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SAM Magazine-Broomfield, Colo., Oct. 25, 2010-Vail Resorts (VR) has acquired the stock of the companies that operate Northstar-at-Tahoe from Booth Creek Resort Properties LLC and other sellers for $63 million. The operations of Northstar-at-Tahoe are conducted on land owned by CNL Lifestyle Properties Inc., which will be leased to Vail Resorts under a long-term agreement. This is VR's second foray into the Lake Tahoe area; it also operates Heavenly Mountain Resort in South Lake Tahoe.

Northstar's operations include a base area village with 35 shops and restaurants in more than 100,000 square feet of commercial retail space, a conference center, a 9,000-square-foot skating rink, and extensive on-site lodging. Mountain facilities include 19 lifts, 92 trails encompassing 3,000 acres, snowmaking that covers 50 percent of the trails, and seven terrain parks. Sports activities include alpine and telemark skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and tubing. Summer activities include mountain biking, golfing, scenic lift rides for sightseeing and hiking, fly-fishing and more. During the 2009-0 season, Northstar totalled more than 700,000 visits.

In a key personnel change, Julie Maurer, vice president of marketing and sales at Booth Creek, will immediately become a vice president of marketing with VR, overseeing the marketing and sales of both Heavenly and Northstar. VR said it will begin an immediate search for a new general manager of Northstar, which will include both internal and external candidates.

"We are thrilled by the opportunity to bring Northstar-at-Tahoe into our family of world-class mountain resorts," said Rob Katz, VR chairman and CEO. "We believe guests of Heavenly and Northstar will greatly appreciate the flexibility to enjoy both the north and south shores of Lake Tahoe as we introduce pass and lift tickets products that offer access to both resorts starting with this coming 2010-2011 ski season." For example: VR's Epic Pass holders will receive unlimited access to Northstar and Sierra-at-Tahoe. In addition, the Colorado Pass will feature five free days of skiing and riding at either Heavenly or Northstar, with some restricted dates.

Sierra-at-Tahoe is not part of the acquisition, and is now the sole resort operated by Booth Creek.