For their first global expansion move, Vail Resorts has chosen the largest resort in the southern hemisphere and are set to acquire Perisher in Australia for approximately USD$136 million (AUD$177 million).
Perisher in Australia is made up of four interlinked resort areas, Perisher Valley, Smiggin Holes, Blue Cow and Guthega. It provides significant terrain (3,076 acres) all located above the snow line in Australia’s Snowy Mountains.
The purchase is a key move for Vail Resorts to build global loyalty to the brand with the Perisher “Freedom Pass” (season pass) now rolled into the Epic Pass, which covers all Vail Resort owned and also provides access to partner resorts in Europe and Japan. Yes, that’s right, if you purchase an Epic Pass today, you have access to:
Previously, Australian’s forewent their first born child for a season pass and now all of a sudden, they can buy a YEAR ROUND pass for USD$769! Yes, this move is massive for Australians and will most certainly shake up the industry like we have never seen before.
We will definitely watch this space for more details, though for now, I can see a massive rush for what has just become a “no brainer” purchase for Aussies that love to ski locally, though also plan a yearly trip to the northern hemisphere.
Pete Kvist began skiing in Australia over 20 years ago and has been addicted to skiing and all things snow ever since. He has worked several seasons on the mountain as a lift operator and has also spent some time in ski resort media departments (so yes, he knows the tricks of the trade).
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