This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Vail Resort's reach has expanded into Asia, with Wednesday's announcement that its 2014-15 Epic Pass will include a chance to ski at Niseko United, Japan.
Purchasers of the pass, which goes on sale March 10, will get five days of free skiing at Niseko United, the same as available at Vail-affiliated resorts in Switzerland, Austria and France. Buyers get unlimited access to Vail's 10 U.S. ski areas, including Canyons Resort outside of Park City.
Niseko United is a grouping of four resorts on the northern island Hokkaido. It is about 67 miles south of Sapporo, host of the 1972 Winter Olympics, and it is known for its powder, receiving an average of 590 inches of snow each winter.
The price of the 2014-15 Epic Pass has not been disclosed. Last year, it cost $689 for adults, $359 for children.