- Epic Discovery initiative to encourage “learning through play,” promoting environmental education and forest stewardship through fun, active experiences in concert with The Nature Conservancy
- First phase of new activities and programming expected to be fully operational for summer 2017
BRECKENRIDGE, Colo. – Nov. 16, 2015 – The U.S. Forest Service has posted a final record of decision regarding the Vail Resorts, Inc.’s (NYSE: MTN) latest comprehensive summer activities proposal – Epic Discovery, a Summer Mountain Adventure – at Breckenridge Ski Resort, one of the most popular ski resorts in the world.
The primary activities and enhancements including those in the final record of decision are:
- Sawmill Zip Line and Canopy Tours: The ultimate outdoor experiences, these guided tours will immerse guests in the forest habitat with an array of zip lines and aerial bridges. Guests will learn about the mountain ecosystem while working their way through each course’s challenges.
- World-Class Climbing Wall: Pit yourself against nature with climbs for both beginners and experts, from single to multi-pitch routes. Be rewarded for your efforts with spectacular views of the Ten Mile Range and Mount Baldy.
- Aerial Challenge Course: Skills-based challenge course, self-guided and involving a series of wooden columns, platforms and rope walkways and bridges, will offer unique challenges to visitors and will be designed with multiple route options and three different degrees of difficulty.
- Horseshoe Bowl Observation Tower: A panoramic viewing tower nestled within awe-inspiring scenery of alpine forests, high alpine terrain, wildflowers and wildlife.
- Enhance and New Hiking and Mountain Biking Trails: Fifteen miles of comprehensive, interpretive and directional signage will be integrated to encourage more hiking and mountain biking across Breckenridge Ski Resort.
- Interpretive Discovery Zones: Integrated with trails and activities around the mountain, these interpretive discovery zones will provide guests with hands-on information and activities about Breckenridge’s local flora and fauna and natural history.
The Epic Discovery proposal was submitted in February 2014, and has undergone a comprehensive environmental review. Vail Resorts expects to begin construction of trails, activities and the interpretive program during summer 2016.
“We’re excited to be able to move forward and begin implementing the Epic Discovery program – including new activities, experiences and educational opportunities – and to have it under way for summer 2017,” said John Buhler, chief operating officer of Breckenridge Ski Resort. “As always, we are grateful for our continued partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and applaud their diligence and thoughtfulness in ensuring activities in the national forest will remain nature-oriented and educational for all guests.”
The Epic Discovery initiative encourages “learning through play” by combining unique environmental educational opportunities with a wide range of fun experiential activities for both kids and adults. Guests will be able to challenge themselves physically, learn about their natural surroundings and enjoy a unique summer mountain adventure.
With Epic Discovery, Vail Resorts is partnering with The Nature Conservancy – the leading national conservation non-profit organization – to create a special eco-discovery experience with Interpretive Discovery Stations that will seamlessly integrate at trails and activities on the mountain. Additionally, Vail Resorts will utilize its “1% For The Forest” program as a means to contribute one percent of all summer lift ticket and activity revenue to The Nature Conservancy for forest restoration projects on national forest lands.
The new Epic Discovery programs, as well as interpretive opportunities, are designed to minimize environmental impact and blend in seamlessly with their surrounding environment. The result will be a unique, memorable experience that immerses the guest in their natural surroundings.
Epic Discovery at Breckenridge Ski Resort is the latest installment of summer mountain adventure plans that Vail Resorts has for several of its world-class resorts, and will join the already-approved activities at Vail Mountain and Heavenly.
To learn more about Epic Discovery at Breckenridge Ski Resort, visit www.epicdiscovery.com. For more information about Breckenridge Ski Resort visit www.breckenridge.com or call 1-800-789-SNOW (7669)
About Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: MTN)
Vail Resorts, Inc., through its subsidiaries, is the leading mountain resort operator in the United States. The Company's subsidiaries operate the mountain resorts of Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone in Colorado; Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood in the Lake Tahoe area of California and Nevada; Perisher in Australia; Park City and Canyons in Utah; Afton Alps in Minnesota and Mt. Brighton in Michigan. The Company owns and/or manages a collection of casually egleant hotels under the RockResorts brand, as well as the Grand Teton Lodge Company in Jackson Hole, Wyo. 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.comand consumer website is www.snow.com.
About Breckenridge Ski Resort
With five huge peaks, 2,908 acres, four terrain parks, a 22f-footSuperpipe, 11 bowls, the highest chairlift in North America, family-friendly terrain and a world-class ski school, all situated above an authentic, hip mountain town with awe-inspiring views, there are good reasons why “Breck” is one of the most popular ski resorts in the Western Hemisphere. Renowned for the welcoming spirit and friendly character of its locals, with over 200 restaurants, bars, and shops, and numerous year-round activities and events, Breck embodies more than just a destination, it inspires a way of life. www.breckenridge.com.