What’s New? What’s Next? Vail Resorts Highlights
Canyons Resort in Park City, Utah, is now Epic!
Canyons Resort in Park City, Utah, is now Epic!
Vail Resorts has entered into a long-term lease with affiliate companies of Talisker Corporation for Canyons Resort in Park City, Utah. Vail Resorts has assumed all of the resort operations of Canyons marking Vail Resorts’ first mountain resort acquisition in Utah. Canyons is now included on the Epic Pass as well as the Epic Local Pass and Epic 7-Day Pass offering skiers and riders the best value and greatest flexibility in Utah. Canyons has recently invested $75 million in improvements including the only enclosed, heated chairlift in North America and award-winning on-snow après ski amenities.
Arlberg is now Epic! The Best Season Passes in the Ski Industry Just Got Better for the 2013-2014 Ski and Snowboard Season. Pass Holders Can Now Ski Across Three Countries and Sixteen Mountains on Just One Pass!
Vail Resorts is pleased to announce new partnerships with two of the most famous ski regions in the world, Les 3 Vallées, France and Arlberg, Austria, as well as a continued partnership with Verbier, Switzerland. In addition to unlimited, unrestricted access to Colorado, Tahoe and Utah, the Epic Pass now includes five free days at both Les 3 Vallées, France and Verbier, Switzerland as well as five free consecutive days at Arlberg, Austria. The Epic Pass continues to be the best value lift product in the industry. Epic Pass holders can ski and ride across 26 mountains and four countries on one pass that pays for itself in just over five days of skiing and riding. For more information on the Epic Pass, please visit www.EpicPass.com.
Epic Race Winners to receive an Epic Pass for Life
Vail Resorts is calling all globetrotting, Epic Pass-holding, die-hard skiers and snowboarders to The Epic Race – a 2013-2014 season-long competition to visit all 26 resorts spread across four countries that make up the Epic Pass. The first 10 people to complete the race will receive an Epic Pass for life. More information will be available as of November 1, 2013 at www.EpicPass.com.
Epic Race Winners to receive an Epic Pass for Life
Vail Resorts is calling all globetrotting, Epic Pass-holding, die-hard skiers and snowboarders to The Epic Race – a 2013-2014 season-long competition to visit all 26 resorts spread across four countries that make up the Epic Pass. The first 10 people to complete the race will receive an Epic Pass for life. More information will be available as of November 1, 2013 at www.EpicPass.com.
EpicMix Moves into Its Fourth Generation with EpicMix Academy
EpicMix Academy will be the fourth generation of the groundbreaking and award-winning EpicMix application, following the introductions of EpicMix Photo and EpicMix Racing. With EpicMix Academy, the Company's ski school instructors will be able to certify the attainment of certain skills and ski levels for any of the students in their classes. Children and adults in both group and private ski lessons will be able to earn permanent recognition and review their accomplishments online. Parents will be able to track the progress of their kids and the Company's ski schools will immediately know the ability level of every student before the start of each lesson. EpicMix Academy will offer special certified digital pins, which can be easily shared through Facebook and Twitter along with pins for vertical feet, photos and racing medals. For more information visit EpicMix.com.
Vail Resorts Announces Record Capital Plan for Calendar 2013
The Company currently anticipates it will spend approximately $130 to $140 million in resort capital expenditures in calendar year 2013, including a new high-speed six-person lift in Vail; significant terrain expansion in Breckenridge, a new on-mountain restaurant at Beaver Creek and the fourth generation of EpicMix – Epic Academy – as well as $25 million in spending for the first phase of its new summer operations and nearly $10 million in upgrades for each of the recently acquired Afton Alps and Mt. Brighton resorts.
Replacing Vail's Mountaintop Express Lift (#4) With a High-Speed, Six-Passenger Lift
Vail's Mountaintop Express Lift (#4) is one of the most recognized and highly utilized chairlifts in North America, serving both a critical skiing pod for the mountain and an important access route from Mid-Vail to the Back Bowls and Blue Sky Basin. The new six-passenger chairlift will increase capacity by 33 percent, dramatically reducing lift lines and building on the success of the newly built state-of-the-art Gondola One. The new chairlift will continue to build upon Vail's preeminent position in delivering the best experience in the ski industry worldwide. Additionally, the Burton US Open Snowboarding Championships return March 3-8, 2014 for the second year in Vail after taking place on the east coast for 30 years. The event is the longest-running snowboarding competition in the world, attracting some of the world’s top snowboard competitors.
New Talons Restaurant at Beaver Creek
Beaver Creek is putting the finishing touches on a new on mountain restaurant named Talons situated at the confluence of Larkspur Bowl, Grouse Mountain and Birds of Prey; it replaces Red Tail Camp. The name Talons reflects the theme on this part of the mountain, which is home to many birds of prey in the area. Talons is 17,000 square feet with 500 indoor seats on two levels and 250 outdoor seats, more than doubling the previous capacity. The European-inspired menu will feature gourmet dining options such as the Talons Kasseler Rippchen Casserole (shaved smoked pork loin, sauerkraut, home fries, baked apples) and Colorado Lamb Burger as well as tossed to order salads, homemade soups, carved meats, rustic thin pizzas and artisan breads served in an upscale cafeteria setting. There will be an indoor/ outdoor bar and an outdoor smokehouse. The architecture pays homage to the early era of Beaver Creek with a nostalgic barn exterior and post and beam construction. Originally constructed in 1997, the new building is situated lower down the hill, offering easier access for skiers and riders in the area. Talons is expected to open at the start of the 2013-2014 ski season and it also will serve as the press center for the 2013 Birds of Prey World Cup events as well as the 2015 FIS Alpine Ski World Championships.
Beaver Creek is putting the finishing touches on a new on mountain restaurant named Talons situated at the confluence of Larkspur Bowl, Grouse Mountain and Birds of Prey; it replaces Red Tail Camp. The name Talons reflects the theme on this part of the mountain, which is home to many birds of prey in the area. Talons is 17,000 square feet with 500 indoor seats on two levels and 250 outdoor seats, more than doubling the previous capacity. The European-inspired menu will feature gourmet dining options such as the Talons Kasseler Rippchen Casserole (shaved smoked pork loin, sauerkraut, home fries, baked apples) and Colorado Lamb Burger as well as tossed to order salads, homemade soups, carved meats, rustic thin pizzas and artisan breads served in an upscale cafeteria setting. There will be an indoor/ outdoor bar and an outdoor smokehouse. The architecture pays homage to the early era of Beaver Creek with a nostalgic barn exterior and post and beam construction. Originally constructed in 1997, the new building is situated lower down the hill, offering easier access for skiers and riders in the area. Talons is expected to open at the start of the 2013-2014 ski season and it also will serve as the press center for the 2013 Birds of Prey World Cup events as well as the 2015 FIS Alpine Ski World Championships.
New Escalators
Beaver Creek makes accessing the slopes even easier this season with the addition of a new escalator located in the heart of the village above the ice rink. An existing series of escalators, built with ski boots in mind, already serves skiers and riders in the main artery of the village. To help guests reach snow faster the new escalator will be located between the ice rink and the snow surface adjacent to the Children’s Ski & Snowboard School and near the Buckaroo Gondola. It will be operating at the start of the 2013-2014 ski season.
Breckenridge to Open Peak 6 for the 2013-2014 Season
This season, Breckenridge will have one of its most exciting year’s ever, as the resort adds over 540 acres to its famous landscape via the Peak 6 area just north of Peak 7. Peak 6 will include 400 acres of lift-served terrain and 143 acres of hike-to terrain, representing a 23 percent increase in the resort’s skiable acreage. This is one of the most notable ski area expansions in the past decade, and will feature high-alpine, intermediate bowl skiing – a rare find in North America. The projected opening day for the Peak 6 lifts and terrain will be announced early during the winter season as construction comes to a close and the snow begins to fall. Visit www.breckenridge.com for the latest on the Peak 6 project.
This season, Breckenridge will have one of its most exciting year’s ever, as the resort adds over 540 acres to its famous landscape via the Peak 6 area just north of Peak 7. Peak 6 will include 400 acres of lift-served terrain and 143 acres of hike-to terrain, representing a 23 percent increase in the resort’s skiable acreage. This is one of the most notable ski area expansions in the past decade, and will feature high-alpine, intermediate bowl skiing – a rare find in North America. The projected opening day for the Peak 6 lifts and terrain will be announced early during the winter season as construction comes to a close and the snow begins to fall. Visit www.breckenridge.com for the latest on the Peak 6 project.
This season’s Winter Dew Tour will kick off the 2014 Olympic qualifying season in North America and showcase the world’s top contenders in both Snowboarding and Freeskiing. Watch the excitement and action up front at Peak 8 of Breckenridge Ski Resort, and enjoy the “Dew Tour Experience,” which will include live music and will bring all aspects of action sports culture to life throughout the five-day festival. The 2013 Dew Tour will be available on NBC, NBC Sports Network and Dew Tour Live on Dew Tour.com.
Adventure for the Whole Family
Keystone Resort has long been a place where kids rule; from specialty family-friendly après ski offerings to a mountaintop Fondue restaurant where “The Chicken Dance” is a nightly feature, the resort is a winter wonderland that allows kids and parents alike to truly enjoy their well-earned vacation time together. On the mountain, guests can choose to cruise Keystone’s 3,000+ acres of skiable terrain, access great bowl skiing and riding with Keystone Adventure Tours cat skiing, or test their skills in one of five top-ranked terrain parks, the training ground for some of the world’s best athletes and numerous Sochi hopefuls. After a day on the slopes, a village filled with animation awaits, along with three AAA four-diamond restaurants, a full-service spa, ice skating, snow tubing and daily Kidtopia events. Families will appreciate the value at Keystone, including the resort’s Kids Ski Free program, which is available every day, all season, including weekends and holidays, a rarity in the ski industry. Whether the goal is to explore every inch of the mountain or relax in style in one of Keystone’s more than 800 accommodation options, the resort offers a winter adventure for every size group and budget. www.keystoneresort.com/kidsskifree
First of its Kind Family Ski Trail
New this season, Keystone introduces the Family Ski Trail, another innovative way for families to enjoy the mountain experience together. The Schoolyard, a first of its kind terrain addition, will be designed to engage skiers and riders of all ages, while promoting on-snow progression with specialty features. Whether it’s gliding over Rockin’ Rollers, navigating bumps for the first time with Magic Moguls or learning to maneuver over changing terrain in Tornado Ally, the Schoolyard will be an area for the whole family to take their skiing and riding to the next level. Additional on-snow programming, including ski with Riperoo, will take place throughout the week in this specialty area.
Unbuckle at Tamarack
For those looking to elevate their game off the trails, there is Unbuckle at Tamarack, rated as the No. 1 après ski party in North America by Forbes and confirmed by CNN Travel. Unbuckle is Lake Tahoe's highest elevation après ski party featuring music, drinking, dancing and the lovely Heavenly Angels - ripping skiers by day and go-go dancers when the sun dips below the Sierras. The party takes place daily from 3:30-5:30 p.m. with a live DJ, half-priced drinks, giveaways, food specials, lots of dancing and, exclusively on Fridays and Saturdays, the Heavenly Angels. So, unbuckle those ski boots and snowboard bindings, and take your après game to the next level!
Redefining the lodging experience in South Lake Tahoe
South Lake Tahoe will offer a number of significant property developments and updates for the 2012-2013 season that will provide more options to skiers and snowboarders visiting Heavenly Mountain Resort. At the water’s edge, a multi-million dollar renovation is transforming a piece of old Tahoe into a high-end boutique hotel. Construction is almost complete on the grounds of the former Royal Valhalla Lodge, and opening of the new Landing Resort & Spais scheduled for November 2013. The resort will offer 77 upscale rooms, a restaurant which features wood-fired Greek seafood and outdoor fire pits, a full spa and fitness center, as well as a rooftop wedding site overlooking Lake Tahoe. The Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel,formerly Embassy Suites Lake Tahoe – Hotel & Ski Resort, assumed independent status on April 1, 2013 and along with the name change, the hotel’s owners are investing more than $5 million in property and guest suite improvements. The resort’s location has four doors opening toward each of Tahoe’s amenities – beach, ski resorts, forest, and entertainment – and is the largest and only full-service hotel in South Lake Tahoe.
Shaun White’s Home Mountain and Primary Training Resort
As the 2014 Winter Games approach, two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Shaun White will continue to pioneer new tricks and fine tune his riding at Northstar California™, his home mountain and primary training resort. Resort guests can also look forward to the return of Northstar’s award-winning terrain parks and signature 22-foot superpipe, designed by Shaun himself. The leader of California laid-back luxury, Northstar delivers focused, progressive learning programs for anyone looking to advance their skills or just looking to get into the terrain parks for the first time.
Northstar California™ to Host Sprint US Snowboarding and Visa US Freeskiing Grand Prix
Northstar has long been the home training ground for world-class athletes such as 2-time Olympic Gold medalist Shaun White. This year the best freeskiers and snowboarders in the U.S. will vie for a chance to compete at the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi when Northstar hosts the Sprint US Snowboarding and Visa US Freeskiing Grand Prix January 9-12, 2014. Guests can take in the Olympic qualifying action including the newest events of Freeskiing Halfpipe and Slopestyle and Snowboarding Slopestyle while relaxing in California sophistication. A complete list of Grand Prix events will soon be listed at www.northstarcalifornia.com.
Expedition: Kirkwood
Kirkwood Mountain Resort will be continuing their signature Expedition: Kirkwood Cat Tours for the 2013-2014 winter season. Expedition: Kirkwood, rated as Men’s Journal’s top black-diamond ski school program, takes advanced skiers and riders on an adventure to hunt down steep faces and fresh turns with a focus on backcountry education and safety. The West Coast’s largest avalanche awareness and backcountry certification program, Expedition: Kirkwood allows for a unique resort experience for advanced skiers and riders, just steps outside the classroom.
Freeride World Tour
Kirkwood will play host to the lone USA stop for the new Swatch Freeride World Tour by The North Face, which combines the Freeride World Tour, the Freeskiing World Tour and The North Face Masters of Snowboarding to create one unified global championship series. The six-stop world tour will hit Kirkwood for the second consecutive season in spring 2014.
Epic Discovery – Taking the Summer Mountain Experience to New Heights
As of July 2013, Vail Resorts has announced multiple proposals to the U.S. Forest Service for a comprehensive summer activities plan at Vail Mountain, Breckenridge Ski Resort and Heavenly Mountain Resort. Vail Resorts’ summer activity effort, named Epic Discovery, a Summer Mountain Adventure, will encourage “learn through play” by featuring extensive environmental educational elements interspersed between numerous new fun activities located in already developed areas of the mountain. Vail Resorts will work with The Nature Conservancy to bring scientific content to the eco-discovery experiences and will be contributing 1 percent of all summer lift ticket and activity revenue toward forest restoration projects. Epic Discovery is designed to connect kids and families with our national forests in an active, fun and engaging way. The proposal includes a number of new activities, including zip lines, ropes courses, mountain excursions and Forest Flyers™ with extensive environmental and interpretive programming, offering guests a unique opportunity to try new outdoor activities, challenge themselves physically, discover an appreciation for nature and create lasting family memories.
For more information on what’s new or newsworthy or to receive updates, visit https://news.vailresorts.com.