Vail Resorts has officially closed its $179 million purchase of Falls Creek Alpine Resort and Hotham Alpine Resort in Victoria, meaning the company now owns all three of Australia’s largest ski fields.
Falls Creek and Hotham now join Perisher in Vail Resorts’ network of resorts across Australia.
The latest acquisition includes ski school, retail and rental, reservation and property management operations at both resort areas.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Vail Resorts Rob Katz said the Victorian purchase was part of Vail’s continued strategy to drive season pass sales and build loyalty with guests from around the world.
The new ownership means that existing 2018-19 Epic Pass holders will now have access to Falls Creek and Hotham (subject to certain approvals).
Vail Resorts will continue to honour 2019 season pass products for Falls Creek and Hotham through the duration of the season, with the ability for guests to upgrade to an Epic Australia Pass.
The Epic Pass provides skiers and riders with access to world-class resorts including Vail, Whistler Blackcomb, Breckenridge, Park City and more.
The 2019-20 Epic Pass starts at US$939 and provides access for the 2019-20 Northern Hemisphere winter season and the 2020 Australian season.
In time for the 2019 season, Epic Australia Pass holders can look forward to $4.2 million worth of upgrades at Perisher, including the new Leichhardt Quad Chairlift and a significant snowmaking project.
The new chairlift will increase lift capacity by 75% in one of Perisher’s most popular areas and will access beginner, intermediate and advanced runs as well as the famous Leichhardt Terrain Park.
The new snowmaking project will link Happy Valley to the base of this new chairlift and will ensure that terrain in this part of the resort can be opened earlier, providing great conditions all winter.
- READ: $174 MILLION DEAL: Vail Resorts to buy Falls Creek and Hotham ski resorts
- READ: QT Falls Creek Crowned Best Australian Ski property: 5 Times in a Row