UPDATED: Squaw Valley CEO, Andy Wirth, confirmed many rumors this morning, addressing Squaw Valley Passholders suspicions that Squaw Valley USA and Alpine Meadows will be “combining operations” for the 2011/2012 season!!
“Today we are excited to announce something that season passholders have long dreamed about. Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows are combining operations. Now, with the 2011-12 season pass you purchased for Squaw Valley, you can also ski and ride Alpine Meadows, ” Andy said in the email.
He added, “it was on a spectacular California bluebird day when I happened to be riding a chairlift with Todd Chapman, President and CEO of JMA (the owners of Alpine Meadows). We were talking about what an amazing winter we were all enjoying and lamenting that we didn’t have more time to get out and enjoy the snow.
As the chairlift ride came to an end the talk turned to the obvious concerning our two mountain resorts. In the end, this was an effort forged in a passion for the mountains, snow, skiing, and riding. I’m honored to lead the new company that has been formed as its President and CEO.”
A press release issued by Squaw Valley says that the Squaw/Alpine (what do you even call it?!) will have combined operations owned and operated by the new company Squaw Valley Ski Holdings, LLC of which Andy will be the CEO and KSL the majority holder. The statement adds that Squaw Valley season passholder will see their passes work at both mountains and the deal DOES NOT include Homewood, and presumably, the Kirkwood/Alpine pass.
As you know KSL has committted $50 million in improvements to Squaw and Squaw’s statement makes it clear that “customers can also anticipate that Alpine Meadows will see a substantial investment in the guest experience.”
ORIGINAL: SOME MAJOR MAJOR NEWS TODAY AND THIS WEEKEND CONCERNING SQUAW VALLEY / ALPINE MEADOWS DEAL!!
Sources close to the matter tells us that the merger of Alpine Meadows and Squaw Valley USA is DONE and Alpine Meadows employees already know! We don’t have much on the deal, but our sources have confirmed that Squaw Valley USA/KSL is in fact now the proud owner of neighboring Alpine Meadows. We also hear Squaw is planned to make a public announcement within a day.
SQUAW PASSHOLDERS – Check your email for a message from Andy!!! (Because we think that’s how we will find out)
We’ll post more updates as they come in or leave what you know in the comments.