Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows announce a merger - Skiing news
Two of the largest and most popular ski resorts in the USA, Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows, announced a merger on Tuesday, September 27, which will bring both the resorts under the umbrella of Squaw Valley’s parent company, KSL Capital Partners LLC.
While the rumours about the possible merger of the two resorts had been circulating around for quite some time, it was only yesterday that the rumours were finally revealed to be true.
When the merger takes place, not only will season passes and lift tickets work at both ski resorts, the guests will also have an option to acquire a Tahoe Super Pass and an unrestricted pass to both ski areas.
The talks about the merger began between Andy Wirth and Todd Chapman, the Presidents of Squaw Valley and JMA Ventures respectively, during a chairlift ride last winter. The talks eventually materialised and both Heads of the respective resorts agreed that
a merger is in their best interest.
Highlighting the pros of the merger that is expected to be finalised before the start of the ski season, Wirth said that the combination of Alpine Meadows and Squaw Valley will make the trip to the ski area even more enjoyable for guests, offering them a
truly remarkable skiing experience. The expanded terrain and value that the guests will be offered at the combined resorts would surely make their trips worthwhile and even more satisfying.
There are some fears that the locals may raise an objection to the new merger in order to keep the resort from losing its original and individual charm. However, Wirth seemed well prepared for the possible negative reaction and removed these fears by assuring
the locals through an email that stated: "As we move forward with consolidating our operations, we want you to know that what's going to remain the same is as important as what's going to change: We think the key to the success of the consolidation is our
fervent commitment to maintain each resort's distinctive character. People, terrain, activities, all come together to give a resort its individual character, and that's what we're committed to retaining.”
The CEO of JMA Ventures, which is the parent company of Alpine Meadows, also agreed to what Wirth had written in the email, further adding that both the resorts are unique and while their partnership will be a natural fit, it will not strip any of the two
sites off their individual charm. He explained that the two resorts were combining on the basis of their guest’s desire for exploration and adventure, which also served as the true spirit of the mountains.
A shuttle will operate between the two resorts for the time being, though there is a possibility for the owners to completely join the two ski areas in the future.
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