Press Kit

SKI, RIDE, AND TUBE AT PREMIER RESORTS IN THE MIDWEST. Welcome to where it all begins - learning to carve first turns, race down a slalom course, or master a trick in the terrain park. A place to bring the kids and introduce them to the thrill of the mountain. Midwest resorts with proximity to large metro areas are the perfect place to welcome new guests into the sport. These hometown hills are where guests can learn to ski in a familiar environment and where the passion for skiing and riding grows before venturing to other Epic Pass destinations from Vail Mountain to Breckenridge.    

  

It starts right here in the Midwest, and this season we are excited to bring some welcome additions to our Midwest resorts to enhance the guest experience and heighten the fun. 

 

From your Midwest backyard to the slopes of Colorado, Utah, British Columbia, and beyond, Epic skiing and riding are now accessible to more people in more places than ever before. The Midwest offers great potential for all levels, from beginners just starting out to seasoned Epic Pass holders who are keeping their skills sharp. 

 

Winter Wanderlust, Why Close-to-Home Resorts Are Important  

Easy Access from Large Metro Areas 

• Midwest resorts, close to major cities such as Chicago, Minneapolis, Detroit, Cleveland and more, are ideal for introducing new guests to skiing and riding.  
• This proximity makes the sport more accessible and less intimidating for those not living in the mountains.  
• These hometown hills provide a familiar setting for beginners to develop a passion before exploring destination resorts like Vail Mountain or Breckenridge. 

  

Affordability: The Value of the Epic Pass 

• Epic Pass products, including the Epic Day Pass, make skiing at suburban hills more affordable than big mountain skiing.  
• The Epic Day Pass offers flexibility, allowing guests to ski 1-7 days with savings of up to 60% compared to lift tickets.  
• Plus, Epic Pass holders get 20% off group lessons with Epic Mountain Rewards. 

  

Build Confidence 

• Learning to ski on smaller hills helps beginners quickly build confidence.  
• Midwest Ski Resorts offer world-class Ski and Ride Schools, with lessons for all levels, making it easy to develop skills before tackling bigger challenges.  
• It's also a great opportunity for journalists eager to learn and share their experiences. 

 

Winter Highlights Spanning the Midwest 

Slope Days School Club Program 

Field trips and after-school programs play a vital role in growing the sport. Many of our employees fondly recall how school groups sparked their passion for snow sports and led them to careers in the industry. 

  

We’re excited to introduce our refreshed and enhanced Slope Days program, designed to make skiing and snowboarding accessible and enjoyable for school groups and clubs. We encourage schools and youth groups to bring their students to the hill, whether they’re learning for the first time or building on existing skills.  

 

The Slope Days program offers three or five-week experience, with each student receiving a lift ticket, equipment rentals, and an hour-long lesson at a discounted rate. 

 

Dew After Dark Night Skiing 

Keep the fun going after the sun sets with night skiing at our Midwest resorts! Skiing and riding under the lights offer a one-of-a-kind experience. The adventure doesn’t stop when the day ends—it’s just getting started. Plus, on select nights in January and February 2025, enjoy free MTN DEW samples and score exclusive Dew After Dark swag. 

  

Night skiing is perfect for families, but it’s also a great fit for College Nights. At most of our resorts, college students can hit the slopes with discounted lift tickets, discounted rental packages, and special food and drink options. Check each resort’s website for details on ticket deals and dining offers. 

 

Epic Pass 

Epic Passes offer significant pre-season savings compared to lift ticket prices and, whether you plan to ski or ride one day or every day, there is a Pass option for everyone. 

• Epic Day Pass offers skiers and riders the ability to build their own Pass – choosing 1-7 days to use throughout the season. Epic Day Passes provide up to 60% savings compared to lift ticket prices. Ski and ride nine resorts across the Midwest including Afton Alps (MN), Wilmot (WI), Mt Brighton (MI), Boston Mills Brandywine and Mad River Mountain (OH), Seven Springs (PA) and more.  
• Regional Passes provide great value to those who want to ski and ride locally. For instance, the Ohio Pass provides unlimited, unrestricted access to Boston Mills Brandywine, Alpine Valley and Mad River Mountain. Many Midwest resorts also offer unlimited access at an incredible value including the Wilmot Pass, Afton Alps Pass, Mt. Brighton Pass. 
• Epic Local Pass provides unlimited access to Midwest resorts and world-class destinations like Breckenridge and Keystone, plus 10 total days at Vail Mountain, Beaver Creek and Whistler Blackcomb. 
• Epic Pass continues to offer the best deal in skiing and riding with access to more than 80 resorts worldwide, including unlimited, unrestricted access to resorts throughout the Midwest. 
• Specialty Passes are available including active and retired Military and their dependents, Veterans and their dependents and Adaptive Passes that offer access to 42 resorts at a discount. Plus, there are several Passes for college students in the Midwest like the unlimited Afton Alps College Pass. 

 

View all Epic Passes on epicpass.com. 

  

Epic Passes also provide savings on other parts of the in-resort experience. Passes come with Epic Mountain Rewards, which offer exclusive discounts including 20% off on-mountain food and beverage, lodging, group ski and ride lessons, equipment rentals and more – all winter long. 

 

Skip the ticket line, download My Epic app with Mobile Pass 

 Download the new My Epic app to use Mobile Pass this winter. Guests can buy their Pass online, activate and store it in the My Epic app, and scan their phone hands free at the lifts using low-energy Bluetooth® technology. Mobile Pass and Mobile Lift Tickets will be available at Vail Resorts’ 37 North American resorts during the 2024/25 season. 

 

My Epic app will also feature enhanced stats tracking, Find My Friends, interactive trail maps – and with Buddy and Ski With a Friend Tickets available in app, your guest can skip the ticket line and head straight to the lift with you. 

 

Afton Alps: The Return of Tubing  

Hastings, MN | Minneapolis / St. Paul Metro Area 

 

BACKGROUND: Afton Alps is the largest resort in the Twin Cities area, covering 300 acres. Founded in 1963 by local farmers with a vision to transform their land into a lively ski retreat, Afton Alps is surrounded by the stunning Afton State Park. Guests can enjoy breathtaking valley views from the Meadows or take on the Highland steeps—accessible through the resort’s unique tunnel. Avoid weekend crowds by parking "up top" and starting your day from multiple access points. Just 25 minutes from downtown St. Paul, Afton Alps offers an accessible, affordable, and fun experience. This big-time resort with a small-town feel has introduced thousands of first-timers to a lifelong love of skiing and riding. 

 

NEW FOR 24/25: Afton Alps is thrilled to announce the return of tubing, a long-awaited comeback for Twin Cities thrill seekers. Opening for the 2024/25 season, the new bubly™ Tube Park will feature ten tubing lanes, conveniently located in the Highland Zone near the refreshed Alpine Chalet.  

 

bubly Tube Park Highlights:  

• 10 lanes of tubing adventure  
• Ample parking and easy access  
• Chair 18 replaced with a carpet for smoother tube transportation  

  

"After more than a decade, Afton Alps is ready to welcome back tubing," said Trevor Maring, Afton Alps’ General Manager. "We're thrilled to offer a new winter experience that’s perfect for family fun of all ages. With music, lights, and stunning views of the St. Croix Valley, it's more than just tubing—it's a celebration of winter.” 

 

EVENTS: Afton Alps is all about events! Start the season with ULLR Fest, join Epic Pass Holder-exclusive First Tracks events, or take on the pond skim at Spring Fling. Guests can also enjoy weekly afternoon s’mores at the Valley S’mores Gondola fire pit, located at the bottom of the 'bowl' run, just outside the main chalet. 

 

MOUNTAIN STATS:  

• Skiable Acres: 300 
• Top Elevation – 700 feet   
• Vertical – 350 feet  
• Trails – 50 

 

AFTON ALPS SOCIAL: Facebook, Instagram 

 

AFTON ALPS MEDIA KIT: HERE 

 

Mt Brighton: How Detroit residents ‘Brighton’ winter 

Brighton, MI | Detroit Metro Area  

 

BACKGROUND: Locals love to escape the city and "Brighton" their winter at Mt Brighton, a family favorite for outdoor adventure. Celebrating over 60 years since its opening in 1961, Mt Brighton has fueled countless family traditions and passions for an active lifestyle.  

 

NEW FOR 24/25: This winter, Mt. Brighton is rolling out a new menu at the popular Ore Creek Mountain Grill, featuring items like brisket quesadillas, pulled pork nachos, BBQ chicken salad sandwiches, and more. We’re also upgrading our terrain park to ensure guests can hit the snow even earlier in the season. 

 

EVENTS: Mt. Brighton knows how to have a good time! Add one of our signature events to your calendar to truly "Brighton" your winter: 

• Duct Tape Derby, where guests can create their dream sleds using just cardboard, duct tape, and plenty of creativity.  
• On Sundays, warm up by the fire pit with Sunday S’mores.  
• Test your limits at the beloved Slush Cup—whether you skim across the pond or take an unexpected plunge, you’re sure to make memories that last a lifetime. 

 

FUN FACTS: The resort is known for its cameo in the cult classic Aspen Extreme and its early reputation as the "Snowmaking Capital" thanks to the Schneehex ‘Snow Witch,’ the world’s largest snow gun. One of the highest points in Livingston County, Mt Brighton offers stunning sunset views from the top of chair 2 or 3. 

 

MOUNTAIN STATS:  

• Skiable Acres: 130 
• Top Elevation – 1,330 feet   
• Vertical – 230 feet  
• Trails – 24 

 

MT BRIGHTON SOCIAL: Facebook, Instagram 

 

MT BRIGHTON MEDIA KIT: HERE 

 

Wilmot Mountain: The Heart of the Heartland  

Wilmot, WI | Milwaukee / Chicago Metro Areas  

 

BACKGROUND: For 87 seasons, Wilmot Mountain has been the heart of the heartland, the warm hug on a cold day, the place for thousands to play, ski, learn, and tube and toast each other of a hot toddy and high-five over a warm fire. Wilmot Mountain offers 22 lanes of tubing, each lane over 1,000 ft long – if you do the math, that is an exhilarating amount of fun. 

 

NEW FOR 24/25: Get ready for a season of nonstop fun at Wilmot Mountain! Our fan-favorite The Rope Terrain Park is getting regraded, making it less dependent on snowfall and ready to rock earlier in the season.  

 

What else is new for 24/25 at Wilmot Mountain?  

• The historic and fan-favorite Main Lodge Bar will reopen this season. This beloved landmark will once again welcome guests with its bar service and convenient grab-and-go snacks.  
• Walt's Tavern will be open on weekends and holiday periods, providing an upbeat, fun, family-friendly atmosphere with unique food options and speedy service. Walt’s Tavern offers elevated tavern food with all the Midwest classics– Beers, Brats, Bloody’s, Tots, and many other food choices. We can’t think of a ‘heartier’ way to warm up during one of our brisk ski days. 

 

"We're thrilled to reopen the historic Main Lodge Bar, a beloved part of Wilmot Mountain's heritage, and to unveil improvements to 'The Rope' Terrain Park, setting the stage for an unforgettable season of fun," said Chuck Randles, Wilmot Mountain’s General Manager.   

 

EVENTS: Here’s just some of the events in store this season:  

• Kringle Time - Every Saturday & Sunday, join us for some sweet weekend fun! *A Kringle, brought to Wisconsin by Danish immigrants, has been declared the official pastry of the State of Wisconsin. 
• Sliding Through the Decades - A tubing event series that’s a blast from the past brought to you by bublyTM.  
• Dew After Dark - Night Skiing just got even better with our sponsored music series.  
• Wilmot Pride & Ski Day - Celebrate with us in style on the slopes. 
• Spring Fling closes the season with a SPLASH, train all season, and sign up for the pond skim. 

 

MOUNTAIN STATS:  

• Skiable Acres: 120 
• Top Elevation – 960 feet   
• Vertical – 200 feet  
• Trails – 25 

 

WILMOT SOCIAL: Facebook, Instagram 

 

WILMOT MEDIA KIT: HERE 

 

Boston Mills | Brandywine: Two Resorts, One Epic Adventure 

Peninsula, OH | Cleveland Metro Area  

 

BACKGROUND: Both resorts were founded in 1963; Boston Mills and Brandywine are in the scenic Cuyahoga Valley National Park, one of the country's most highly visited national parks; the Valley is treasured for its rare beauty. Featuring a dual resort complex, guests can visit two ski resorts in one day with a single lift ticket.  

 

NEW FOR 24/25: What’s new this season? 

• Boston Mills and Brandywine are gearing up for a snow-packed season with new snowmaking water lines, ensuring top-notch system reliability and powerful water flow for optimal skiing conditions. 
• Boston Mills Lift 2 is getting a sleek makeover with a rebuilt unload deck and regraded lift shack, promising smoother lift exits for all riders. 
• The Boston Mills Bar Deck is being torn down to make way for a bigger, better space! Expect more square footage and additional seating below for après-ski relaxation. 

 

"Our teams at Boston Mills and Brandywine are putting in the hard work to ensure an incredible winter season ahead. We're all in on making this the best season yet. Winter is on our minds—make sure it’s on yours too," said Jake Campbell, Boston Mills and Brandywine’s General Manager. 

 

EVENTS: Here’s just some of the events in store this season:  

• Late Night x College ID Nights with exclusive deals and extended mountain hours. 
• Enjoy free live music at the Joy Rider’s Music Series in the Joy Rider's Bar area! 
• Close out the season at Winter Carnival with a Kids Race, Big Air Jump Session, Costume Contest, live DJ, F&B specials, retail discounts, and a Pond Skim. 

 

MOUNTAIN STATS:  

• Skiable Acres: 88 
• Top Elevation – 871 feet   
• Vertical – 264 feet  
• Trails – 18 

 

BMBW SOCIAL: Facebook, Instagram 

 

BMBW MEDIA KIT: HERE 

 

Mad River Mountain: The Largest Ski Resort in Ohio 

Zanesfield, OH | Columbus Metro Area  

 

BACKGROUND: Mad River Mtn. is the largest ski resort in Ohio. Mad River offers a full breadth of on-snow challenges, ranging from gentle beginner areas to steeper pitches and a terrain park. The bubly Tubing Park is Ohio's largest tubing park and offers an adrenaline-rushing experience that is both family-friendly and exhilarating at the same time. 

 

NEW FOR 24/25: Mad River is gearing up for the 24/25 season by enhancing our snowmaking capabilities and reprioritizing our snowmaking infrastructure to ensure an even better experience on the slopes this year.  

  

“We are excited to get folks out on the slopes sooner and with more snow than we’ve ever been able to create before,” said Al Fiel, General Manager of Mad River, “We can’t wait to welcome back our Epic Passholders, as well as first time skiers and riders.” 

 

FUN FACTS: With 100+ snow guns, Mad River Mountain has the largest snow making operation in Ohio. The bubly Tube Park is the largest in Ohio with lanes over 1,000+ feet.  

 

EVENTS: Here’s just some of the events in store this season:  

• Pass Holders enjoy exclusive First Tracks on freshly groomed snow, one hour before the mountain opens on select days. 
• Show off your terrain park skills at Rail Jam with great prizes, park music, free snacks, and more. 
• Spring Fling featuring a pond skim, pop-up park event, costume contest, live DJ, retail discounts, and make-your-own Buckeye S'mores. 

 

MOUNTAIN STATS:  

• Skiable Acres: 144 
• Top Elevation – 1,460 feet   
• Vertical – 300 feet  
• Trails – 16 

 

MAD RIVER SOCIAL: Facebook, Instagram 

 

MAD RIVER MEDIA KIT: HERE 

 

Alpine Valley: Perfect Learning Terrain - Celebrating 60 Years 

Chesterland, OH | Cleveland Metro Area  

 

BACKGROUND: Nestled in Ohio's Snow Belt, Alpine Valley boasts the most natural snowfall of any ski resort in the state. As Northeast Ohio's premier learning area, Alpine Valley is the perfect destination for beginners and those looking to refine their skiing skills. With gentle pitches and well-designed terrain, guests can enjoy ample space and personalized experiences tailored to every skill level. 

 

This season, join us in celebrating Alpine Valley's 60th anniversary—a milestone of six decades dedicated to fostering a love for skiing and snowboarding in a safe and welcoming atmosphere. 

 

NEW FOR 24/25: Get ready for a brighter season at Alpine Valley. The resort continues its work to update the hill lighting to vibrant LEDs, making nighttime adventures even more epic. 

 

EVENTS: Here’s just some of the events in store this season:  

• Join us for sweet treats, giveaways, and live music to celebrate Alpine Valley at our 60th Birthday Party. 
• Celebrate our 60 years on the slopes at Retro Day by wearing throwback gear, neon, or retro attire. 
• Shred the night away and share the stoke until midnight at Dew After Dark featuring live music, giveaways, and so much more. 

 

MOUNTAIN STATS:  

• Skiable Acres: 72 
• Top Elevation – 1,500 feet   
• Vertical – 240 feet  
• Trails – 9 

 

ALPINE VALLEY SOCIAL: Facebook, Instagram 

 

ALPINE VALLEY MEDIA KIT: HERE 

 

 

Hidden Valley, MO: The Hidden Gem of St. Louis, where every day is a snow day 

Hidden Valley, MO | St. Louis Metro Area  

 

BACKGROUND: This local secret and regional destination is a fun attraction for the entire family that quickly sparks passion and turns guests into lifelong enthusiasts. It is truly unique to ski in Missouri, but state-of-the-art snowmaking provides the perfect base when (often) Mother Nature has warmer plans – a winter wonderland is waiting to be explored. To round out your winter adventure, Hidden Valley also offers tubing. 

 

FUN FACT: Hidden Valley is the home hill to highly decorated US Ski Team athletes. Rapper Nelly used to live down the street and filmed part of his show, Nellyville at Hidden Valley. And, on a clear day, guests can see the St. Louis Arch and skyline from the top.  

 

EVENTS: Here’s just some of the events in store this season:  

• Mountain Mardi Gras is back, featuring live music, themed giveaways, and a costume contest. 
• Dew After Dark, the ultimate nighttime mountain experience, featuring a Rope Tow Rail Jam, DJ beats, and tubing under the stars.  

 

MOUNTAIN STATS:  

• Skiable Acres: 65 
• Top Elevation – 860 feet   
• Vertical – 320 feet  
• Trails – 15 

 

HIDDEN VALLEY SOCIAL: Facebook, Instagram 

 

HIDDEN VALLEY MEDIA KIT: HERE 

 

Snow Creek: Gateway to the West 

Weston, MO | Kansas City Metro Area  

 

BACKGROUND: Snow Creek is your Winter Outpost for outdoor recreation in the Kansas City Area. Established in 1986, it is one of only two ski resorts in Missouri, offering winter sports enthusiasts a unique destination in the region. In 2003, a tornado touched down at the site where the tube park now stands, leading to the naming of Tornado Alley Tube Park in its aftermath. 

 

FUN FACTS: Being the farthest west of all our Midwest locations, it is the last one before you genuinely hit the mountains. Snow Creek is the Gateway to the West (and an 8-hour drive to Keystone Ski Resort). Snow Creek has over 60 snowmaking machines with the capacity to pump 3,000 gallons of water per minute, covering 100% of our terrain in as little as 72 hours. As long as temps stay below freezing we can make our own snow, which means we have snow even when you don't. 

 

EVENTS: Here’s just some of the events in store this season:  

• Shred under the stars until midnight with a DJ, glow items, Midnight Madness / College Night specials, complimentary Mountain Dew, and more! 
• Join us on Sunday afternoons by the fire pit for S'mores at our Campfire Café. 
• Experience TORNAD-GLO Alley Glow Tubing, a cosmic adventure that lights up the night! 

 

MOUNTAIN STATS:  

• Skiable Acres: 25 
• Top Elevation – 1,100 feet   
• Vertical – 300 feet  
• Trails – 13 

 

SNOW CREEK SOCIAL: Facebook, Instagram 

 

SNOW CREEK MEDIA KIT: HERE 

 

Paoli Peaks: Just North Enough 

Paoli, IN | Louisville Metro Area  

 

BACKGROUND: Paoli Peaks, located in southern Indiana, has been a premier winter destination since its opening in 1978, when it was founded by an investment group led by Dr. Richard Garber. Known for its abundant snow-making capabilities, Paoli Peaks provides an ideal climate for skiing, snowboarding, and tubing, making it a go-to spot for winter fun in the South. The resort features a variety of beginner terrain with easy access right outside the ski lodge, making it perfect for newcomers. Paoli Peaks is also home to the Arctic Blast Tubing Park, which offers up to 10 lanes of tubing down 700-foot runs. Guests can enjoy complimentary s'mores on weekends, college ID nights, and other events throughout the season. 

 

EVENTS: Here’s just some of the events in store this season:  

• Come enjoy a deliciously messy s'more on Sundays with us throughout the season at Paoli Patio Smores. 
• Shred the night away and share the stoke until midnight at Dew After Dark featuring live music, giveaways, and so much more. 

 

MOUNTAIN STATS:  

• Skiable Acres: 65 
• Top Elevation – 900 feet   
• Vertical – 300 feet  
• Trails – 15 

 

PAOLI PEAKS SOCIAL: Facebook, Instagram 

 

PAOLI PEAKS MEDIA KIT: HERE 

 

MEDIA CENTER 

 

Media Contact:  

Kelsey Megard: kelsey.j.megard@vailresorts.com  

 

Additional Story Ideas:

 

Skiing for the First Time 

✦ Tips for getting started  

✦ Travel and location ideas  

✦ Gear checklists  

✦ Insider tips such as ways to save!  

✦ Learn from local pros  

✦ Understanding ski school options  

✦ Night Skiing in the Midwest 

 

 Understanding the Ski Lifestyle 

✦ How to après + (what is après?)  

✦ Embracing the outdoors (skip the bowling alley and the movie theater)  

✦ Fashion and clothing tips  

✦ 2023-24 Resort Events 

✦ Snowmaking and Snow Grooming 101 (aka how we make our weather) 

 

 JOURNALISTS:  

We want to extend an invitation to you. Reach out to customize your experience. The ideas are endless, from learning something new (have you ever been on a ski racecourse or learned a trick in the terrain park?) to taking in a new view. We have a snowy playground for you to explore.