Vail Resorts Launches Epic SchoolKids in Utah

BROOMFIELD, Colo. – August 11, 2015 – Elementary school kids in Utah will now be eligible for free skiing and riding earlier than ever before. Vail Resorts announced today it is bringing its “Epic SchoolKids” program to Utah, which provides free skiing and riding to all kindergarten through fifth graders. The program provides five days of free skiing and riding at Utah’s Park City, which will combine with Canyons Resort this winter to form the largest resort in the U.S. In addition to five free days, Epic SchoolKids also receive a free, full-day beginner lesson and equipment rentals during the month of January as part of Learn to Ski & Ride Month.

“Utah kids are fortunate to have access to ‘The Greatest Snow on Earth’ right in their backyard‘”, said Utah Governor Gary Herbert. “Through its Epic SchoolKids program, Vail Resorts is providing a tremendous opportunity for our families and our kids to get outside, explore the mountains, and learn and play in the outdoors. Along with Ski Utah’s 5^th and 6^th Grade Passport, more of Utah’s kids will be able to participate in snowsports – some who may never before have dreamed that they could enjoy such an experience – and will help our kids connect with Utah’s 14 amazing ski areas and Olympic legacy for generations to come."

“Fostering kids’ love for skiing and snowboarding is a top priority for Vail Resorts,” said Bill Rock, chief operating officer of Park City. “It is incredibly important we continue to find ways to connect kids and families with the mountains and make snowsports accessible. The Epic SchoolKids Utah Pack gives Utah’s elementary school kids the opportunity to experience free skiing and riding at what will soon be the largest resort in the U.S. We’re excited to extend such an unprecedented opportunity to families and to share the mountains in which we work, live and play with so many children who have not before had the opportunity to experience them in the winter.”

Parents of eligible Epic SchoolKids can simply visit any Season Pass Office at Canyons Village, the Breeze Ice Rink or Canyon Mountain Sports to register for an Epic SchoolKids Pack, beginning Monday, August 17 for a limited time. This program is available for a limited time, is subject to holiday restrictions and restricted to Utah residents only. Please visit www.Epicschoolkids.com/Utah for more details.

In addition to the five free ski days, participants in Epic SchoolKids can also take advantage of a free full-day, beginner lesson and equipment rental during the month of January, outside of holiday periods, as part of Learn to Ski & Ride Month. 

“Getting kids outside, participating in snow sports and being active in the outdoors is beneficial for a whole host of reasons, including building self-esteem, encouraging active family play and a respect and care for the environment,” said Tom Pettigrew, Park City’s senior director of skier services. “And there’s no better way to ignite that passion for snowsports than in the fun and safe environment of ski school. In the spirit of Learn to Ski & Ride Month, we wanted to extend the opportunity for kids who’ve not had the opportunity to ski or ride before to experience our world-class ski and ride school with a free beginner lesson and full day of equipment rentals, so they can learn from a pro and hopefully make some new friends at the same time.”

To learn more about the program, visit www.epicschoolkids.com/Utah

Retail Registration Location Addresses:

Breeze Ice Rink – 1415 Lowell Ave, Park City, UT 84060

Canyon Mountain Sports – 3720 N Sundial Court, Park City, UT 84098

Vail Resorts Newsroom: http://news.vailresorts.com/

Additional images and b-roll may be viewed and downloaded here.

Media Contact: Margo Van Ness, (435) 615-3308, mkvanness@vailresorts.com.  

About Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: MTN)

Vail Resorts, Inc., through its subsidiaries, is the leading global mountain resort operator. The Company’s subsidiaries operate 10 world-class mountain resorts and two urban ski areas, including Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone in Colorado; Canyons and Park City in Utah; Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood in the Lake Tahoe area of California and Nevada; Perisher, Australia; Afton Alps in Minnesota and Mt. Brighton in Michigan. The Company owns and/or manages a collection of casually elegant hotels under the RockResorts brand, as well as the Grand Teton Lodge Company in Jackson Hole, Wyo. Vail Resorts Development Company is the real estate planning and development subsidiary of Vail Resorts, Inc. Vail Resorts is a publicly held company traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: MTN). The Vail Resorts company website is www.vailresorts.com and consumer website is www.snow.com.