Vail Resorts has announced another far-flung addition to its Epic Pass partnership: Niseko United, Japan. For the 2014-2015 season, Epic Pass holders will be able to enjoy five complimentary consecutive days of skiing at the Japanese resort in addition to unlimited skiing and riding at the company's resorts in Colorado, Utah and Lake Tahoe.
Niseko is the first Asian partner for Vail, which back in September partnered with ski resorts in Les 3 Vallées, France, under a similar arrangement to offer five free days of skiing to Epic Pass holders for the 2013-2014 season.
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For the 2014-2015 season Vail's Epic Pass will offer five complimentary days of skiing at Niseko, in addition to unlimited and unrestricted skiing and riding at the following U.S. resorts: Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin in Colorado; Canyons in Park City, Utah; and Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood in Lake Tahoe.
"We’re excited to announce a partnership between Vail Resorts and Niseko, Japan, providing access to a part of the world that is legendary for its endless powder and overall incredible guest experience. Epic Pass holders now have access to the epic skiing and riding for which Japan is world-renowned,” said Kirsten Lynch, executive vice president and chief marketing officer of Vail Resorts. “It’s no wonder that we have Epic Pass holders in all 50 U.S. states and in 80 countries around the world. They enjoy an incredible resort experience and unmatched value, with unlimited, unrestricted access to Vail Resorts’ 10 ski resorts, including Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Canyons, Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood as well as Arapahoe Basin in Colorado, and Afton Alps in Minnesota and Mt. Brighton in Michigan.”
"We couldn’t be more thrilled about our partnership with Vail Resorts, as the preeminent mountain resort company in the U.S.," said Colin Hackworth, representative director of Nihon Harmony Resorts, representing Niseko United. “Niseko, Japan, is revered around the world for its consistently light, dry powder snow and warm Japanese hospitality. We welcome the opportunity for more Epic Pass holders to experience this very special part of the world and look forward to seeing them on our trails.”
Resort Profile: Niseko United
In 2008, Forbes crowned Niseko one of the Top 10 International Ski Resorts, and more recently, National Geographic voted Niseko as the best powder snow resort in the world. 100 kilometers south of Japan’s fifth largest city, Sapporo, in the southwest corner of the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido, Niseko Annupuri is a part of the Niseko-Shakotan-Otaru Kaigan Quasi-National Park and is the most eastern park of the Niseko Volcanic Group. Seasonal winds from the Eurasian continent blow in light, dry and plentiful snow, Vail reports. The resort is backgrounded by Mt. Yotei, an active volcano. At night, stadium lights illuminate 2,560 feet of vertical skiing. The resort is also known for its deep-powder trails through lit birch trees.
Niseko United, as the resort is commonly known, is made up of four base areas—Annupurri, Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Hanazono—that access one mountain, Niseko Annupuri (4,291 feet). Niseko caters to a range of abilities, from beginner to expert. For the adventurous, hiking trails lead from the highest lifts to the summit. A lift system of 26 chairlifts and three gondolas accesses 72 trails.
The surrounding area is also known for its agriculture and locally brewed alcohol. Local restaurants import fresh seafood from nearby towns and villages and the area is home to a variety of restaurants and bars with everything from authentic Japanese fare to European cuisine. Being a volcanic island, Hokkaido is also known for its thousands of natural hot springs, or ‘onsen’.
Nonstop flights between Tokyo's Narita International Airport and several major U.S. cities, including LA, San Francisco, Denver and New York, offer access to the resort. Niseko is typically open from November through May.
Epic Pass Options for the 2014-2015 Ski Season
Vail is also offering the following Epic Pass options for next season:
The Epic Local Pass is perfect for guests who can navigate a pass with a few more restrictions on their winter vacation. The Epic Local Pass offers unlimited and unrestricted skiing or riding at Breckenridge, Keystone, Afton Alps, Mt. Brighton and Arapahoe Basin, with limited restrictions at Canyons, Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood. Also includes a total of 10 days at Vail and Beaver Creek with U.S. holiday restrictions. At the spring rate, the Epic Local Pass pays for itself in just over four days.
The Epic 7-Day is ideal for guests who only plan to ski seven days throughout the winter season. It features seven unrestricted days of skiing and riding at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin in Colorado; Canyons in Park City, Utah; Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood in Tahoe, Mt. Brighton and Afton Alps.
Visit www.epicpass.com