SAM Magazine—Whistler, B.C., Oct. 18, 2016—Vail Resorts has officially closed on its billion dollar acquisition of Whistler Blackcomb, which is now the tenth destination resort in the company's portfolio. Both entities are coming off of their most successful winter ever in 2015-16, when each drew record skier visits and saw double-digit revenue growth.

VR didn't waste any time incorporating its newest asset into its product mix. Shortly after the closing, VR chief marketing officer Kirsten Lynch announced that Epic Pass and Epic Local Pass-holders will be able to ski five days at Whistler Blackcomb during the 2016-17 season, with the exception of holiday blackout dates. In addition, Whistler Blackcomb Unlimited Season Pass-holders will have five days at any of Vail Resorts' U.S. ski resorts, with the same holiday blackouts. WB will be fully accessible to Epic Pass-holders for the 2017-18 winter season. Lynch said more details on the integration will be announced in March 2017.

In connection with the completion of the transaction, Vail Resorts also announced that Michele Romanow, a former member of the Whistler Blackcomb board of directors, has been appointed to the board of directors of Vail Resorts.

“Whistler Blackcomb is one of the most iconic mountain resorts in the world and we are tremendously excited to welcome the resort and the talented team who work there to the Vail Resorts family,” said Rob Katz, chairman and chief executive officer of Vail Resorts. “Dave Brownlie and the team at Whistler Blackcomb have built an excellent operation that delivers amazing guest experiences, and we intend to continue to support that work while maintaining the resort's unique brand and Canadian identity.”

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