Vail Resorts announced today that one of its subsidiary companies has entered into a
contract to sell the Vail Marriott Mountain Resort & Spa for $62.0 million
to DiamondRock Hospitality Limited Partnership. The
transaction price indicates a total value for the hotel of approximately
$180,000 per key. The sale price is subject to adjustment based on certain
provisions of the agreement. The transaction is anticipated to close in
June 2005, subject to certain closing conditions. After the transaction is
completed, the hotel will retain its current name and will remain branded
as a full-service Marriott resort. Vail Resorts, through its Vail Resorts
Lodging Company subsidiary, will continue to manage the resort for 15
years through 2020 under a management contract with DiamondRock, that is
co-terminus with a Marriott franchise agreement for the hotel. The Company purchased the 345-room hotel in December 2001. Included in the
original purchase were the hotel and two adjacent parcels of developable
land. The land parcels, which have been earmarked for important real
estate development projects by the Company, are not included as part of
the hotel’s sale.

Adam Aron, Vail Resorts chairman and chief executive officer, commented,
“With this price tag, Vail Resorts is thrilled with this sale of the Vail
Marriott. We will retain management of the hotel for at least 15 years, at
the same time being able to implement our strategy of capitalizing on
current robust hotel market valuations. Indeed, the price we will receive
for the foregone cash flow streams resulting from the hotel’s sale
represents a significant premium of more than 50 percent above the cash
flow stream multiples at which the resort business of Vail Resorts has
traditionally been valued.”

Aron added, “In looking at our investment in the Vail Marriott, we have
been able to create for Vail visitors a greatly improved hotel facility
through an impressive and expansive renovation, capitalize on two
attractive and lucrative potential real estate development opportunities
on land acquired with the hotel, retain management of the hotel for the
extended future, and receive a handsome price on its sale. This has to be
considered a very successful effort.”

Aron continued, “Vail Resorts has great respect for the success of
Marriott-branded hotel properties, and we greatly look forward to
continuing to manage the hotel as a Marriott franchisee. At the same time,
we equally look forward to working hand in hand with the principals of
DiamondRock, individuals for whom we have the highest respect.”
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