In news released today from both Canada’s Whistler Blackomb and Vail Resorts out of Colorado, Vail Resorts announced that it’s set to buy Whistler Blackomb for $1.37 billion Canadian ($1.04 billion US).
Whistler Blackomb CEO Dave Brownlie says the move is the best play for the resort in this economic and environmental climate. “(We’ve been) monitoring the unique challenges facing the broader ski industry due to the unpredictability of year-to-year regional weather patterns,” he says. The purchase, he adds, secures Whistler Blackomb’s future in the snowsports industry.
This from Rob Katz, chairman and chief executive officer of Vail Resorts: “Whistler Blackcomb is one of the most iconic mountain resorts in the world with an incredible history, passionate employees and a strong community. With our combined experience and expertise, together we will build upon the guest experience at Whistler Blackcomb while preserving the unique brand and character of the resort as an iconic Canadian destination for guests around the world. We are delighted to add such a renowned resort to Vail Resorts and look forward to expanding our relationships in the Sea-to-Sky community, British Columbia and Canada.
Vail Resorts now owns mountains throughout North America and Australia.
