As individuals and communities contend with the severe impacts of COVID-19, Vail Resorts CEO Rob Katz and his wife, Elana Amsterdam, New York Times bestselling author and founder of Elana’s Pantry, on Monday announced a donation of more than $2.5 million to provide immediate support for both Vail Resorts employees and the mountain towns where the company operates.

Katz will donate $1.5 million in immediate emergency relief grants that will benefit more than a dozen local organizations providing critical services in Park City; Eagle, Summit and Gunnison counties in Colorado; Lake Tahoe, California; Whistler, B.C.; Vermont; Stevens Pass, Washington; and Jackson Hole, Wyoming (home of Grand Teton Lodge Company).

An additional $1 million is being donated by Katz to create a new fund within Vail Resorts’ EpicPromise Employee Foundation, which helps the company’s employees respond to unpredictable setbacks, including medical events. This fund will help meet the increased need for assistance due to the impacts of COVID-19, ensuring that the foundation has the resources to address this challenge.

“I cannot recall another moment in my lifetime that has caused so much disruption to our lives — to our work, to our health and to our communities,” said Katz. “Throughout this incredibly challenging time, two of our absolute priorities have been, and will continue to be, the health and wellbeing of our employees and mountain communities. What makes our resorts so special is where they’re located and the passionate people who live there. As we navigate this situation, it’s essential we continue to support our employees and the vitality of our communities, providing partnership when it’s needed most.”

The donation will be distributed through the Katz Amsterdam Charitable Trust, which was established to support mountain communities, with an initial focus on eliminating the stigma of mental illness and increasing access to mental and behavioral healthcare. Since 2016, the trust has donated over $10 million total, including nearly $6.5 million in mental and behavioral health grants, to communities where Vail Resorts operates.

Recipients of the Katz Amsterdam Charitable Trust COVID-19 Emergency Relief Grants include:

Summit County, Utah: Park City Community Foundation: $200,000 to support the Community Response Fund that will deploy resources to health and human services community organizations that serve vulnerable populations disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.

State of Colorado: Help Colorado Now: $250,000 to support non-profits across Colorado that are providing critical services during this public health crisis.

Eagle County, Colorado: Eagle Valley Community Foundation: $200,000 to support basic needs and mobile food bank services that help community members across the county.

Summit County, Colorado: Family Intercultural Resource Center: $100,000 to support the organization’s mobile food bank and mental health and social service navigation. The Summit Foundation: $100,000 to the Summit County Cares Fund to support non-profits serving the most vulnerable populations and providing critical resources to community members.

Crested Butte, Colorado: Community Foundation of Gunnison Valley: $50,000 to the Foundation’s COVID-19 Response and Recovery Efforts that supports non-profits who provide critical services to those impacted.

South Lake Tahoe, California: The El Dorado Community Foundation: $150,000 to the Foundation’s Coronavirus Relief Fund that will support families in need and non-profits that provide critical basic need and other social services to the community.

North Lake Tahoe/Truckee, California: Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation: $100,000 to the Foundation’s COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund that supports nonprofits across the region to serve the critical needs of those impacted by the coronavirus.

Whistler, British Columbia: Whistler Community Services Society: $100,000 CAD to support the organization’s mobile food bank, mental health services and social service outreach efforts. The Whistler Blackcomb Foundation: $100,000 CAD to the Foundation’s COVID relief fund that will support non-profits across the Sea-to-Sky corridor as they meet the most critical needs of community members.

Vermont: Vermont Community Foundation: $150,000 to support several non-profits in three communities that provide food services, basic needs and critical social services to community members.

Stevens Pass, Washington: Upper Valley Mend: $50,000 to support the organization’s food bank program and other critical social services to those in need.

Jackson, Wyoming (Grand Teton Lodge Company): Community Foundation of Jackson Hole: $50,000 to the Community Emergency Response Fund to support local non-profits helping those directly impacted by COVID-19.

All Vail Resorts Communities: Epic Promise Employee Foundation: $1 million to establish a new fund to provide additional assistance to Vail Resorts employees due to the impacts of COVID-19.

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Vail Resorts EpicPromise is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2019-2020 community grants cycle. Thirty-six local nonprofit organizations received $3.8 million in grant support aimed at supporting the issues that matter most to the Park City community. Across the company, Vail Resorts will give $14 million in support to more than 350 community nonprofits throughout the upcoming year.

“Since day one of SOS Outreach over 25 years ago, Vail Resorts EpicPromise has demonstrated a dedication to the community unlike anyone else,” said Seth Ehrlich, executive director of SOS Outreach. “What’s truly unique about our partnership is the ability to engage Vail Resorts employees across all departments toward one goal — helping SOS Outreach youth gear up for life through mentoring outdoors. The strength of our partnership and dedication and passion of every Vail Resorts employee makes our mission possible and reflects the communities that we call home.”

All grant decisions are made locally by Park City Mountain Resort employees. These employees volunteer to serve on the local Giving Council and review all grant applications. Throughout the year, senior leaders and other employees engage with community stakeholders and nonprofit leaders to better understand the needs of Park City residents and use this information to ensure all contributions match local needs. Across North America, Vail Resorts EpicPromise community investment focuses on youth and the environment.

Grant recipients in Park City are as follows:

• Alf Engen Ski Museum Foundation
• Basin Recreation
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah
• Children’s Justice Center
• Christian Center of Park City
• Connect Summit County
• EATS Park City
• Egyptian Theatre
• Friends of Utah Avalanche Forecast Center
• Habitat for Humanity of Summit and Wasatch Counties
• Kimball Art Center
• KPCW
• Live Like Sam
• Mountainlands Community Housing
• Mountain Trails Foundation
• National Ability Center
• Park City Community Foundation
• Park City Education Foundation
• Park City Municipal Recreation
• Park City Performing Arts Foundation
• Park City Rotary Foundation
• Park City Tots
• Peace House
• People’s Health Clinic
• Recycle Utah
• She Jumps
• Shining Stars Preschool
• SOS Outreach
• Summit Community Gardens
• Summit County Library
• Summit Land Conservancy
• Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter
• Utah Clean Energy Alliance
• Weilenmann School of Discovery
• Young Riders
• Youth Sports Alliance

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Vail Resorts on Monday announced it has entered into a definitive merger agreement to acquire 100 percent of the outstanding stock of Peak Resorts, at a purchase price of $11.00 per share, subject to certain conditions, including regulatory review and Peak Resorts’ shareholder approval.

Through the acquisition, Vail Resorts will add 17 U.S. ski areas to its network of resorts. Located near major metropolitan areas, including New York, Boston, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Columbus, St. Louis, Kansas City and Louisville, the resorts include:

• Mount Snow in Vermont
• Hunter Mountain in New York
• Attitash Mountain Resort, Wildcat Mountain and Crotched Mountain in New Hampshire
• Liberty Mountain Resort, Roundtop Mountain Resort, Whitetail Resort, Jack Frost and Big Boulder in Pennsylvania
• Alpine Valley, Boston Mills, Brandywine and Mad River Mountain in Ohio
• Hidden Valley and Snow Creek in Missouri
• Paoli Peaks in Indiana

“We are incredibly excited to have the opportunity to add such a powerful network of ski areas to our Company,” said Rob Katz, chairman and chief executive officer of Vail Resorts. “Peak Resorts’ ski areas in the Northeast are a perfect complement to our existing resorts and together will provide a very compelling offering to our guests in New York and Boston. With this acquisition, we are also able to make a much stronger connection to guests in critical cities in the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest and build on the success we have already seen with our strategy in Chicago, Minneapolis and Detroit. The acquisition fully embodies our philosophy of Epic for Everyone, making skiing and riding more accessible to guests across the U.S. and around the world.”

“Vail Resorts has a proven track record of celebrating the unique identity of its resorts, while continually investing in the guest and employee experience. For this reason, we are confident that our resorts and employees will continue to thrive within the Vail Resorts network,” said Timothy Boyd, president and chief executive officer of Peak Resorts. “We are very proud of our track record over the last two decades in building the breadth, quality and accessibility of our resorts. We are thrilled that our guests will now have access to some of the world’s most renowned resorts.”

When the transaction closes, the 2019-20 Epic Pass, Epic Local Pass and Military Epic Pass will include unlimited and unrestricted access to the 17 Peak Resorts ski areas. Guests with an Epic Day Pass will also be able to access the new ski areas as a part of the total number of days purchased. For the 2019-20 season, Vail Resorts will honor and continue to sell all Peak Resorts pass products, and Peak Resorts’ pass holders will have the option to upgrade to an Epic Pass or Epic Local Pass, following closing of the transaction.

Additional Transaction Details

The aggregate purchase price for all Peak Resorts common stock is estimated to be approximately $264 million (calculated on a treasury method basis), which Vail Resorts intends to finance through a combination of cash on hand, its existing revolver facility and an expansion of its existing credit facility. In addition, Vail Resorts will be assuming or refinancing Peak Resorts’ outstanding debt.

The acquisition is expected to generate incremental annual EBITDA of approximately $60 million in Vail Resorts’ fiscal year ending July 31, 2021, the first fiscal year with the full benefit of the synergies of the acquisition, with additional revenue upside in future years.  Synergies are expected to come from additional revenue across the Vail Resorts network of resorts and cost reductions from the elimination of certain duplicative administrative functions and greater efficiencies brought by Vail Resorts’ size and scale. Vail Resorts’ annual ongoing capital expenditures are expected to increase by $10 million to support the addition of the Peak Resorts ski areas. After closing of the transaction, Vail Resorts plans to invest approximately $15 million over the next two years in one-time capital spending to elevate the guest experience at these resorts. 

The transaction was approved by both companies’ boards of directors, and the Peak Resorts board of directors also recommends that Peak Resorts’ shareholders approve the transaction.

The transaction is expected to close this fall. The parties expect operations at all Peak Resorts ski areas to continue in the ordinary course of business. Upon closing, Vail Resorts plans to retain the vast majority of each resort’s employees.

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As part of Epic for Everyone, Vail Resorts announced Tuesday the introduction of the new Epic Day Pass, a customizable pass for those skiers and riders who may not need the unlimited skiing offered by traditional season passes. Guests can create their own pass by selecting the number of days they plan to ski or ride – from one day to seven days – and whether or not to add holiday access. Guests can use their customized Epic Day Pass anytime throughout the season at any of the company’s North American owned resorts, including Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Whistler Blackcomb, Keystone, Crested Butte, Park City Mountain Resort. Those purchasing four or more days will also get access to Telluride, Sun Valley, Snowbasin, and Resorts of the Canadian Rockies.

Offering a discount of up to 50 percent off of lift ticket window prices, the Epic Day Pass starts as low as $106 for one day of skiing at any of the company’s North American resorts. Guests can also lower their cost per day by adding more days and can lock in the lowest prices by purchasing this spring.

“With Epic for Everyone, we are excited to provide all of our guests with the value, flexibility and convenience that come with being a pass holder,” said Kirsten Lynch, chief marketing officer of Vail Resorts. “The launch of the Epic Day Pass transforms both season pass and lift ticket pricing and allows our guests to decide where, when and how frequently they want to ski or ride, which is exactly what made our Epic Pass so popular when we first introduced it over a decade ago.”

For guests looking to ski more days in a season, the Epic Pass and Epic Local Pass continue to offer the best value and variety for unlimited skiing and riding. Launching at $939 for the 2019-20 winter season, the Epic Pass provides unlimited, unrestricted access to all of the company’s owned resorts and additional access to partner resorts around the world. For skiers and riders willing to navigate around a few peak dates, the Epic Local Pass offers access to many of the same destinations, starting at only $699. Those who purchase the Epic Pass or Epic Local Pass this spring will also get 10 Buddy Tickets (up from six last year) and six Ski With a Friend Tickets.

In honor of the epic service of the company’s founders from the 10th Mountain Division, and the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces, Canadian Armed Forces and Australian Defence Force, Vail Resorts will also be extending the Military Epic Pass program into the 2019-20 season. The 2019-20 Military Epic Pass is priced at $129 for active and retired Military and their dependents, and $529 for veteran Military and their dependents.

Guests who purchase a day lift ticket this season also have the opportunity to apply the value of their ticket toward the price of an eligible 2019-20 pass, including an Epic Day Pass with four or more days. Guests can visit www.epicpass.com for more details on this offer and other incentives.

• Epic Day Pass: The Epic Day Pass provides the following access and benefits:
  • Specified number of days to: Vail, Beaver Creek, Whistler Blackcomb, Breckenridge, Keystone, Crested Butte, Park City, Heavenly, Northstar, Kirkwood, Stowe, Okemo, Mount Sunapee, Stevens Pass, Afton Alps, Mt. Brighton and Wilmot Mountain.
  • Partner access: For guests purchasing four or more days of access, they may also use days purchased to access Telluride, Sun Valley, Snowbasin and Resorts of the Canadian Rockies.
  • Pricing: 

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“Sun Valley is a four-season renowned mountain resort and provides visitors from around the world with diverse mountain experiences and world-class dining and shopping. Together with nearby Park City Mountain Resort, Snowbasin has an incredibly rich winter sports history and this expanded access provides two great options for Epic Pass holders in Utah,” said Kirsten Lynch, chief marketing officer of Vail Resorts.

“Snowbasin and Sun Valley are crown jewels of our family-owned businesses and we are always looking for new ways to provide outstanding service to our guests,” noted Carol Holding, whose husband, Earl, bought Sun Valley in 1977. “As we remain committed to investing in and operating our properties for many years to come, this multi-year alliance with the Epic Pass will bring value to our pass holders and introduce more guests to our unique traditions.”

“Sun Valley Resort is excited to participate in the Epic Pass starting next season,” stated Tim Silva, Sun Valley Resort’s vice president and general manager. “Sun Valley is one of the premier ski destinations in the country, and we welcome Epic Pass holders to our resort. This will offer a significant benefit to Epic Pass holders, Sun Valley and Snowbasin season pass holders, and our resort communities.”

Sun Valley Resort, located in the mountains of Idaho, is known as the nation’s first destination ski resort and the location of the world’s first chairlift. Living up to its namesake, Sun Valley is a top choice for winter enthusiasts that prefer skiing or riding under blue bird skies. Perennially top-ranked for service, efficient lifts, grooming, and dining, Sun Valley is home to world-class on-mountain lodges and luxurious accommodations.

Snowbasin Resort, located in Utah, is one of the most accessible ski resorts in North America, less than 40 minutes from the Salt Lake City International Airport and only 50 minutes from Park City. Host venue of the downhill, combined (downhill and slalom), and super-G events during the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics, Snowbasin offers outdoor enthusiasts  championship-level skiing, with nearly 3,000 skiable acres, an average snowfall of 300 inches, and 3,000 vertical feet. Consistently recognized as one of the best family resorts in North America, Snowbasin offers top ranked snow sports instruction and convenient amenities.

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As part of a separate transaction, Vail Resorts will also purchase Stevens Pass Resort in Washington from Ski Resort Holdings, LLC, who was advised on the sale by Houlihan Lokey, for a total purchase price of $67 million, subject to certain adjustments. Both transactions are subject to certain closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.

“Together, the acquisitions of Okemo, Mount Sunapee, Crested Butte, and Stevens Passwill significantly enhance the Vail Resorts’ network of resort experiences, adding even more variety and choice for all of our pass holders and guests. Okemo and Mount Sunapee are terrific complements to Stowe in the Northeast, as is Crested Butte to our four Colorado resorts, and Stevens Pass for our Whistler Blackcomb and Seattle guests,” said Rob Katz, chairman and chief executive officer of Vail Resorts. “Additionally, each of these resorts will individually offer guests from around the world entirely new and distinctive experiences in extraordinary locations from coast to coast.”

“We know our guests and employees will benefit from Vail Resorts’ outstanding track record of resort and community investment, environmental stewardship, and employee development,” said Tim Mueller, president of Triple Peaks, LLC. “We care deeply about the legacy of these resorts, and have absolute confidence in Vail Resorts to celebrate what makes them so special, while also providing long-term stability for the communities.”

“Triple Peaks, LLC and the Mueller family and Karl Kapuscinski, the tenant and operator of Stevens Pass Resort, have been outstanding operators of these resorts and we have valued our association with them,” said Steven Orbuch, founder and president of Oz Real Estate. “We are excited for the opportunities that these transactions create for Vail Resortsand its guests while providing a beneficial outcome for our investors.”

When the transactions close, the 2018-19 Epic Pass, Epic Local Pass, Epic Australia Pass, and Epic Military Pass will include unlimited and unrestricted access to all four resorts, with seven and four unrestricted days for the Epic 7 Day and Epic 4 Day passes, respectively. Whistler Blackcomb Edge Card holders will be able to use any of their U.S. days at Stevens Pass, subject to the restrictions on each card. “We are thrilled that the Epic Pass and our other season pass products will now provide our pass holders around the world with even more variety and unique experiences to choose from,” said Kirsten Lynch, chief marketing officer of Vail Resorts.

After closing of the two transactions, Vail Resorts plans to invest $35 million over the next two years across the four resorts to continue to elevate the guest experience. In addition, annual ongoing capital expenditures are expected to increase by $7 million to support the addition of these four resorts. Together, these acquisitions are expected to generate incremental annual EBITDA in excess of $35 million in Vail Resorts’ fiscal year ending July 31, 2019.

Closing of Transactions

The transactions are expected to close this summer. Operations at the four resorts for the remainder of the 2018 summer season will continue in the ordinary course of business, as will future winter seasonal hiring. Upon closing, Vail Resorts plans to retain the vast majority of each resort’s employees and will be working with the local leadership teams in the coming months to determine the right long-term management structure for the resorts.

Vail Resorts will, subject to approval, assume the state land leases for Okemo Mountain Resort and Mount Sunapee Resort and will obtain new Special Use Permits from the U.S. Forest Service for Crested Butte Mountain Resort and Stevens Pass Resort. The state land lease transfers in Vermont and New Hampshire are subject to administrative review and consent from their respective states.

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The report stated that total lift ticket revenue at the company’s North American mountain resorts increased 3.7 percent compared to last year, while the total skier visits were down by 1.9 percent.

The ski school revenue also increased by 3.4 percent, though the dining revenue decreased by 1.4 percent. The rental and retail revenue was down by 4.2 percent.

We are pleased with our results as the 2017/2018 ski season concludes, particularly considering the historically low snowfall across our western U.S. resorts for much of the ski season,” said Rob Katz, chief executive officer, in a release.

“Conditions improved significantly in March and April across our resorts which supported stronger results that are in line with our expectations from our March 8, 2018 guidance,” he said. “Our results throughout the 2017/2018 ski season highlight the stability provided by our season pass, the benefit of our geographic diversification and the success of our sophisticated, data-driven marketing efforts.”

Vail Resorts is turning its attention to the 2018-19 season by focusing on spring season pass sales, he said.

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On the heels of a $50 million investment to connect Park City and the former Canyons resorts into the largest mountain resort in the U.S., coupled with massive upgrades to lift infrastructure and on-mountain dining in 2015, Vail Resorts plans to continue with Park City Mountain’s transformation by focusing significant investment to elevate the on-mountain dining and family skiing and snowboarding experience for guests.

“The continued investment at Park City Mountain just a few years after integrating Canyons and Park City demonstrates Vail Resorts’ commitment to continually reinvest in the core mountain experience for our guests,” said Bill Rock, chief operating officer of Park City Mountain. “These significant improvements in contemporary mountain dining and a dedicated family and beginner area will elevate the guest experience even further at the country’s largest mountain resort.”

New learning area for beginners, children and families:
Slated to debut in the 2018-19 winter season, the High Meadow Family Fun Zone at Canyons Village will offer guests a dedicated learning area at the new High Meadow four-passenger lift. The existing High Meadow four-passenger lift will be replaced with a high-speed, four-passenger lift, increasing uphill capacity by 50 percent and shortening overall ride time by 70 percent. Additional snowmaking throughout the area’s gentle slopes will further ensure guests ideal snow surface conditions for learning. The Family Fun Zone will enhance the experience for beginner skiers and snowboarders by reserving the best learning terrain in Utah to provide a safe, fun and easy learning environment for ski and snowboard school guests, children and families. The addition of a new Candy Cabin within the Family Fun Zone will beckon guests to savor a sweet treat and chocolates during a rest break.

Commitment to culinary excellence and mountain contemporary style continues:
Park City Mountain’s iconic Mid-Mountain Lodge will undergo a transformative interior renovation to create a signature mountain and dining experience of relaxed mountain luxury, while preserving the historic nature of the 120-plus-year-old historic miners’ boarding house. New dining options will reflect the region’s marked notoriety for superb cuisine with chef-driven menus featuring high-quality ingredients and innovative presentation. Cloud Dine, which was completely remodeled in 2014 as a modern, mountaintop bistro, will gain an additional 200 seats to increase guest capacity by more than 60 percent. Cloud Dine remains one of Park City Mountain’s most popular dining locations and the new addition will ensure that the guest’s dining experience at the location is elevated to match the superior quality and presentation of the food.

Projects at Cloud Dine and the Mid-Mountain Lodge restaurants represent a continued focus on creating unique culinary experiences throughout the resort. With Park City’s dining investments, every major on-mountain restaurant has been reimagined within the last three years. All of these projects are subject to regulatory approval.

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“Skiing or riding Park City this winter should be on every Utah family’s must-do list,” said Bill Rock, chief operating officer at Park City Mountain. “There is no better outdoor winter activity to experience with your kids, and Epic SchoolKids is making skiing and riding so accessible for families. When you consider the price of other winter activities, and then you weigh the benefits of recreating with your kids, there’s really no comparison.”

The Epic SchoolKids Pack is back for another season giving Utah kids the chance to ski or snowboard for free at Park City Mountain. Launched in 2015, Epic SchoolKids is a free program for Utah kindergarteners through fifth graders providing five free days of skiing or snowboarding at Park City Mountain, as well as one free first-timer ski or snowboarding lesson with free equipment rental. Absolutely no purchases are necessary to take advantage of Epic SchoolKids and online registration is now open at http://www.epicschoolkids.com/utah through Oct. 9. When paired with the Park City 4-Pack, the whole family can enjoy four days at Park City Mountain together for around $600.

The value of the pass is more than just access at an attractive price; it’s about the experience, too. Now the largest ski resort in the United States, Park City Mountain poured over $50 million into the resort last season, including lift upgrades, new snowmaking, a new on-mountain restaurant and the new Quicksilver Gondola. This season, EpicMix Time — an expansion of the award-winning ski and snowboard app, EpicMix — will debut at Park City Mountain and allow guests to access real-time lift line wait times enabling them to better navigate 7,300 acres of terrain at the largest resort in the United States.

Park City Mountain is slated to open on Friday, Nov. 18, for the 2016-2017 season, weather and conditions permitting. For the best prices of the season on all season passes and for more information on pass holder benefits, visit http://www.EpicPass.com before Monday, Sept. 5.

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An experience of a lifetime is waiting for them at Park City Mountain Resort this winter as all Utah kindergarteners through fifth graders have the opportunity to ski and snowboard for free with the Epic SchoolKids Utah Pack. Epic SchoolKids was first offered for the 2015-2016 season as Vail Resorts’ way of giving back to the local community, while ensuring future generations have access to the sports of skiing and snowboarding.

No purchases are required, and Epic SchoolKids online registration is open through Sunday, Oct. 9, at http://www.epicschoolkids.com/utah.

Just a 30-minute drive from Salt Lake City, Park City Mountain Resort is now the largest ski resort in the United States and the ideal location for families to bond through shared experiences. Registration for the Epic SchoolKids Utah Pack is now open and provides five free days of skiing or snowboarding at Park City Mountain to all Utah kids for the 2016-17 season. Kids who sign up for the program also receive one free first-timer ski or snowboard lesson with free equipment rental during the months of December and January. Whether they are just trying skiing for the first time, or have been enjoying the mountain for years, this is the perfect opportunity for Utah kids to make lifelong memories and experience one of Utah’s favorite pastimes.

“Skiing and snowboarding is a great way for Utah kids to stay active and engaged throughout the winter when other outdoor sports take a break for the season,” said Bill Rock, chief operating officer for Park City Mountain Resort. “There are very few states where skiing and snowboarding are so easily accessible and the Epic SchoolKids program is making the experience even easier for Utah families by offering kids free skiing or riding at Park City Mountain and a free ski or snowboard lesson. I hope Utah families will take advantage of this incredible opportunity and share the experience of skiing and snowboarding with their kids.”

Park City Mountain is also offering a special value to families purchasing equipment for kids through the Junior Trade-In Program, allowing families to save on gear as their kids grow. Families can purchase new ($199) equipment for their kids, then turn the gear in when the kids outgrow it and the annual price drops to $99 per year with the trade-in. For details and information, call the Breeze retail store at the Park City base area at 435-649-1902 or Canyon Mountain Sports at 435-615-3440.

Absolutely no purchases are necessary to take advantage of Epic SchoolKids, but registration is only available through Sunday, Oct. 9. For more information about Epic SchoolKids and to register online, visit http://www.epicschoolkids.com/utah. For more information about Park City Mountain season passes, visit EpicPass.com.

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