Author Topic: Big News; Squaw Valley is Acquired by KSL Partners!!  (Read 255 times)

jbotti

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Big News; Squaw Valley is Acquired by KSL Partners!!
« on: November 23, 2010, 10:31:36 am »
This is nothing but great news (especially for Phil and Snowhot!). Squaw is one great mountain but it the lack of capital improvements had made it a poor experience (away from the snow) the past sevreal years. They had spent as little as possible and the whole resort showed it. The $50m committed over the next 3-5 years is the bare minimum that needs to be spent, but it will deifinitely help. Here is the letter from the President:

As a valued friend and partner I?d like to share some important and exciting news about our company and it doesn?t relate to the nearly six feet of snow we?ve received over the past few days, (with another seven feet of snow which is on the five day forecast!).

Today I?m pleased to announce that Squaw Valley USA is set to be acquired by KSL Capital Partners of Denver, Colorado. The purchase will include all facets of Squaw Valley?s ski operations, the Village and related real estate holdings.

Make no mistake, these are transformative times!  It?s with a respectful eye for the past that I say this news is part of a new era in Squaw Valley?s incredible history. KSL is dedicated to further enhancing the resort and the guest experience by committing over $50 million in additional capital improvements over the next 3-5 years.  The KSL team, all of whom are skiers and riders, are thrilled to be working with Squaw Valley and they?re all very experienced professionals in the travel and resort industry.  Make no mistake, these are transformative times for Squaw Valley and a new era is dawning by way of our entire team?s dedication to the guest experience that will put us on par with the very best resorts in North America. 

Please see the attached press release for more information.  I wanted to be sure you received this important announcement before we send along to the press, which will happen shortly.  I appreciate your attention to this email and I look forward to seeing on the slopes! 

Warm but snow filled regards,

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Ron

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Re: Big News; Squaw Valley is Acquired by KSL Partners!!
« Reply #1 on: November 23, 2010, 11:14:00 am »
saw that earlier today but didn't realize you were one of the investors... ;D

Gary

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Re: Big News; Squaw Valley is Acquired by KSL Partners!!
« Reply #2 on: November 23, 2010, 02:35:18 pm »
Hey JB....are we all getting special passes for the big ribbon cutting ceremony, fine wine and dinning event?

Hey sounds really great...a place funded and controlled by skiers and riders....AND business men too?!?!

Wishing you and the gang huge success!!!! Hopefully the natives welcome your transition with open arms!

Best, G

Philpug

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Re: Big News; Squaw Valley is Acquired by KSL Partners!!
« Reply #3 on: November 23, 2010, 07:45:48 pm »
It is very interesting. Looking at the other resorts they own, all are upscale.

Ron

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Re: Big News; Squaw Valley is Acquired by KSL Partners!!
« Reply #4 on: November 24, 2010, 08:25:05 am »
does KSL own any other ski resorts? Seems like its a bit of an oxymoron, skiers and professional managment of a resort.. ( no offense john) 

jbotti

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Re: Big News; Squaw Valley is Acquired by KSL Partners!!
« Reply #5 on: November 24, 2010, 09:58:55 am »
I am not an investor in KSL. A friend of mine sent me that letter. From their website it appears that they own mainly golf resorts and a lot of them over the years. When Cushing first died I did get what info I could on the resort and I was initially putting together a group to potentially try and buy the resort. The more work we did the less we were willing to pay. Then Vail came in and bid a number more the 2X what we thought it was worth. I feel confident that KSL paid less that that number because Squaw has had 3 terrible years in a row. The ski resort business is a very difficult one, mainly starting with the weather. In tahoe 35% of your revenues come over the Holiday season from 12/20 through 1/2. 3 years in a row there was no snow on the ground until mid to late december. It absolutley destroys their profitability for the entire year. The real kicker in owning a ski resort is the RE devlopment opportunities. Squaw really has very limited RE development land. The bulk is in the parking lot where they built the Village at Squaw, a condo complex. This was poorly designed and overpriced. The last two phases sold poorly and they had two more phases that never got built. Not sure if this ever gets revived. Squaw also has $100m of deferred cap ex that needs to get spent to upgrade the mountain. Looks like KSL has committed to spend half that amount which will be a great start.

The good news for Squaw is that Phil and Snowhot have moved to the area and they have clearly brought the eary season snow with them!! Life is good in Tahoe right now!!

Ron

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Re: Big News; Squaw Valley is Acquired by KSL Partners!!
« Reply #6 on: November 24, 2010, 11:37:09 am »
I didn't think you were involved, the letter just looked like it came from you. Kinda sorta, But one day I could see you having your own little test ground of 3K vert  ;D

Philpug

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Re: Big News; Squaw Valley is Acquired by KSL Partners!!
« Reply #7 on: November 24, 2010, 08:14:11 pm »
Tric and I just spent about half an hour with one of the new owners..it was well..interesting. :popcorn:

jim-ratliff

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Re: Big News; Squaw Valley is Acquired by KSL Partners!!
« Reply #8 on: December 03, 2010, 12:26:26 pm »

And so Vail Resorts bought Northstar at Tahoe instead!!
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