What is going to be Vail’s focus for Park City and the Canyons?

Vail’s focus is on the skier experience, the family experience and the ski vacation experience. We want a quality experience within each resort.

We hear many good things about the Epic Pass. Can you tell us more?

The Epic Pass is a key benefit to all our skiers. We have a network of 11 resorts. There are 300,000 Epic Pass holders from 87 countries. Park City Mountain Resort is a lead brand. Vail owns six of the ten most visited ski resorts in the U.S.

What is first on the list for Vail?

On Mountain improvement at Park City Mountain Resort by elevating the services, addressing lifts, restaurants and snow making. We also want to focus on families by creating programs oriented to families.

Can you tell us about any plans to connect Park City and the Canyons?

Ideally, we would have a two-way lift connecting Park City Mountain Resort with the Canyons that would be installed next summer. That would be pending approvals. The new combined ski resort, which will have the largest area of skiable terrain will be over 7,300 acres.

Can you address Vail’s capital strength?

Vail has considerable capital strength. As President of the Mountain Division, strategic capital is critical. Does it add value? Vail takes a different and long term approach. We carefully acquire, maintain and grow our resorts. The Mountian Division or ski operations accounts for a significant portion of Vails revenue. Our main focus is the successful running of ski resorts.

How does Real Estate Development factor into that equation?

Vail develops real estate when it feels that additional lodging and facilities are required. Our preference is to bring in a developer or create a partnership. We have a very particular interest in the areas at the base of our resorts. Vail’s focus is on operating ski resorts. When needed, Vail has made the appropriate Real Estate improvements.

Our conclusion is that Vail’s completion of the Park City Mountain Resort purchase is great for Park City. Vail will be an excellent community partner. Vail’s presence in Park City has already been reflected in the Real Estate market. There is a very strong overall feeling that the boost in our Real Estate market has been validated by Vail’s increased presence.