Mountain Assistant.

Powder Skiing in Back Bowls In Vail, CO. Photo: Vail Resorts. The Must-Read Guide to Vail.

– Emma, Your Epic Mountain Assistant, is the world’s first digital mountain assistant to offer information on everything from grooming, lift line wait times and parking to recommendations on rentals, lessons and dining options.
– Guests will instantly receive expert, local information tailored to each resort and to their needs.
– Emma builds on the Company’s long track record of seamlessly using technology to improve the guest experience without impacting their connection to the outdoors.

The Vail Village is where Vail Resorts started many years ago. Vail Resorts. Vail Mountain. Emma, Your Epic Mountain Assistant uses AI to answer all your questions.
The Vail Village is where Vail Resorts started many years ago.



Booking.com

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The famous Epic Pass is getting 10 years old this year and has launched its rates for the 2018-19 ski season.

Whistler sunset- Photo by Paul Morrison - Vail Resorts.

The EPIC pass offers access to 61 ski areas in 8 countries. The IKON Pass, its contender, goes now head to head with the EPIC Pass.

What is new this year with the EPIC Pass:
• New for 2018-19, Epic Pass holders receive limited access to Telluride in Colorado, Hakuba Valley in Japan and Resorts of the Canadian Rockies across Canada, bringing the worldwide resort access total to 61.
• In celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the Epic Pass, Vail Resorts is honouring its heritage with the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division with a $99 Military Epic Pass and a $1 donation for every 2018-19 season pass sold to Wounded Warrior Project.
• Vail Resorts season passes offer a number of unique advantages over other industry passes, from direct to lift access to discounted tickets for family and friends
United States. Canada. Australia. Japan. France. Switzerland. Italy. Austria. No other season pass gives skiers and snowboarders access to so many celebrated resorts around the world than the Epic Pass, including unlimited, unrestricted access to 15 mountain resorts and limited access to 46 more. Priced at $899 for the 2018-19 winter season, the Epic Pass remains unmatched in the mountain resort industry for the variety and value it offers skiers and snowboarders.



Booking.com

New for next winter, the Epic Pass will feature access to Telluride in Colorado; Hakuba Valley’s nine ski resorts in Japan; and Resorts of the Canadian Rockies across Canada, including Fernie Alpine Resort, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and Kimberley Alpine Resort in British Columbia, Nakiska in Alberta, and Mont Sainte Anne and Stoneham in Quebec, all in a long-term alliance.

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Warren Miller, the ski-movies-guru and pioneer, died at 93 at his Orcas Island home

Warren Miller was the pioneer of the ski films, a real ski movies guru.

I was very sad to hear that Warren A. Miller, the pioneer ski movies filmmaker has passed away yesterday. He was 93, but he did have a great life. He promoted the idea of ‘pure freedom’ that is associated with skiing. He was a self-taught filmmaker who started filming himself for an annual narrated ski movie shown in small theatres. Over the years, he continued narrating all his films, his voice is very warm, and recognisable. He makes fun out of skiing and is ok of making fun out of himself. His company, Warren Miller Entertainment, has produced more than 500 adventure sport films.

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Ski Biz News – Why attending the Trade Exchange @MTS2018 is a savvy investment!

MTS attendees having a great time at a closing party on top of the mountain - Banff, MTS 2017

Take a closer look

Ski Business: At the Trade Exchange at MTS 2018, you can reach your ideal client, build brand awareness, and make connections to last a lifetime. The Trade Exchange brings together hundreds of buyers and sellers from 35+ countries in a “speed-dating-for-business” atmosphere. Watch and see why you should join us in Heavenly – South Lake Tahoe 8-14 April 2018.

 

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