- Kick-off celebration with Vonn to feature former Olympic skiers, guest dignitaries, live entertainment and children’s activities and prizes
VAIL, Colo.—Aug. 17, 2009—Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: MTN) will host a community-wide celebration for two-time World Cup Overall champion Lindsey Vonn on Friday, August 21 in the plaza of the Arrabelle at Vail Square, the ski racer’s new home. The celebration comes on the heels of a four-year sponsorship agreement announced today with Vail Resorts as the Vail-trained athlete prepares for her quest to win an “epic” five gold medals at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
“For all of us at Vail Mountain and throughout the community, this celebration is especially meaningful as it’s an expression of our shared pride in Vail,” said Chris Jarnot, senior vice president and chief operating officer for Vail Mountain. “We’re looking forward to welcoming Lindsey back to Vail and rooting her on in her quest for gold in Vancouver and beyond.”
The festivities will kick off at 4:30 p.m. with arts and crafts tables for kids to create signs to cheer Lindsey on and celebrate her past and future achievements. Popular local band Chadzilla & The Asteroids will take the stage at 5 p.m., covering classics like “Jump” and “Don’t Stop Believin’.” Vonn will be greeted and welcomed by Vail Resorts CEO and chairman, Rob Katz, Town of Vail Mayor, Dick Cleveland, Olympic hopefuls and former Olympians such as Tamara McKinney and Todd Brooker and the legendary voice of the Olympics, Bob Beattie.
“Vail's heritage is about excellence and ski racing, and the Town of Vail is thrilled to have Lindsey Vonn amongst our great community,” said Vail Mayor Dick Cleveland.
As children under age 12 enter Lionshead area of Vail for the celebration, they will have the opportunity to register for a drawing for a ski session with Vonn. Ski & Snowboard Club Vail’s Olympic hopeful Nellie Talbot, will draw three winning names at the close of the rally.
Partakers in Friday’s festivities can also enjoy $1 food items throughout the Vail Square area on Friday as well as special “Vail Loves Lindsey” weekend lodging rates at the Arrabelle at Vail Square, Lodge at Vail and the Vail Marriott Mountain Resort & Spa.
For more information about Friday’s community-wide celebration of Lindsey Vonn, visit the Lindsey Vonn: Vail to Vancouver Celebration page on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=263996700536&ref=nf.
About Vail Resorts
Vail Resorts, Inc., through its subsidiaries, is the leading of mountain resort operator in the United States. The Company's subsidiaries operate the mountain resort properties at the Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone mountain resorts in Colorado, the Heavenly Ski Resort in the Lake Tahoe area of California and Nevada and the Grand Teton Lodge Company in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The Company's subsidiary, RockResorts, a luxury resort hotel company, manages casually elegant properties across the United States and the Caribbean. Vail Resorts Development Company is the real estate planning, development and construction subsidiary of Vail Resorts, Inc. Vail Resorts is a publicly held company traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: MTN). The Vail Resorts company website is www.vailresorts.com and consumer website is www.snow.com.