Paul NelsonChannel 2 News
For the second time in just 16 months, Vail Resorts has bought a Tahoe area resort, making Kirkwood Mountain Resort their seventh property.
The property, which is about 35 miles southwest of South Lake Tahoe, sold for $18-million.
Kirkwood mountain resort has more than 2,300 acres of terrain for beginners and experts. Something that has Vail Resorts executives excited.
"It's a big mountain with a great small town with a local vibe to it and we're going to work hard to cherish that and respect that so that we still maintain that as a different, unique experience for our pass holders and our visiting guests," Vail Resorts Co-President Blaise Carrig said.
Now, one season pass gets you in at all three Vail resorts, which include Heavenly, Northstar-at-Tahoe, and Kirkwood. It's already had an impact.
"We've already seen about 100 people come up, today, with their pass-holders and the news was just released this morning," Kirkwood Vice President of Sales and Marketing Michael Dalzell said.
"All the resorts are always looking to get more value for their pass-holders and a pass that combines Heavenly, Northstar, and Kirkwood, we think is unmatched, in terms of value," Heavenly Director of Communications Russ Pecoraro said.
Dana Jackson is a season pass holder who hit the slopes of Heavenly, today. Going to all three resorts is something he plans to take advantage of.
"I think it's terrific," Jackson said. "We've got Northstar, already, and being able to ski at multiple places is a big help and Kirkwood's very close. We love to ski there. It's got a lot of snow there. It's a great mountain."
Along with the ski resort, the purchase also includes sites at the base, zoned for residential and commercial development. For Kirkwood and Vail resorts, the sale means progress.
To learn more about pass benefits, go to http://bit.ly/xeM2Wa
