Vail Resorts Inc. on Monday announced a long-term alliance with Rusutsu Resort in Hokkaido, Japan, just 90 minutes from Sapporo and New Chitose Airport.
Beginning with the 2019/20 season, the Epic Pass, Epic Local Pass and Epic Australia Pass will offer five consecutive complimentary days with no blackout dates at the three unique, interlinked mountains that make up Rusutsu Resort. The addition of Rusutsu to the Epic Pass, brings total pass access to 66 mountain resorts in eight countries in the 2019/20 season, significantly more than any other season pass in the world.
“We’re excited to announce this long-term alliance between Vail Resorts and Rusutsu Resort, beginning in the 2019-20 season, adding access to another incredible Japanese destination for Epic Pass, Epic Australia Pass and Epic Local Pass holders,” said Kirsten Lynch, chief marketing officer of Vail Resorts. “Our season pass holders crave both the variety of world-class ski and snowboard experiences and the unmatched value that the Epic Pass products offer. Now they have access to the deep powder and incredible guest experience at Rusutsu.”
“We are pleased to include Rusutsu Resort among the incredible resorts on the Epic Pass,” said Hisatake Kamori, President of Kamori Kanko. “Rusutsu offers vast ski terrain and unrivalled champagne powder to skiers and snowboarders from around the world, eager to experience our renowned Japanese hospitality.”
The addition of Rusutsu to the Epic Pass, Epic Local Pass and Epic Australia Passes, brings the total Japanese access to 10 days across 11 different resorts, including the 10 resorts in the Hakuba Valley.
