SAM Magazine-Broomfield, Colo., April 13, 2009-Vail Resorts, Inc. (VR) will require all employees to wear helmets when skiing or riding on the job at each of its five mountain resorts-Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Heavenly-for the 2009-10 season. Helmets will be provided to every employee next fall as part of their standard uniform for working on the mountain.

"At Vail Resorts, the safety of our employees and guests is a top priority, and we believe the time has come for us to take our commitment to safety to the next level. Our employees will set the example next year for all who enjoy skiing and riding our slopes," said John Garnsey, co-president of Vail Resorts' Mountain Division and chief operating officer of Beaver Creek Resort.

VR also announced that it will require all children, ages 12 and under, who participate in a group lesson through one of its five resorts' ski and ride schools to wear a helmet. Furthermore, a helmet will become a required part of any child's (ages 12 and under) ski and snowboard rental package offered at all of Vail Resorts' retail and rental outlets, unless a parent or legal guardian signs a waiver to decline use of the equipment.

"We firmly believe when children are participating in our ski and ride school programs that we must provide them with the proper equipment that promotes enjoyment of the sport while also reducing the possibility of injury. Even though we will now require children in our ski and ride schools to wear helmets and make them a mandatory part of every child's rental package, we strongly recommend the use of helmets for all of our guests, regardless of their age or ability level," said Blaise Carrig, co-president of Vail Resorts' Mountain Division and chief operating officer of Heavenly.

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