Ski season winter pass option features three Lake Tahoe resorts

With less than 100 days until the beginning of the 2013-2014 Lake Tahoe ski and ride season, now is the time to purchase the best-valued season pass to Tahoe’s three premier mountain destinations, Heavenly, Kirkwood and Northstar.

The Tahoe Local and Tahoe Value Passes offer access to more than 263 trails, 14 terrain parks and 10,270 acres all on one pass; but the current season pass prices are only guaranteed through September 2, 2013.

“The Tahoe Local and Tahoe Value Passes are the best deals for skiers and riders,” said Bill Rock, chief operating officer of Northstar California Resort. “With these passes, guests have access to an unrivaled experience in California at a fraction of the cost. From groomers and tree-skiing to huge powder days, Tahoe Local Pass holders have a variety of options when it comes to skiing and riding at these three premier resorts."

Unmatched in value, price and experience, the Tahoe Local Pass offers skiing and riding every day of the week on Tahoe’s best terrain at Heavenly Mountain Resort, Northstar California Resort and Kirkwood Mountain Resort with limited black-out dates for only $439. Skiers and Riders looking for more adventure outside of California can take advantage of the Epic Pass, which offers unlimited mountain access to resorts in Colorado, California, Europe and the newest addition Canyons in Park City, Utah for only $689.

Vail Resorts 2013-2014 Season Pass Options for Lake Tahoe Skiers and Snowboarders

· The Tahoe Local Pass™: The best way to access Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood Seven Days a Week. The Tahoe Local Pass includes access on Saturdays at all three resorts and limited holiday restrictions at $439 for adults, $329 for teens (ages 13-18) and $209 for children (ages 5-12). $52 pass holder tickets are also available for purchase during restricted dates at Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood. The Tahoe Local Pass pays for itself in four days.

· Tahoe Value Pass™: Best for people who can handle a few restrictions. Available at $389 for adults, $309 for teens (ages 13-18) and $189 for children (ages 5-12), the Tahoe Value Pass pays for itself in less than four days. The Tahoe Value Pass has holiday restrictions at Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood, and Saturdays are excluded at Northstar and Kirkwood. Pass holders can purchase lift tickets to Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood on restricted days for $52 per day.

· The Epic Pass™: Ski as much as you want, whenever you want at $689 for adults and $359 for children (ages 5-12). Unlimited skiing or riding at Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood in Lake Tahoe, and Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Arapahoe Basin, and Eldora in Colorado, and now Canyons in Park City, Utah. Plus, five free days at Verbier, Switzerland and five free consecutive days at Arlberg, Austria (St. Anton, St. Christoph, Stuben, Lech and Zurs). No restrictions. At the current rate, the Epic Pass pays for itself in just over five days.

Season Pass Insurance Option: Protect Your Pass Investment in the Event of Unexpected Circumstances
Vail Resorts encourages its guests to purchase pass insurance. All of the Company’s season pass products are non-refundable. However, pass insurance covers pass holders in the event of unexpected circumstances including sickness, injury and job loss. Pass insurance is $20 for adults and $10 for children (ages 5-12). Coverage applies for all season passes valid for the 2013-2014 ski and snowboard season.

With the two largest snowmaking systems on the West Coast at Heavenly and Northstar, unparalleled grooming efforts at all three resorts and Kirkwood receiving the most annual snowfall in the Sierra, skiers and riders are guaranteed to have the best early and season-long conditions found at Lake Tahoe.

“Not only are season pass holders guaranteed the best snow conditions, they have the benefit of incredible diversity,” said Pete Sonntag, vice president and general manager of Heavenly Mountain Resort. “From the family-friendly, sophisticated atmosphere of Northstar to the high-energy, all-in vibe at Heavenly and the exhilarating, big-mountain adventure at Kirkwood, these three mountains cover the spectrum of experiences.”

Since 2010, Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood have poured more than $78 million dollars into the guest experience, building new lodges and attractions, installing upgraded lifts, cutting new trails, adding Vail’s award winning app EpicMix and other technology improvements, as well as putting important resources into maintaining the resorts at the high levels for which they are recognized.

“These passes offer so much more than just skiing and riding,” said Casey Blann, vice president and general manager at Kirkwood Mountain Resort. “In addition to the best snow and grooming conditions, pass holders can take advantage of exclusive offers and promotions on lodging, dining, rentals, lessons and special events throughout the season. Plus, 2013/14 winter passes are also good at all three resorts this summer, so you can still hike now and ski later.”

Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood are all slated to open for the 2013-2014 season on November 22, 2013. For the best prices of the season on all Tahoe passes and for more information on pass holder benefits, visit www.epicpass.com before September 2, 2013.