April 10, 2017, Denver Post - Aspen Ski Co. and KSL Partners on Monday acquired Intrawest Resorts in a $1.5 billion deal that gives Aspen Skiing and KSL control of Steamboat and Winter Park ski areas. Read full article >>
On Wednesday they added Mammoth. READ full article >>
...So what does this mean for Steamboat?
The most obvious benefits that come with new ownership are the desire of new owners to make their investment perform even better.
Lift Tickets / Season Passes?
Although we don’t see daily lift ticket prices falling any time soon the opportunity for the newly expanded group of mountains to launch a pass to rival Vail’s EPIC pass is an obvious opportunity that would link skiers at Steamboat with Aspen, Snowmass, Buttermilk and Aspen Highlands, Squaw Valley & Alpine Meadows, Winter Park, Stratton, Mt Tremblant, and Snowshoe. In light of Vail’s recent acquisition spree that added Park City, Whistler BC and Stowe to the EPIC pass in just the last 2 years this is a compelling countermove that could reposition Steamboat and Aspen at the heart of an alternative movement.
Capital Improvements?
Under Intrawest Steamboat benefits from significant capital infusion which saw investment in several new lifts, the new Four Points mountain restaurant, the bike park, re-grading the entire lower portion of the mountain, and summer amenities like the bike park, mountain coaster and mini golf. What might be next on the wishilist?
Development?
Steamboat has an expansion plan in place for when the demand warrants, so the possibility of new terrain being added is definitely real. As for construction there is no ski mountain of this size in North America with more prime undeveloped land at the base of the mountain than Steamboat. We’re not suggesting that anything is coming out of the ground this summer, but don’t be surprised if the economy stays warm that the developers will begin to turn their wheels to finish the base village redevelopment that halted so quickly in 2008 with the financial meltdown.
Regardless of any changes, you can be sure that the Western spirit that has made Steamboat such a special place will weather the storm. The powder will still be deeper and lighter than any place on earth. Families will still call Steamboat THEIR favorite place to ski with their kids. And the people will always be just a little more real.
