VAIL, Colo. – July 13, 2009 –

Vail Mountain will begin scheduled operations for the 2009-2010 winter season on Friday, November 20, 2009, from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., weather permitting. The resort will remain open daily through Sunday, April 18, 2010 with hours extending over the course of the season. Early- and late-season terrain offerings will be adjusted as weather and snow permit. Terrain, lifts, restaurants and other services will likely be limited during the first and last weeks of the season.

Blue Sky Basin Approaches 10th Anniversary
The 2009-2010 winter ski and snowboard season will mark the 10th anniversary of Vail’s Blue Sky Basin. The Skyline Express Lift (#37) and Earl’s Express Lift (#38) opened January 6, 2000, offering intermediate and expert skiers and riders a variety of moguls, glades, tree skiing, cliffs and ridges with a distinct backcountry feel.

2009-2010 Epic Season Pass
The Epic Season Pass (www.epicpass.com) is still available for the 2009-2010 winter season for $599 for adults and $299 for children, ages 5-12, for skiing and snowboarding at all five Vail Resorts – Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Heavenly – as well as at Arapahoe Basin. Single-day and multi-day lift ticket pricing will be announced closer to opening day.

For more information about Vail Mountain, visit [https://www.vail.com] or call the Mountain Information Center at (970) SKI-VAIL (754-8245).