Image Credit: Lukas Pictonįortunately, snow lovers are spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing a pass that will let them access their favorite ski resorts and multiple mountains on almost every continent. After all, the Swiss did invent mountains! It’s totally true - look it up! Some people prefer the feel of Japanese powder under their skis or the sweet sensation of Swiss snow as they ski under the watchful gaze of the majestic Matterhorn. The collection of mountains now owned and operated by Vail Resorts is extensive, but not everyone wants to ski at Breckenridge or Keystone. This was in addition to the purchase of another 2 Australian ski fields - Falls Creek and Hotham. In July 2019, Vail went shopping again and added another 17 resorts to its portfolio with the acquisition of Peak Resorts. Like a crazed, cashed-up contestant on “Supermarket Sweep,” the organization continued to acquire ski resorts, both internationally and at home. Image Credit: Lukas Pictonīut Vail Resorts didn’t stop at Perisher. My partner, Greg Stone, during our most recent trip to Whistler Blackcomb. Ask any local, and they’ll tell you why Whistler is also affectionately known as “Whistralia.” With an innate love of both local snow and overseas pow, Australian skiers and snowboarders embraced this new ability to escape our long, sweltering summer to shred the gnar at Northstar, hit the terrain park at Park City, or enjoy après in the Afton Alps. Essentially, 1 ticket could buy you a year’s worth of skiing in both hemispheres, ushering in the 365-day ski season. and vice versa.īottom Line: Vail’s acquisition of Perisher changed the game. Instantly, season pass holders at Perisher could access Vail’s already extensive network of resorts in the U.S. For the very modest sum of AU$176.6 million (~$136 million), Vail Resorts became the only mountain resort company at the time to operate ski resorts on 2 continents. Vail Resorts acquired Perisher in 2015 as its first international mountain acquisition. Perisher Ski Resort - the largest ski resort in the Southern Hemisphere. Their minds are blown even more when I tell them that Australia is also home to the largest ski resort in the Southern Hemisphere: Perisher. The Southern Hemisphere ski season is somewhat perplexing and unheard of to many international travelers.Īs an Aussie snowboarder, when I travel overseas and tell people that I live in Sydney and can be on powder in 4.5 hours from my front door, they are most often completely shocked. As the seasons change, those in the Northern Hemisphere have thoughts turning to the fluffy white gold that will soon fall from the skies and turn our beloved alpine areas into winter wonderlands.īut for those of us in the Southern Hemisphere, we still have numerous crisp, bluebird days and spectacular spring skiing to look forward to, as our season extends into mid-October because of significant snowfalls.
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