SAM Magazine—Broomfield, Colo., Aug. 8, 2016—In revealing its plan to acquire Whistler Blackcomb (see separate report), Vail Resorts (VR) outlined some initial intentions:

• Support for Master Development Agreements with local First Nations. Whistler Blackcomb is in the Squamish and Lil'wat First Nations' traditional territories, and VR will support and continue the ongoing efforts to negotiate the renewal of Whistler Blackcomb's Master Development Agreements—which VR says provide significant long-term benefits to the Squamish and Lil'wat First Nations, the Province of British Columbia, and the Resort Municipality of Whistler.
• Local leadership. Whistler Blackcomb will continue to have principally local Canadian leadership, with critical day-to-day mountain operations residing at the resort, including ongoing primary responsibility for relationships with the local community, governments, and First Nations.
• Maintain local employment. Vail Resorts intends to retain the vast majority of Whistler Blackcomb employees, while only impacting a few select areas where there may be duplication in corporate functions. The transaction will not change the day-to-day operations at the resort, community engagement, or the input of local management in shaping Whistler Blackcomb's future.
• Investment in the resort experience. Vail Resorts will invest substantially in Whistler Blackcomb's mountain infrastructure and growth plans, including continuing to build community and stakeholder support for the recently announced Renaissance project, a transformational investment which will diversify the local tourism economy; provide new four-season, weather-independent activities; and elevate Whistler Blackcomb's core skiing, mountain biking and sightseeing experiences for decades to come.
• Common values on community and environmental sustainability. Consistent with VR's core values, Whistler Blackcomb will continue its community involvement through the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation as well as its significant environmental and sustainability commitments. VR also will support Whistler Blackcomb's continued engagement with organizations such as Tourism Whistler, Destination BC, Canada West Ski Areas Association, and the Whistler Chamber of Commerce.

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