Since the acquisition of major US resort chains including Intrawest, Mammoth Resorts, and Deer Valley last year, we’ve kept an ear to the ground for updates on the next big player in the international ski industry. The joint venture that includes KSL Capital Partners, and Henry Crown & Company (and the acquired resorts) has finally been named – Alterra Mountain Company. An appropriate combination of the words ‘altitude’ and ‘terrain’, Alterra is “made up of unique mountain destinations, each with a personality and spirit that has delighted visitors for generations”.

On this list includes 12 iconic world-class resorts throughout USA and Canada, including Steamboat and Winter Park in Colorado, Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, Mammoth Mountain, June Mountain and Big Bear Mountain Resort in California, Stratton in Vermont, Snowshoe in West Virginia, Tremblant in Quebec, Blue Mountain in Ontario, Deer Valley in Utah, and CMH Heli-Skiing in British Columbia (the world’s largest heli-ski operation). Phew, what a list!

Alongside a new name, Alterra Mountain Company has new goals and values that are sometimes forgotten in the world of rest acquisitions and take-overs. They’re committed to ‘recognising the value of the unique culture found at each of the mountain communities’, and ‘preserve, sustain, and support the two most important resources: the mountains and the people within them’.

In the words of Alterra President and COO, David Perry, “Alterra Mountain Company is made up of unique mountain destinations, each with a personality and spirit that has delighted visitors for generations. Our vision at Alterra Mountain Company is to protect and enhance what makes each destination special, inviting guests back to their favorite mountain, and enticing them to visit new destinations on their bucket list”.

In the coming months, Alterra’s plans to rollout an Epic Pass-like season pass product that will provide access to all mountain resorts, and include many benefits for skiers and snowboarders alike. At Scout, we’re super excited to see what this means for our next ski vacation!

Stay tuned!