Resort owners shuffle
A lot has changed in the ownerships of Utah ski and snowboard resorts since the end of last winter. Three separate resorts went through ownership changes, the most recent of which was announced Friday when Deer Valley bought Solitude.
The financial cost of Solitude was not disclosed, however the DeSeelhorst family will retain control of Solitude while working with Deer Valley officials for this season then Deer Valley will take over on May 1, 2015.
“The DeSeelhorst family has enjoyed being a part of Solitude’s history for almost 40 years. We are proud of what we have been able to accomplish at the resort and in our mountain community,” said Dave DeSeelhorst, owner and general manager of Solitude Mountain Resort. “We feel very fortunate for the opportunity to have worked with so many amazing people in our industry and most importantly being able to work with our incredible staff at Solitude over the years. It is exciting to pass on this unique and beautiful resort to one of the best resort operators in the country, Deer Valley.”
A concern of local skiers has been if the prices of passes will change at Solitude, which in the past has been more affordable than most other resorts. Solitude season pass right now is $799, Deer Valley’s before Nov. 1 is $1,985 and after is $2,320.
“There will be no changes to the lift and season pass rates announced by Solitude for the 2014-15 season,” said Deer Valley in a press release. “Moving forward, Deer Valley Resort will analyze past resort performance, operational expenses and projected revenue potential prior to setting rates.”
Vail Resorts, the biggest collective of ski resorts in the world, purchased Park City Mountain Resort for $182.5 million after legal battles over the land spilled in to the summer. Vail sells the ‘Epic Pass,’ which gives skiers and snowboarders access to 22 resorts across the world, including the Canyons.
“The addition of Park City to the collection of world-class mountains on the Epic Pass is a game-changer for skiers and riders,” said Kirsten Lynch, chief marketing officer of Vail Resorts. “We continue to provide even greater value and variety in skiing and riding with the Epic Pass and significantly invest in the guest experience at our mountain resorts.”
The Canyons is also in Park City, Utah and Vail wants to make the Canyons and Park City into one resort. If that happened it would become the largest resort in the United States.
After months of stipulation about the lease for Park City Resort’s land the announcement insured that Park City would open for this ski season. Before locals were concerned about if the resort would open and what that would do for business.
Ian M. Cumming entered into a partnership with former majority owner of Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort Dick Bass. Cumming will take over majority ownership of the Resort, however Bass will still be chairman of the board. A Snowbird press release stated that Bass can’t work year round at Snowbird because of his rising age.
“I look forward to working with the Bass Family and the team at Snowbird in providing world-class experiences on and off the mountain,” Cumming said.
In addition to all of the ownership changes at resorts across Utah a new resort is opening. Cherry Peak Resort is opening up near Richmond for it’s inaugural season.