Mountain Travel Symposium 2019 in Whistler – a recap.
Just came a couple of weeks ago from the Mountain Travel Symposium, an event I have been working for the past six years and which I enjoy every moment of it. I noticed however, that as I am getting old, it is taking me longer to feel back human again.
Trentino attendees having fun at the top of Whistler Mountain. Photo: Mirta Valentini – Trentino Marketing. Mountain Travel Symposium 2019 in Whistler – a recap.
The Mountain Travel Symposium (MTS for short) is not a sprint, definitely is a marathon – An event that lasts one week and for me makes me be twelve days away from home from my husband and kids. MTS is the largest mountain and ski gathering of suppliers from all over the world – ski resorts, hoteliers and service providers, with tour operators that sell skiing, also from all over the world, and ski clubs and ski councils from the USA and Canada, that travel internationally.
I am in charge of the international market and on widening the international attendees year on year. This is a part-time, but yearlong job for me. Now I have a couple of weeks to get ready and close all things from this past event before we open the early bird registration for MTS 2020. MTS 2020 will be in Squaw Valley, at the Resort of Squaw Creek, in North Lake Tahoe, CA, USA from March 29 – April 4, 2020. In May we’ll be opening registration, with the best rates available for one month only. Then rates go up four times during the year, so whoever can register early, get rates that are USD 800 cheaper than the last published rates!
The French delegates at the Trade Exchange Reception. Photo: Mountain Travel Symposium. Mountain Travel Symposium 2019 in Whistler – a recap.
But, getting back to MTS 2019, the event was in Whistler, BC. Canada. We have been In Whistler also in 2015, but the event took the Fairmont in Blackcomb. This year the event was at the Whistler Village Conference Center. I was an attendee at MTS being at the same place in 2002, when I was having my own incoming tour operator Ski Patagonia, where I was selling trips to Argentina and Chile.
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.
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.”
A-Basin quits the Epic Pass cash cow due to their lack of parking.
Arapahoe Basin revenues doubled during the decade it was part of the Epic Pass, but parking problems outweigh the benefits of cash flow
From The Colorado Sun
Too many Epic Pass weekend skiers have forced A-Basin to abandon its decade-long partnership with Vail Resorts.
“We are pretty darn full on weekends and we don’t need any more people on weekends. If anything, we could probably whittle those numbers down a little bit,” Arapahoe Basin’s longtime leader Alan Henceroth said Monday, the day the resort announced it had pulled the plug on the Epic Pass partnership for the 2019-20 ski season. “Our parking is our pinch point.”
Pond Skimming at the end of the season at Arapahoe Basin. Photo: Ashey Ojala. Arapahoe Basin. A-Basin quits the Epic Pass cash cow due to their lack of parking.
Arapahoe Basin, a local’s favorite with a rowdy selection of daunting steeps and a rootsy vibe, has thrived for 10 years under a deal with Vail Resorts that included the 1,428-acre ski area on the industry-dominating Epic Pass. Last fall the company sold more than 825,000 of those passes, offering skiing at 65 different locations.
Vail’s Summit County ski areas have partnered with Arapahoe Basin on various shared passes since 1998.
Arapahoe Basin, which is owned by Canada’s Dundee Resort Development, was Vail Resorts’ first partner resort on the Epic Pass, which now includes access to privately owned, independent resorts such as Telluride, Sun Valley and Snowbasin.
A new survey from CheapHotels.org ranks the most expensive ski resorts across the United States. After comparing 20 popular destinations, the survey found Deer Valley, in Utah, is the most expensive ski resort based on cost of lodging alone.
The survey used the average price for the cheapest available double rooms in each destination, through the months of February and March 2019, to establish its rankings. Only hotels with at least 3 stars and located within a ski resort were considered.
Guests staying at Deer Valley spend on average $543 per night for the most affordable double room; in second place for most expensive ski destination, Beaver Creek in Colorado charges $416 for its least expensive double room. Rounding out the top three is Alta resort in Utah, at $413 per night.
The top 10 destinations are mostly found in Utah and Colorado, with California and Wyoming making appearances in the fifth, seventh and ninth spots. California’s Squaw Valley is fifth most expensive overall at an average rate of $302 per night, while the state’s Northstar is $264 per night and in ninth place. In Wyoming, Teton Village is seventh overall, at $292 per night.
Breckenridge Ski Resort Announces Plans to Regularly Extend Winter Seasons through Memorial Day, Beginning this Spring
Combined with Keystone’s recently announced capital improvement proposal to upgrade snowmaking and position the resort to be the first to open in Colorado, the two Summit County resorts will offer one of the longest ski and snowboard seasons in the country.
After a record-breaking start to the winter season, Breckenridge Ski Resort announced today plans to extend the 2018-19 ski and snowboard season into May, for the first time since the mid-‘90s. The resort will aim to remain open through Memorial Day this season as well as for future seasons, weather and conditions permitting. Paired with Keystone’s recently announced capital improvement proposal—subject to U.S. Forest Service approval—to upgrade snowmaking and help position the resort to be the first to open in Colorado, together Breck and Keystone will offer one of the longest ski and snowboard seasons in the country moving forward.
Never Nesters drink at apres in Breckenridge, CO. Photo Andrew Maguire. Vail Resorts. Breckenridge Ski Resort Announces Plans to Regularly Extend Winter Seasons through Memorial Day, Beginning this Spring.
“Spring is an incredible time to ski Breck’s High Alpine and we are thrilled to extend our season this year, and beyond, and offer that terrain as long as the snow lasts,” said John Buhler, vice president and chief operating officer at Breckenridge Ski Resort. “With Breck’s notably high elevation and annual snowfall we are well-positioned to provide our passholders and other guests great spring skiing and snowboarding well into May.”
Crested Butte Mountain Resort Announces Plans to Replace the Teocalli Lift for the 2019-20 Winter Season
Pending U.S. Forest Service approvals, the Teocalli Lift realignment and replacement will include a new fixed-grip quad chairlift increasing uphill capacity by 50 percent.
Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR) is excited to announce plans to replace the Teocalli Lift – a 1979 Riblet fixed-grip double chairlift – for the 2019-20 winter season, pending approval by the U.S. Forest Service. If approved, the new Teocalli Lift would be upgraded to a fixed-grip quad chairlift, increasing uphill capacity by 50 percent.
Crested Butte Mountain Resort. Photo: Trent Bona. Crested Butte Mountain Resort Announces Plans to Replace the Teocalli Lift for the 2019-20 Winter Season.
The proposed realignment and installation of the new lift would take place following the close of the 2018-19 winter season. Plans to realign the Teocalli Lift would shift the upper terminal closer to the top of the Red Lady Express; the lower terminal would remain in the existing location at the intersection of the Bushwacker, Gunsight Pass and Upper Conundrum trails.
The Teocalli Lift replacement would improve the on-mountain guest experience at CBMR by providing increased uphill capacity, a secondary egress to the base area from the Paradise Warming House and quick access to beginner and intermediate terrain.
Vail Resorts CEO Rob Katz Gives $2 Million in Grants to Support Mental & Behavioral Health Programs in Mountain Resort Communities across North America
On 13th December, Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: MTN) announced that Chief Executive Officer Rob Katz and his wife, Elana Amsterdam, have made significant contributions totalling more than $2 million to support emotional wellness programs in nearly every mountain resort community in which Vail Resorts operates. The 30 grants were issued by the Katz Amsterdam Charitable Trust and will impact thousands of people seeking mental and behavioral health support across North America.
“It is our hope that these grants will help improve access to much-needed services around mental health and substance abuse and reduce the stigma and misunderstanding around these issues to encourage more people to get the help they need,” said Katz. “It is our privilege to be able to support so many outstanding organizations and meaningful programs already in place across our local communities in Colorado, Utah, Tahoe, British Columbia, Vermont and New Hampshire.”
Stowe Mountain Resort Gondola. Photo: Vail Resorts. Vail Resorts CEO Rob Katz Gives $2 Million in Grants to Support Mental & Behavioral Health Programs in Mountain Resort Communities across North America.
Katz and Amsterdam have donated nearly $100 million dollars in recent years to the family’s charitable trust and foundation and named Beth Ganz executive director of the foundation in October to facilitate community engagement, sponsor research and collaboration and to work with non-profit partners to drive towards improved mental health outcomes in mountain resort communities. Ganz joined the Katz Amsterdam Foundation after 11 years as vice president of public affairs and sustainability for Vail Resorts.
Rusutsu joins the Epic Pass, Epic Local Pass and Epic Australia Pass in a long-term alliance, beginning with the 2019-20 winter season
Epic Pass, Epic Local and Epic Australia Pass holders will receive five consecutive complimentary days with no blackout dates at Rusutsu Resort in Hokkaido, Japan for the 2019-20 season
The Epic Pass, Epic Local Pass and Epic Australia Passes now offer 10 total days of Japanese access across 11 resorts in Japan, including the ten resorts in the Hakuba Valley
The industry-leading Epic Pass features 66 mountain resorts in eight countries for the 2019-20 season, more than any other season pass in the world
The Westin Rusutsu at Rusutsu Resort in Japan. Rusutsu, the Japanese Resort joins the EPIC Pass for the 2019-20 ski season.
Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: MTN) announced on 3rd December a long-term alliance with one of the most renowned resorts in the world for deep powder and tree skiing, Rusutsu Resort, located in Hokkaido, Japan, just 90 minutes from Sapporo and New Chitose Airport. Beginning with the 2019-20 season, the Epic Pass, Epic Local Pass and Epic Australia Pass will offer five consecutive complimentary days with no blackout dates at the three unique, interlinked mountains that make up Rusutsu Resort. The addition of Rusutsu to the Epic Pass, brings total pass access to 66 mountain resorts in eight countries in the 2019-20 season, significantly more than any other season pass in the world. Continue reading “Rusutsu, the Japanese Resort joins the EPIC Pass for the 2019-20 ski season.”
Vail to open Legendary Back Bowls. Resort Opens Portions of Sun Up and Sun Down Bowls
Vail Mountain has opened its legendary Back Bowls, providing access to portions of Sun Up and Sun Down bowls via High Noon Express (#5) and Sun Up Express (#9). Vail is now offering 2,166 acres of skiable terrain, with more anticipated to open this week.
Tom Cohen Photo. Vail Resorts. Vail opens Legendary Back Bowls.
This marks the third time in the last decade that the Back Bowls have opened this early. In 2014, the Back Bowls opened on Nov. 26, in time for Thanksgiving, and in 2010, portions of the Back Bowls opened on Nov. 24. The earliest the Back Bowls have opened this century was on Nov. 16, 2002.
“We are excited to open a portion of the Back Bowls this early in the season and are thankful that we were able to provide that legendary experience for our Thanksgiving holiday guests,” said Doug Lovell, Vail chief operating officer. “Vail has had a strong start to the season, with a foot of snow in the last 48 hours and almost six feet of snow this season. We are definitely experiencing mid-winter conditions.”
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 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 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.
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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