Vail Purchases Whistler Blackcomb
Chinese Skiers Expected to Fuel Growth.
Aerial view of Glacier Creek, Glacier and Jersey Chairs
Vail Resorts Inc. has reached an agreement to buy Whistler Blackcomb Holdings, owner of Whistler Blackcomb ski resort. The C$1.4 billion deal is expected to result in Vail’s marketing machine to attract greater numbers of international visitors to Whistler Blackcomb.
“We have felt for a long time that Whistler (Blackcomb) is really the best positioned North American resort to benefit from the growth that we expect in outbound Chinese ski visitation, especially as China starts to ramp up towards the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics,” explained Vail CEO Rob Katz.
News of the sale had a positive impact on Whistler Blackcomb shares, which jumped to C $36.63 per share in Toronto, up by C$11.49 following Monday’s announcement.
Earlier this year, Whistler Blackcomb announced a C$345-million infrastructure and real estate expansion.
David Brownlie, Whistler Blackcomb CEO, will remain chief operating officer.
Whistler opened in 1966, with a four-person gondola, a double chairlift and a day lodge. It merged with Blackcomb in 1997. The combined areas comprise the largest and most visited ski resort in North America
This Week In SeniorsSkiing.com (August 5)
Falling From The Sky, More Snowless—And Rough—Skiing, Promotive Discount Reminder, First Resort Review Of Season, Free Skiing Endures.
It’s been a busy week at SeniorsSkiing.com. We have some far-reaching stories that may help you through the latest heat wave.
Co-Publisher Jon Weisberg reports on a daredevil who jumped from a plane to the earth without a parachute or batwings. No, it’s not skiing, but it’s a visual rush. Hold onto your seat and enjoy.
From Finland, we have the latest episode from Real Skifi, a group of very athletic teens who basically—how can we say this—ski through the streets and parks of their home town. Urban skiing at its best.
On a more serious note, we report the results of our most recent poll which suggests that many subscribers are not taking advantage of really significant discounts via Promotive. As a subscriber to SeniorsSkiing.com, you are automatically eligible for the same kind of discounts that pro skiers and instructors get on top-brand gear and clothing. Check the article to find out how you can sign up if you missed the opportunity when you subscribed.
We are also posting our very first resort review of the 2016-2017 season. It’s from Jim Barber who lives near and loves Mt. Baldy, BC, a small but very senior-focused resort that gets big powder snow every season. We promise you that you will not believe the price of a senior season pass.
Finally, we update the story about the NH state legislature’s attempt to wipe out free skiing for state resident seniors. The news is good; we salute the spirit of offering free skiing for seniors. Along those lines, we are updating our listing of US and Canadian areas that offer free skiing for seniors which will be coming along before the first flakes fly. Watch for it.
Thanks again for subscribing to SeniorsSkiing.com. Please tell your friends about us. Remember, there are more of us every day, and we aren’t going away.
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Don’t Try This At Home!
Luke Atkins Drops 25,000 Feet Into Giant Net.
Luke Aikins caught like a butterfly after his 25,000 fall with no parachute.
Okay, our focus is on the 50+ snow sport enthusiast, and this article is about a 42 year old skydiver. By now you’ve probably read about or watched Luke Aikins’ history-making 25,000 foot descent without parachute or wingsuit. He jumped and directed himself (using GPS technology) to a 10,000 square foot net suspended high enough above the ground to catch him safely. The stunt was dubbed “Heaven Sent,” but he could just as well have named it “Catch and Release.” Aikins, a third generation skydiver, has a lot of experience, reportedly more than 18,000 jumps. But this one is a doozey!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qF_fzEI4wU
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