Form 10-Q

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OMB Number: 3235-0070

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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

[X]

Quarterly Report Pursuant To Section 13 Or 15(d) Of The Securities Exchange Act Of 1934

For the quarterly period ended

October 31, 2003                                                                                                      

[   ]

Transition Report Pursuant To Section 13 Or 15(d) Of The Securities Exchange Act Of 1934

For the transition period from

                                                                       to                                                             

   

Commission File Number:

  1-9614                                                                                                                                

           Vail Resorts, Inc.            

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

                                Delaware                                

 

                                51-0291762                                

(State or other jurisdiction of

 

(I.R.S. Employer

incorporation or organization)

 

Identification No.)

     

           Post Office Box 7 Vail, Colorado           

 

                              81658                              

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip Code)

     

                               (970) 845-2500                            

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

   

[X]

Yes

[   ]

No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

   

[X]

Yes

[   ]

No

As of December 9, 2003, 7,439,834 shares of Class A Common Stock and 27,835,042 shares of Common Stock were issued and outstanding.

 

 

Table of Contents

 
     

PART I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 
     

Item 1.

Financial Statements

F-2

Item 2.

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

1

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

7

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

7

     
     

PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

 
     

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

8

Item 2.

Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds

8

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

8

Item 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

8

Item 5.

Other Information

8

Item 6.

Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

8

PART I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 
     

Item 1.

Financial Statements-Unaudited

 
     

Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets as of October 31, 2003, July 31, 2003 and October 31, 2002

F-2

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations for the Three Months Ended October 31, 2003 and 2002

F-3

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended October 31, 2003 and 2002

F-4

Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

F-5

Vail Resorts, Inc.
Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

October 31,

July 31,

October 31,

 

        2003      

        2003      

         2002      

     

(as restated)

 

(unaudited)

 

(unaudited)

Assets

     

Current assets:

     
 

Cash and cash equivalents

$        18,525

$         18,940

$        25,165

 

Receivables, net

34,940

49,748

39,133

 

Inventories, net

41,820

31,756

41,089

 

Other current assets

          25,812

           16,551

          24,443

   

Total current assets

121,097

116,995

129,830

Property, plant and equipment, net

934,289

932,251

917,700

Real estate held for sale and investment

115,570

123,223

152,760

Goodwill, net

145,049

145,049

139,600

Other intangibles, net

87,594

88,412

76,984

Other assets

          45,905

           49,512

          43,041

 

Total assets

$   1,449,504

$    1,455,442

$   1,459,915

       

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

     

Current liabilities:

     
 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses (Note 6)

$      191,390

$       152,039

$      170,984

 

Income taxes payable

--

--

3,231

 

Long-term debt due within one year (Note 5)

           3,522

          27,931

            3,485

 

Total current liabilities

194,912

179,970

177,700

Long-term debt (Note 5)

576,909

556,220

625,044

Other long-term liabilities

116,779

113,217

100,643

Deferred income taxes

60,827

78,808

54,204

Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)

--

--

--

Put options (Note 9)

2,432

1,822

1,569

Minority interest in net assets of consolidated joint ventures

26,736

29,159

21,476

Stockholders' equity:

     
 

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 25,000,000 shares authorized, zero shares issued and outstanding

--

--

--

 

Common stock:

     
 

Class A common stock, convertible to common stock, $0.01 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized, 7,439,834 shares issued and outstanding

74

74

74

 

Common stock, $0.01 par value, 80,000,000 shares authorized, 27,835,042, 27,835,042, and 27,742,707 shares issued and outstanding as of October 31, 2003, July 31, 2003, and October 31, 2002, respectively

278

278

277

 

Additional paid-in capital

415,350

415,306

415,715

 

Deferred compensation

(176)

(198)

(985)

 

Retained earnings

          55,383

           80,786

        64,198

 

Total stockholders' equity

        470,909

         496,246

        479,279

 

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

$   1,449,504

$    1,455,442

$   1,459,915

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

Vail Resorts, Inc.
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended

 

October 31,

 

       2003     

 

       2002     

     

(as restated)

Net revenue:

     
 

Mountain

$      34,079

 

$      33,629

 

Lodging

42,652

 

40,601

 

Real estate

        26,892

 

       39,354

 

Total net revenue

103,623

 

113,584

Operating expense:

     
 

Mountain

61,914

 

64,656

 

Lodging

40,518

 

39,294

 

Real estate

12,124

 

27,546

 

Gain on transfer of property (Note 13)

(1,913)

 

--

 

Loss on disposal of fixed assets

1,010

 

16

 

Depreciation and amortization

        20,366

 

       18,625

 

Total operating expense

      134,019

 

     150,137

Loss from operations

(30,396)

 

(36,553)

Other income (expense):

     
 

Mountain equity investment (loss) income

(18)

 

1,089

 

Lodging equity investment loss

(1,740)

 

(1,306)

 

Real estate equity investment income

203

 

3,070

 

Interest income

565

 

206

 

Interest expense

(13,408)

 

(11,778)

 

Loss on put option

(610)

 

--

 

Other income

--

 

30

 

Minority interest in loss of consolidated joint ventures

          2,091

 

          2,024

Loss before income taxes

(43,313)

 

(43,218)

Benefit from income taxes

        17,910

 

        18,104

Net loss

$    (25,403)

 

$     (25,114)

       

Per share amounts (Note 4):

     
 

Basic net loss per share

$         (0.72)

 

$         (0.71)

 

Diluted net loss per share

$         (0.72)

 

$         (0.71)

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

Vail Resorts, Inc.
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)

 

Three Months Ended

 

October 31,

 

      2003      

 

      2002      

Net cash provided by operating activities:

$    25,585

 

$      13,872

Cash flows from investing activities:

     
 

Capital expenditures

(20,896)

 

(23,535)

 

Investments in real estate

(1,523)

 

(14,935)

 

Other investing activities, net

           1,351

 

          (1,090)

 

Net cash used in investing activities

(21,068)

 

(39,560)

Cash flows from financing activities:

     
 

Proceeds from borrowings under long-term debt

80,090

 

71,900

 

Payments on long-term debt

(84,688)

 

(46,830)

 

Other financing activities, net

            (334)

 

              (182)

 

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

         (4,932)

 

          24,888

 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

(415)

 

(800)

Cash and cash equivalents:

     
 

Beginning of period

        18,940

 

          25,965

 

End of period

$     18,525

 

$        25,165

 

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

Vail Resorts, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements
(Unaudited)

1.  Organization and Business

Vail Resorts, Inc. ("Vail Resorts") is organized as a holding company and operates through various subsidiaries. Vail Resorts and its subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company") currently operate in three business segments: Mountain, Lodging and Real Estate. The Vail Corporation (d/b/a Vail Associates, Inc.), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Vail Resorts, and its subsidiaries (collectively, "Vail Associates") owns and operates four world-class ski resorts and related amenities at Vail, Breckenridge, Keystone and Beaver Creek mountains in Colorado. The Company, through a subsidiary, also owns and operates Heavenly Ski Resort ("Heavenly") in the Lake Tahoe area of California and Nevada. In addition to the ski resorts, Vail Associates owns Grand Teton Lodge Company ("GTLC"), which operates three resorts within Grand Teton National Park (under a National Park Service concessionaire contract) and the Jackson Hole Golf & Tennis Club in Wyoming. Vail Associates also owns a 51% interest in S nake River Lodge & Spa ("SRL&S") located near Jackson, Wyoming and owns 100% of the Lodge at Rancho Mirage ("Rancho Mirage") near Palm Springs, California. The Company holds a majority interest in RockResorts International LLC ("RockResorts), a luxury hotel management company. The Company also holds a 51.9% interest in SSI Venture LLC ("SSV"), a retail/rental company. Vail Resorts Development Company ("VRDC"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Vail Associates, conducts the operations of the Company's Real Estate segment. The Company's mountain and lodging businesses are seasonal in nature. The Company's mountain and most of its lodging operations typically have operating seasons from late October through April. The Company's operations at GTLC generally run from mid-May through mid-October.

In the opinion of the Company, the accompanying Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements reflect all adjustments necessary to present fairly the Company's financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. Results for interim periods are not indicative of the results for the entire year. The accompanying Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the audited Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2003.

2.  Restatements

As disclosed in the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2003, the Company restated its previously filed financial statements for certain corrections to the accounting for employee housing joint ventures, executive deferred compensation, interest income from a certain joint venture, capitalized interest and certain other matters. For more information regarding these changes, refer to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2003.

The total impact of the restatement and prior period adjustments (in thousands) included in this filing as compared to the financial statements previously reported in the Company's Form 10-Q for the three months ended October 31, 2002 is summarized below (only line items that were impacted are presented):

Balance Sheet:

As of October 31, 2002

 

Previously

As

Percent

 

Reported

Restated

Change

       

Other current assets

$      24,500

$      24,443

(0.2)%

Total current assets

125,678

129,830

3.3 %

       

Property, plant and equipment, net

919,720

917,700

(0.2)%

Other assets

40,406

43,041

6.5 %

       

Total assets

$1,455,148

$1,459,915

0.3 %

       

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

$   165,272

$    170,984

3.5 %

Total current liabilities

171,988

177,700

3.3 %

       

Other long-term liabilities

96,332

100,643

4.5 %

Deferred income taxes

55,620

54,204

(2.5)%

Minority interest in net assets of consolidated joint ventures

21,757

21,476

(1.3)%

       

Retained earnings

67,757

64,198

(5.3)%

       

Total stockholders' equity

482,838

479,279

(0.7)%

       

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

$1,455,148

$1,459,915

0.3 %

       

Statement of Operations:

Three Months Ended October 31, 2002

 

Previously

As

Percent

 

Reported

Restated

Change

Mountain revenue

$     34,441

$      33,629

(2.4)%

Lodging revenue

40,058

40,601

1.4 %

Total net revenue

113,853

113,584

(0.2)%

   

Mountain operating expense

65,463

64,656

(1.2)%

Lodging operating expense

38,747

39,294

1.4 %

Real estate operating expense

27,531

27,546

0.1 %

Depreciation and amortization

17,985

18,625

3.6 %

Total operating expense

149,726

150,137

0.3 %

   

Loss from operations

(35,873)

(36,553)

(1.9) %

   

Mountain equity investment income

1,061

1,089

(2.6)%

Lodging equity investment loss

(1,311)

(1,306)

0.4 %

Interest income

259

206

(20.5)%

Interest expense

(11,964)

(11,778)

1.6 %

   

Loss before income taxes

(42,720)

(43,218)

(1.2)%

   

Benefit from income taxes

17,900

18,104

1.1 %

   

Net loss

$   (24,820)

$    (25,114)

(1.2)%

3.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Use of Estimates--The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the balance sheet date and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Reclassifications--Certain reclassifications have been made to the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements as of and for the three months ended October 31, 2002 to conform to the current period presentation.

Stock Compensation-- At July 31, 2003, the Company had four stock-based compensation plans. The Company applies Accounting Principles Board ("APB") Opinion No. 25 and related interpretations in accounting for stock-based compensation to employees. Accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized for its fixed stock option plans. Had compensation cost for the Company's four stock-based compensation plans been determined consistent with SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock Based Compensation", the Company's net loss and loss per share would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated below (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

Three months ended October 31,

 

    2003   

    2002   

   

(as restated)

     

Net loss

   
 

As reported

$ (25,403)

$  (25,114)

 

Deduct: total stock based employee compensation expense determined under fair value-based method for all awards, net of related tax effects

          (41)

         (377)

 

Pro forma

$  (25,444)

$  (25,491)

     

Basic net loss per common share

   
 

As reported

$   (0.72)

$    (0.71)

 

Deduct: total stock based employee compensation expense determined under fair value-based method for all awards, net of related tax effects

        0.00

       (0.01)

 

Pro forma

$   (0.72)

$    (0.72)

     

Diluted net loss per common share

   
 

As reported

$   (0.72)

$    (0.71)

 

Deduct: total stock based employee compensation expense determined under fair value-based method for all awards, net of related tax effects

        0.00

       (0.01)

 

Pro forma

$    (0.72)

$    (0.72)

       

New Accounting Pronouncements -- In January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standard Board ("FASB") issued FASB Interpretation ("FIN") No. 46, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an interpretation of ARB 51". This interpretation addresses consolidation by business enterprises of variable interest entities ("VIEs"). This new model for consolidation applies to an entity in which either (1) the equity investors (if any) do not have a controlling financial interest or (2) the equity investment at risk is insufficient to finance that entity's activities without receiving additional subordinated financial support from other parties. The interpretation applies immediately to VIEs created after February 1, 2003, and to VIEs in which the Company obtains an interest after that date. The interpretation was to apply in the first fiscal year or interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. In October 2003, the FASB deferred the implementation date for FIN No. 46 to financial statement s issued for the first period ending after December 15, 2003. This deferral only applies to VIEs that existed prior to February 1, 2003. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the implementation of this interpretation will have on its financial position or results of operations (see Note 8, Variable Interest Entities).

In May 2003, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard ("SFAS") No. 150, "Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity". SFAS No. 150 establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity, and requires that financial instruments within its scope, many of which currently are classified as equity, be classified as liabilities or, in some circumstances, assets. SFAS No. 150 is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise is effective at the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. The FASB issued FASB Staff Position ("FSP") 150-3 on November 7, 2003 to defer the effective date for applying the provisions of SFAS No. 150 for certain mandatorily redeemable non-controlling interests. Implementation of SFAS No. 150 did not have a significant impact on the Company's financial position or res ults of operations.

4.  Net Loss Per Common Share

SFAS No. 128, "Earnings Per Share" ("EPS"), establishes standards for computing and presenting EPS. SFAS No. 128 requires the dual presentation of basic and diluted EPS on the face of the income statement and requires a reconciliation of numerators (net income/loss) and denominators (weighted-average shares outstanding) for both basic and diluted EPS in the footnotes. Basic EPS excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average shares outstanding. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised, resulting in the issuance of common shares that would then share in the earnings of the Company.

 

Three Months Ended October 31,

 

            2003            

 

            2002            

 

   Basic   

 

 Diluted 

 

   Basic   

 

 Diluted 

         

(as restated)

 

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

Net loss per common share:

             

Net loss

$ (25,403)

 

$ (25,403)

 

$(25,114)

 

$(25,114)

               

Weighted-average shares outstanding

35,275

 

35,275

 

35,166

 

35,166

Effect of dilutive securities

           --

 

           --

 

           --

 

           --

Total shares

   35,275

 

   35,275

 

   35,166

 

   35,166

               

Net loss per common share

$    (0.72)

 

$    (0.72)

 

$    (0.71)

 

$    (0.71)

The number of shares issuable on the exercise of common stock options that were excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share because the effect of their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive totaled 2.8 million and 2.6 million as of October 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The shares were anti-dilutive due to the Company's net loss for the applicable periods.

5.  Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt as of October 31, 2003, July 31, 2003 and October 31, 2002 is summarized as follows (in thousands):

     

October 31,

 

July 31,

October 31,

 

 Maturity (b)

 

    2003    

 

    2003    

    2002    

             

Industrial Development Bonds

2004-2020

 

$      61,700

 

$      61,700

$    61,700

Credit Facilities

2006-2009

 

154,415

 

133,860

181,450

Senior Subordinated Notes

2009

 

360,000

 

360,000

360,000

Discount on Senior Subordinated Notes

   

(5,944)

 

(6,142)

(6,711)

Olympus Note (a)

2004

 

--

 

25,000

25,000

Discount on Olympus Note (a)

   

--

 

(656)

(2,069)

Other

2004-2029

 

        10,260

 

        10,389

       9,159

     

580,431

 

584,151

628,529

Less: Current Maturities (c)

   

          3,522

 

        27,931

       3,485

     

$    576,909

 

$    556,220

$  625,044

(a)

In connection with the Company's acquisition of Rancho Mirage in November 2001, the Company entered into a note payable to Olympus Real Estate Partners (the "Olympus Note"). The Olympus Note had a principal amount of $25 million and was scheduled to mature November 15, 2003. The terms did not provide for interest; therefore, the Company imputed an interest rate of 8% per annum, which was recorded as a discount on the Olympus Note and was amortized as interest expense over the life of the Olympus Note. The Company repaid the Olympus Note in full in August 2003.

   

(b)

Maturities are based on the Company's July 31 fiscal year end.

   

(c)

Current maturities represent principal payments due in the next 12 months.

Aggregate maturities for debt outstanding as of October 31, 2003 are as follows (in thousands):

Fiscal 2004

 

$    2,925

Fiscal 2005

 

3,634

Fiscal 2006

 

26,006

Fiscal 2007

 

33,791

Fiscal 2008

 

1,249

Thereafter

 

  512,826

Total debt

 

$580,431

The Company incurred gross interest expense, including interest capitalized, of $13.4 million and $12.4 million for the three months ended October 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The Company was in compliance with all of its financial and operating covenants required to be maintained under its debt instruments for all periods presented. The Company expects it will meet all applicable quarterly financial tests in its debt instruments in fiscal 2004. However, there can be no assurance that the Company will meet its financial covenants. If such covenants are not met, the Company would be required to seek a waiver or amendment from the banks participating in the Credit Facility. While the Company anticipates that it would obtain such waiver or amendment, if any were necessary, there can be no assurance that such waiver or amendment would be granted, which could have a material adverse impact on the liquidity of the Company.

6.  Supplementary Balance Sheet Information (in thousands)

The composition of accounts payable and accrued expenses follows:

 

October 31,

 

July 31,

 

October 31,

 

    2003    

 

    2003    

 

    2002    

         

(as restated)

Trade payables

$     71,836

 

$     53,921

 

$    70,073

Deferred revenue

44,088

 

18,036

 

34,118

Deposits

9,786

 

13,292

 

9,436

Accrued salaries, wages and deferred compensation

12,390

 

19,526

 

15,425

Accrued benefits

18,605

 

19,592

 

10,627

Accrued interest

16,270

 

7,798

 

16,274

Accrued property taxes

9,678

 

7,314

 

8,745

Other accruals

         8,737

 

       12,560

 

        6,286

Total accounts payable and accrued expenses

$     191,390

$    152,039

$     170,984

7.  Investments in Affiliates

The Company held the following investments in equity method affiliates as of October 31, 2003:

Equity Method Investees

 

Ownership Interest

Keystone/Intrawest, LLC ("KRED")

 

50%

Slifer, Smith, and Frampton/Vail Associates Real Estate, LLC ("SSF/VARE")

 

50%

Bachelor Gulch Resorts, LLC ("BG Resort")

 

49%

FFT Investment Partners

 

45%

Eclipse Television & Sports Marketing, LLC

 

20%

Clinton Ditch and Reservoir Company

 

43%

Tenderfoot Seasonal Housing, LLC

 

50%

The Tarnes at BC, LLC

 

31%

BC Housing, LLC

 

26%

Breckenridge Terrace, LLC

 

50%

Avon Partners II, LLC

 

50%

The Company had total net investments in equity method affiliates of $45.4 million and $53.5 million as of October 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Of this balance, as of October 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, $5.8 million and $3.6 million was classified under the caption "Other long-term liabilities", $32.8 million and $37.0 million was classified under the caption "Real estate held for sale and investment" and $18.4 million and $20.1 million was classified under the caption "Other assets" on the accompanying Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets.

The Company issued guarantees related to Tenderfoot Seasonal Housing, LLC, The Tarnes at BC, LLC, BC Housing, LLC and Breckenridge Terrace, LLC. For more information regarding these guarantees, see Note 11, Commitments and Contingencies. The Company's net investment in each of these entities is negative due to accumulated deficits related primarily to depreciation expense; therefore the investments are recorded as liabilities in the accompanying balance sheets.

The Company's carrying amount of the equity method investments in KRED and BG Resort differ from the value of the underlying equity in net assets due to the difference in the book value and fair market value of the land contributed by the Company to the entities. This difference is $1.2 million for KRED and $3.0 million for BG Resort. The Company recognizes these differences in basis as revenue when that land is sold by KRED and BG Resort to third parties.

Condensed financial data for KRED is presented below for the three months ended October 31, 2003 and 2002.

 

For the three months ended October 31,

 

KRED:

2003

 

2002

 

Net revenue

$   6,442

 

$ 1,558

 

Operating income

791

 

(68)

 

Net income (loss)

723

 

(181)

         

 

8.  Variable Interest Entities 

The Company is currently evaluating its investments (primarily the investments in the entities presented in Note 7, Investments in Affiliates, that are accounted for under the equity method) to determine whether these investments meet the definition of VIEs under FIN No. 46. If the Company determines that any of these investments are VIEs, it is reasonably possible that the Company would be determined to be the primary beneficiary as defined in FIN No. 46. If so, the Company would be required to consolidate that entity. In October 2003, the FASB deferred the implementation date for FIN No. 46 to financial statements issued for the first period ending after December 15, 2003. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the implementation of this interpretation will have on its financial statements, and has included related discussions below of entities identified as relevant.

Two entities are the metropolitan districts discussed in Note 11, Commitments and Contingencies. These entities have total assets of $120.2 and total liabilities of $42.8 million as of October 31, 2003. The Company's maximum exposure to loss as a result of its involvement with the metropolitan districts is limited to $41.7 million of letters of credit, which expire October 2004, issued against the Company's Credit Facility backing $39.9 million of variable rate revenue bonds issued by the districts and the Company's subsidization of the interest payments required related to the debt. The Company expects that the letters of credit would be renewed upon expiration to the extent that the variable rate revenue bonds are outstanding at that time.

Four entities are the employee housing joint ventures discussed in Note 11, Commitments and Contingencies. These entities had total assets of $48.2 million as of October 31, 2003. The Company's maximum exposure to loss as a result of its involvement with the employee housing joint ventures is limited to a) the Company's initial equity investments of $2,000 and b) its guarantee of debt through $38.3 million of letters of credit, issued against the Company's Credit Facility backing $37.8 million of Tranche A Housing Bonds. The Company also guarantees debt service of $13.3 million on the Tranche B Housing Bonds.

One entity is a joint venture involved in the construction and operations of the Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch. The entity had total assets of approximately $95 million and total liabilities of approximately $74 million as of October 31, 2003. The Company's maximum exposure to loss as a result of its involvement with the entity is limited to its initial equity investment of $6.7 million and $4.5 million in long-term loans.

One entity is a joint venture that owns commercial space. The Company currently leases substantially all of that space for its corporate headquarters. The entity had total assets of $4.5 million and no debt as of October 31, 2003. The Company's maximum exposure to loss as a result of its involvement with the entity is limited to its initial equity investment of $2.5 million.

One entity invests in a home in Eagle County, Colorado. The entity had total assets of $5.5 million and no debt as of October 31, 2003. The Company's maximum exposure to loss as a result of its involvement with the entity is limited to its initial equity investment of $2.5 million.

One entity is a joint venture involved in the construction and operations of a reservoir to provide for the Company's snowmaking needs in Summit County, Colorado. The entity had total assets of $9.5 million and no debt as of September 30, 2003. The Company's maximum exposure to loss as a result of its involvement with the entity is limited to the Company's initial equity investment of $2.9 million.

9. Put and Call Options

In November 2001, the Company entered into a written put option in conjunction with its purchase of an interest in RockResorts. The minority shareholder in RockResorts has the option to put to the Company its equity interest in RockResorts at a price based on management fees generated by certain properties under RockResorts management on a trailing twelve month basis. The put option can be exercised between October 1, 2004 and September 30, 2005. The Company has determined that this written put option should be marked to fair value through earnings each period. For the three months ended October 31, 2003, the Company recorded a loss of $675,000 representing the increase in fair value of the option from July 31, 2003 to October 31, 2003; there was no change in fair value of the option during the three months ended October 31, 2002.

In March 2001, in connection with the Company's acquisition of a 51% ownership interest in RTP, LLC ("RTP"), the Company and RTP's minority shareholder entered into a put agreement whereby the minority shareholder can put up to 33% of its interest in RTP to the Company during the period August 1 through October 31 annually. The put price is determined primarily by the trailing twelve month EBITDA (as defined in the underlying agreement) for the period ending prior to the beginning of each put period. The Company has determined that this put option should be marked to fair value through earnings; however, there was no impact on earnings related to this put option for the three months ended October 31, 2003 or 2002. In November 2003, the Company and the minority shareholders of RTP agreed to extend the current year put period until December 6, 2003. In December 2003, the Company was notified by the minority shareholder in RTP that the put option was being exercised for approximately 2.2% of the minority shareholder's total 49% ownership interest, for a put price of approximately $40,000.

In June 2003, in connection with the amended and restated SSV operating agreement, the following put and call rights were created: a) the minority shareholder, GSSI LLC ("GSSI"), shall have the right to put up to 20% of its ownership interests in SSV to the Company at any time during the period between November 1, 2003 and November 10, 2003 (the "November Option"); b) beginning August 1, 2007 and each year thereafter, each of the Company and GSSI shall have the right to call or put 100% of GSSI's ownership interest in SSV during certain periods each year; c) GSSI has the right to put to the Company 100% of its ownership interest in SSV at any time after GSSI has been removed as manager of SSV or an involuntary transfer of the Company's ownership interest in SSV has occurred. In November 2003, the Company and GSSI agreed to extend the November Option to the same period in fiscal 2004. The put and call pricing is generally based on SSV's trailing twelve month EBITDA, as defined in the operating agreement. The Company has determined that this written put option should be marked to fair value through earnings each period. For the three months ended October 31, 2003, the Company recorded a gain of $65,000 representing the decrease in fair value of the option from July 31, 2003 to October 31, 2003.

10.  Related Party Transactions

In connection with the employment of Jeffrey W. Jones as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of VRDC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, VRDC agreed to invest up to $650,000, but not to exceed 50% of the purchase price, for the purchase of a residence for Mr. Jones and his family in Eagle County, Colorado. In September 2003, the Company contributed $650,000 toward the purchase price of the residence and thereby obtained a 46.1% undivided ownership interest in such residence. Upon the resale of the residence, or within approximately 18 months of the termination of Mr. Jones' employment with VRDC, whichever is earlier, VRDC is entitled to receive its proportionate share of the resale price of the residence, less certain deductions. Mr. Jones was also appointed Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company in November 2003.

11.  Commitments and Contingencies

The Bachelor Gulch and Red Sky Ranch developments created by VRDC utilize a "dual-district" structure to finance and provide municipal services to the property owners within each development. For Bachelor Gulch, Smith Creek Metropolitan District ("SCMD") is the service district and Bachelor Gulch Metropolitan District ("BGMD") is the financing district; similarly, for Red Sky Ranch, Holland Creek Metropolitan District ("HCMD") is the service district and Red Sky Ranch Metropolitan District ("RSRMD") is the financing district.

Each of the districts is a quasi-municipal corporation and political subdivision of the State of Colorado. The operations of the districts are governed by intergovernmental agreements sanctioned by the state that were entered into at the time the districts were formed. Day-to-day operations are overseen by a board of directors for each district. Board members are public officials of the state and are elected through a state-mandated election process. The property owners within each district comprise the electorate. The Company and its designated employees are the sole property owners within both SCMD and HCMD. BGMD and RSRMD consist of the general home and property owners within the Bachelor Gulch and Red Sky Ranch developments.

The SCMD and HCMD service districts own, operate and maintain the municipal facilities and the BGMD and RSRMD financing districts are responsible for the payment of the costs related to the construction, operation and maintenance of the facilities. SCMD and HCMD have little or no assessed valuation within their boundaries from which general obligation ("GO") bonds could be paid, whereas virtually all of the assessed valuation of property to be developed is within the boundaries of BGMD and RSRMD. SCMD and HCMD have outstanding variable rate revenue bonds in the amount of $26.9 million and $12 million, respectively, the funds of which were used to finance the construction of facilities. The bonds have been credit-enhanced by letters of credit issued against the Company's Credit Facility in the amount of $28.5 million for the SCMD bonds and $12.1 million for the HCMD bonds. The debt service requirements of the bonds are to be paid by payments from BGMD and RSRMD. BGMD and RSRMD generate funds for the p ayment of the debt service requirement through the assessment of ad valorem property taxes to property owners within the districts. In addition, as the assessed value of the property within the financing district grows, BGMD and RSRMD have the ability to issue GO or revenue bonds to capture the tax value of increases in the tax base within the financing district, the proceeds of which will be used to retire the GO bonds issued by the service district.

However, it may take a number of years for the assessed values on property within BGMD and RSRMD to generate the revenues and tax base necessary to fund the debt service requirements of SCMD and HCMD or to issue bonds to retire the service districts bonds. As a result, VRDC has agreed to pay "capital improvement fees" to BGMD and RSRMD, which are passed through to SCMD and HCMD for purposes of fulfilling the debt service obligations on the bonds. Capital improvement fees are required to be paid only to the extent that funds are necessary to make debt service payments; therefore as BGMD and RSRMD issue bonds to retire the SCMD and HCMD bonds, VRDC's obligation to pay capital improvement fees will diminish. It is anticipated that, in less than 25 to 30 years, the assessed values within BGMD and RSRMD will ultimately be sufficient to fully retire the SCMD and HCMD bonds, and BGMD has issued GO bonds that were used to reduce a portion of the original outstanding principal of the SCMD bonds. The Company be lieves that BGMD currently has the financial capability to issue incremental GO bonds which could be used to replace some or all of the SCMD bonds outstanding.

The Company has recorded a liability, primarily within "Other long-term liabilities", for the present value of the estimated future capital improvement fees it will be required to make under its agreements with BGMD and RSRMD. The Company recorded liabilities of $15.1 million and $14.8 million at October 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, to the estimated present value of future BGMD capital improvement fees, and $1.9 million at October 31, 2003 and 2002 with respect to the estimated present value of future RSRMD capital improvement fees. The Company has not recorded a liability in the accompanying Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets with respect to the letters of credit issued against the Credit Facility with respect to the SCMD and HCMD bonds.

The Company has ownership interests in four entities (BC Housing, LLC, The Tarnes at BC, LLC, Tenderfoot Seasonal Housing, LLC and Breckenridge Terrace, LLC) which were formed to construct, own and operate employee housing facilities in exchange for rent payments from tenants in and around Beaver Creek, Keystone and Breckenridge. The Company's ownership interest in each entity ranges from 26% to 50%. The Company accounts for each of these investments under the equity method, thereby absorbing up to 100% of these entities' losses. Each entity has issued interest-only taxable bonds with weekly low-floater rates tied to LIBOR (the "Housing Bonds") in two series, Tranche A and Tranche B. The Housing Bonds mature between 2027 and 2039. The Tranche A Housing Bonds have principal amounts which range from $5.7 million to $15 million ($37.8 million in aggregate), enhanced with letters of credit issued against the Company's Credit Facility in amounts ranging from $5.8 million to $15.2 million ($38.3 million in aggregate). The letters of credit were issued by the Company to facilitate the housing entities' ability to obtain external financing. Those letters of credit expire October 31, 2004 (the Company anticipates these debt service agreements will be renewed). The Tranche B Housing Bonds range in principal amount from $1.5 million to $5.9 million ($14.8 million in aggregate) and are collateralized by the assets of the entities. The Company also guarantees debt service of $13.3 million on the Tranche B Housing Bonds; $7.4 million of these guarantees expire May 1, 2004 and $5.9 million expire June 1, 2005. The proceeds of the Housing Bonds were used to construct the housing facilities. The letters of credit or guarantees would be triggered in the event that one of the entities defaults on required Tranche A payments. The guarantees would be triggered in the event that one of the entities defaults on required Tranche B debt service payments. Neither the letters of credit or guarantees have default provision s. The housing facilities (except Breckenridge Terrace, LLC) are located on land owned by the Company which is leased to each respective entity. The Company has the right to rent a certain percentage of the units in the housing facilities to provide seasonal housing for its employees. The following table presents rent expense incurred by the Company with the four entities for the three months ending October 31, 2003 and 2002 (in thousands):

   

Gross Rent

 

Sub-lease Rent

 

Net Rent

Three Months Ended

 

Paid

 

Received

 

Expense

             

October 31, 2003

 

$         --

 

$           --

 

$       --

October 31, 2002

 

$  1,585

 

$    (674)

 

$   911

As of October 31, 2003, the Company had various other letters of credit outstanding, primarily related to construction guarantees and a $4.2 million letter of credit issued in support of the SSV facility, in the aggregate amount of $12.3 million.

In addition to the guarantees noted above, the Company has entered into contracts in the normal course of business which include certain indemnifications within the scope of FIN No. 45 under which it could be required to make payments to third parties upon the occurrence or non-occurrence of certain future events. These indemnities primarily include indemnities to licensees in connection with the licensees' use of the Company's trademarks and logos, indemnities for liabilities associated with the infringement of other parties' technology based upon the Company's software products and indemnities related to liabilities associated with the use of easements. The duration of these indemnities generally is indefinite. In addition, the Company indemnifies BG Resort's lenders and partners against losses, damages, expenses or claims that may arise under any hazardous materials law related to the land contributed by the Company to BG Resort; this indemnification does not limit the future payments the Company co uld be obligated to make. The Company guarantees the revenue streams associated with selected routes flown by certain airlines into Eagle County Regional Airport; these guarantees are generally capped at certain levels. As of October 31, 2003 the Company recorded a liability related to the airline guarantees of $2.4 million. Other than the airline guarantees, the Company has not recorded a liability for the letters of credit, indemnities and other guarantees noted above in the accompanying financial statements, either because the guarantee or indemnification existed prior to January 1, 2003 and is therefore not subject to the measurement requirements of FIN No. 45, or because the Company has calculated the fair value of the indemnification or guarantee to be de minimus based upon the current facts and circumstances that would trigger a payment under the indemnification clause.

As noted above, the Company makes certain indemnifications to licensees in connection with their use of the Company's trademarks and logos. The Company does not record any product warranty liability with respect to these indemnifications.

As permitted under Delaware law, the Company indemnifies its directors and officers over their lifetimes for certain events or occurrences while the officer or director is, or was serving, the Company in such a capacity. The maximum potential amount of future payments the Company could be required to make under these indemnification agreements is unlimited; however, the Company has a director and officer insurance policy that limits exposure and should enable the Company to recover a portion of any future amounts paid. As a result of the insurance coverage, the Company believes the estimated fair value of these indemnification agreements to be de minimus. All of these indemnification agreements were in effect prior to January 1, 2003 and therefore the Company does not have a liability recorded for these agreements as of October 31, 2003.

In the ordinary course of obtaining necessary zoning and other approvals for the Company's potential real estate development projects, the Company may contingently commit to the completion of certain infrastructure, improvements and other costs related to the projects. Fulfillment of such commitments is required only if the Company moves forward with the development project. The determination of whether the Company ultimately completes a development project is entirely at the Company's discretion, and is generally contingent upon, among other considerations, receipt of satisfactory zoning and other approvals and the current status of the Company's analysis of the economic viability of the project, including the costs associated with the contingent commitments. The Company currently has obligations, recorded as liabilities in the accompanying balance sheets, to complete or fund certain improvements with respect to its Red Sky Ranch and Beaver Creek Village developments; the Company has estimated the tot al cost of these existing obligations to be less than $5 million, and anticipates completion within the next five years.

The Company has contracted to purchase, at completion, approximately 10,500 square feet of commercial space in Avon, Colorado. The purchase price, which approximates the developer's cost to construct the space, is estimated at $3 million. The project is expected to be completed during fiscal 2004. In addition, the Company is required to complete certain improvements to assets owned by the Company, which the Company has estimated will cost approximately $1.2 million and are expected to be completed within the next 12 to 18 months.

The Company is aware of water intrusion and condensation problems causing mold damage in the employee housing facility owned by Breckenridge Terrace, LLC (a 50%-owned employee housing joint venture discussed above; "Terrace"). As a result, the facility will not be available for occupancy this ski season. Forensic analysis of the mold situation is in process and Terrace is evaluating the appropriate repair, remediation and other actions that may be necessary in the future. Further, at this time, the Company is unable to predict with any certainty the cause of the problem as well as the nature, extent or cost of such repair work to the facility, including cost to the Company, or when the buildings would again be available for occupancy, or whether the matter could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position or results of operations.

The Company is self-insured for medical and workers' compensation under a stop loss arrangement. The self-insurance liability related to workers' compensation is determined actuarially based on claims filed. The self-insurance liability related to medical claims includes an estimate for claims incurred but not yet reported based on the time lag between when a claim is incurred and when the claim is paid by the Company. The amounts related to these claims are included as a component of accounts payable and accrued expenses as detailed in Note 6, Supplementary Balance Sheet Information. While the ultimate amount of claims incurred is dependent on future developments, reserves are adequate in management's opinion to cover the future payment of claims. However, it is reasonably possible that recorded reserves may not be adequate to cover the future payment of claims. Adjustments, if any, to estimates recorded from ultimate claims payments will be reflected in operations in the period in which such adjus tments are known.

The Company has executed as lessee operating leases for the rental of office space, employee residential units and office equipment through fiscal 2008. Certain of these leases have renewal terms at the Company's option and/or escalation clauses (primarily based on CPI). For the three months ended October 31, 2003 and 2002, the Company recorded lease expense related to these agreements of $4.5 million and $4.0 million, respectively, which is included in the accompanying consolidated condensed statements of operations.

Future minimum lease payments under these leases as of October 31, 2003 are as follows (in thousands):

Fiscal 2004

$   6,769

Fiscal 2005

7,967

Fiscal 2006

7,078

Fiscal 2007

6,316

Fiscal 2008

5,583

Thereafter

   18,688

Total

$ 52,401

The Company is a party to various lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business. Except for the uncertainty surrounding the Wyoming cases described below, management believes the Company has adequate insurance coverage and accrued loss contingencies for all matters and that, although the ultimate outcome of such claims cannot be ascertained, current pending and threatened claims are not expected to have a material adverse impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In October 2003, the Company and the United States of America, on behalf of the Environmental Protection Agency Region VIII ("EPA"), entered into a Consent Decree to settle the alleged violation of the Clean Water Act in 1999 by the Company in connection with the road construction undertaken by the Company as part of the Blue Sky Basin expansion at the Vail ski area. As previously disclosed in earlier filings, in 1999 the EPA alleged that the road construction involved discharges of fill material into less than one acre of wetlands without a permit in violation of the Clean Water Act. The Company has completed the restoration work on the wetland impact (subject to continuing monitoring and restoration work over the next several years) pursuant to the restoration plan approved by the EPA.

The Consent Decree (along with the Amended and Restated Restoration Plan, which is part of the Consent Decree) was lodged on October 17, 2003, with the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado in Denver. The Consent Decree constitutes a full and final settlement of the United States' claims under the Clean Water Act regarding the matter. After a 30-day public comment period, the EPA must either file a motion with the Court for the Court to approve the Consent Decree or file a motion to withdraw it. There is no statutory deadline for the Court to act in entering the Consent Decree. Under the terms of the proposed Consent Decree, upon entry by the Court of the Consent Decree, the Company would pay a civil fine of $80,100 for the alleged wetland violation and would agree to certain stipulated monetary penalties for any future violations of the Clean Water Act at the Vail ski area or other non-compliance with the Consent Decree.

The Company cannot guarantee whether or when the Court will enter the proposed Consent Decree. However, based on the facts and circumstances of the matter, the Company does not anticipate that the ultimate outcome will have a material adverse impact on its financial position or results of operation.

As disclosed in previous filings, four subsidiaries of the Company (JHL&S, LLC d/b/a/ Snake River Lodge & Spa, Teton Hospitality Services, Inc., Grand Teton Lodge Company ("GTLC") and Vail Resorts Development Company) were named as defendants in two related lawsuits filed in the United States District Court for the District of Wyoming (Case No. 02-CV-17J, 02-CV-16J) in July 2002. The Snake River Lodge & Spa is 51% owned by Teton Hospitality Services, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, such ownership interest having been acquired in December 2000.

The case arises out of an August 2, 2001 carbon monoxide accident in a hotel room at the Snake River Lodge & Spa in Teton Village, Wyoming, resulting in the death of a doctor from North Carolina and injuries to his wife. One lawsuit is a wrongful death action on behalf of the estate of the deceased; the other is a personal injury action on the part of his wife, including alleged brain damage.

The complaints allege negligence on the part of each defendant and seek damages, including punitive damages, in amounts to be proven at trial. In June 2003, the Company-related defendants filed a motion seeking partial summary judgment to dismiss both plaintiffs' claims against them for punitive damages. On November 6, 2003, the District Court denied that motion, and stated that the Court would reconsider the motion at the close of the plaintiffs' case. On December 11, 2003, the District Court granted the motions of Vail Resorts Development Company and Teton Hospitality Services, Inc. but denied the motions of GTLC and JHL&S, LLC, allowing the jury to decide whether any punitive damages should be awarded against GTLC or JHL&S, LLC. Settlement discussions to date have failed to settle the case.

The two cases have been consolidated. Trial of the cases began November 17, 2003 and verdicts are expected by mid-December 2003. The Company anticipates that any damages arising out of the accident paid by the Company, excepting any amounts attributable to punitive damages, would be substantially or entirely covered by insurance carried by the Company. The Company's applicable insurance policies exclude coverage for punitive damages.

The punitive damage claims involve allegations of willful and wanton misconduct on the part of GTLC and JHL&S, LLC. The Company believes that the acts or omissions of GTLC and JHL&S, LLC relevant to the matter do not involve the requisite intent or state of mind to support an award of punitive damages under Wyoming law. However, there can be no way to predict whether a jury would award punitive damages and, if so, in what amount.

The Company therefore is unable to predict the outcome of either of the cases at this time and consequently is unable to conclude whether the outcome may be material to the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Given this unpredictability, the Company has not taken any financial reserve for an unpredictable outcome. However, any award of punitive damages against either GTLC or JHL&S, LLC could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In October 2002, after voluntary consultation with the SEC staff on the appropriate accounting, the Company restated and reissued its historical financial statements for fiscal 1999-2001, reflecting a revision in the accounting treatment for recognizing revenue on initiation fees related to the sale of memberships in private clubs. As previously announced, the Company engaged its new auditors to do a complete re-audit of the years 1999-2001 and filed an amended 10-K for fiscal year 2001 reflecting all adjustments made as a result of the re-audit, in addition to the revision in accounting for the club fees. In February 2003, the SEC informed the Company that it had issued a formal order of investigation with respect to the Company. At that time, the inquiry related to the Company's previous accounting treatment for the private club initiation fees.

In October 2003, the SEC issued a subpoena to the Company to produce documents related to several matters, including the sale of memberships in private clubs. In November 2003, the SEC issued an additional subpoena to the Company to produce documents related primarily to the restated items included in the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2003. The Company is fully cooperating with the SEC in its investigation.

12. Workforce Reduction

In October 2002, the Company's president, Andy Daly, ceased to be an employee of the Company. The Company recorded $1.3 million of compensation expense in its first fiscal quarter of 2003 in relation to Mr. Daly's severance agreement. As of October 31, 2003, accrued severance charges of $453,000 related to this agreement remain on the Company's Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheet.

In July 2003, the Company announced the restructuring of its sales and marketing focus and organization. Due to the growing number of resorts outside of Colorado, including Heavenly Resort, the Grand Teton Lodge Company, seven RockResorts luxury resort hotels, and the location of RockResorts and Vail Resorts Lodging Company corporate offices in Denver, the Company decentralized most of its sales and marketing functions. The workforce reduction included the termination of 3 employees effective July 31, 2003 resulting in severance expense of approximately $500,000 including an incremental amount of associated benefits burden. As of October 31, 2003, approximately $55,000 of the severance had been paid, leaving approximately $450,000 on the Company's Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheet. The Company will pay the full amount of the severance during fiscal 2004.

13. Non-Cash Deferred Compensation

Pursuant to the employment agreement of Adam Aron, the Company's Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, entered into in May 2001 and the amendment thereto entered into in July 2003, Mr. Aron became fully vested in the following components of non-cash compensation as of August 3, 2003:

  • a one-time bonus of $600,000 which Mr. Aron is required to use to purchase a Red Sky Ranch homesite and related Red Sky Golf Club membership from the Company for a purchase price of $600,000,
  • a one-time bonus of $1,500,000 which Mr. Aron is required to use to purchase the Beaver Creek property in which Mr. Aron currently resides and related Beaver Creek Club membership from the Company for a purchase price of $1,500,000, and
  • a one-time bonus of $659,750 which Mr. Aron is required to use to purchase a Bachelor Gulch homesite and related Bachelor Gulch Club and Red Sky Golf Club memberships.

Mr. Aron took title to the Red Sky Ranch and Bachelor Gulch properties and related memberships in August 2003; the Company recognized a net gain of $1.8 million related to the transfer of these properties in the quarter ended October 31, 2003. He is scheduled to take title to the Beaver Creek residence and related membership in December 2003, at which time the Company will recognize a net gain of approximately $816,000 related to the transfer of that property.

In March 2001, the Compensation Committee of the Company's Board of Directors granted Jim Thompson, President of VRDC, a one-time bonus in the amount of $600,000 which Mr. Thompson was required to use to purchase a Red Sky Ranch homesite and related Red Sky Golf Club membership from the Company for a purchase price of $600,000; Mr. Thompson vested in this bonus as of July 1, 2003. Mr. Thompson took title to the property and related membership in October 2003. As such, the Company recorded a net gain of approximately $150,000 related to the transfer of the real property in the quarter ended October 31, 2003.

The $1.8 million and $150,000 net gains related to the transfer of real property to Messrs. Aron and Thompson, respectively, are recorded in the accompanying Consolidated Condensed Income Statement for the three months ended October 31, 2003 on the line item entitled "Gain on transfer of property".

14.  Guarantor Subsidiaries and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries

The Company's payment obligations under the 8.75% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2009 (see Note 5, Long-Term Debt) are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several, senior subordinated basis by substantially all of the Company's consolidated subsidiaries (collectively, and excluding Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries (as defined below), the "Guarantor Subsidiaries") except for Boulder/Beaver LLC, Colter Bay Corporation, Eagle Park Reservoir Company, Forest Ridge Holdings, Inc., Gros Ventre Utility Company, Jackson Lake Lodge Corporation, Jenny Lake Lodge, Inc., Mountain Thunder, Inc., Resort Technology Partners, LLC, RT Partners, Inc., SSV, Vail Associates Investments, Inc., and VR Holdings, Inc. (together, the "Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries").

Presented below is the consolidated condensed financial information of Vail Resorts, Inc. (the "Parent Company"), the Guarantor Subsidiaries and the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries. Financial information for Larkspur Restaurant & Bar, LLC ("Larkspur"), RockResorts and JHL&S, LLC ("JHL&S") are presented separately as the Company owns less than 100% of these Guarantor Subsidiaries. Financial information for the Non-Guarantor subsidiaries is presented in the column titled "Other Subsidiaries". Balance sheet data is presented as of October 31, 2003, July 31, 2003 and October 31, 2002. Statement of operations and statement of cash flows data are presented for the three months ended October 31, 2003 and 2002.

Investments in subsidiaries are accounted for by the Parent Company and Guarantor Subsidiaries using the equity method of accounting. Net income of Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries is, therefore, reflected in the Parent Company's and Guarantor Subsidiaries' investments in and advances to (from) subsidiaries. Net income of the Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries is reflected in Guarantor Subsidiaries and Parent Company as equity in consolidated subsidiaries. The elimination entries eliminate investments in Other Subsidiaries and intercompany balances and transactions for consolidated reporting purposes.

 

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

As of October 31, 2003

(in thousands of dollars)

Parent Company

100% Owned Guarantor Subsidiaries

JHL&S

RockResorts

Larkspur

Other Subsidiaries

Eliminating Entries

Consolidated

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

--

17,010

36

5

20

1,454

--

18,525

Receivables, net

(7,102)

38,445

612

(447)

83

3,349

--

34,940

Inventories, net

--

6,970

79

--

134

34,637

--

41,820

Other current assets

10,129

13,467

233

253

37

1,693

--

25,812

Total current assets

3,027

75,892

960

(189)

274

41,133

--

121,097

Property, plant and equipment, net

--

885,263

28,718

86

662

19,560

--

934,289

Real estate held for sale and investment

--

114,670

--

900

--

--

--

115,570

Other assets

7,834

29,853

9

--

--

8,209

--

45,905

Other intangibles, net

--

183,776

1,960

12,133

--

34,774

--

232,643

Investments in subsidiaries and advances to (from) parent

835,214

(44,996)

(19,618)

(491)

(289)

(180)

(769,640)

--

Total assets

846,075

1,244,458

12,029

12,439

647

103,496

(769,640)

1,449,504

Current liabilities:

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

20,480

141,764

1,073

822

100

27,151

--

191,390

Long-term debt due within one year

--

2,379

--

--

--

1,143

--

3,522

Total current liabilities

20,480

144,143

1,073

822

100

28,294

--

194,912

Long-term debt

354,057

190,670

--

--

--

32,182

--

576,909

Other long-term liabilities

629

115,731

--

100

--

319

--

116,779

Deferred income taxes

--

58,990

--

1,125

--

712

--

60,827

Put options

--

2,432

--

--

--

--

--

2,432

Minority interest in net assets of consolidated joint ventures

--

(1,922)

5,368

3,231

100

19,959

--

26,736

Total stockholders' equity

470,909

734,414

5,588

7,161

447

22,030

(769,640)

470,909

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

846,075

1,244,458

12,029

12,439

647

103,496

(769,640)

1,449,504

 

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

As of July 31, 2003

(in thousands of dollars)

Parent Company

100% Owned Guarantor Subsidiaries

JHL&S

RockResorts

Larkspur

Other Subsidiaries

Eliminating Entries

Consolidated

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

--

16,566

399

--

117

1,858

--

18,940

Receivables, net

--

33,192

542

352

56

3,688

--

37,830

Taxes receivable

--

11,918

--

--

--

--

--

11,918

Inventories, net

--

8,077

77

--

145

23,457

--

31,756

Other current assets

10,442

4,777

91

--

3

1,238

--

16,551

Total current assets

10,442

74,530

1,109

352

321

30,241

--

116,995

Property, plant and equipment, net

--

882,412

29,012

99

697

20,031

--

932,251

Real estate held for sale and investment

--

111,663

--

900

--

10,660

--

123,223

Other assets

8,186

33,132

9

--

--

8,185

--

49,512

Goodwill, net

--

125,810

1,960

531

--

16,748

--

145,049

Other intangibles, net

--

61,077

--

9,148

--

18,187

--

88,412

Investments in subsidiaries and advances to (from) parent

844,564

(5,915)

(19,189)

  (609)

(137)

(16,271)

(802,443)

--

Total assets

863,192

  1,282,709

  12,901

  10,421

881

87,781

(802,443)

  1,455,442

Current liabilities:

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

12,459

121,866

1,491

31

184

16,008

--

152,039

Long-term debt due within one year

--

26,659

--

--

--

1,272

--

27,931

Total current liabilities

12,459

148,525

1,491

31

184

17,280

--

179,970

Long-term debt

353,858

174,484

--

--

--

27,878

--

556,220

Other long-term liabilities

629

112,161

--

107

--

320

--

113,217

Deferred income taxes

--

78,055

--

--

--

753

--

78,808

Put options

--

1,822

--

--

--

--

--

1,822

Minority interest in net assets of consolidated joint ventures

--

386

5,591

3,191

100

19,891

--

29,159

Total stockholders' equity

496,246

767,276

  5,819

7,092

597

21,659

(802,443)

496,246

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

  863,192

1,282,709

 12,901

10,421

881

87,781

(802,443)

1,455,442

 

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

As of October 31, 2002

(as restated)

(in thousands of dollars)

Parent Company

100% Owned Guarantor Subsidiaries

JHL&S

RockResorts

Larkspur

Other Subsidiaries

Eliminating Entries

Consolidated

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

--

23,242

1

--

51

1,871

--

25,165

Receivables, net

--

33,568

1,713

1,989

49

1,814

--

39,133

Inventories, net

--

10,916

55

--

134

29,984

--

41,089

Other current assets

1,138

21,684

103

--

3

1,515

--

24,443

Total current assets

1,138

89,410

1,872

1,989

237

35,184

--

129,830

Property, plant and equipment, net

1

870,576

30,404

--

813

15,906

--

917,700

Real estate held for sale and investment

--

168,097

--

900

--

(16,237)

--

152,760

Other assets

9,101

33,279

--

48

--

613

--

43,041

Intangible assets, net

(10,188)

194,673

2,077

10,374

--

19,648

--

216,584

Investments in subsidiaries and advances to (from) parent

852,182

(103,551)

(17,347)

--

(316)

15,682

(746,650)

--

Total assets

852,234

1,252,484

17,006

13,311

734

70,796

(746,650)

1,459,915

Current liabilities:

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

15,619

127,465

992

2,418

83

24,407

--

170,984

Income taxes payable

3,231

--

--

--

--

--

--

3,231

Long-term debt due within one year

--

1,485

1,000

--

--

1,000

--

3,485

Total current liabilities

18,850

128,950

1,992

2,418

83

25,407

--

177,700

Long-term debt

353,289

254,305

--

--

--

17,450

--

625,044

Other long-term liabilities

816

99,827

--

--

--

--

--

100,643

Deferred income taxes

--

52,561

--

--

--

1,643

--

54,204

Put options

--

1,569

--

--

--

--

--

1,569

Minority interest in net assets of consolidated joint ventures

--

7,096

7,357

3,231

100

3,692

--

21,476

Total stockholders' equity

479,279

708,176

7,657

7,662

551

22,604

(746,650)

479,279

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

852,234

1,252,484

17,006

13,311

734

70,796

(746,650)

1,459,915

 

 

 

 

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

For the three months ended October 31, 2003

(in thousands of dollars)

Parent Company

Guarantor Subsidiaries

JHL&S

RockResorts

Larkspur

Other Subsidiaries

Eliminating Entries

Consolidated

Total revenues

--

23,708

2,400

2,056

360

49,654

25,445

103,623

Total operating expenses

2,561

67,333

2,666

1,899

506

33,609

25,445

134,019

Income from operations

(2,561)

(43,625)

(266)

157

(146)

16,045

--

(30,396)

Other income (expense)

(8,495)

(3,953)

(187)

--

(4)

(204)

--

(12,843)

Equity investment income

--

(1,555)

--

--

--

--

--

(1,555)

Gain (loss) on investments

--

(610)

--

--

--

--

--

(610)

Minority interest in net income of consolidated joint ventures

--

(10)

222

--

--

1,878

--

2,091

Income (loss) before income taxes

(11,056)

(49,753)

(231)

157

(150)

17,720

--

(43,313)

Benefit (provision) for income taxes

4,572

20,733

--

--

--

(7,395)

--

17,910

Net income (loss) before equity in income of consolidated subsidiaries

(6,484)

(29,020)

(231)

157

(150)

10,325

--

(25,403)

Equity in income of consolidated subsidiaries

(18,919)

10,101

--

--

--

--

8,818

--

Net income (loss)

(25,403)

(18,919)

(231)

157

(150)

10,325

8,818

(25,403)

 

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

For the three months ended October 31, 2002

(as restated)

(in thousands of dollars)

Parent Company

Guarantor Subsidiaries

JHL&S

RockResorts

Larkspur

Other Subsidiaries

Eliminating Entries

Consolidated

Total revenues

--

53,180

2,221

1,847

335

55,714

287

113,584

Total operating expenses

3,520

97,303

2,288

1,255

532

44,952

287

150,137

Income from operations

(3,520)

(44,123)

(67)

592

(197)

10,762

--

(36,553)

Other income (expense)

(8,357)

(2,721)

(291)

--

(4)

(169)

--

(11,542)

Equity investment income

--

2,853

--

--

--

--

--

2,853

Minority interest in net income of consolidated joint ventures

--

--

175

--

--

1,849

--

2,024

Income (loss) before income taxes

(11,877)

(43,991)

(183)

592

(201)

12,442

--

(43,218)

Benefit (provision) for income taxes

4,976

19,255

--

--

--

(6,127)

--

18,104

Net income (loss) before equity in income of consolidated subsidiaries

(6,901)

(24,736)

(183)

592

(201)

6,315

--

(25,114)

Equity in income of consolidated subsidiaries

(18,212)

6,523

--

--

--

--

11,689

--

Net income (loss)

(25,114)

(18,213)

(183)

592

(201)

6,315

11,689

(25,114)

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

For the three months ended October 31, 2003

(in thousands of dollars)

Parent Company

100% Owned Guarantor Subsidiaries

JHL&S

RockResorts

Larkspur

Other Subsidiaries

Eliminating Entries

Consolidated

Cash flows from operating activities

(14,941)

41,616

(688)

5,028

(249)

(5,181)

--

25,585

Cash flows from investing activities:

Resort capital expenditures

--

(19,250)

(102)

(1,153)

--

(391)

--

(20,896)

Investments in real estate

--

(7,499)

--

--

--

5,976

--

(1,523)

Other investing activities

--

1,351

--

--

--

--

--

1,351

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

--

(25,398)

(102)

(1,153)

--

5,585

--

(21,068)

Cash flows from financing activities:

Proceeds from borrowings under long-term debt

--

74,104

--

--

--

5,986

--

80,090

Payments on long-term debt

--

(84,688)

--

--

--

--

--

(84,688)

Advances to (from) affiliates

14,941

(5,507)

427

(3,870)

152

(6,143)

--

Other financing activities

--

305

--

--

--

(639)

--

(334)

Net cash provided by financing activities

14,941

(15,786)

427

(3,870)

152

(796)

--

(4,932)

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

--

432

(363)

5

(97)

(392)

--

(415)

Cash and cash equivalents:

Beginning of period

--

16,578

399

--

117

1,846

--

18,940

End of period

--

17,010

36

5

20

1,454

--

18,525

 

 

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

For the three months ended October 31, 2002

(in thousands of dollars)

Parent Company

100% Owned Guarantor Subsidiaries

JHL&S

RockResorts

Larkspur

Other Subsidiaries

Eliminating Entries

Consolidated

Cash flows from operating activities

(35,250)

54,082

(1,104)

--

(178)

(3,678)

--

13,872

Cash flows from investing activities:

Resort capital expenditures

--

(21,283)

(662)

--

(20)

(1,570)

--

(23,535)

Investments in real estate

--

(14,935)

--

--

--

--

--

(14,935)

Other investing activities

--

(1,090)

--

--

--

--

--

(1,090)

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

--

(37,308)

(662)

-

(20)

(1,570)

--

(39,560)

Cash flows from financing activities:

Other financing activities

35,250

(37,160)

1,643

-

194

(109)

--

(182)

Proceeds from borrowings under long-term debt

--

67,350

--

-

--

4,550

--

71,900

Payments on long-term debt

--

(46,830)

--

--

--

--

--

(46,830)

Net cash provided by financing activities

35,250

(16,640)

1,643

--

194

4,441

--

24,888

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

--

134

(123)

--

(4)

(807)

--

(800)

Cash and cash equivalents:

Beginning of period

--

23,108

124

--

55

2,678

--

25,965

End of period

--

23,242

1

--

51

1,871

--

25,165

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion and analysis of the Company's financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the Company's July 31, 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements as of October 31, 2003 and 2002 and for the three months then ended, included in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q, which provide additional information regarding the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company. To the extent that the following Management's Discussion and Analysis contains statements which are not of a historical nature, such statements are forward-looking statements, which involve risks and uncertainties. These risks include, but are not limited to, changes in the competitive environment of the mountain and lodging industries, general business and economic conditions, the weather, war, terrorism and other factors discussed elsewhere herein and in the Company's filings with the SEC.

As disclosed in the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2003, the Company restated its historical financial statements in that filing. The reader should refer to the disclosures made in that filing for more information.

The Company's first fiscal quarter is an off-season period as the five ski resorts owned by the Company do not generally open for the ski season until November. As such, the Company expects losses to be generated by its Mountain and Lodging segments.

Operating results for each of the Company's segments (Mountain, Lodging and Real Estate) for the first quarter of fiscal 2004 are favorable compared to the same period in fiscal 2003. The Mountain segment benefited from improved summer operations at Heavenly and the non-recurrence of $1.3 million of severance expense associated with the termination of the Company's President in the first quarter of fiscal 2003. Growth in the Lodging segment was primarily generated by the operations of the Vail Marriott, which was open for the full quarter this year, but was closed due to renovations during the first quarter of fiscal 2003. The improvement in Real Estate is primarily related to the mix of real estate sold during the quarter; during fiscal 2004's first quarter, Real Estate operating results are primarily driven by the sale of a major development parcel in Bachelor Gulch, whereas in fiscal 2003 the quarter's results were primarily related to condominium sales, which have lower margins.

Looking forward to the ski season, certain barometers, including normal early-season snowfall, record season pass sales, strong advance ski school reservations and sold bookings at the Company's lodging properties, suggest that, when also considering the cost reduction plan implemented by the Company, the Company's earnings should improve in fiscal 2004, barring any unforeseen events. However, there can be no assurance that the Company's earnings will improve.

Presented below is more detailed comparative data regarding the Company's results of operations for the three months ended October 31, 2003 versus the three months ended October 31, 2002.

Results of Operations

Three Months Ended October 31, 2003 versus Three Months Ended October 31, 2002 (dollars in thousands)

Mountain revenue. Mountain revenue for the three months ended October 31, 2003 and 2002 is presented by category as follows:

 

Three Months Ended

     

Percentage

 

October 31,

 

Increase

 

Increase

 

    2003    

 

    2002    

 

(Decrease)

 

(Decrease)

     

(as restated)

       
 

(unaudited)

       
               

Lift tickets

$            26

 

$        (113)

 

$          139

 

123.0%

Ski school

23

 

71

 

(48)

 

(67.6)%

Dining

3,914

 

3,818

 

96

 

2.5%

Retail/rental

17,040

 

16,330

 

710

 

4.3%

Other

       13,076

 

        13,523

 

      (447)

 

    (3.3)%

Total mountain operating revenue

$     34,079

 

$      33,629

 

$       450

 

       1.3%

Mountain revenue for the three months ended October 31, 2003 increased $450,000, or 1.3%, as compared to the three months ended October 31, 2002. The increase is primarily driven by increased retail sales generated by SSV, the company's retail/rental joint venture, as a result of increased sales revenue at its Heavenly locations and improved summer visitation at Heavenly. None of the Company's ski resorts were open in the first quarter of fiscal 2004 or 2003; ski operations opened in November.

Mountain operating expense. Mountain operating expense for the three months ended October 31, 2003 was $61.9 million, a decrease of $2.7 million, or 4.2%, compared to the three months ended October 31, 2002. This decrease reflects the successful implementation of the Company's cost cutting program. In addition, allocated corporate administrative expenses ("SG&A") in fiscal 2003 included $1.3 million in severance costs that were not incurred in fiscal 2004.

Mountain equity investment loss. Mountain equity loss primarily consists of the Company's share of operations of the employee housing entities, a brokerage firm and a property management firm. Mountain equity income for the three months ended October 31, 2003 was a loss of $18,000, a decrease of $1.1 million, or 101.7%, compared to three months ended October 31, 2002. The decrease primarily reflects ongoing losses from the employee housing entities and reduced sales commissions generated by the brokerage firm.

Lodging revenue. Lodging revenue for the three months ended October 31, 2003 was $42.7 million, an increase of $2.1 million, or 5.1%, compared to the three months ended October 31, 2002. The Company's average daily rate ("ADR") for the three months ended October 31, 2003 for its owned hotels and condominium management operations was $146.29, an increase of $2.55 as compared to the three months ended October 31, 2002. The increase in revenue and ADR is primarily the result of the Vail Marriott being open for the full first quarter in fiscal 2004 as it was closed for a portion of the prior year first quarter for renovations and stronger summer business at GTLC.

Lodging operating expense. Lodging operating expense for the three months ended October 31, 2003 was $40.5 million, an increase of $1.2 million, or 3.1%, compared to the three months ended October 31, 2002. This increase is primarily due to variable expense increases associated with the increase in revenue.

Lodging equity investment loss. Lodging equity investment loss was $1.7 million for the quarter ended October 31, 2003, and primarily includes the Company's proportionate share of losses from the hotel operations of the Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch. The Company's investment share of profits associated with the sale of condominiums developed as part of the joint venture operations is recorded in Real estate equity investment income. The equity loss for the quarter includes the Company's share of depreciation expense of $550,000 and interest expense of $650,000 for the three months ended October 31, 2003. The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch was not open during the first quarter of fiscal 2003, which is a seasonally low occupancy period, whereas the hotel was open for the full period this year, therefore generating the increased loss.

Real estate revenue. The Real estate segment's revenue varies from year to year depending on the mix of available inventory, based upon the completion of development projects. The Company generally pre-sells inventory prior to the completion of a development, but revenue is not recorded until closing. Revenue from real estate operations for the three months ended October 31, 2003 was $26.9 million, a decrease of $12.5 million, or 31.7%, compared to the three months ended October 31, 2002, due to the changing mix of real estate sold for comparative periods.

Real estate operating expense. Real estate operating expense for the three months ended October 31, 2003 was $12.1 million, a decrease of $15.4 million, or 56.0%, compared to the three months ended October 31, 2002, primarily due to the change in sales mix and is commensurate with the decreased revenues. Real estate operating expense consists primarily of the cost of sales and related real estate commissions associated with sales of real estate. Real estate operating expense also includes the selling, general and administrative expenses associated with the Company's real estate operations and an allocation of corporate SG&A.

Gain on transfer of property. The Company recorded a $1.9 million net gain related to the transfer of real property to two executives pursuant to employment arrangements during the quarter ended October 31, 2003. The Company had recognized associated compensation expense related to these transactions in prior years. See Note 13, Non-Cash Deferred Compensation of the Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements, for additional information.

Real estate equity investment income. Real estate equity investment income includes both the Company's equity investment in Keystone/Intrawest LLC ("KRED"), the joint venture developing the River Run development at Keystone, and the portion of the Company's equity investment in BG Resort associated with the development and sale of the Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch condominiums. Real estate equity investment income was $0.2 million and $3.1 million for the quarters ended October 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Real estate equity investment income decreased as the condominium sales associated with BG Resort occurred primarily in the first and second quarters of fiscal 2003.

Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense was $20.4 million, an increase of $1.7 million, or 9.3%, for the three months ended October 31, 2003 as compared to the three months ended October 31, 2002. The increase was primarily attributable to an increased fixed asset base from normal capital expenditures.

Loss on disposal of fixed assets. The Company recorded a $1.0 million loss on the disposal of fixed assets during the first quarter of fiscal 2003, which is primarily associated with the retirement of employee uniforms which the Company replaced with new uniforms in the current fiscal year.

Loss on put option. The put option loss recorded for the three months ending October 31, 2003 was due primarily to an increase in the estimated value of the put option that the minority shareholder has with respect to its interest in RockResorts. The value of the put option fluctuates based on forecasted financial performance of certain RockResorts managed properties as of the put exercise period. See Note 9, Put and Call Options, of the Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements, for more information regarding the Company's written put options.

Interest expense. During the three months ended October 31, 2003 and 2002 the Company recorded interest expense of $13.4 million and $11.8 million, respectively, relating primarily to the Notes, Credit Facility and Industrial Development Bonds. The $1.6 million increase is primarily attributable to decreased capitalized interest (zero in the first quarter of fiscal 2004 versus $645,000 in the first quarter of fiscal 2003), letter of credit fees and interest subsidies associated with the metropolitan districts, the final recognition of the interest swap termination gain in fiscal 2003 and charges associated with the early payment of the Olympus Note. Average total borrowings for the three months ended October 31, 2003 were $604.3 million versus $626.1 million as of October 31, 2002.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company has historically provided for operating expenditures, debt service, capital expenditures and acquisitions through a combination of cash flow from operations, short-term and long-term borrowings and sales of real estate.

Cash flows from the Company's operating activities were $25.6 million for the three months ended October 31, 2003. Non-cash charges reflected in the $25.4 million net loss for the period included non-cash costs related to real estate sold of $9.5 million, depreciation and amortization expense of $20.4 million and a decrease in deferred taxes of $18.0 million. In addition, working capital changes included the collection of $7.1 million of income taxes receivable and $17.6 million related to season pass sales, partially offset by a $10.1 million increase in inventories and an $8.7 million increase in prepaid expenses due to the ramp-up for ski season.

Cash flows used in investing activities have historically consisted of payments for acquisitions, capital expenditures, and investments in real estate. Capital expenditures for the three months ended October 31, 2003 were $20.9 million and investments in real estate for the period were $1.5 million. The primary projects included in capital expenditures were (i) a new high-speed chairlift at Beaver Creek, (ii) Keystone and Heavenly snowmaking upgrades, (iii) installation of two new high-speed chairlifts at Heavenly, (iv) an electrical distribution network at Keystone and (v) renovations at the Lodge at Rancho Mirage. The primary projects included in investments in real estate were (i) planning activities related to the Vail "Front Door" redevelopment, (ii) completion of the Red Sky Ranch golf courses and (iii) investments in developable land and the planning and development of projects in and around each of the Company's resorts.

The Company estimates that it will make aggregate capital expenditures in the mountain and lodging segments of approximately $45 million to $55 million during the remainder of fiscal 2004. In addition to normal, annual capital expenditures appropriate to maintaining the Company's reputation for high quality, the primary projects are anticipated to include (i) continued dining and lift improvements at Heavenly, (ii) completion of various Keystone in-village improvements and on-mountain snowmaking improvements, (iii) commercial space purchase in Avon, (iv) a high-speed lift in Beaver Creek and (v) incremental improvements to on-mountain or lodging facilities. Investments in real estate during the remainder of fiscal 2004 are expected to total approximately $15 million to $25 million. Primary projects are anticipated to include (i) continued work on the Vail "Front Door" and Lionshead redevelopment projects, (ii) completion of the Red Sky Ranch golf and real estate development, (iii) Jackson Hole area gol f and real estate development, and (iv) other planning and development projects in and around each of the Company's resorts. The Company plans to fund these capital expenditures and investments in real estate with cash flows from operations and borrowings under the Credit Facility, as necessary.

During the three months ended October 31, 2003, the Company used $4.9 million in its financing activities consisting primarily of $4.6 million in net long-term debt repayments, including the payment of the $25 million Olympus Note, which was partially offset by incremental borrowings under the Credit Facility.

For the three months ended October 31, 2002, cash flows provided by operating activities were $13.9 million. Cash flows used in investing activities for the same period were $39.6 million, primarily including capital expenditures of $23.5 million and investments in real estate of $14.9 million. During the three months ended October 31, 2002, the Company generated $24.9 million in cash from its financing activities, consisting primarily of $25.1 million of net long-term debt borrowings.

The Credit Facility was amended on October 2, 2003, with a July 31, 2003 effective date, to increase the Funded Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio, as defined in the Credit Facility, to be measured for the covenant compliance periods ending July 31, 2003 and October 31, 2003. The Company's anticipated ability to comply with the formerly applicable ratio had been adversely impacted by poorer than expected performance for fiscal 2003 due to the impacts of the war in Iraq, the general economic downturn and the slower than expected rebound in the overall lodging industry. The Company was in compliance with all relevant covenants in its debt instruments as of July 31, 2003. The Company expects it will meet all applicable quarterly financial tests in its debt instruments, including the Funded Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio, in fiscal 2004. However, there can be no assurance that the Company will meet its financial covenants. If such covenants are not met, the Company would be required to seek a waiver or amendme nt from the banks participating in the Credit Facility. While the Company anticipates that it would obtain such waiver or amendment, if any were necessary, there can be no assurance that such waiver or amendment would be granted, which could have a material adverse impact on the liquidity of the Company.

Based on current levels of operations and cash availability, management believes the Company is in a position to satisfy its current working capital, debt service, and capital expenditure requirements for at least the next twelve months.

Contractual Obligations

As part of its ongoing operations, the Company enters into arrangements that obligate the Company to make future payments under contracts such as lease agreements and debt agreements. Debt obligations, which total $580.4 million, are currently recognized as liabilities in the Company's Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheet. Operating lease obligations, which total $52.4 million, are not recognized as liabilities in the Company's Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheet, which is in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A summary of the Company's contractual obligations as of October 31, 2003 is as follows:

 

Payments Due by Period (in thousands)

Contractual Obligations

Total

Less than

1 year

2-3

years

4 - 5

years

After 5

Years

Long-Term Debt

$    580,431

$   2,925

$   29,640

$    35,040

$    512,826

Operating Leases

52,401

6,769

15,045

11,899

18,688

Purchase Obligations

5,429

5,429

--

--

--

Other Long-Term Obligations (1)

        17,000

             --

              --

                --

                --

Total Contractual Cash Obligations

$    655,261

$  15,123

$  44,685

$      46,939

$    531,514

           

(1)

Other long-term obligations include amounts which become due based on deficits in underlying cash flows of the various metropolitan districts as described in Note 11, Commitments and Contingencies, of the Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements. This amount has been recorded as a liability of the Company; however, the specific time period of performance, if ever required, is currently unknown.

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company has ownership interests in four entities (BC Housing, LLC, The Tarnes at BC, LLC, Tenderfoot Seasonal Housing, LLC and Breckenridge Terrace, LLC) which were formed to construct, own and operate employee housing facilities in exchange for rent payments from tenants in and around Beaver Creek, Keystone and Breckenridge. The Company's ownership interest in each entity ranges from 26% to 50%. The Company accounts for each of these investments under the equity method, thereby absorbing up to 100% of these entities' losses. Each entity has issued interest-only taxable bonds with weekly low-floater rates tied to LIBOR (the "Housing Bonds") in two series, Tranche A and Tranche B. The Housing Bonds mature between 2027 and 2039. The Tranche A Housing Bonds have principal amounts which range from $5.7 million to $15 million ($37.8 million in aggregate), enhanced with letters of credit issued against the Company's Credit Facility in amounts ranging from $5.8 million to $15.2 milli on ($38.3 million in aggregate). The letters of credit were issued by the Company to facilitate the housing entities' ability to obtain external financing. Those letters of credit expire October 31, 2004 (the Company anticipates these debt service agreements will be renewed). The Tranche B Housing Bonds range in principal amount from $1.5 million to $5.9 million ($14.8 million in aggregate) and are collateralized by the assets of the entities. The Company also guarantees debt service of $13.3 million on the Tranche B Housing Bonds; $7.4 million of these guarantees expire May 1, 2004 and $5.9 million expire June 1, 2005. The proceeds of the Housing Bonds were used to construct the housing facilities. The letters of credit or guarantees would be triggered in the event that one of the entities defaults on required Tranche A payments. The guarantees would be triggered in the event that one of the entities defaults on required Tranche B debt service payments. Neither the letters of credit or guarantees ha ve default provisions. The housing facilities (except Breckenridge Terrace, LLC) are located on land owned by the Company which is leased to each respective entity. In the event of a default under the land leases, the Company is able to terminate the land lease and effectively take ownership of the housing facilities. The Company has the right to rent a certain percentage of the units in the housing facilities to provide seasonal housing for its employees. Had the Company not entered into the leasing arrangements with these four entities, it is reasonably possible that the Company would have had to construct facilities, which would have required additional financing, in order to provide affordable housing for its employees. While the Company does not believe it reasonably likely that the letters of credit and guarantees in support of the employee housing entities' debt will be called upon, and they historically have not been drawn upon, the Company is absorbing the equity method losses of the employee h ousing entities in excess of its ownership interests in these entities primarily because of these guarantees.

The Company has also issued letters of credit in support of the debt of the metropolitan districts (as more fully discussed in Note 11, Commitments and Contingencies, of the Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements). These entities constructed, own and operate municipal facilities supporting real estate developments created by the Company. The initial construction of the facilities was financed by the issuance of tax-exempt variable rate revenue bonds. The Company issued the letters of credit in support of these bonds as credit enhancements. Had the metropolitan districts not been formed, it is reasonably possible that the Company would have been required to construct these facilities itself. The Company does not believe that it is reasonably likely that the letters of credit backing the metropolitan districts debt will be called upon, and they historically have not been drawn upon, and therefore the letters of credit are not expected to have an effect on the Company's financial condition . Also see Note 8, Variable Interest Entities, of the Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements for information regarding the Company's interests in variable interest entities.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In January 2003, the FASB issued FIN No. 46, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an interpretation of ARB 51". This interpretation addresses consolidation by business enterprises of variable interest entities ("VIEs"). This new model for consolidation applies to an entity in which either (1) the equity investors (if any) do not have a controlling financial interest or (2) the equity investment at risk is insufficient to finance that entity's activities without receiving additional subordinated financial support from other parties. The interpretation applies immediately to VIEs created after February 1, 2003, and to VIEs in which the Company obtains an interest after that date. The interpretation was to apply in the first fiscal year or interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. In October 2003, the FASB deferred the implementation date for FIN No. 46 to financial statements issued for the first period ending after December 15, 2003. This deferral only applies to VIEs that existed pr ior to February 1, 2003. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the implementation of this interpretation will have on its financial position or results of operations (see Note 8, Variable Interest Entities).

In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, "Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity". SFAS No. 150 establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity, and requires that financial instruments within its scope, many of which currently are classified as equity, be classified as liabilities or, in some circumstances, assets. SFAS No. 150 is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise is effective at the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. The FASB issued FASB Staff Position ("FSP") 150-3 on November 7, 2003 to defer the effective date for applying the provisions of SFAS No. 150 for certain mandatorily redeemable non-controlling interests. Implementation of SFAS No. 150 did not have a significant impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.

Cautionary Statement

Statements in this Form 10-Q, other than statements of historical information, are forward-looking statements that are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as "may", "will", "expect", "plan", "intend", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", and "continue" or similar words. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to:

  • adverse consequences resulting from the SEC investigation;
  • general business and economic conditions and, specifically, continued or worsening economic slowdown;
  • failure to achieve the anticipated cost savings and anticipated operational efficiency or, conversely, adverse consequences from cost reductions;
  • competitive factors in the ski and resort industries;
  • failure to successfully integrate acquisitions;
  • the impact of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks or additional terrorist attacks on the travel industry and the Company;
  • uncertainties and impacts of the threat of war or actual war;
  • the impacts of SARS or similar unforeseen global events on the travel industry and the Company;
  • expenses or adverse consequences arising from current or potential litigation against the Company, including the Wyoming cases;
  • implications arising from the implementation of FIN No. 46, SFAS No. 150 and any other such new FASB/governmental legislation, rulings or interpretations; and
  • the weather.

Readers are also referred to the uncertainties and risks identified in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2003.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Interest Rate Risk. The Company's exposure to market risk is limited primarily to the fluctuating interest rates associated with variable rate indebtedness. At October 31, 2003, the Company had $154.4 million of variable rate indebtedness, representing 26.6% of total debt outstanding, at an average interest rate during the three months ended October 31, 2003 of 3.8% (see Note 5, Long-Term Debt, of the Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements). Based on the average floating rate borrowings outstanding during the three months ended October 31, 2003, a 100 basis-point change in LIBOR would have caused the Company's monthly interest expense to change by approximately $145,000.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. Financial management of the Company, including the Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") and Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"), have evaluated the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. The term "disclosure controls and procedures" means controls and other procedures established by the Company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Act") is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company's management, including its CEO a nd CFO, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

The Company, including its CEO and CFO, does not expect that the Company's internal controls over financial reporting will prevent or detect all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived or operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met.

Changes in internal controls. As disclosed in the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2003, a material weakness and certain significant deficiencies in the Company's internal control over financial reporting have been identified. The Company has developed and begun implementation of a specific action plan to address this weakness and these deficiencies and to enhance the reliability and effectiveness of the Company's control procedures. These actions include appointing a new CFO in November 2003 and adding and reallocating finance and accounting staff and support personnel who are dedicated to the objectives of timely and accurate disclosure of required information.

Based upon the foregoing, the Company's CEO and CFO have concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures will be effective in meeting the above-stated objectives after giving effect to the aforementioned actions.

PART II  OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

None

Item 2.  Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds

None

Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None

Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

None

Item 5.  Other Information

None

Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

a)

The following exhibits are either filed herewith or, if so indicated, incorporated by reference to the documents indicated in parentheses, which have previously been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Exhibit Number

Description

Sequentially Numbered Page

3.1

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on the Effective Date. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Gillett Holdings, Inc. (Registration No 333-05341) including all amendments thereto.)

 

3.2(a)

Amended and Restated By-Laws adopted on the Effective Date. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended January 31, 2002, including all amendments thereto.)

 

3.2(b)

Amended and Restated By-Laws adopted on the Effective Date. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2(b) on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended October 31, 2002)

 

4.2(a)

Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 6, 1999 among Vail Resorts, Inc., the guarantors named on Schedule I thereto, Bear Sterns & Co. Inc., NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC, BT Alex. Brown Incorporated, Lehman Brothers Inc. and Salomon Smith Barney Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Vail Resorts, Inc. (Registration No. 333-80621) including all amendments thereto.)

 

4.2(b)

Purchase Agreement, dated as of November 16, 2001 among Vail Resorts, Inc., the guarantors named on Schedule I thereto, Deutsche Banc Alex. Brown Inc., Banc of America Securities LLC, Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc., CIBC World Markets Corp. and Fleet Securities, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Vail Resorts, Inc. (Registration No. 333-76956-01) including all amendments thereto.)

 

4.3(a)

Indenture, dated as of May 11, 1999, among Vail Resorts, Inc., the guarantors named therein and the United States Trust Company of New York, as trustee. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Vail Resorts, Inc. (Registration No. 333-80621) including all amendments thereto.)

 

4.3(b)

Indenture, dated as of November 21, 2001, among Vail Resorts, Inc., the guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York, as trustee. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Vail Resorts, Inc. (Registration No. 333-76956-01) including all amendments thereto.)

 

4.4(a)

Form of Global Note (Included in Exhibit 4.4(a) incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Vail Resorts, Inc. (Registration No. 333-80621) including all amendments thereto.)

 

4.4(b)

Form of Global Note (Included in Exhibit 4.4(b) by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Vail Resorts, Inc. (Registration No. 333-76956-01) including all amendments thereto.)

 

4.5(a)

Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of May 11, 1999 among Vail Resorts, Inc., the guarantors signatory thereto, Bear Stearns & Co. Inc., NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC, BT Alex. Brown Incorporated, Lehman Brothers Inc. and Salomon Smith Barney Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 of the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Vail Resorts, Inc. (Registration No. 333-80621) including all amendments thereto.)

 

4.5(b)

Registration Rights Agreement dated as of November 21, 2001 among Vail Resorts, Inc., the guarantors signatory thereto, Deutsche Banc Alex. Brown Inc., Banc of America Securities LLC, Bear Stearns & Co. Inc., CIBC World Markets Corp. and Fleet Securities, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 of the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Vail Resorts, Inc. (Registration No. 333-76956-01) including all amendments thereto.)

 

4.6(a)

First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 22, 1999, among the Company, the guarantors named therein and the United States Trust Company of New York, as trustee. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6(a) of the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Vail Resorts, Inc. (Registration No. 333-80621) including all amendments thereto.)

 

4.6(b)

Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 16, 2001 to the Indenture dated May 11, 1999, among Vail Resorts, Inc., the guarantors therein and The Bank of New York, as successor trustee to United States Trust Company of New York. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6(b) on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended January 31, 2002, including all amendments thereto.)

 

4.6(c)

Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of January 16, 2001, to the Indenture dated May 11, 1999, among Vail Resorts, Inc., the guarantors therein and the Bank of New York, as successor trustee to the United States Trust Company of New York. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6(c) on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended January 31, 2002, including all amendments thereto.)

 

4.6(d)

First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of January 16, 2001, to the Indenture dated November 21, 2001, among Vail Resorts Inc., the guarantors therein and The Bank of New York, as trustee. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of the registration statement on Form S-4 of Gillett Holdings, Inc. (Registration No. 33-52854) including all amendments thereto.)

 

4.6(e)

Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 18, 2002, to the Indenture dated May 11, 1999, among Vail Resorts, Inc., the guarantors therein and the Bank of New York, as successor trustee to the United States Trust Company of New York. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6(e) on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended October 31, 2002.)

 

4.6(f)

Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 18, 2002, to the Indenture dated November 21, 2001, among Vail Resorts Inc., the guarantors therein and the Bank of New York, as trustee. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6(f) on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended October 31, 2002.)

 

4.6(g)

Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 20, 2003, to the Indenture dated May 11, 1999, among Vail Resorts, Inc., the guarantors therein and the Bank of New York as Trustee. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6(g) on Form 10-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the year ended July 31, 2003.)

 

4.6(h)

Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 20, 2003, to the Indenture dated November 21, 2001, among Vail Resorts, Inc., the guarantors therein and the Bank of New York as Trustee. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6(h) on Form 10-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the year ended July 31, 2003.)

 

10.1

Management Agreement by and between Beaver Creek Resort Company of Colorado and Vail Associates, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Gillett Holdings, Inc. (Registration No. 33-52854) including all amendments thereto.)

 

10.2

Forest Service Term Special Use Permit for Beaver Creek ski area. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Gillett Holdings, Inc. (Registration No. 33-52854) including all amendments thereto.)

 

10.3

Forest Service Special Use Permit for Beaver Creek ski area. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Gillett Holdings, Inc. (Registration No. 33-52854) including all amendments thereto.)

 

10.4

Forest Service Unified Permit for Vail ski area. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Gillett Holdings, Inc. (Registration No. 33-52854) including all amendments thereto.)

 

10.11

1993 Stock Option Plan of Gillett Holdings, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 of the report on Form 10-K of Gillett Holdings, Inc. for the period from October 9, 1992 through September 30, 1993.)

 

10.12(a)

Employment Agreement dated October 30, 2001 by and between RockResorts International, LLC and Edward Mace. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 of the report on Form 10-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the year ended July 31, 2002.)

 

10.12(b)

Addendum to the Employment Agreement dated October 30, 2001 by and between RockResorts International, LLC and Edward Mace. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 of the report on Form 10-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the year ended July 31, 2002.)

 

10.13(a)

Employment Agreement dated October 1, 2000 by and between Vail Resorts, Inc., Vail Associates, Inc. and Andrew P. Daly. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 of the report on Form 10-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the year ended July 31, 2001.)

 

10.13(b)

Separation Agreement dated October 31, 2002 by and between Vail Resorts, Inc., Vail Associates, Inc. and Andrew P. Daly. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13(b) on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended October 31, 2002.)

 

10.14(a)

Employment Agreement dated July 29, 1996 between Vail Resorts, Inc. and Adam M. Aron. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 of the report on Form S-2/A of Vail Resorts, Inc. (Registration # 333-5341) including all amendments thereto.)

 

10.14(b)

Amendment to the Employment Agreement dated May 1, 2001 between Vail Resorts, Inc. and Adam M. Aron. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14(b) of the report on Form 10-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the year ended July 31, 2001.)

 

10.14(c)

Second Amendment to Employment Agreement of Adam M. Aron, as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Vail Resorts, Inc. dated July 29, 2003. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14(c) on Form 10-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the year ended July 31, 2003.)

 

10.15(a)

Shareholder Agreement among Vail Resorts, Inc., Ralston Foods, Inc., and Apollo Ski Partners, L.P. dated January 3, 1997. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.4 of the report on Form 8-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. dated January 8, 1997.)

 

10.15(b)

First Amendment to the Shareholder Agreement dated as of November 1, 1999, among Vail Resorts, Inc., Ralcorp Holdings, Inc. (f/k/a Ralston Foods, Inc.) and Apollo Ski Partners, L.P. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17(b) of the report on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended January 31, 2000.)

 

10.16

1996 Stock Option Plan (Incorporated by reference from the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-3, File No. 333-5341).

 

10.17

2002 Long Term Incentive and Share Award Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended October 31, 2002.)

 

10.18(a)

Sports and Housing Facilities Financing Agreement between the Vail Corporation (d/b/a "Vail Associates, Inc.") and Eagle County, Colorado, dated April 1, 1998. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 of the report on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended April 30, 1998.)

 

10.18(b)

Trust Indenture dated as of April 1, 1998 securing Sports and Housing Facilities Revenue Refunding Bonds by and between Eagle County, Colorado and U.S. Bank, N.A., as Trustee. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the report on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended April 30, 1998.)

 

10.19

Third Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement among The Vail Corporation (d/b/a "Vail Associates, Inc."), Borrower, Bank of America, N.A., Agent, and the other lenders party thereto dated as of June 10, 2003.

 

10.20

Vail Resorts, Inc. 1999 Long Term Incentive and Share Award Plan. (Incorporated by reference to the Company's registration statement on Form S-8, File No. 333-32320.)

 

10.21

Vail Resorts Deferred Compensation Plan effective as of October 1, 2000. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 of the report on Form 10-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2000.)

 

21

Subsidiaries of Vail Resorts, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 21 of the report on Form 10-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2003.)

 

23.1

Consent of Independent Accountants. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 23.1 of the report on Form 10-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2003.)

 

23.2

Consent of Independent Accountants. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 23.2 of the report on Form 10-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2003.)

 

31

Certifications of Adam M. Aron and Jeffrey W. Jones Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

15

32

Certifications of Adam M. Aron and Jeffrey W. Jones Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

17

99.1

Forest Service Unified Permit for Heavenly ski area. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the report on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended April 30, 2002.)

 

99.2(a)

Forest Service Unified Permit for Keystone ski area. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2(a) on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended October 31, 2002.)

 

99.2(b)

Amendment to Forest Service Unified Permit for Keystone ski area. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2(b) on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended October 31, 2002.)

 

99.3(a)

Forest Service Unified Permit for Breckenridge ski area. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3(a) on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended October 31, 2002.)

 

99.3(b)

Amendment to Forest Service Unified Permit for Breckenridge ski area. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3(b) on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended October 31, 2002.)

 

99.4(a)

Forest Service Unified Permit for Beaver Creek ski area. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.4(a) on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended October 31, 2002.)

 

99.4(b)

Exhibits to Forest Service Unified Permit for Beaver Creek ski area. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.4(b) on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended October 31, 2002.)

 

99.5(a)

Forest Service Unified Permit for Vail ski area. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.5(a) on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended October 31, 2002.)

 

99.5(b)

Exhibits to Forest Service Unified Permit for Vail ski area. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.5(b) on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended October 31, 2002.)

 

99.5(c)

Amendment to Forest Service Unified Permit for Vail ski area. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.5(c) on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended October 31, 2002.)

 

 

b)

Reports on Form 8-K

None.

 

 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized on December 12, 2003.

Vail Resorts, Inc.

   

By:

/s/ Jeffrey W. Jones

 

Jeffrey W. Jones

 

Senior Vice President and

 

Chief Financial Officer

   

Dated:

December 12, 2003

Exhibit 31

Exhibit 31

CERTIFICATION OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE

SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

I, Adam M. Aron, certify that:

1.

I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc.;

2.

Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;

4.

The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and we have:

 

a)

designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;

 

b)

evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by the report based on such evaluation; and

 

c)

disclosed in this quarterly report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5.

The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

a)

all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

b)

any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

Date: December 12, 2003

        /s/ ADAM M. ARON        

Adam M. Aron

Chairman of the Board and

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

CERTIFICATION OF THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE

SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

I, Jeffrey W. Jones, certify that:

1.

I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc.;

2.

Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;

4.

The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and we have:

 

a)

designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;

 

b)

evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by the report based on such evaluation; and

 

c)

disclosed in this quarterly report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5.

The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

a)

all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

b)

any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: December 12, 2003

        /s/ Jeffrey W. Jones        

Jeffrey W. Jones

Senior Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

Exhibit 32

Exhibit 32

CERTIFICATION OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

AND THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

PURSUANT TO SECTION 906

OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, each of the undersigned hereby certifies in his capacity as an officer of Vail Resorts, Inc. (the "Company") that the quarterly report of the Company on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 2003 (the "Report") fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that the information contained in such Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and the results of operations of the Company at the end of and for the periods covered by such Report.

 

Date: December 12, 2003

        /s/ ADAM M. ARON        

Adam M. Aron

Chairman of the Board and

Chief Executive Officer

 

Date: December 12, 2003

        /s/ Jeffrey W. Jones        

Jeffrey W. Jones

Senior Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

 

This certification is being furnished solely pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, is not a part of the Form 10-Q to which it refers, and is, to the extent permitted by law, provided by each of the above signatories to the extent of his respective knowledge.