<http://schema.org/articleBody>
"\"&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=\\\"http:\\/\\/www.snowboardermag.com\\/files\\/2014\\/02\\/PR-NisekoVail-Feb14.jpg\\\"&gt;&lt;img class=\\\"alignnone size-full wp-image-97411\\\" alt=\\\"PR - NisekoVail - Feb14\\\" src=\\\"http:\\/\\/www.snowboardermag.com\\/files\\/2014\\/02\\/PR-NisekoVail-Feb14.jpg\\\" width=\\\"630\\\" height=\\\"356\\\" srcset=\\\"http:\\/\\/www.snowboarder.com\\/wp-content\\/blogs.dir\\/1\\/files\\/2014\\/02\\/PR-NisekoVail-Feb14.jpg 630w, http:\\/\\/www.snowboarder.com\\/wp-content\\/blogs.dir\\/1\\/files\\/2014\\/02\\/PR-NisekoVail-Feb14-300x169.jpg 300w, http:\\/\\/www.snowboarder.com\\/wp-content\\/blogs.dir\\/1\\/files\\/2014\\/02\\/PR-NisekoVail-Feb14-200x113.jpg 200w, http:\\/\\/www.snowboarder.com\\/wp-content\\/blogs.dir\\/1\\/files\\/2014\\/02\\/PR-NisekoVail-Feb14-160x90.jpg 160w, http:\\/\\/www.snowboarder.com\\/wp-content\\/blogs.dir\\/1\\/files\\/2014\\/02\\/PR-NisekoVail-Feb14-320x180.jpg 320w\\\" sizes=\\\"(max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px\\\" \\/&gt;&lt;\\/a&gt;&lt;\\/p&gt;\\n&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;BROOMFIELD, Colo.&lt;\\/b&gt;\\u00a0\\u2013 Feb. 26, 2014 \\u2013 Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: MTN) today announced an epic partnership with one of the snowiest and most celebrated powder skiing resorts in the world\\u2014Niseko, Japan. The partnership represents the first Asian partner for the company, further enhancing the already incredible value of its flagship and industry-changing season pass.\\u00a0&lt;a href=\\\"http:\\/\\/www.epicpass.com\\/\\\"&gt;Epic Season Pass&lt;\\/a&gt;\\u00a0holders have the opportunity to experience unlimited and unrestricted skiing and riding at the best of the USA, including\\u00a0&lt;a href=\\\"http:\\/\\/www.vail.com\\/?cmpid=PARPR0003\\\"&gt;Vail&lt;\\/a&gt;,\\u00a0&lt;a href=\\\"http:\\/\\/www.beavercreekresort.com\\/?cmpid=PARPR0003\\\"&gt;Beaver Creek&lt;\\/a&gt;,\\u00a0&lt;a href=\\\"http:\\/\\/www.breckenridge.com\\/?cmpid=PARPR0003\\\"&gt;Breckenridge&lt;\\/a&gt;,\\u00a0&lt;a href=\\\"http:\\/\\/www.keystoneresort.com\\/?cmpid=PARPR0003\\\"&gt;Keystone&lt;\\/a&gt;\\u00a0and\\u00a0&lt;a href=\\\"http:\\/\\/www.arapahoebasin.com\\/?cmpid=PARPR0003\\\"&gt;Arapahoe Basin&lt;\\/a&gt;\\u00a0in Colorado;\\u00a0&lt;a href=\\\"http:\\/\\/www.canyonsresort.com\\/\\\"&gt;Canyons&lt;\\/a&gt;\\u00a0in Park City, Utah;\\u00a0&lt;a href=\\\"http:\\/\\/www.skiheavenly.com\\/?cmpid=PARPR0003\\\"&gt;Heavenly&lt;\\/a&gt;,\\u00a0&lt;a href=\\\"http:\\/\\/www.northstarattahoe.com\\/?cmpid=PARPR0003\\\"&gt;Northstar&lt;\\/a&gt;\\u00a0and\\u00a0&lt;a href=\\\"http:\\/\\/www.kirkwood.com\\/?cmpid=PARPR0003\\\"&gt;Kirkwood&lt;\\/a&gt;\\u00a0in Lake Tahoe; and now five complimentary consecutive days at Niseko, Japan, for the 2014-2015 winter season. In less than a week of skiing and riding, the Epic Pass pays for itself and continues to offer the best value in the snow sports industry, with access to 28,830 skiable acres and 27,136 vertical feet at the best ski and snowboard resorts in the U.S., as well as complimentary access to mountains across multiple continents.&lt;\\/p&gt;\\n&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;\\/p&gt;\\n&lt;p&gt;&amp;#8220;We\\u2019re 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\\u201d\\u00a0said Kirsten Lynch, executive vice president\\u00a0and chief marketing officer\\u00a0of Vail Resorts. \\u201cIt\\u2019s no wonder that we have Epic Pass holders in all 50 U.S. states and in 80 countries around the world.\\u00a0They enjoy an incredible resort experience and unmatched value, with unlimited, unrestricted access to Vail Resorts\\u2019 10 ski resorts,\\u00a0including\\u00a0&lt;a href=\\\"http:\\/\\/www.vail.com\\/?cmpid=PARPR0003\\\"&gt;Vail&lt;\\/a&gt;,\\u00a0&lt;a href=\\\"http:\\/\\/www.beavercreekresort.com\\/?cmpid=PARPR0003\\\"&gt;Beaver Creek&lt;\\/a&gt;,\\u00a0&lt;a href=\\\"http:\\/\\/www.breckenridge.com\\/?cmpid=PARPR0003\\\"&gt;Breckenridge&lt;\\/a&gt;,\\u00a0&lt;a href=\\\"http:\\/\\/www.keystoneresort.com\\/?cmpid=PARPR0003\\\"&gt;Keystone&lt;\\/a&gt;,\\u00a0\\u00a0&lt;a href=\\\"http:\\/\\/www.canyonsresort.com\\/\\\"&gt;Canyons&lt;\\/a&gt;,\\u00a0&lt;a href=\\\"http:\\/\\/www.skiheavenly.com\\/?cmpid=PARPR0003\\\"&gt;Heavenly&lt;\\/a&gt;,\\u00a0&lt;a href=\\\"http:\\/\\/www.northstarattahoe.com\\/?cmpid=PARPR0003\\\"&gt;Northstar&lt;\\/a&gt;\\u00a0and\\u00a0&lt;a href=\\\"http:\\/\\/www.kirkwood.com\\/?cmpid=PARPR0003\\\"&gt;Kirkwood&lt;\\/a&gt;\\u00a0as well as Arapahoe Basin in Colorado, and\\u00a0&lt;a href=\\\"http:\\/\\/www.aftonalps.com\\/\\\"&gt;Afton Alps&lt;\\/a&gt;\\u00a0in Minnesota and\\u00a0&lt;a href=\\\"http:\\/\\/www.mtbrighton.com\\/\\\"&gt;Mt. Brighton&lt;\\/a&gt;\\u00a0in Michigan.\\u201d&lt;\\/p&gt;\\n&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;\\/p&gt;\\n&lt;p&gt;&amp;#8220;We couldn\\u2019t be more thrilled about our partnership with Vail Resorts, as the preeminent mountain resort company in the U.S.,&amp;#8221; said\\u00a0Colin Hackworth,\\u00a0Representative Director of Nihon Harmony Resorts, representing Niseko United. \\u201cNiseko, 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.\\u201d&lt;\\/p&gt;\\n&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;\\/p&gt;\\n&lt;p&gt;In 2008,\\u00a0&lt;i&gt;Forbes&lt;\\/i&gt;\\u00a0crowned Niseko one of the Top 10 International Ski Resorts, and more recently,\\u00a0&lt;i&gt;National Geographic&lt;\\/i&gt;\\u00a0voted Niseko as the best powder snow resort in the world. It\\u2019s no wonder, given that the resort boasts an average jaw-dropping 590 inches (15m) of snow per year. Located 100 kilometers south of Japan\\u2019s 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 some of the driest, lightest and plentiful snow in the world. Set against the backdrop of Mt. Yotei\\u2014an active volcano similar to Mt. Fuji\\u2014the Niseko region boasts not only epic skiing and riding, but also breathtaking scenery. At night, the mountain is lit up with stadium-style lights which brighten 2,560 vertical feet of skiing and riding. Deep-powder trails through lit birch trees are a Niseko staple, offering sheltered stashes of untouched powder skiing.&lt;\\/p&gt;\\n&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;\\/p&gt;\\n&lt;p&gt;Niseko United, as it\\u2019s commonly referred to, is made up of four base areas\\u2014Annupurri, Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Hanazono\\u2014that access one mountain, Niseko Annupuri (4,291 feet). With wide open trails, incredible tree runs, epic backcountry, first tracks and night-skiing, Niseko caters to all abilities, from beginner to expert. For the adventurers, hiking trails lead from the highest lifts to the summit. An extensive lift system of 26 chairlifts and three gondolas accesses 72 trails.&lt;\\/p&gt;\\n&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;\\/p&gt;\\n&lt;p&gt;Aside from world-class skiing, the Niseko area is known for its premium agriculture and locally brewed alcohol. Local restaurants import fresh seafood from nearby towns and villages and the area is home to a vast array of restaurants and bars with everything from authentic Japanese fare to European cuisine. Being a volcanic island, Hokkaido is also well-known for its thousands of natural hot springs, or \\u2018onsen\\u2019.&lt;\\/p&gt;\\n&lt;p&gt;With non-stop flights between Tokyo\\u2019s Narita International airport and several major US cities, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver and New York, it\\u2019s never been easier for U.S. skiers and riders to visit Niseko.&lt;i&gt;\\u00a0&lt;\\/i&gt;Niseko\\u00a0is typically open from November\\u00a0through May.&lt;\\/p&gt;\\n&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;\\/p&gt;\\n&lt;p&gt;The five free consecutive days of skiing and riding will be reciprocated for Niseko All-Mountain Season Pass holders, allowing more guests from Japan, China and surrounding areas to experience Vail Resorts\\u2019 world-class mountain resorts. The Epic Season Pass will be available for purchase beginning March 10, 2014, at\\u00a0&lt;a href=\\\"http:\\/\\/www.epicpass.com\\/\\\"&gt;www.epicpass.com&lt;\\/a&gt;.&lt;\\/p&gt;\\n&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;\\/p&gt;\\n&lt;p&gt;Vail Resorts also offers other pass options for guests next winter:&lt;\\/p&gt;\\n&lt;ul&gt;\\n&lt;li&gt;&lt;b&gt;The\\u00a0&lt;\\/b&gt;&lt;a href=\\\"http:\\/\\/www.epicpass.com\\/?cmpid=PARPR0003\\\"&gt;&lt;b&gt;Epic Local Pass\\u2122&lt;\\/b&gt;&lt;\\/a&gt;&lt;b&gt;is perfect for guests who can navigate a pass with a few more restrictions on their winter vacation.&lt;\\/b&gt;\\u00a0The 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.&lt;\\/li&gt;\\n&lt;\\/ul&gt;\\n&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;\\u00a0&lt;\\/b&gt;&lt;\\/p&gt;\\n&lt;ul&gt;\\n&lt;li&gt;&lt;b&gt;The\\u00a0&lt;\\/b&gt;&lt;a href=\\\"http:\\/\\/epicpass.com\\/\\\"&gt;&lt;b&gt;Epic 7-Day \\u2122&lt;\\/b&gt;&lt;\\/a&gt;&lt;b&gt;\\u00a0is ideal for guests who only plan to ski seven days throughout the winter season.\\u00a0&lt;\\/b&gt;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.\\u00a0 Brighton and Afton Alps.&lt;b&gt;&lt;\\/b&gt;&lt;\\/li&gt;\\n&lt;\\/ul&gt;\\n&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;\\/p&gt;\\n&lt;p&gt;For more information, visit\\u00a0&lt;a href=\\\"http:\\/\\/www.epicpass.com\\/\\\"&gt;http:\\/\\/www.epicpass.com&lt;\\/a&gt;. Passes will be available for purchase beginning March 10, 2014.&lt;\\/p&gt;\\n&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;\\/b&gt;&lt;\\/p&gt;\\n&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span style=\\\"text-decoration: underline;\\\"&gt;Season Pass Benefits&lt;\\/span&gt;&lt;\\/b&gt;&lt;span style=\\\"text-decoration: underline;\\\"&gt;&lt;br \\/&gt;\\n&lt;\\/span&gt;Access to Niseko is only provided to Epic Pass holders and not holders of other passes offered by Vail Resorts (Epic Local, Tahoe Local, Summit Value and Tahoe Value). In addition to the five days of free skiing\\u00a0at Niseko and our other partner resorts,\\u00a0&lt;a href=\\\"http:\\/\\/www.epicpass.com\\/?cmpid=PARPR0003\\\"&gt;Epic Pass&lt;\\/a&gt;\\u00a0and all Vail Resorts season pass holders will continue to receive exclusive offers on lodging, dining, ski rentals, equipment, ski school and special events for the 2014-2015 ski and snowboard season at\\u00a0&lt;a href=\\\"http:\\/\\/www.vail.com\\/?cmpid=PARPR0003\\\"&gt;Vail&lt;\\/a&gt;,\\u00a0&lt;a href=\\\"http:\\/\\/www.beavercreekresort.com\\/?cmpid=PARPR0003\\\"&gt;Beaver Creek&lt;\\/a&gt;,\\u00a0&lt;a href=\\\"http:\\/\\/www.breckenridge.com\\/?cmpid=PARPR0003\\\"&gt;Breckenridge&lt;\\/a&gt;,\\u00a0&lt;a href=\\\"http:\\/\\/www.keystoneresort.com\\/?cmpid=PARPR0003\\\"&gt;Keystone&lt;\\/a&gt;,\\u00a0&lt;a href=\\\"http:\\/\\/www.canyonsresort.com\\/\\\"&gt;Canyons&lt;\\/a&gt;,\\u00a0&lt;a href=\\\"http:\\/\\/www.skiheavenly.com\\/?cmpid=PARPR0003\\\"&gt;Heavenly&lt;\\/a&gt;,\\u00a0&lt;a href=\\\"http:\\/\\/www.northstarattahoe.com\\/?cmpid=PARPR0003\\\"&gt;Northstar&lt;\\/a&gt;\\u00a0and\\u00a0&lt;a href=\\\"http:\\/\\/www.kirkwood.com\\/?cmpid=PARPR0003\\\"&gt;Kirkwood&lt;\\/a&gt;, as well as\\u00a0&lt;a href=\\\"http:\\/\\/www.mtbrighton.com\\/\\\"&gt;Mt. Brighton&lt;\\/a&gt;,\\u00a0&lt;a href=\\\"http:\\/\\/www.aftonalps.com\\/\\\"&gt;Mt. Afton&lt;\\/a&gt;\\u00a0and\\u00a0&lt;a href=\\\"http:\\/\\/www.arapahoebasin.com\\/?cmpid=PARPR0003\\\"&gt;Arapahoe Basin&lt;\\/a&gt;. All season pass products are non-transferable and non-refundable.&lt;\\/p&gt;\\n&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;\\/p&gt;\\n&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span style=\\\"text-decoration: underline;\\\"&gt;About Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: MTN)&lt;\\/span&gt;&lt;\\/b&gt;&lt;br \\/&gt;\\nVail Resorts, Inc., through its subsidiaries, is the leading mountain resort operator in the United States. The Company&amp;#8217;s subsidiaries operate the mountain resorts of Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone in Colorado; Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood in the Lake Tahoe area of California and Nevada; Canyons in Park City, Utah; Afton Alps in Minnesota and Mt. Brighton in Michigan; and the Grand Teton Lodge Company in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The Company&amp;#8217;s subsidiary, RockResorts, a luxury resort hotel company, manages casually elegant properties. Vail Resorts Development Company is the real estate planning, development and construction subsidiary of Vail Resorts, Inc. Vail Resorts is a publicly held company traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: MTN). The Vail Resorts company website is\\u00a0&lt;a href=\\\"http:\\/\\/www.vailresorts.com\\/\\\"&gt;www.vailresorts.com&lt;\\/a&gt;\\u00a0and consumer website is\\u00a0&lt;a href=\\\"http:\\/\\/www.snow.com\\/\\\"&gt;www.snow.com&lt;\\/a&gt;.&lt;\\/p&gt;\\n\""^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.snowboarder.com/news/japan-now-epic-vail-resorts-epic-pass-now-includes-days-resort-japan/>