Story By Jill Adler

Photos by Ryan Freitas

Next time you plan a ski roadtrip from Cali to Salt Lake, factor in a day at Eagle Point. The Southern Utah ski resort 3.5 hours from SLC is offering free skiing and boarding to any California resident for the entire 2012/2013 season. In addition, any guest can ski free every Thursday in January. “What we have learned overwhelmingly from our guests during the first two seasons since reopening is that we have a truly exceptional mountain that people love to visit,” explained Shane Gadbaw, CEO and Co‐Owner of the resort. “We have spent millions to make the property and the service first class from the newly renovated Canyonside Lodge down to the friendly greeters in the parking lots. Our last remaining challenge is to massively increase awareness in the core markets of Las Vegas, southern California and Utah so people know that we have this new boutique resort with thrilling terrain, super friendly staff, gorgeous views and long‐lasting powder stashes.” Plus, it’s a phenomenal place to learn to ski. There are miles of easy, rolling beginner terrain.

There are no strings attached to nab the deal other than providing a name and email address.

The idea for the campaign was modeled on the Las Vegas “Free Days” campaign. “We can give lift access away for free yet still achieve a sufficient yield from our guests on food and beverage sales, rentals, instruction, retail or condo stays,” said Gadbaw.

“More importantly, the free admission spurs the first‐time visit. That is all we need because the vast majority of new guests fall in love with the place and go home to tell their friends and family.”

Eagle Point’s tentative opening day is Dec. 23, 2012 but will go to weekends only from January 10 till close in April 2013. They will also operate on Martin Luther King Day (Monday, January 21) and Presidents’ Day (Monday, February 18). That leaves Monday through Wednesday to covet the ski area for your private party. “We had our first group rent the resort for two days last year and they loved it. This year we expect more private group rentals especially from the casino industry in Las Vegas,” said Gadbaw. The resort can host turnkey private events for large groups of up to 500 people including snow sports, lodging, fine dining, conference space and transportation.

Eagle Point Resort is located 18 miles east of Beaver, Utah and a scenic 3.5 hour drive from Las Vegas or Salt Lake City. The resort features 600 skiable acres, over 40 named runs, 1500 vertical feet, 5 lifts, 2 transport snow cats, lodging, dining and endless backcountry terrain. For more information or group reservations, contact Shane Gadbaw at 855‐EAGLEPT or visit www.eaglepointresort.com or Facebook/EaglePointResort.