Officials, skiers react to Vail's purchase of Kirkwood

Add Kirkwood Mountain Resort to Vail Resorts' growing list of Lake Tahoe-area ski areas.The Colorado-based company announced Wednesday it has agreed to buy Kirkwood for about $18 million. Effective immediately, Heavenly Mountain Resort and Northstar California season passholders have access to Kirkwood. Kirkwood pass holders will be able to ski and ride Heavenly and Northstar.Michael Dalzell, vice president of sales and marketing for Kirkwood, said the deal has been in the works for a few months and is good news for the business community.“It made good financial sense to sell,” Dalzell said Wednesday. “It's no secret that Kirkwood has been looking for a buyer for a number of years now.”Vail is purchasing the ski resort, as well as selected commercial development opportunities in the Mountain Village at Kirkwood, according to a Wednesday statement. Kirkwood's shareholders will retain 100 percent of the remaining real estate development parcels in the Kirkwood base area.The sale, which is waiting for the transfer of the U.S. Forest Service Permit, is expected to close in three to four weeks.
Split reaction
The resort's big lines and big snow totals are unique among the region's mountains, and its acquisition will add “a totally different experience” to...
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