12/6/12 - A large mountain resort operator has announced that it will be acquiring two Midwest ski areas, including one in Livingston County. Colorado-based Vail Resorts Spokeswoman Kelly Ladyga tells WHMI the company has negotiated purchase agreements with the owners of two urban ski areas - Mount Brighton locally and Afton Alps in Minnesota. Mount Brighton opened in 1960 and currently draws skiers and snowboarders from all over the southeast Michigan region. The company has agreed to buy the two ski areas for $20 million and expects to complete the purchase of both within the next month, although the closing is subject to certain conditions. Vail Resorts says it plans to upgrade each ski area and CEO Rob Katz says the acquisitions are part of a new strategy to drive season pass sales and build broader customer loyalty by looking at smaller ski areas near major urban markets. (JM)
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