Vail Resorts today announced that the Company has closed on the acquisition of Perisher Ski Resort (“Perisher”), in Australia. Perisher is now officially included in Vail Resorts’ line up of world-class mountain resorts and its industry leading season pass program.
Perisher’s 2015 Freedom Pass, now with Epic Benefits, provides all Freedom Pass holders with ski access at the Company’s North American resorts for the 2015-2016 ski season in addition to Perisher, the largest and most popular Australian mountain resort. Likewise, Vail Resorts’ industry leading Epic Pass now includes unlimited and unrestricted skiing at Perisher.
The Freedom Pass and Epic Pass allow for year-round skiing and provide value that remains unmatched in the ski industry. Now is the time to capitalise on the best early-bird deals for a white Christmas or January school holidays ski trip. Australians looking for the best deals in the U.S. for the 2015-2016 ski season should visit www.snow.com/australia.
“The acquisition of Perisher by Vail Resorts, the world’s preeminent mountain resort company, is a big win for local communities, the broader Snowy Mountains region, state of New South Wales and all Australian snow-sports enthusiasts” said John Barilaro, MP for Monaro and Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Skills, and Minister for Small Business.
“Families in New South Wales are in a most enviable position having access to high-alpine areas with amenities such as those offered by Perisher. Married with the industry expertise and proven record for driving tourism that Vail Resorts brings with it, our community will gain tremendously from this acquisition.”
“Closing on the acquisition of our first international mountain resort is a significant milestone for our Company. We’re thrilled to officially welcome the guests and employees of Perisher, Australia’s largest and most iconic resort, into the Vail Resorts family and deepen ties with one of our most important international markets,” said Rob Katz, chairman and chief executive officer of Vail Resorts.
“We see this as a ground-breaking acquisition that will dramatically enhance the connection between our Company and Australian skiers and riders, creating a true year-round skiing opportunity. Australians can now enjoy unlimited skiing and snowboarding in their own backyard as well as free access to our world-class ski resorts in the U.S., a value and experience unmatched in the ski industry.”
The Freedom Pass with Epic Benefits provides unlimited, unrestricted access to Perisher for the 2015 ski season, as well as unlimited skiing and snowboarding at Breckenridge, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin in Colorado; Park City and Canyons in Utah; and Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood in Tahoe during the 2015-2016 ski season.
The Freedom Pass with Epic Benefits also includes 10 days of skiing and riding at Vail and Beaver Creek during the 2015-2016 ski season. All U.S. resort access is subject to certain traditional holiday restrictions. All purchasers of the 2015 Freedom Pass receive the same Epic Benefits in the U.S. during the 2015-2016 ski season. Likewise, Vail Resorts’ industry leading Epic Pass now includes unlimited and unrestricted skiing at Perisher.
Purchasers of the Epic Pass, who paid in full prior to 2 June, receive unlimited, unrestricted access to Perisher throughout the 2015 ski season, as well as unlimited, unrestricted access to 12 of the best resorts in the U.S. All purchasers of the Epic Pass after Tuesday, 2 June, 2015, will have unlimited access to Perisher for the 2016 Australian ski season, in addition to unlimited, unrestricted access to Vail Resorts’ U.S. resorts throughout the 2015-2016 ski season.
For those who missed out on a Freedom Pass with Epic Benefits, the Epic Pass is on sale now for the 2015-2016 U.S. ski season, including unlimited access to Perisher for the 2016 ski season, at www.epicpass.com or through Skimax, Travelplan or Mogul Ski World.
The Epic Pass™ delivers unlimited skiing and snowboarding all season long at 12 U.S. resorts and now Perisher, Australia. With unlimited and unrestricted access, skiers and snowboarders can ski as much as they want at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin in Colorado; Canyons and Park City in Utah; Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood in Tahoe; Afton Alps in Minnesota; and Mt. Brighton in Michigan throughout the 2015-2016 ski season, and now Perisher in Australia, for the 2016 ski season.
The Epic Pass is US$769 for adults and US$399 for children (ages 5-12). The Epic Pass pays for itself in less than five days of skiing or riding and offers a 35 percent discount compared to lift ticket window purchases.
Perisher is now open for the 2015 ski season, through Monday, October 5, 2015. Dates are subject to change.
