Vail Resorts announcement of a 20 percent reduction in Epic Pass prices raised quite a buzz among snow sports enthusiasts recently and now Alterra Mountain Company has made a big announcement of its own. Alterra is planning to invest $207 million in capital improvements among its holdings including $111 million at Steamboat, Deer Valley, Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, and Mammoth Mountain; $31 million in enterprise technology systems; and $65 million in resort maintenance and planning, according to a press release issued by the company. Alterra owns 15 ski/snowboard resorts and lists 44 locations on its Ikon Pass.
Deer Valley Resort, Utah: Snow Park
The Snow Park Lodge and base area will undergo a complete revision, providing additional accommodations and skier services, new contemporary food and beverage and après options, and an additional ski beach. Plans are pending local government review and approval.
Also in the works is a new integrated transportation and mobility hub with multiple access poits from new parking facilities. The project is projected to break ground in 2022.
Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, Calif.: Base-to-Base Gondola
The much anticipated Base-to-Base Gondola (B2B) will begin construction this summer. It will provide a connection between the Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows bases—currently a seven-mile drive. Leitner-Poma of America’s B2B, will have eight-passenger cabins and the capacity to move 1,400 people per hour between resort base areas with a ride time of about 16 minutes.
The $60 million dollar project includes two main terminals, two mid-stations, and additional base area improvements targeted to enhance the guest experience.
Mammoth Mountain, Calif.: Main Lodge Redevelopment
A multi-year Main Lodge redevelopment will create the “Base Camp to the Eastern Sierra,” with a new ski beach, state-of-the-art services, Adventure Concierge Center, a variety of boutique “dining and retail experiences”, luxury lodging and a various residential ownership options.
The current plan is in the permitting phase and scheduled to begin construction in spring 2023.
Steamboat, Colo.: Gondola Square Redesign and Pioneer Ridge Terrain Expansion
Steamboat is beginning a three-year, $135 million base area redevelopment and on-mountain terrain expansion. Steamboat’s Gondola Square will be reconfigured into a multi-use plaza with additional dining and après, retail, entertainment, and year-round gathering places. The upgrades will eliminate cumbersome stairs and provide easier access to the mountain.
Phase I of the plaza redevelopment is expected to break ground after Steamboat closes for the 2020-21 winter season. It will include improvements to guest arrival and circulation with such “guest enhancement amenities” expected to be completed by the start of the 2022-23 winter season.
On-mountain improvements slated for the 2021-22 season—pending additional approvals—include an additional 650 acres of advanced/expert skiable terrain in Pioneer Ridge. The new area will also include a teaching area and the first leg of a new Doppelmayr Wild Blue gondola that will provide access to the newly re-developed Bashor teaching area. With the additional terrain, the resort will total 3,620 acres, making Steamboat the second largest ski area in Colorado.
Enterprise Technology Systems
Alterra is also investing $31 million to bolster the delivery of “personalized experiences”, simplify transaction processes, and alleviate wait times. Priorities include Ikon Pass mobile app enhancements, expansion of mobile food ordering, upgraded destination apps, and a new single sign-on that will make it easier for guests to interact with Alterra Mountain Company across all digital touchpoints.
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