Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows Ski Resort have agreed to combine operations under common ownership and offer season passes and lift tickets that will allow guests to enjoy skiing and riding on both mountains. The transaction is expected to close prior to the commencement of the 2011-12 winter season.
Squaw Valley, known for its expansive, legendary terrain over 3,600 acres and the host site of the 1960 Winter Olympics, opened for skiing over 60 years ago. Alpine Meadows opened in December, 1961 and quickly gained and maintained a reputation for its varied terrain, authentic friendliness, and family atmosphere. The combination of the two resorts promises to create a mountain experience like no other in California, with over 6,000 skiable acres of varied terrain spread across eight Sierra Nevada mountain peaks, which boasts some of North America’s highest average annual snowfall, last winter exceeding 800 inches. Located on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe, California, the two resorts are less than a ten minute drive from each other.
“Combining Alpine Meadows and Squaw Valley will provide our guests something truly remarkable a mountain experience unmatched in California, inclusive of expansive and family friendly terrain,” said Andy Wirth, president and CEO of Squaw Valley. “In today’s economic environment, skiers and snowboarders are looking for more more terrain and value. The all new Tahoe Super Pass and Tahoe Super Six which allow guests, with one pass, access to both of these incredible mountains provides unmatched value,” said Wirth. Wirth will take the helm as the president and CEO of the new combined entity of Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows.
“As a long-time skier with a family dedicated to Tahoe, I’m excited to bring these two remarkable resorts together and we agree that a key element of success is maintaining each resort’s character,” said Todd Chapman, president and CEO of JMA Ventures (JMA), owner of Alpine Meadows. “While both resorts are unique, this partnership is a natural fit, as what unites our brands and the spirit of our mountains is our guests’ desire for exploration and adventure.”
The companies also announced an all new dual mountain season pass and six day card. The all new Tahoe Super Pass will be available starting at $439 for adults, with the unrestricted adult pass available for $799, providing unlimited skiing and riding at both resorts for winter 2011-12. Also, the all new Tahoe Super Six is available for $399 for adults and provides six unrestricted days of skiing and riding for the 2011-12 season. Both the Tahoe Super Pass and the Tahoe Super Six are immediately available for sale and additional information can be found at www.squaw.com or by contacting the Squaw Valley Resort & Activity Sales Department at 1-800-403-0206.
Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows also offer significant added value for all of their existing passholders (Gold, Silver and Bronze passes at Squaw, and Unfiltered, Slightly Filtered and Filtered passes at Alpine Meadows) for winter 2011-12. All of these passes previously purchased at Squaw or Alpine for winter 2011-12 will become valid for skiing and riding at both mountain resorts. Respective day of week and date restrictions will apply for previously purchased season passes. Those who previously purchased both a Squaw and Alpine pass or who have other questions regarding their existing pass can call 1-800-403-0206 or visit www.squaw.com.
As part of the transaction, an investment affiliate of JMA Ventures (JMA), will convert its ownership of Alpine Meadows into partial ownership of the combined company. KSL Capital Partners, LLC (KSL), the owner of Squaw Valley, will be the majority owner of the combined company. Both owners have a deep commitment to the two resorts and to the Tahoe region. KSL, as part of its acquisition of Squaw Valley, has earmarked $50 million in capital improvements to Squaw Valley over the next three to five years, many of which will be apparent this winter. Customers can also anticipate that Alpine Meadows will see a substantial investment in the guest experience. The closing of the transaction is subject to approval by the US Forest Service and the California Tahoe Conservancy. JMA will continue to independently own and operate Homewood Mountain Resort.
Situated less than ten minutes from one another, Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows are ideally located in North Lake Tahoe, California, just off Interstate 80, 45 miles west of Reno, Nevada, and 200 miles northeast of San Francisco.
