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Vail Mountain to Open Portions of the Back Bowls on Thursday and Blue Sky Basin on Friday
VAIL, Colo. — Jan. 18, 2012 — Vail Mountain, the largest ski resort in the United States, will open portions of Sun Up Bowl and China Bowl this Thursday, Jan.19 and portions of Blue Sky Basin on Friday, Jan. 20. 
 
With the addition of the Sun Up Lift (#17) and Orient Express Lift (#21) on Thursday, Jan. 19, skiers and snowboarders will have access to following lifts and more than 2,100 acres of skiable terrain in these areas on Vail Mountain:
 
·         Avanti Express Lift (#2)
·         Wildwood Express Lift (#3)
·         Mountaintop Express Lift (#4)
·         Riva Bahn Express Lift (#6)
·         Game Creek Express Lift (#7)
·         Born Free Express Lift (#8)
·         Highline Express Lift (#10)
·         Northwoods Express Lift (#11)
·         Gopher Hill Lift (#12)
·         Sourdough Express Lift (#14)
·         Little Eagle Lift (#15)
·         Vista Bahn Express Lift (#16)
·         Sun Up Lift (#17)
·         Eagle Bahn Gondola (#19)
·         Cascade Village Lift (#20)
·         Orient Express Lift (#21)
 
Beginning Friday, Jan. 20, skiers and snowboarders will also have access to Big Rock Park via the Skyline Express Lift (#37) as well as terrain in the Pete’s Express Lift (#39) area of Blue Sky Basin, bringing the skiable terrain to more than 2,300 acres. Southern portions of Pete’s Bowl and Earl’s Bowl will not be open. The Tea Cup Express Lift (#36) will be open for transportation out of Blue Sky Basin.
 
“We’re looking forward to more snow throughout the week, according to the weather forecast and hope to open up additional terrain as soon as possible,” said Chris Jarnot, senior vice president and chief operating officer of Vail Mountain. “Until then, skiers and snowboarders need to observe the many closures in place in both the Back Bowls and Blue Sky Basin.”
 
Skiers and riders must observe all slow zones, posted signs and closures. Closed trails may contain hazards due to early snow coverage. Crossing an on-mountain closure is a violation of the Colorado Ski Safety Act and will result in the loss of skiing privileges and could involve prosecution and a fine of up to $1,000.
 
The majority of front side lifts open at 8:30 a.m. and close at 3:30 p.m. Hours in the Back Bowls and Blue Sky Basin are shorter to accommodate opening and closing procedures. Lift operating hours are posted at the base of all open lifts.
 
For more information about Vail Mountain, visit Vail.com or contact the Mountain Information Center at (970) SKI-VAIL (754-8245).
 
About Vail Mountain
Quickly approaching its 50th anniversary in December 2012 and coveted as the largest ski resort in the United States with more than 5,000 acres of skiable terrain, Vail is an extraordinary winter vacation destination. Spanning seven miles are seven legendary Back Bowls, blanketed last season with more than 40 feet of powder snow. Under blue skies more than 300 days each year and with more groomed terrain than anywhere on the planet, families reconnect and celebrate here from year to year and generation to generation. The vacation experience is world class, from the Vail Ski & Snowboard School to the events, activities and festivals, the shops and spas, abundant culinary experiences and luxurious accommodations. Coupled with the vision inherent in the spirit of Vail’s founders, and a modern day commitment to excellence in all aspects of guest service and operations, Vail can still credibly lay claim to being a resort like nothing on earth. www.Vail.com.  
 
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About Vail Resorts
Vail Resorts, Inc., through its subsidiaries, is the leading mountain resort operator in the United States. The Company's subsidiaries operate the mountain resort properties of Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone mountain resorts in Colorado, and the Heavenly Ski Resort and Northstar California 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 property and hotel company, manages casually elegant properties. 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.

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