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

FORM 10-K

FORM 10-K

x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended July 31, 20072008

 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:  001-09614

Vail Resorts, Inc.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Delaware
 
51-0291762
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
   
390 Interlocken Crescent, Suite 1000
Broomfield, Colorado
 
 
80021
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

 
(303) 404-1800
 
 (Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code) 
   
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class: Name of each exchange on which registered:
Common Stock, $0.01 par value New York Stock Exchange
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
       None.
(Title of Class)


Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  x Yes  No

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.  Yes x No

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 daysdays.
x Yes  No

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendments to this Form 10-K.  x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer.smaller reporting company.  See definitionthe definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filerfiler” and large accelerated filer”“smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer x                                                                                                      Accelerated filer                       ¨
Non-accelerated filer ¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) Smaller reporting company ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).
 Yes x No

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the Registrant, based on the closing price of $46.25$47.12 per share as reported on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Tape on January 31, 20072008 (the last business day of the Registrant's most recently completed second quarter) was $1,444,083,591.$1,465,211,620.

As of September 21, 2007, 38,860,12022, 2008, 36,921,791 shares of Common Stock were outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
The Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders is incorporated by reference herein into Part III, Items 10 through 14.




Table of Contents
 
PART I
  
Item 1.3
Item 1A.1517
Item 1B.2325
Item 2.2325
Item 3.2427
Item 4.2527
  
PART II
 
  
Item 5. 
 2628
Item 6.2730
Item 7.2932
Item 7A.4749
Item 8.F-1
Item 9.4850
Item 9A.4850
Item 9B.4850
  
 
  
Item 10.4951
Item 11.4951
Item 12. 
 4951
Item 13.4951
Item 14.4951
  
 
  
Item 15.  4951



FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
Except for any historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K (this “Form 10-K”) contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  These statements relate to analyses and other information, which are based on forecasts of future results and estimates of amounts not yet determinable.  These statements also relate to our future prospects, developments and business strategies.

These forward-looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "predict," "project," "will"“anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “predict,” “project,” “will” and similar terms and phrases, including references to assumptions.  Although we believe that our plans, intentions and expectations reflected in or suggested by such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot assure you that such plans, intentions or expectations will be achieved.  Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:

·  
downturn in general economic downturns;
conditions, including adverse affects on the overall travel and leisure related  industries;
·  
terrorist acts upon the United States;
·  
threat of or actual war;
·  
unfavorable weather conditions;
·  
our ability to obtain financing on terms acceptable to us to finance our real estate investments, capital expenditures and growth strategy;
·  
our ability to continue to grow our resort and real estate operations;
·  
competition in our mountain and lodging businesses;
·  
our ability to hire and retain a sufficient seasonal workforce;
·  
our ability to successfully initiate and/or complete real estate development projects and achieve the anticipated financial benefits from such projects;
·  
adverse changes in real estate markets;
·  implications arising from new Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”)/governmental legislation, rulings or interpretations;
·  
our reliance on government permits or approvals for our use of federalFederal land or to make operational improvements;
·  
our ability to integrate and successfully operate future acquisitions; and
·  
adverse consequences of current or future legal claims.

All forward-looking statements attributable to us or any persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements.

If one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results may vary materially from those expected, estimated or projected.  Given these uncertainties, users of the information included in this Form 10-K, including investors and prospective investors, are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.  TheActual results may differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements that the Company makes for a number of reasons including those described in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of this Form 10-K.  All forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof. Except as may be required by law, the Company does not intend to update these forward-looking statements, even if new information, future events or other circumstances have made them incorrect or misleading.







Vail Resorts, Inc. was organized as a public holding company in 1997 and operates through various subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company"“Company”).  The Company's operations are grouped into three business segments: Mountain, Lodging and Real Estate, which represented approximately 71%59%, 17%15% and 12%26%, respectively, of the Company's net revenue for the year ended July 31, 2007.2008.  The Company's Mountain segment owns and operates five premierworld-class ski resort properties as well as ancillary businesses, primarily including ski school, dining and retail/rental operations, which provide a comprehensive resort experience to a diverse clientele with an attractive demographic profile.  The Company's Lodging segment owns and/or manages a collection of luxury hotels under its RockResorts International, LLC (“RockResorts”) brand, strategic lodging properties and a large number of condominiums located in proximity to the Company's ski resorts, the Grand Teton Lodge Company (“GTLC”), which operates three destination resorts at Grand Teton National Park (the “Park”), and golf courses.  Collectively, the Mountain and Lodging segments are considered the Resort segment.  The Company's Real Estate segment holdsowns and develops real estate in and around the Company's resort communities.  Financial information by segment is presented in Note 15,14, Segment Information, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

















The ski industry is highly competitive.  While the ski industry has performed well in recent years with the six best seasons in history, in terms of United States visitation,number of skier visits, with the seven best seasons occurring in the past seveneight years for United States visitation, including a record year this past ski season, a particular ski area's growth is also largely dependent on either attracting skiers away from other resorts or generating more revenue per skier visit.  This has spawned a trend of increased spending on resort improvements to ensureBetter capitalized ski resorts, including all five mountain resorts operated by the newestCompany, are expanding their offerings, as well as enhancing the quality and best technology and to createexperience by adding new attractions such ashigh speed chairlifts, gondolas, terrain parks, and half-pipes.  Larger ski resort owners, including the Company, generally have a competitive advantage over the individual operator, as the larger owners typically have better access to the capital markets and are also able to create synergies within their operations that enhance profitability.  Additionally, given the fixed cost naturestate of the ski resort business,art grooming machines, expanded terrain and amenities at the most visitedbase areas of the resorts can generally produce a significantly higher net cash flow from operations less capital expenditures enabling a higher levelall of investmentwhich are aimed at increasing customer visitation and revenue per skier visit.  The Company believes it invests more in capital improvements to further distancethan the experience from other resorts.vast majority of its competitors and can also create synergies by operating multiple resorts thus enhancing the Company’s profitability.  All five of the Company’s resorts typically rank in the top ten most visited ski resorts in the United States, and the Company believes it invests more in capital improvements than the vast majority of its competitors.  The Company's primary competitors include the ski areas noted above, other ski areas in Colorado and Lake Tahoe and other destination ski areas worldwide, as well as non-ski related vacation destinations.





·  Size
The Company’s resorts boast some of North America’s most expansive and varied terrain –






·  Snow Conditions
The Company's resort locations receive significantly higher than average snowfall compared to most other ski resorts in the United States.  The Company’s resorts in the Colorado Rocky Mountains receive average yearly snowfall between 20 and 30 feet and Heavenly, located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, receives average yearly snowfallspectacular views of approximately 23 feet.  Even in these abundant snowfall areas, the Company invests in hi-tech snowmaking systems.  Additionally, the Company meticulously maintains its slopes with extensive fleets of snow grooming equipment.

·  Terrain Parks
The Company's resorts are committed to leading the industry in terrain park design, education and events for the growing segment of freestyle skiers and snowboarders.  Each resort has multiple terrain parks and half-pipes that include progressively-challenging features.  This park structure, coupled with new freestyle ski school programs, promotes systematic learning from basic to professional skills.  Keystone’s A51 Terrain Park is one of the largest parks offering night riding in the country.  Breckenridge’s Freeway Terrain Park & Pipe is ranked by Transworld SNOWboarding Magazine to be among the top rated terrain park and half-pipes in North America.Lake Tahoe.

·  Lift Service
The Company systematically upgrades its lifts to streamline skier traffic and maximize guest experience.  In the past three fiscal years, the Company has installed six high-speed chairlifts or gondolas across its resorts: one four-passenger chairlift and one eight-passenger gondola at Breckenridge, three four-passenger chairlifts at Beaver Creek and one six-passenger chairlift at Heavenly.  New for the 2007/2008 ski season, the Company is installing two four-passenger high-speed chairlifts at Vail, one eight-passenger gondola at Beaver Creek and one four-passenger high-speed chairlift at Heavenly.









The Company’s mission is to provide quality service at every level of the guest experience.  Prior to arrival, guests receive personal assistance through the Company’s full-service, in-house travel center in booking desired lodging accommodations, lift tickets, ski school classes, equipment rentals and air and ground travel.  On-mountain hosts engage guests and answer questions and all personnel, from lift operators to ski patrol, convey the guest-oriented culture.  The Company solicits guest feedback through a variety of surveys and results are utilized to ensure high levels of customer satisfaction to understand trends and develop future resort programs and amenities.


The Company’s resorts are home to some of the world’s finest ski and snowboard schools.  New programs, such as beginner terrain park instruction and family group lessons, effectively differentiate the Company’s ski school offerings from those of its competitors.


The Company’s resorts provide a variety of quality dining venues, ranging from top-rated fine dining restaurants, to trailside express food service outlets.  The dining offerings range from on-mountain lunch and dinner options to base village dining experiences.


The Company is an industry leader in providing comprehensive destination vacation experiences, including non-ski activities designed to appeal to a broad range of interests.  Each of the Company’s resorts feature an alpine village setting with extensive retail, restaurants, spas, youth activities, cultural events, live music and entertainment.  Each resort features village-level gondola access to on-mountain activities.

·  Lodging


·  Retail/rental
The Company, through SSI Venture, LLC ("SSV"), has over 145 retail/rental locations specializing in sporting goods including ski, snowboard, golf and cycling equipment.  In addition to providing a major retail/rental presence at each of the Company's ski resorts, the Company also has retail/rental locations throughout the Colorado Front Range and at other Colorado, California and Utah ski resorts, as well as the San Francisco Bay Area and Salt Lake City.  Many of the locations in the Front Range and in the San Francisco Bay Area also offer a prime venue for selling the Company’s season pass products.

·  Vail Resorts Development Company (“VRDC”)
Quality lodging options are an integral part of providing a complete resort experience.  The Company continually upgradesCompany’s 13 owned and expands available servicesmanaged hotels proximate to its five mountain resorts, including five RockResorts branded hotels, and amenities through capital improvements and real estate development activities.an inventory of approximately 1,500 managed condominium rooms provide numerous accommodation options for the Company’s mountain resort guests.  The Company’s real estate development efforts provide the Company with the ability to add profitability to the Company while expanding the destination bed base and upgrading its resorts through the development of amenities such as luxury hotels, private clubs, spas, parking and commercial space for upscale restaurants and retail shops.  Current projects under development includeThe Company’s Lodging and Real Estate segments have and continue to invest in resort related assets as part of their initiatives which enhance the major revitalization ofoverall resort experience.  Examples include: the primary portals to Vail Mountain at Vail Village and LionsHead, includingnew The Arrabelle at Vail Square hotel (“The Arrabelle Hotel”), a RockResort property in Vail which opened in the 2007/2008 ski season; the major renovation of The Osprey at Beaver Creek (formerly the Inn at Beaver Creek), a RockResort property to open in the 2008/2009 ski season; a new spa, guest rooms and renovated ballroom and meeting spaces at The Lodge at Vail Chalets,for the 2008/2009 ski season; a new spa at The Keystone Lodge opened for the 2007/2008 ski season; the Crystal Peak Lodge in Breckenridge to be open for the 2008/2009 ski season; and new villages at the base of Breckenridge's Peaks 7 and 8.Vail Mountain Club, a private mountain club to be open for the 2008/2009 ski season.





Destination Visitation




The Colorado Front Range market, with a population of approximately 3.8 million, is within approximately 100 miles from each of the Company's Colorado resorts, with access via a major interstate highway.  Additionally, Heavenly is proximate to two large California population centers, the Sacramento/Central Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area.  These markets provide the Company with excellent opportunities to market its season pass products which provided approximately 25% of the Company’s total lift revenues for the 2006/2007 ski season.






 
RockResorts--
 
Six
 
GTLC--
 
Six Company owned



Vail,149
149
The Keystone LodgeKeystone, COOwn145
Hotel JeromeAspen, COManage92
The Pines LodgeBeaver Creek, COOwn69
The Lodge & Spa at CordilleraEdwards, COManage63
96
Inn at Beaver CreekBeaver Creek, COOwn46







Hotels are categorized by Smith Travel Research, a leading lodging industry research firm, as luxury, upper upscale, upscale, mid-price and economy.  The service quality and level of accommodations of the RockResorts’ hotels place them in the luxury category, and certain of the Company’s other hotels are categorized in the luxury, as well as, upper upscale segments of the hotel market, which represents hotels achieving the highest average daily rates ("ADR"(“ADR”) in the industry, and includes such brands as the Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton and Starwood's Luxury Collection hotels.  The Company’s other hotels are categorized in the upper upscale and upscale segments of the hotel market.  The luxury and upper upscale segments consist of approximately 630,000853,000 rooms at approximately 1,6903,020 properties in the United States as of July 2007.2008.  For the year ended July 31, 2007,2008, the Company's owned hotels, which includes a combination of certain RockResorts, as well as other hotels aroundin proximity to the Company’s ski resorts, had an overall ADR of $167.15,$184.42, a paid occupancy rate of 64.7%64.5% and revenue per available room (“RevPAR”) of $108.10,$118.97, as compared to the upper upscale segment’s ADR of $156.00,$166.79, a paid occupancy rate of 71.1%69.6% and RevPAR of $110.97.$116.16. The Company believes that this comparison to the upper upscale category is appropriate as its mix of owned hotels include those in the luxury and upper upscale categories, as described above, as well as certain of its hotels that fall in the upscale category.  The highly seasonal nature of the Company's lodging properties results in lower average occupancy as compared to the general lodging industry.


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Company promotes its luxury and resort hotels and seeks to maximize lodging revenue by using its marketing network established at the Company's ski resorts.  The Company's marketing network includes local, national and international travel relationships which provide the Company's central reservation systems with a significant volume of transient customers.  Additionally, the hotels and the Company have active sales forces to generate conference and group business.


There are 385390 areas within the National Park System covering approximately 8485 million acres across the United States and its territories.  Of the 385390 areas, 58 are classified as National Parks.  ThereWhile there are more than 500 NPS concessionaires, ranging from small privately-held businesses to large corporate conglomerates.conglomerates, the Company primarily competes with such companies as Aramark Parks & Resorts, Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts, Forever Resorts and Xanterra Parks & Resorts in retaining and obtaining National Park Concessionaire agreements.  The NPS uses "recreation visits"“recreation visits” to measure visitation within the National Park System.  In calendar 2006,2007, areas designated as National Parks received approximately 60.462.3 million recreation visits.  The Grand Teton National Park, which spans approximately 310,000 acres, had 2.42.6 million recreation visits during calendar 2006,2007, or approximately 4% of total National Park recreation visits.  Four concessionaires provide accommodations within the Grand Teton National Park, including GTLC.  GTLC offers three lodging options within the Grand Teton National Park: Jackson Lake Lodge, a full-service, 385-room resort with conference facilities which can accommodate up to 700 people; the Jenny Lake Lodge, a small, rustically elegant retreat with 37 cabins; and Colter Bay Village, a facility with 166 log cabins, 66 tent cabins, 350 campsites and a 112-space RV park.  GTLC offers dining options as extensive as its lodging options, with cafeterias, casual eateries and fine dining establishments.  GTLC's resorts provide a wide range of activities for guests to enjoy, including cruises on Jackson Lake, boat rentals, horseback riding, guided fishing, float trips, golf and guided Grand Teton National Park tours.  Because of the extensive amenities offered as well as the tremendous popularity of the National Park System, GTLC's accommodations within the Grand Teton National Park operate near full capacity during their operating season.






The Company has extensive holdings of real property at its resorts throughout Summit and Eagle Counties in Colorado and in Teton County, Wyoming.Colorado.  The Company's real estate operations, through VRDC,Vail Resorts Development Company (“VRDC”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, include the planning, oversight, marketing, infrastructure improvement, development, marketing and developmentsale of the Company's real property holdings.  In addition to the substantial cash flow generated from real estate development sales, these development activities benefit the Company's mountain and lodging operations through (i) the creation of additional resort lodging and uniqueother resort related facilities and venues (primarily restaurant,restaurants, spas, commercial space, parking structures and private mountain clubs)clubs, skier services facilities and parking structures) which provide the Company with the opportunity to create new sources of recurring revenue, enhance the guest experience at the resort and expand the destination bed base,base; (ii) the ability to control the architectural themes of the Company's resortsresorts; and (iii) the expansion of the Company's property management and commercial leasing operations.  Additionally, in order to facilitate the sale of real estate development projects, these projects often include the construction of amenities for the benefit ofresort assets benefiting the development, such as chairlifts, gondolas, ski trails or golf courses.  While these improvements enhance the value of the real estate held for sale (for example, by providing ski-in/ski-out accessibility), they also benefit mountain and lodging operations.

The Company in recent years has primarily focused on projects that involve significant vertical development as it is doing or proposesdevelopment.  In addition to do for certain projects includingthe substantially completed The Arrabelle at Vail Square (“Arrabelle”),project, current vertical development projects under construction include: Vail’s Front Door, Peaks 7 and 8Crystal Peak Lodge at Breckenridge, One Ski Hill Place at Breckenridge and The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Vail and Ever Vail.  The Company attempts to mitigate the risk of vertical development by utilizing guaranteed maximum price contracts (although certain construction costs may not be covered by contractual limitations), pre-selling all or a portion of the project, requiringwhich generally requires significant non-refundable deposits, and obtaining non-recourse financing for certain projects.  In some instances as warranted by the Company’s business model, VRDC attempts to minimize the Company's exposure to development risks and maximize the long-term value of the Company's real property holdings by selling improved and entitled land to third partythird-party developers for cash payments while retaining the right to approve the development plans, as well as an interest in the developer's profit.  The Company also typically retains the option to purchase, at cost, any retail/commercial space created in a development.  The Company is able to secure these benefits from third partythird-party developers because of the high property values and strong demand associated with property in close proximity to the Company's mountain resort facilities.resorts.



The Arrabelle at Vail Square – Currently under construction with an anticipated completion date in the 2007/2008 ski season, Arrabelle is a luxurious 2.27-acre redevelopment site at the base of Vail Mountain.  It will include approximately 33,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space, a 36-room RockResorts hotel, a spa, a private mountain club, a winter ice rink and skier-services facilities.  This development also features 67 distinctive, privately-owned residences, some of which have “lock-off” capabilities, which provides the potential opportunity for the rental of up to 50 additional hotel-size rooms.

·  




·  
Ever Vail – This development is being planned to be the largest LEED-certified project for resort use in North America announced to date.  The project is planned to transform the 9.5-acre site, currently known as West LionsHead, into a truly “green” multi-use resort village consisting of residences, a hotel, offices, retail/rental shops and restaurants, mountain operations facilities, a public parking garage, a new skier portal and a public park.  Ever Vail will encompass approximately 1.4 million square feet and include between 800,000 and 1.0 million saleable square feet of residential and commercial space.





Special Use PermitsFederal Regulation










Federal Regulations,Master Development Plans


The Company's resort, real estateWhite River National Forest Plan














In August 1999, the Colorado Water Quality Control Commission (the "Commission"“Commission”) adopted “temporary modifications” for certain metals standards applicable to further assess water quality conditions at Keystone.  In March 2004,three streams within the Keystone permit area.  The Commission adopted a regulation that rejected a proposal to add four streams at Keystone tohas been delegated authority by the list of Colorado streams that do not achieve water quality standards.  In June 2005, the U.S.Federal Environmental Protection Agency upheld the Commission's decision.  Ongoing monitoring ofto regulate water quality at Keystone indicates compliance with all applicablein Colorado.  All water quality standards, including “temporary modifications,” are reviewed by the Commission every three years.  Under the Keystone SUP, which requires that the Company comply with water quality standards, the Forest Service mandated that the Company conduct ongoing studies of the three streams within the Keystone permit boundary as well as one additional stream.  These studies were designed to determine the potential water quality impacts of snowmaking operations as a result of metals contamination from abandoned mines located upstream from Keystone’s snowmaking diversions.  Using the data collected through the ongoing monitoring, the Company has completed a use attainability analysis for the Commission.  At the Commission review in June 2008, the “temporary modifications” were lifted and new water quality standards were adopted for all four of the streams.  The Company expects to meet or exceed the newly adopted standards.














Prior to the Company's acquisitionThe Company has been conducting ongoing monitoring of Heavenly,groundwater contamination levels using three existing monitoring wells and a seasonal, downstream seep as required by the State of California Regional Water Quality Control Board, Lahontan Region (“Lahontan”), and the El Dorado County Department of Environmental Management required Heavenly's prior owner to conduct an environmental compliance cleanup at a vehicle maintenance facility at Heavenly.Management.  This requirement was imposed in response to an accidental release of waste oil at a vehicle maintenance shop in 1998.  All cleanup work has been completed in accordance with the approved work plan and a new underground vault, piping and overflow protection system was installed to prevent any further releases.  ANotwithstanding submission of a final report was submitted on March 31, 2003, to the above two agencies.  In late 2004, Heavenly was notified by Lahontan thathas required additional monitoring and reporting would be required following snowmelt in 2005 using the three existing monitoring wells.  However, because no water was found in the existing monitoring wells, Lahontan required Heavenly to continue sampling for one more year and groundwater was sampled on two separate occasions in spring 2006 pursuant to the approved work plan.  A monitoring report was submittedreporting.  Monitoring results have been provided to Lahontan which indicated low levels of diesel in the most distant well.  No other contaminants were detected during the monitoring period and Heavenly’s position outlined in its report to Lahontan is that the residual petroleum compounds do not represent a threat to human health, do not represent a threat to surface water quality and do not represent a threat to groundwater quality. On May 31, 2007 Lahontan staff requested Heavenly to resample the existing set of underground monitoring wells on two separate occasions, along with a seasonal seep that is located downstream of the monitoring wells.  The sampling was completed and a report prepared and submitted to Lahontan on August 9, 2007.  The report documented the detectable presence of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH), in the diesel range in the most distant well during both sampling events, and in the seep during the first sampling event.  The sampling report also documented the presence of TPH in the oil range during the second sampling event only. Nobut no response has been received from Lahontan as of thisto date.

In July 2003, Heavenly received updated waste discharge requirements ("WDRs") relating to storm runoff on the California portions of the resort.  WDRs are normally valid for all lands and facilities within the resort which are located within the State of California.  This includes National Forest lands as well as fee-owned lands.  The approval was given by the State of California Water Resources Control Board, Lahontan Region.ten years.  The approved WDRs will permit Heavenly to continue winter and summeryear round operations and to continue with implementation of the approved Heavenly Ski Area Master Plan ("Heavenly Master Plan").  WDRs are normally valid for ten years., which is discussed in more detail immediately below.  The WDRs require the retrofit of certain existing facilities within California according to specified deadlines.  The California Main Lodge and Parking Lot are to be retrofitted with water quality Best Management Practices (BMPs), by October 15, 2007 which are to ensure that the Main Lodge and Parking Lot meet specific surface runoff water quality criteria by November 30, 2008.  Due in part to the lengthy time period required to process and approve Heavenly’s Master Plan Amendment on July 23, 2007(as defined below), Heavenly requested and received amendments to the WDRs, that will provideextending the deadline to October 15, 2008 for a one year delay in each deadline.  The requests will be consideredcompletion of the California Main Lodge and Parking Lot water quality Best Management Practices (“BMPs”).  Under the amendment, the Main Lodge and Parking Lot is required to meet revised surface runoff water quality criteria by the Regional Board at their October 10-11, 2007 meeting.November 30, 2008.  The WDRs also contained a requirement to retrofit the Upper Vehicle Maintenance Facility with water quality BMPs, bywhich was completed on October 15, 2006.  That project was delayed for one year based on the jurisdiction of the Forest Service over the site.  The Forest Service had not approved the BMP retrofit by October 15, 2006, therefore Heavenly was unable2007.


In 1996, the Heavenly Master Plan (the “Master Plan Amendment”) to include new and upgraded trails, lifts, snowmaking, lodges and other facilities was approvedaccepted by the Forest Service and approved by the Tahoe Regional Planning AuthorityAgency (“TRPA”) and the underlying units of local government with jurisdiction.  To permit new and upgraded trails, lifts, snowmaking, lodges and other facilities, Heavenly sought to updatePortions of the Heavenly Master Plan Amendment applying to the California side of the resort were subject to the approval of TRPA and submitted a "Master Plan Amendment" to those same agencies in 2005.  Initially slated to be completed under an Environmental Assessment, the Forest Service and the TRPA notified Heavenly that an Environmental Impact Report/Statement (“EIR”) would beEl Dorado County, which required for project approval.compliance with CEQA.  The Master Plan Amendment was approved in April 2007 by TRPA and El Dorado County after completion of a joint TRPA/Forest Service EIS/Environmental Impact Report to comply with both CEQA and NEPA.  Approval of the TRPA.  On June 1, 2007Master Plan Amendment included approval by the Forest Service issued a ROD approvingand TRPA of the Phase I projects containedcontemplated in the Master Plan Amendment.  On June 19, 2007Phase I projects, including snowmaking, trail and lift upgrades and construction of a new lodge have been or are in the Alpine County Boardprocess of County Commissioners approved the Master Plan Amendmentbeing implemented.  Heavenly has begun planning for the portionsimplementation of the resort within the jurisdiction of Alpine County.  On August 21, 2007 the El Dorado County Board of County Commissioners approved the Master Plan Amendment for the portions of the resort within the jurisdiction of El Dorado County.  Included in the first phase of the capitalPhase II projects containedcontemplated in the Master Plan Amendment, is the construction of a high-speed, detachable quad chair lift.  This construction is currently underwaywhich will require compliance with completion expected prior to the start of the 2007/2008 ski season.NEPA, CEQA and TRPA regulations and other local laws.


Also, in March 2006, Heavenly received an extension of a 1985 allocation of 55 water units (each water unit equals approximately 500 gallons/day) for the same Stagecoach Lodge Planned Development project from the Kingsbury General Improvement District ("KGID").  KGID is the water and sewer district that services the Stagecoach Lodge.  Water allocation units for this service area are limited by the State of Nevada.  However, based on KGID's gallons/day consumptive use formula, and an additional 65 in-basin water units held by Heavenly (subject to a recorded parcel boundary consolidation document that was approved by the Nevada State Engineer on September 30, 1998), a total of 120 water allocation units are available to serve the 120 units approved by Douglas County. On February 13, 2007 Heavenly notified KGID that it would be unable to meet the performance timelines attached to the use of the 55 water units, and would allow them to expire.  On March 19, 2007 the water units reverted to KGID.



















Risks Related to the Company’s Business
 

The Company isWe are vulnerable to the risk of unfavorable weather conditions.  The ability to attract visitors to the Company’sour resorts is influenced by weather conditions and by the amount and timing of snowfall during the ski season.  Unfavorable weather conditions can adversely affect skier visits and the Company'sour revenue and profits.  Unseasonably warm weather may result in inadequate natural snowfall and reduce skiable terrain which increases the cost of snowmaking and could render snowmaking wholly or partially ineffective in maintaining quality skiing conditions, including in areas which are not accessible by snowmaking equipment.  Excessive natural snowfall may materially increase the costs incurred for grooming trails and may also make it difficult for visitors to obtain access to the Company'sour mountain resorts.  In the past 20 years, the Company'sour Colorado ski resorts have averaged between 20 and 30 feet of annual snowfall and Heavenly receives average yearly snowfall of approximately 23 feet, both of which are significantly in excess of the average for United States ski resorts.  However, there is no assurance that the Company'sour resorts will receive seasonal snowfalls near the historical average in the future.  Also, the early season snow conditions and skier perceptions of early season snow conditions influence the momentum and success of the overall season.  In addition, a severe and prolonged drought could affect the Company’sour otherwise adequate snowmaking water supplies or increase the cost of snowmaking.  Unfavorable weather conditions, such as drought andincluding those which may increase the risk of the occurrence of forest fires, can adversely affect the Company'sour resorts and lodging properties as vacationers tend to delay or postpone vacations if conditions differ from those that typically prevail at such resorts for a given season.  There is no way for the Companyus to predict future weather patterns or the impact that weather patterns may have on our results of operations or visitation.

The Company isWe are subject to the risk of economic downturns.downturns including adverse affects on the overall travel and leisure related industries.  Periods of economic slowdown or recession, whether regional, national regional or international, may decrease the discretionary spending of the Company’sour guests.  Actual or perceived fear of recession may also lead to decreased discretionary spending.  Skiing, travel and tourism are discretionary recreational activities that can entail a relatively high cost of participation and can be adversely affected by economic slowdown or recession, which, in turn, could negatively impact the Company’sour operating results. This could further be exacerbated by the fact that the Company chargeswe charge some of the highest ticket prices, as well as prices for itsour ancillary businessbusinesses including ski school, in the ski industry.  While pricing increases historically have not reduced demand, there can be no assurances that demand will remain price inelastic.  Similarly, there can be no assurance that a decrease in the amount of discretionary spending by the public would not have an adverse effect on the Company’sour results of operations.  Additionally, many of our guests travel by air and the impact of higher fuel costs in addition to higher cost and availability of air services may cause a decrease in visitation by destination guests to our resorts.  Higher energy costs and gasoline prices may also result in a reduction to in-state visitation.





 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



 
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 


national
 
 
 
competition from other available property or space;
·  the Company’s ability to obtain adequate insurance;
·  increased construction costs, project difficulties or delays;
 
 
 
 

the Company’s
 
 
the Company’s
 
the Company’s ability to meet its pre-sell targets on its vertical real estate development projects;
 
competition; and
 

 
 
 
 
 



The Company isWe are subject to extensive environmental laws and regulations in the ordinary course of business.  The Company’sOur operations are subject to a variety of Federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations including those relating to emissions to the air, discharges to water, storage, treatment and disposal of wastes, land use, remediation of contaminated sites and protection of natural resources such as wetlands. For example, future expansions of certain of the Company’sour ski facilities must comply with applicable forest plans approved under the National Forest Management Act or local zoning requirements.  The Company’sIn addition, most projects to improve, upgrade or expand our ski areas are subject to environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act and, for California projects at Heavenly, the California Environmental Quality Act. Both acts require that the Forest Service study any proposal for potential environmental impacts and include in its analysis various alternatives.  Our ski area improvement proposals may not be approved or may be approved with modifications that substantially increase the cost or decrease the desirability of implementing the project.  Our facilities are subject to risks associated with mold and other indoor building contaminants.  From time to time the Company’sour operations are subject to inspections by environmental regulators or other regulatory agencies. The Company isWe are also subject to worker health and safety requirements.  The Company believes itsWe believe our operations are in substantial compliance with applicable material environmental, health and safety requirements. However, the Company’sour efforts to comply do not eliminate the risk that the Companywe may be held liable, incur fines or be subject to claims for damages, and that the amount of any liability, fines, damages or remediation costs may be material for, among other things, the presence or release of regulated materials at, on or emanating from properties the Companywe now or formerly owned or operated, newly discovered environmental impacts or contamination at or from any of itsour properties, or changes in environmental laws and regulations or their enforcement.








Risks Relating to The Company’s Capital Structure
 

 
 
 
 
 
announcements of new services by the Company or its competitors;
 
 
 
 
changes in the weather;
·  seasonal fluctuations;
·  other risk factors as discussed above; and
 
 



 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 







Ski trails and ski resort operations, including ski lifts, buildings and other improvements and commercial space
Avon, COOwnedWarehouse facility
BC Housing Riveredge, CO26% OwnedEmployee housing facilities
Bachelor Gulch Village, CO  Owned
Beaver Creek Mountain,
Inn at Keystone, COOwnedLodging, dining and conference facilities
Keystone Resort,Resort operations,
Lakewood, COLeasedAdministrative offices
Red Sky Ranch, COOwnedGolf course, clubhouses and real estate held for sale or development




Cheeca Lodge & Spa Contract DisputeThe Canyons Ski Resort Litigation

On February 28, 2007, an arbitrator rendered a decision, awarding $8.5 million in damages in favor of RockResorts and against Cheeca Holdings, LLC,During the ownership entity of Cheeca Lodge & Spa, the former RockResorts managed property located in Islamorada, Florida.  Additionally, in accordance with the arbitrator’s ruling, RockResorts is seeking recovery of costs and attorneys’ fees in the last stagefourth quarter of the proceedings.  Cheeca Holdings, LLC has filed a motion to stay the arbitration in Florida District Court.  In the event that Checca Holdings, LLC is not successful in its motion, upon conclusion of the fees hearing in the arbitration, the total award, which will incorporate the $8.5 million damage award and any additional cost recovery award, is final, binding and not subject to appeal.  Upon completion of the cost recovery stage, RockResorts will proceed with the collection of the award and will record the actual amount received, upon receipt, in “contract dispute credit (charges), net” in its Consolidated Statements of Operations.  The Company has incurred legal related costs of $4.6 million and $3.3 million in the yearsfiscal year ended July 31, 2007, the Company entered into an agreement with Peninsula Advisors, LLC (“Peninsula”) for the negotiation and 2006, respectively, in connection with this matter which are included in “contract dispute charges” in the Consolidated Statementsmutual acquisition of Operations in the respective period (see Note 14, Commitments and Contingencies, of the Notes to Consolidated Financials Statements, for more information regarding this item).


ski resort (“The Canyons”) and the land underlying The Canyons.  On July 15, 2007, American Skiing Company (“ASC”) entered into an agreement to sell The Canyons to Talisker Corporation and Talisker Canyons Finance Company, LLC (together “Talisker”).  On July 27, 2007, the Company filed a complaint and motion for temporary restraining order seeking to enjoin Talisker Corporationin the District Court in Colorado against Peninsula and Talisker Finance Co, LLC from closing on the purchase of ASC Utah pursuant to a purchase agreement with American Skiing Company.  In addition, the Company is seeking damages and specific performance forclaiming, among other things, breach of contract by Peninsula and tortious interference.  The parties entered into a stipulated agreement to expedite discovery wherebyintentional interference with contractual relations and prospective business relations by Talisker and seeking damages, specific performance and injunctive relief.  On October 19, 2007, the Company agreed to withdraw itsCompany’s request for a temporary restraining orderpreliminary injunction to prevent the closing of the acquisition by Talisker of The Canyons from ASC was denied.  On November 8, 2007, Talisker filed an answer to the Company’s complaint along with three counterclaims.  On November 12, 2007, Peninsula filed a motion to dismiss and the parties agreed to schedule afor partial summary judgment.  The Company believes that these counter claims and motions are without merit.  These motions were set for hearing on June 20, 2008 but the Company’s motion fordate was vacated upon request of new counsel to Peninsula and a preliminary injunction.new hearing date has not yet been set.  The defendants also agreed that they would not close onCompany is unable to predict the purchase agreement untilultimate outcome of the earlier of an order issued by the court on the motion for preliminary injunction, which is scheduled to be heard on October 11, 2007, or October 22, 2007 and thereafter would only do so upon five days notice to the Company.above described actions.



None.





PART II














  
Vail Resorts
  
Common Stock
  
High
 
Low
Year Ended July 31, 2007      
1st Quarter $41.55 $34.01
2nd Quarter  47.54  38.50
3rd Quarter  59.32  46.19
4th Quarter  64.97  52.06
       
Year Ended July 31, 2006      
1st Quarter $33.66 $26.30
2nd Quarter  38.89  30.16
3rd Quarter  39.13  30.10
4th Quarter  39.98  33.58





 
Year Ended July 31,
 
 
2007 (1)
 
2006 (1)
 
2005 (1)
2004 (1)
 
2003 (1)
    
Statement of Operations Data:
                              
Revenue:                              
Mountain $665,377  $620,441 $540,855 $500,995 $460,568        
Lodging  162,451  155,807  196,351 180,525 172,003          
Real estate  112,708  62,604  72,781 45,123 80,401          
Total net revenue  940,536  838,852  809,987 726,643 712,972          
Segment operating expense:                            
Mountain  462,708  443,116  391,889 368,875 362,131          
Lodging  144,252  142,693  177,469 165,983 161,846          
Real estate  115,190  56,676  58,254 16,791 66,642          
Total segment operating expense  722,150  642,485  627,612 551,649 590,619          
Income from operations  128,206  105,339  88,329 81,811 34,487          
         
Mountain equity investment income, net  5,059  3,876  2,303 1,376 1,009          
Lodging equity investment loss, net  --  --  (2,679) (3,432) (5,995)        
Investment income  12,403  7,995  2,066 1,886 2,011 
         
Interest expense, net  (32,625) (36,478)  (40,298) (47,479) (50,001)       
Relocation and separation charges  (1,433) (5,096)  -- -- -- 
Loss on extinguishment of debt  --  --  (612) (37,084) --         
Contract dispute charges  (4,642) (3,282)  -- -- -- 
Mold remediation credit (charge)  --  1,411  -- (5,500) -- 
         
(Loss) gain from sale of businesses, net  (639) 4,625  (7,353) -- --          
Net income (loss) $61,397  $45,756 $23,138 $(5,959) $(8,527)      
Diluted per share net income (loss) $1.56  $1.19 $0.64 $(0.17) $(0.24)      
                            
Other Data:
                            
Mountain
                            
Skier visits(2)
  6,219  6,288  5,940 5,636 5,730          
ETP (3)
 $46.15  $41.83 $39.30 $37.67 $34.13        
Lodging
                            
ADR(4)
 $216.83  $202.27 $196.26 $187.90 $184.25        
RevPAR(5)
 $99.58  $92.41 $90.98 $81.33 $77.86        
Real Estate
                            
Real estate held for sale and investment(6)
 $357,586  $259,384 $154,874 $134,548 $123,223        
Other Balance Sheet Data
                            
Cash and cash equivalents(7)
 $230,819  $191,794 $136,580 $46,328 $7,874        
Total assets $1,909,123  $1,687,643 $1,525,921 $1,533,957 $1,455,442        
Long-term debt (including long-term debt due within one year) $594,110  $531,228 $521,710 $625,803 $584,151        
Net debt(8)
 $363,291  $339,434 $385,130 $579,475 $576,277        
Stockholders' equity $714,039  $642,777 $540,529 $491,163 $496,246        
 



Footnotes to Selected Financial Data:
 
The Company has made several acquisitions and dispositions which impact comparability between years during the past five years.  The more significant of those include the sale of its majority interest in RTP, LLC (“RTP”) (sold in April 2007), Snake River Lodge & Spa (“SRL&S&S”) (sold in January 2006), The Lodge at Rancho Mirage (“Rancho Mirage”) (sold in July 2005), Vail Marriott (sold in June 2005) and its minority interest in Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch (“BG Resort”) (sold in December 2004). Additionally, the Company acquired 18 retail/rental locations (acquired by SSV in June 2007), two licensed Starbucks stores (acquired in June 2007) and six retail locations (acquired by SSV in August 2006), 18 rental locations (acquired by SSV in June 2007) and two dining businesses (acquired in June 2007).  For the acquisitions in June 2007, due to the seasonality of these operations there was not a significant impact to the Company’s operations during the year ended July 31, 2007.  In addition, the Company consolidated several entities during the year ended July 31, 2004 as a result of the adoption of FASB Interpretation No. 46, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities-an Interpretation of ARB No. 51, Revised" ("FIN 46R").  See Note 7,Variable Interest Entities, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for information regarding the entities consolidated under FIN 46R.  Effective August 1, 2005, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS"(“SFAS”) No. 123R, "Share-Based Payment" ("“Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS 123R"123R”).  See Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for the impact to the Consolidated Statements of Operations as a result of the adoption of SFAS 123R.



ITEM 7.   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of the Company should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes related thereto included in this Form 10-K.  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, real estate development risk, general business and economic conditions, the weather, war, terrorism and other factorsthose discussed in Item 1A, Risk Factors“Risk Factors” in this Form 10-K.  The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Forward-Looking Statements and Item 1A, Risk Factors“Risk Factors” each included in this Form 10-K.

Management'sManagement’s Discussion and Analysis includes discussion of financial performance within each of the Company'sCompany’s segments.  The Company has chosen to specifically address the non-GAAP measures,include Reported EBITDA (defined as segment net revenue less segment operating expenses,expense, plus or minus segment equity investment income or loss)loss and for the Real Estate segment, plus gain on sale of real property) and Net Debt (defined as long-term debt plus long-term debt due within one year less cash and cash equivalents), in the following discussion because management considers these measurements to be significant indications of the Company'sCompany’s financial performance and available capital resources.  Reported EBITDA and Net Debt are not measures of financial performance or liquidity under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).  The Company utilizes Reported EBITDA in evaluating performance of the Company and in allocating resources to its segments.   Refer to the end of the Results of Operations section for a reconciliation of Reported EBITDA to net income.  Management also believes that Net Debt is an important measurement as it is an indicator of the Company’s ability to obtain additional capital resources for its future cash needs.  Refer to the end of the Results of Operations section for a reconciliation of Net Debt.

Reported EBITDA and Net Debt are not measures of financial performance or liquidity under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).  Items excluded from Reported EBITDA and Net Debt are significant components in understanding and assessing financial performance or liquidity.  Reported EBITDA and Net Debt should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to, or substitute for, net income, net change in cash flows generated by operating, investing or financing activitiesand cash equivalents or other financial statement data presented in the Consolidated Financial Statements as indicators of financial performance or liquidity.  Because Reported EBITDA and Net Debt are not measurements determined in accordance with GAAP and are thus susceptible to varying calculations, Reported EBITDA and Net Debt as presented may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies.

Overview

The Company's operations are grouped into three integrated and interdependent segments: Mountain, Lodging and Real Estate, which represented 71%59%, 17%15% and 12%26%, respectively, of the Company's net revenue for the year ended July 31, 2007.2008.  The Mountain segment is comprised of the operations of five ski resort properties as well as ancillary businesses, primarily including ski school, dining and retail/rental operations.  Mountain segment revenue is seasonal in nature, the majority of which is earned in the Company’s second and third fiscal quarters.  Operations within the Lodging segment include (i) ownership/management of a group of sevennine luxury hotels through the RockResorts brand, including fourfive proximate to the Company's ski resorts,resorts; (ii) the ownership/management of non-RockResorts branded hotels and condominiums proximate to the Company's ski resorts,resorts; (iii) GTLCGTLC; and (iv) golf courses.  The Resort segment is the combination of the Mountain and Lodging segments.  The Real Estate segment is involved with the development of propertyowns and develops real estate in and around the Company's resort properties.communities.

The Company's single largest source of Mountain segment revenue is the sale of lift tickets (including season passes), which represented approximately 43%44%, 42%43% and 43%42% of Mountain segment net revenue for the years ended July 31, 2008, 2007 2006 and 2005,2006, respectively.  Lift ticket revenue is driven by volume and pricing.  Pricing is impacted by both absolute pricing as well as the demographic mix of guests, which impacts the price points at which various products are purchased.  The demographic mix of guests is divided into two primary categories: (i) out-of-state and international guests ("Destination"(“Destination”) and (ii) In-State.in-state and local visitors (“In-State”).  For the 2006/20072007/2008 ski season, Destination guests comprised approximately 64%an estimated 63% of the Company's skier visits, while the In-State market comprised approximately 36%an estimated 37% of the Company's skier visits.  Destination guests generally purchase the Company's higher-priced lift ticket products and utilize more ancillary services such as ski school, lodgingdining and retail/rental.rental as well as the lodging at or around the Company’s resorts.  Destination guests are less likely to be impacted by changes in the weather, due to the advance planning required for their trip, but can be impacted by the economygeneral economic conditions and the global geopolitical climate.  In-State guests tend to be more weather-sensitive and value-oriented; to address this, the Company markets season passes to In-State guests, generally prior to the start of the ski season.  For the 2006/2007 ski season, approximatelyApproximately 26%, 25% and 23% of the total lift revenue was generated from the salecomprised of season passes.pass revenue for the 2007/2008, 2006/2007 and 2005/2006 ski seasons, respectively.  The cost structure of ski resort operations once a certain level of visitation is achieved is largely fixed (with the exception of certain variable expenses including Forest Service fees, other resort related fees, credit card fees, retail/rental operations, ski school labor and dining operations); as such, incremental revenue generally has high associated profit margin.

Lodging properties at or around the Company's ski resorts which represented approximately 61%63%, 62%61% and 56%62% of the Lodging segment net revenue for the years ended July 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and 2005, respectively, are closely aligned with the performance of the Mountain segment, particularly with respect to visitation by Destination guests.  Revenue from hotel management operations under the RockResorts brand is generated through management fees is based upon the revenue of themanaged individual hotel properties within the RockResortslodging portfolio, and to the extent that these managed properties are not proximate to the Company’s ski resorts, they are more subject to the seasonality of those individual hotels more closely resembles the seasonality and trends within the overall travel industry.  Revenue of the Lodging segment during the Company's first and fourth fiscal quarters is generated primarily by the operations of GTLC (as GTLC's peak operating season occurs during the summer months), as well as golf operations and seasonally low operations from the Company's other owned and managed properties.

The Company'sCompany’s Real Estate segment primarily engages in both the vertical development of projects and to a lesser degree the sale of land to third-party developers, which latter activity generally includes the retention of some involvement and control in the infrastructure, development, oversight and design of the projects and a contingent revenue structure based on the ultimate sale of the developed units.  The Company attempts to mitigate the risk of vertical development by utilizing guaranteed maximum price construction contracts (although certain construction costs may not be covered by contractual limitations), pre-selling all or a portion of the project, requiringwhich generally requires significant non-refundable deposits, and obtaining non-recourse financing for certain projects.  The Company'sCompany’s real estate development projects also may result in the creation of certain resort assets that provide additional benefit to the Resort (Mountain and Lodging) segment.  The Company’s Real Estate revenue and associated expense fluctuate based upon the timing of closings and the type of real estate being sold, thus increasing the volatility of Real Estate operating results from period to period.between periods.  In the near-term, the majority of Real Estate revenue is expected to be generated from vertical development projects that are currently under construction, in which revenue and related cost of sales will be recorded at the time of real estate closings.

Recent Trends, Risks and Uncertainties

The data provided in this section should be read in conjunction with the risk factors identified in Item 1A and elsewhere in this Form 10-K.  The Company's management has identified the following important factors (as well as uncertainties associated with such factors) that could impact the Company's future financial performance:

Ownership changes of hotels under RockResorts management, or the inability of RockResorts to meet certain performance requirements for hotels under its management, may result in loss of management agreements and the related recurring management fees.  Such terminations, however, may result in the payment of termination fees to RockResorts.  For the years ended July 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, the Company recognized $5.4 million, zero and $417,000, respectively, in revenue from termination fees.  The Company continues to pursue and secure new management contracts, which may include, in addition to management fees, marketing license fees and technical service fees in conjunction with a project’s development and sales.  For example, the Company recently announced that it began managing the Hotel Jerome in Aspen, Colorado during the Company’s fourth quarter of the year ended July 31, 2007 and will begin managing the Landings St. Lucia, located on Rodney Bay, St. Lucia, in the West Indies, which is anticipated to open during the Company’s second quarter of the year ending July 31, 2008.   Additionally, RockResorts will operate The Chateau at Heavenly Village at the base of Heavenly ski resort, and manage the new Rum Cay Resort Marina on Rum Cay, Bahamas and the new Eleven Biscayne Hotel & Spa in Miami, Florida, all of which are currently under construction and are anticipated to open during the years ending July 31, 2009  or beyond.  These agreements are generally long-term in nature (generally 10 years with renewal options).  However, these agreements generally contain certain performance criteria that cover multiple years and are multi-faceted.  In addition to these agreements, RockResorts will earn marketing license fees on the sales of ownership units within the Rum Cay Resort Marina and The Chateau at Heavenly Village.
·  On February 28, 2007, an arbitrator rendered a decision, awarding $8.5 million in damages in favor of RockResorts and against Cheeca Holdings, LLC, the ownership entity of Cheeca Lodge & Spa, the former RockResorts managed property located in Islamorada, Florida.  Additionally, in accordance with the arbitrator’s ruling, RockResorts is seeking recovery of costs and attorneys’ fees in the last stage of the proceedings.  Upon conclusion of that stage, the total award, which will incorporate the $8.5 million damage award and any additional cost recovery award, is final, binding and not subject to appeal.  Upon completion of the cost recovery stage, RockResorts will proceed with the collection of the award and will record the actual amount received, upon receipt, in “contract dispute credit (charges), net” in its Consolidated Statement of Operations.  The Company has incurred legal related costs of $4.6 million and $3.3 million in the years ended July 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, in connection with this matter which are included in “contract dispute charges” in its Consolidated Statements of Operations in the respective periods.
·  Real Estate Reported EBITDA is highly dependent on, among other things, the timing of closings on real estate under contract.contract, which determines when revenue and associated cost of sales is recognized.  Changes to the anticipated timing of closing on one or more real estate projects, or unit closings within a real estate project, could materially impact Real Estate Reported EBITDA for a particular quarter or fiscal year.  Additionally, the magnitude of real estate projects currently under development or contemplated could result in a significant increasefluctuations in Real Estate Reported EBITDA as these projectsbetween periods.  For example, the Company closed on 64 of the 66 units at The Arrabelle at Vail Square (“Arrabelle”) during the year ended July 31, 2008 and expects to close expected inon the remaining condominium units during the year ending July 31, 2008 and beyond.2009.  The profitability and/or viabilityCompany closed on five of current or proposed real estate development projects have been and could continue to be adversely affected by escalation in construction costs associated with project difficulties, delays, design or construction issues and scope modifications that may arise in the course of construction.  Additionally, real estate development projects are also susceptible to a slow-down in market demand.  For13 Lodge at Vail Chalets (“Chalets”) during the yearsyear ended July 31, 20072008 and 2006,expects to close on the remaining Chalets during the year ending July 31, 2009.  Additionally, the Company recorded charges of $7.6 million and $1.8 million, respectively, for estimated costsexpects to complete the constructionclose on a vast majority, if not all of the JHG&TC cabins that have design and construction issues.45 units at Crystal Peak Lodge during the year ending July 31, 2009.  The Company is currentlyhas entered into definitive sales contracts with a value of approximately $448 million related to these projects of which $272.4 million of revenue was recognized in the process of completing construction and attempting to resolve the apportionment of the financial responsibilities for the remediation and construction costsyear ended July 31, 2008, along with the contractors, structural engineers and architects involved in the design and constructionassociated cost of the JHG&TC cabins, and as such the Company’s final costs are subject to change which could impact future operating results.sales.
In recent years,
The Company has several other real estate projects across its resorts under development and in the planning stages.  While the current instability in the capital markets and slowdown in the national real estate market have not, to date, materially impacted the Company’s real estate development, the Company has shifteddoes have elevated risk associated with the selling and/or closing of its real estate focusunder development as a result of the current economic climate.  These risks surrounding the Company’s real estate developments are partially mitigated by the fact that the Company’s projects include a relatively low number of luxury and ultra luxury units situated at the base of its resorts, which are unique due to verticalthe relatively low supply of developable land.  Additionally, the Company’s real estate projects must meet the Company’s pre-sale requirements, which include substantial non-refundable deposits, before significant development (versus land development), which requires significantbegins; however, there is no guarantee that a sustained downward trend in the capital investment priorand real estate markets would not materially impact the Company’s real estate development activities or operating results. In addition to projectthe expected completion (includingof the constructionArrabelle, Chalets and Crystal Peak Lodge development projects during the year ending July 31, 2009, the Company is also moving forward with the development of resort-related depreciable assets).One Ski Hill Place located at the base of Peak 8 in Breckenridge and The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Vail.  The Company expects to incur costs of $435between $335 million to $465$355 million of development costs subsequent to July 31, 20072008 on significant projects under construction that include Arrabelle, Vail’s Front Door,the remaining Chalets, Crystal Peak Lodge, One Ski Hill Place and The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Vail projects.  The Company has entered into non-recourse financing agreements to borrow up to $298 million for Arrabelle and Vail’s Front Door and expects to enter into a non-recourse financing agreement for The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Vail project with similar terms as its other non-recourse financing agreements.
The Company had $230.8$162.3 million in cash and cash equivalents as of July 31, 2007 (which balance increased by $39.0 million since July 31, 2006)2008 with no borrowings under the revolver component of its credit facilitiesCredit Facility and expects to generate additional cash from operations, including future closures on real estate.  Theestate vertical development projects during the 2009 fiscal year.  In addition to building excess cash, the Company is currently evaluatingcontinuously evaluates how to utilize its excess cash, including any combination of the following strategic options: increaseself-fund real estate under development; continue recent levels of investment for further development; increasein resort capital expenditures;assets; pursue strategic acquisitions; pay off outstanding debt; repurchase additional common stock of the Company (see Note 17, Capitalization,16, Stock Repurchase Plan, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information regarding the Company’s stock repurchase plan); pay cash dividends; and/or payoff outstanding debt.other options to return value to stockholders.  The Company’s debt is long-term in nature and the Company believes its debt generally has favorable fixed interest ratesrates.  In determining its uses of excess cash, the Company has some constraints as a result of the Company’s Fourth Amended and is long-term in nature.  Additionally,Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of January 28, 2005, as amended, between The Vail Corporation (a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company), Bank of America, N.A. as administrative agent and the Lenders party thereto (the “Credit Agreement”) underlying the Company’s Credit Facility and the Indenture, governing the 6.75% Notes, which limit the Company’s ability to pay dividends, repurchase stock and pay off certain of its debt, including its 6.75% Notes.
In
On July 27, 2007 the Company made an offer of $110 million to acquire The Canyons ski resort (“The Canyons”) from American Skiing Company (“ASC”).  This offer was in excess of a previously undisclosed offer by the Company to acquire The Canyons and in excess of the $100 million offer by Talisker Corporation and Talisker Canyons Finance Company LLC (together “Talisker”) to ASC, in which ASC announced on July 15, 2007 that it had entered into a purchase agreement with Talisker for the sale of The Canyons.  The Company has also filed a lawsuit against Talisker and Peninsula Advisors for alleged breaches and interference with the Company’s efforts to acquire The Canyons.  Subsequently, on September 10, 2007, the Company supplemented its previous offer to acquire The Canyons by agreeing to grant a 30% interest in the future net cash flow (as defined) to the Company arising from the ownership and development of the real estate development rights included in the acquisition.  If the Company is successful in its acquisition of The Canyons it could significantly impact the future results of operations of the Company.
·  The Company uses many methods, estimates and judgments in applying its accounting policies (see Critical“Critical Accounting PoliciesPolicies” in this section of this Form 10-K). Such methods, estimates and judgments are, by their nature, subject to substantial risks, uncertainties and assumptions, and factors may arise over time that lead the Company to change its methods, estimates and judgments. Changes in those methods, estimates and judgments could significantly affect the Company’s results of operations.

Results of Operations

Summary

The Company realized significant increases to net income in bothShown below is a summary of operating results for the years ended July 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 compared to the previous periods, primarily due to improved performance from its Mountain segment, as shown below (in thousands):

 
Year Ended July 31,
 
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
   
Mountain Reported EBITDA $207,728  $181,201  $151,269       
Lodging Reported EBITDA 18,199  13,114   16,203        
Resort Reported EBITDA 225,927  194,315   167,472        
Real Estate Reported EBITDA (2,482) 6,719   14,425       
Total Reported EBITDA 223,445  201,034   181,897       
Income before provision for income taxes 100,651  75,010   37,623       
Net income $61,397  $45,756  $23,138       

Net income for the year ended July 31, 2007 increased by $15.6 million compared to the year ended July 31, 2006, which is primarily attributable to an increase in Resort Reported EBITDA of $31.6 million, a $4.4 million increase in investment income, a $3.9 million decrease in interest expense, net and a $3.7 million decrease in relocation and separation charges, which were partially offset by a $10.0 million increase in provision for income taxes, a decrease in Real Estate Reported EBITDA of $9.2 million, a $5.3 million decrease in the net gain on sale of businesses, a $1.6 million increase in depreciation and amortization, a $1.4 million increase in contract dispute charges, a $1.4 million prior year mold remediation credit and a $1.1 million increase in minority interest in income of consolidated subsidiaries, net.

Net income for the year ended July 31, 2006 increased by $22.6 million, compared to the year ended July 31, 2005, which is primarily attributable to an increase in Resort Reported EBITDA of $26.8 million, a $12.0 million increase in the net gain on sale of businesses, a $5.9 million increase in investment income, a $3.9 million decrease in depreciation and amortization and a $3.8 million decrease in interest expense, net, which were partially offset by a $14.8 million increase in provision for income taxes, a $7.7 million decrease in Real Estate Reported EBITDA, $5.1 million in relocation and separation charges and $3.3 million in contract dispute charges.

Mountain Segment

Mountain segment operating results for the years ended July 31, 2008, 2007 2006 and 20052006 are presented by category as follows (in thousands, except ETP):

        
Percentage
        
 
Year Ended July 31,
 
Increase/(Decrease)
  
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
2007/2006
 
2006/2005
     
Lift tickets $286,997 $263,036 $233,458 9.1% 12.7%     
Ski school 78,848  72,628 63,915 8.6% 13.6%      
Dining 59,653  56,657 53,688 5.3% 5.5%      
Retail/rental 160,542  149,350 120,149 7.5% 24.3%      
Other 79,337  78,770 69,645 0.7% 13.1%      
Total Mountain net revenue 665,377  620,441 540,855 7.2% 14.7%      
Total Mountain operating expense 462,708  443,116 391,889 4.4% 13.1%      
Mountain equity investment income, net 5,059  3,876 2,303 30.5% 68.3%      
Total Mountain Reported EBITDA $207,728 $181,201 $151,269 14.6% 19.8%     
                            
Total skier visits  6,219  6,288 5,940 (1.1)% 5.9%       
ETP $46.15 $41.83 $39.30 10.3% 6.4%     

Total Mountain Reported EBITDA includedincludes $3.8 million, $3.7$3.8 million and $254,000$3.7 million of stock-based compensation expense for the years ended July 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Lift ticket revenue increased $14.9 million and 2005, respectively.

$24.0 million for the years ended July 31, 2008 and July 31, 2007, respectively, primarily as a result of increased ETP excluding season pass products, which was driven by an increase in absolute pricing.  Additionally, season pass revenue rose $5.5 million and $10.9 million (an increase of 7.7% and 17.7%), respectively, for the years ended July 31, 2008 and July 31, 2007.  For the year ended July 31, 2007, lift2008, almost all of the increase in season pass revenue increasedwas due to increases in pricing, with season pass holders’ average visitation per pass increasing for the 2007/2008 ski season compared to the prior year, partially offsetting the increase in ETP resulting from price increases; whereas, the increase in season pass revenue for the year ended July 31, 2006 due to the significant increase in ETP2007 was impacted by both price increases and higher sales volume.  Partially offsetting the above discussed increases in price and season pass sales, partially offset byrevenue was a decreasedecline in visitation.  Forskier visits excluding season pass holders of 3.0% and 1.0% for the years ended July 31, 2008 and July 31, 2007, respectively, at the Company’s five ski resorts.  The decline for the year ended July 31, 2006, lift revenue increased from2008 was the result of lower skier visitation excluding season pass holders in non-peak periods, including the early season (prior to December 24) due to below average snow conditions, and early March and April due in part to the timing of Easter which was in March for the year ended July 31, 2005 due to an increase2008 versus April in ETP, higher season pass sales and an increase in visitation.  Overall, ETP for both the years ended July 31, 2007 and 2006, were positively impactedall of which was partially offset by significant increases in international visitation which was higher by an increaseestimated 26% for the year ended July 31, 2008.  The decline in absolute pricing of the Company’s individual lift ticket and pass products as well as an increase in Destination guest visitation (who generally purchase higher priced tickets).  Destination guest visitationoverall skier visits for the year ended July 31, 2007 increased on an absolute basis, (includingwas due to a 7.0% increasedecline at the Company’s Heavenly resort primarily attributable to below average snowfall, while visitation excluding season pass holders at the Colorado resorts increased.

Revenue for the Company’s Colorado resorts), as well as on a percentage of total visitation increasing to 64% from 60% for the prior two years.  Season pass revenue was up 17.7%ski school and 12.3%dining increased for the years ended July 31, 2008 and July 31, 2007, and 2006, respectively, due to a combination of more passes sold and higher pass prices.

The Kottke Survey, a study undertaken annually to track key metrics within the ski industry, classifies the Company’s Colorado resorts in its Rocky Mountain Region, and the Company’s Heavenly resort in its Pacific West Region.  Visitation for the 2006/2007 ski season increased 1.0% at the Company’s Colorado resorts as compared to 0.6% for the Rocky Mountain Regionprimarily as a whole due toresult of absolute price increases.  However, the strongoverall revenue increase in Destination visitation at the Company’s Colorado resorts in spite of a 23% reduction in snowfall for the region and a decline in the average visitation per season pass holder due to adverse weather conditions in the Denver metropolitan area.  Visitation decreased 12.0% at the Company’s Heavenly resort versus a 14.3% decrease in the Pacific West region as a whole due in large part to significantly unfavorable weather conditions throughout thefrom ski season, including a 40% reduction in snowfall for the region for the 2006/2007 season as compared to the 2005/2006 season.  Visitation at the Company's Colorado resorts was up 8.0%school for the year ended July 31, 2006 as compared to the year ended July 31, 2005 due2008 was impacted by a decline in part to the strong early season snowfall (which especially impactedskier visitation byexcluding season pass holders), while visitation at Heavenly was down 3.9% for the year ended July 31, 2006 due to unfavorable weather conditions, including during the Christmas holiday period.

Revenue from ski school improved in both the years ended July 31, 2007 and 2006 due to an increase in absolute pricing andholders (as discussed above) as these guests have a higher participation as a result of the increased Destination guest visitation, asrate in ski school participation is impacted more by Destination guest visitation than overall visitation.  Diningschool.  Additionally, dining revenue for the year ended July 31, 2007 grew commensurate with price increases, partially offset2008 was impacted by a slight decreasedecline in total visitation.  Forskier visitation excluding season pass holders, but was favorably impacted by the acquisition of two licensed Starbucks stores in June 2007.

Retail/rental revenue improved by $8.2 million for the year ended July 31, 2006, dining experienced a lower percentage growth than2008 over the other ancillary businessesprior year and was due in part to the reductionoperations of 18 Breeze Ski Rental locations acquired in revenue resulting from the conversion of certain formerly owned restaurants to leased operations and the closing of certain owned restaurants (during the year ended July 31, 2006) due to the redevelopment in LionsHead for the construction of Arrabelle.June 2007.  Retail/rental experienced a 7.5%an $11.2 million increase in revenue for the year ended July 31, 2007, despite being negatively impacted by adverse weather conditions, especiallydue to increased visitation at the Company’s Heavenly resort.  Additionally,Colorado resorts excluding season pass holders, as the majority of the retail/rental revenue growth was positively impacted for the year ended July 31, 2006 as a result of SSV’s acquisition of six San Francisco Bay Area retail locations are concentrated in the first quarter of the year ended July 31, 2006.Colorado.

Other revenue mainly consists of private club revenue (which includes both club dues and amortization of initiation fees), summer visitation and other mountain activities revenue, allocated strategic alliance revenue, commercial leasing revenue, employee housing revenue, technology services revenue (until the disposition of the Company’s investment in RTP in April 2007), municipal services revenue and other recreation activity revenue.  For the year ended July 31, 2008 revenues were down $8.4 million compared to the prior year due to the disposition in April 2007 of the Company’s investment in RTP.  Excluding this disposition, other revenue would have increased by $0.6 million, or 0.8% for the year ended July 31, 2008 compared to the year ended July 31, 2007.  For the year ended July 31, 2007 other revenue was flat compared to the year ended July 31, 2006, primarily due to lost revenue for the lost recurring revenuefourth fiscal quarter in the year ended July 31, 2007 as a result of the disposition of the Company’s investment in RTP offsettingwhich offset increased revenues from commercial leasing and other ancillary mountain activities.  For

Operating expense increased $7.7 million and $19.6 million during the yearyears ended July 31, 2006, other revenue increased due to higher strategic alliance incentives, increased technology service revenue2008 and additional municipal services revenue.

Mountain operating expense increased 4.4% during the year ended July 31, 2007, compared to the year ended July 31, 2006.respectively.  Excluding retail/rental expense which(which has a high variable cost component and therefore increased in relation to the retail/rental revenue increases,revenue) and RTP, operating expense increased 3.4% during2.3% and 3.8% for the yearyears ended July 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, which was primarily attributable to higher variable costs related to higher revenue, including Forest Service fees, other resort related fees and credit card fees, and certain labor related costs, including higher ski school labor expense to support the higher ski school revenue.  Expense increases were partially offset by the elimination of recurring expenses related to the Company’s disposal of its investment in RTP as well as lower workers compensation expense.  Mountain operating expense increased 13.1% for the year ended July 31, 2006 as compared to the previous year mainly due to higher retail/rental operations resulting from increased sales volume and the SSV acquisition mentioned above as well as increased costs for stock-based compensation due to the adoption of SFAS 123R in the year ended July 31, 2006.  Excluding retail/rental and stock-based compensation attributable to the Mountain segment, expenses increased 7.6%, or $21.9 million, for the year ended July 31, 2006, which was primarily attributable to higher variable costs related to the higher revenue, including, Forest Service fees, credit card fees, and certain labor related costs, including higher ski school labor expense to support the higher ski school revenue, as well as higher absolute energy costs, all of which was partially offset by lower corporate allocated costs including legal costs and Sarbanes-Oxley compliance costs.

Mountain equity investment income primarily includes the Company's share of income from the operations of a real estate brokerage joint venture; the increase in equity investment income in both the years ended July 31, 2008 and 2007 is due primarily to increased commissions earned by the brokerage associated with increased real estate activityclosures surrounding the Company’s Colorado resorts.resorts, both from residential and multi-unit projects.

The Company currently anticipates that the Mountain segment in the year ending July 31, 2008 and beyond should continue to realize increasing revenue as a result of the Company’s continuing ability to raise prices as well as attract Destination guests and season pass holders, absent any unforeseen material declines in the economy, elevated geopolitical uncertainties and/or significant changes in historical snowfall patterns.  The expected higher visitation is due to recent industry trends and the Company’s high quality offerings complemented by continued capital investment including real estate development, which will expand the Destination guest bed base and provide incremental resort assets.  Ancillary revenue should grow commensurate with expected lift revenue growth.

Lodging Segment

Lodging segment operating results for the years ended July 31, 2008, 2007 2006 and 20052006 are presented by category as follows (in thousands, except ADR and RevPAR):

           
Percentage
            
 
Year Ended July 31,
 
Increase/(Decrease)
  
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
2007/2006
 
2006/2005
      
Total Lodging net revenue $162,451  $155,807 $196,351  4.3 % (20.6)%           
Total Lodging operating expense 144,252   142,693  177,469  1.1 % (19.6)%             
Lodging equity investment loss, net --   --  (2,679) N/A   100.0 %
Total Lodging Reported EBITDA $18,199  $13,114 $16,203  38.8 % (19.1)%          
                                      
ADR $216.83  $202.27 $196.26  7.2 % 3.1 %           
RevPAR $99.58  $92.41 $90.98  7.8 % 1.6 %           

Total Lodging Reported EBITDA includedincludes $1.3 million, $1.1 million and $1.3 million and $88,000 of stock-based compensation expense for the years ended July 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, and 2005, respectively.

In January 2006, the Company sold the assets constituting SRL&S.  ForTotal Lodging segment net revenue for the year ended July 31, 2006, Lodging Reported EBITDA includes revenue of $5.22008 increased by $7.6 million and operating expenses of $4.5 million relatedas compared to SRL&S prior to the sale of SRL&S.  In the year ended July 31, 2005, the Company sold its minority interest2007.  Included in BG Resort and the assets constituting the Vail Marriott and Rancho Mirage.  For the year ended July 31, 2005, Lodging Reported EBITDA includesnet revenue of $51.6 million, operating expense of $44.8 million and equity investment loss of $2.7 million related to these entities.  Commencing with the sale of the Vail Marriott, SRL&S and Rancho Mirage (until the termination of the Rancho Mirage management agreement during the year ended July 31, 2007 upon the closing of the hotel by its owners for redevelopment), the Company is earning base management fees of approximately 3% of each hotel’s revenue.  Accordingly, Lodging Reported EBITDA includes incremental management fee revenue of $1.3 million, $1.6 million and $60,000 for the Vail Marriott, SRL&S and Rancho Mirage (in 2006 and 2005) for the years ended July 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

Excluding the impact of the above sold properties, Lodging revenue increased $11.9 million, or 7.9%, and $5.9 million, or 4.1%, for the years ended July 31, 2007 and July 31, 2006, respectively, compared to the prior years.    The revenue increase for the year ended July 31, 2007 was partially due to the recognition of $5.4 million in termination fees primarily associated with the termination of the management agreements at The Equinox and Rancho Mirage (pursuant to the terms of the management agreements).  Excluding these termination fees, Lodging segment net revenue would have increased $13.0 million, or 8.3% for the year ended July 31, 2008, compared to the year ended July 31, 2007.  ADR increased 6.2% for the year ended July 31, 2008 compared to the prior year due to high demand during peak periods in the year (partially offset by lower visitation during non-peak periods, including the early season and the timing of Easter as described in the Mountain segment discussion) and as a result of the addition of The Arrabelle Hotel.  RevPAR increased 6.9% for the year ended July 31, 2008 compared to the year ended July 31, 2007, which, in addition to increases in ADR, was driven by a 6.9% increase in conference and group room nights, occurring primarily at GTLC and Keystone lodging properties during the Company’s fourth fiscal quarter ended July 31, 2008.  Additionally, Lodging revenue was impacted by fewer available rooms, down 2.5% for the year ended July 31, 2008 as compared to the prior year, primarily as a result of a reduction in managed condominium units at Keystone.

For the year ended July 31, 2006, Lodging Reported EBITDA includes revenue of $5.2 million and operating expenses of $4.5 million related to SRL&S prior to the sale of SRL&S in January 2006.  Excluding the impact of the sale of SRL&S, Lodging revenue increased $11.9 million, or 7.9%, for the year ended July 31, 2007, compared to the year ended July 31, 2006.  The revenue increase for the year ended July 31, 2007 was partially due to the recognition of $5.4 million in termination fees as discussed above.  ADR and RevPAR, which do not include the impact of the termination fees, and excluding the impact of the SRL&S sale, increased 8.5% and 9.5% for the year ended July 31, 2007, respectively, compared to the year ended July 31, 2006.  ADR and RevPAR, excluding the impact of the SRL&S, Vail Marriott and Rancho Mirage sales, increased 3.9% and 10.4% for the year ended July 31, 2006, respectively, compared to the year ended July 31, 2005.  The increase in ADR and RevPAR for the yearsyear ended July 31, 2007 and 2006 was driven by the lodging properties proximate to the Company’s ski resorts and was due to increased pricing as well as the higher Destination guest visitation as described in the Mountain segment discussion and increased revenue at GTLC.  The overall Lodging revenue increase during the year ended July 31, 2007 was partially impacted by fewer available rooms, primarily as a result of construction at The Lodge at Vail and a reduction in managed condominium units.

Operating expense increased by $15.6 million for the year ended July 31, 2008 compared to the year ended July 31, 2007 due in part to start-up and pre-opening expenses of approximately $3.1 million associated with the opening of The Arrabelle Hotel.  Excluding the current year start-up and pre-opening expenses of The Arrabelle Hotel, operating expenses increased by approximately $12.4 million, or 8.6%, and was primarily attributable to operating expenses of The Arrabelle Hotel after its opening, additional National Park Service fees incurred by GTLC resulting from a new concession contract which became effective January 2007, and other variable operating costs associated with incremental revenue, partially offset by fewer available rooms.

Excluding the impact of the sale of SRL&S, operating expense increased $6.0 million, or 4.3%, for the year ended July 31, 2007 compared to the year ended July 31, 2006.  These increases are commensurate with normal increases in variable operating costs, start-up expenses associated with the Arrabelle hotel (expected to open during the 2007/2008 ski season), higher RockResorts corporate expenses and increased NPS fees paid by GTLC, partially offset by fewer available rooms as discussed above.  Excluding the impact of the sales of Vail Marriott, Rancho Mirage, SRL&S and stock-based compensation expense, expenses increased $3.4 million, or 2.5%, for the year ended July 31, 2006 compared to the year ended July 31, 2005, and are commensurate with normal increases in operating costs.rooms.

Lodging equity loss primarily consisted of the Company's share of losses from BG Resort.  The Company sold its investment in BG Resort in December 2004, and as a result, the equity loss in the year ended July 31, 2005 reflects only five months of operations.

Real Estate Segment

Real Estate segment operating results for the years ended July 31, 2008, 2007 2006 and 20052006 are presented by category as follows (in thousands):

          
Percentage
          
 
Year Ended July 31,
 
Increase/(Decrease)
  
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
2007/2006
 
2006/2005
     
Total Real Estate net revenue $112,708 $62,604 $72,781 80.0 % (14.0)%       
Total Real Estate operating expense  115,190  56,676  58,254 103.2 % (2.7)%          
Real Estate equity investment income (loss), net  --  791  (102)(100.0)% 875.5 %
           
          
Total Real Estate Reported EBITDA $(2,482)$6,719 $14,425 (136.9)% (53.4)%      

Total Real Estate Reported EBITDA includedincludes $3.1 million, $2.1 million and $1.5 million and $95,000 of stock-based compensation expense for the years ended July 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, and 2005, respectively.

The Company'sCompany’s Real Estate operating revenue is primarily determined by the timing of closings and the mix of real estate sold in any given period.  Different types of projects have different revenue and expense volumes and margins; therefore, as the real estate inventory mix changes it can greatly impact Real Estate segment operatingnet revenue, and operating expense and to a lesser degree, Real Estate Reported EBITDA.  During the past three fiscal years

Real Estate segment net revenue for the year ended July 31, 2008 was driven primarily reflectsby the Company’s verticalclosing on 64 of the 66 condominium units at Arrabelle ($213.6 million), the closing on five of the 13 units at Chalets ($58.8 million), the closing on the remaining JHG&TC cabins ($9.0 million) and contingent gains on development projects.

The Company is currentlyparcels sales that closed in previous periods.  Operating expense for the development stageyear ended July 31, 2008 included cost of sales of $225.9 million (including sales commissions) commensurate with revenue recognized, as well as general and administrative costs of approximately $25.4 million.  General and administrative costs are primarily comprised of marketing expenses for severalthe major real estate projects including Arrabelle, The Lodge at Vail Chalets, Ritz-Carlton Residences, Vailunder development (including those that have not yet closed), overhead costs such as labor and The Crystal Peak Lodge, among other projects.  benefits and allocated corporate costs.

Real Estate segment operatingnet revenue for the year ended July 31, 2007 was driven primarily by the closings of the Mountain Thunder and Gore Creek Place ($42.9 million) and Mountain Thunder ($24.1 million) developments, certain JHG&TC cabins ($14.2 million), the sale of land together with certain related infrastructure improvements in Red Sky Ranch and Breckenridge to third-party developers, the sale of the sole asset in the FFT Investment Partners real estate joint venture and contingent gains on development parcel sales that closed in previous periods.  Operating expense for the year ended July 31, 2007 included cost of sales of $83.6 million (including sales commissions) commensurate with revenue recognized, as well as general administrative costs of approximately $24.0 million.  General and administrative costs are primarily comprised of marketing costsexpenses for the major real estate projects under development, as well as overhead costs such as labor and benefits as the Company has increased its infrastructure relative to the increased vertical development activity, and professional services fees.  In addition, the Company recorded $7.6 million of charges during the year ended July 31, 2007 for constructionincremental remediation costs (including estimates to complete) oncomplete the JHG&TC cabins that havehad design and construction issues.  The Company is currently in the process of completing construction and resolving the apportionment of the financial responsibilities for the remediation and construction costs with the contractors, structural engineers and architects involved in the design and construction of the JHG&TC cabins.  The Company expects to complete this construction and remediation work by the third quarter of the year ending July 31, 2008.

Real Estate segment operatingnet revenue for the year ended July 31, 2006 was primarily generated from the closing of certain townhomes at Gore Creek Place, developer parcel sales in the Beaver Creek area, a land exchange with the Forest Service and contingent gains on development parcel sales that closed in prior periods.  Operating expense included cost of sales of $34.1 million (including sales commissions) commensurate with revenue recognized, as well as general and administrative costs of approximately $20.8 million.  General and administrative costs are primarily comprised of marketing costs,expenses, overhead costs such as labor and benefits and professional services fees.  TheIn addition, the Company recorded $1.8 million in incremental cost of sales during the year ended July 31, 2006 related to the JHG&TC development.

Real Estate segment operating revenue for the year ended July 31, 2005 included the sale of cabins and land parcels at JHG&TC, Vail, Bachelor Gulch and Red Sky Ranch, developer parcel sales in the Beaver Creek area, the sale of parking spaces in Vail's Founders' Garage, the sale of a warehouse facility near Beaver Creek, recognition of a previously deferred land gain associated with the sale of BG Resort in December 2004 and recognition of contingent gains associated with a development parcel sold in prior periods.  Operating expense included cost of sales commensurate with revenue recognized, as well as marketing costs, overhead costs such as labor and benefits and professional services fees.

Real Estate equity investment income (loss) primarily includedincludes the Company's share of income or loss from the operations of Keystone/Intrawest, LLC (“KRED”), a joint venture with Intrawest Resorts, Inc. formed to develop land at the base of Keystone, as well as the Company's share of profit associated with the sale of condominiums at BG Resort through the Company's prior investment in BG Resort.Keystone.  In the year ended July 31, 2006, the Company received a distribution from KRED in excess of its carrying basis in the amount of $715,000,$0.7 million, which the Company recorded as income.  The distribution reflected the final proceeds from the sale of developed real estate.  As a result, KRED will be dissolved and the Company does not anticipate any further distributions.

The Company currently expects to close on the remaining two Arrabelle units, the remaining eight Chalets and the vast majority, if not all of the Crystal Peak Lodge units during the year ending July 31, 2008 and expects to close on The Lodge at Vail Chalets during the years ending July 31, 2008 and 2009 and will recognize the revenue and related cost of sales for these projects at closing.  The Company has entered into definitive sales contracts with a value of approximately $390$175.6 million relatedon the above units yet to these projects.  In addition, the Company will place in service significant resort-related depreciable assets in conjunction with these developments including a new RockResorts hotel, two private mountain clubs, spas and commercial space.be closed.  The Company also has significant ongoing developmentconstruction activities at Peak 7 and 8including One Ski Hill Place in Breckenridge and in Vail, including The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Vail.

Other Items

In addition to segment operating results, the following material items contribute to the Company's overall financial position.

Depreciation and amortization.  Depreciation and amortization expense for the yearyears ended July 31, 2008 and 2007 increased primarily as a result of placing in service resort assets, which for the year ended July 31, 2008 included The Arrabelle Hotel and a new skier services building associated with the Chalet project and for both the years ended July 31, 2008 and 2007, an increase in the fixed asset base due to normal capital expenditures.  Depreciation and amortization expense for the year ended July 31, 2006 decreased $5.8 million from the year ended July 31, 2005 primarily due to the sale of assets constituting the Vail Marriott, Rancho Mirage and SRL&S.  This decrease was partially offset by $2.2 million of accelerated amortization associated with the Cheeca management agreement intangible asset and an increase in the fixed asset base due to normal capital expenditures.  Additionally, higher depreciation and amortization expense was recorded in the year ended July 31, 2005 due to accelerated depreciation for certain assets which were retired in advance of their previously estimated useful lives.  The average depreciation rate was 7.5%, 7.5% and 8.1% for the years ended July 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

Relocation and separation charges.  In February 2006, the Company announced a plan to relocate its corporate headquarters, and the plan was approved by the Company’s Board of Directors in April 2006.  The Company recorded $1.4 million and $2.4 million of relocation charges in the years ended July 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.  The Company’s relocation plan was completed as of July 31, 2007.  In addition, in February 2006, Adam Aron, the former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, resigned.  In connection with Mr. Aron’s resignation, the Company entered into a separation agreement with Mr. Aron, whereby the Company recorded $2.7 million of separation related expenses during the year ended July 31, 2006 (see Note 8, Relocation and Separation Charges, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, for more information regarding relocation and separation charges).2006.

Asset impairment charges.  In the year ended July 31, 2006, the Company recorded $210,000 of impairment losses on the write off of construction in progress costs when it was determined that the Company would not receive future benefits from these development efforts.  The Company recorded a $1.6 million asset impairment charge in the year ended July 31, 2005 associated with an intangible asset related to the RockResorts call option (see Note 10, Put and Call Options, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements), a $536,000 asset impairment charge associated with the termination of the Casa Madrona management agreement in May 2005 and a $440,000 asset impairment charge related to projects that were abandoned prior to completion (see Note 11, Asset Impairment Charges, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).

Mold remediation credit. During the year ended July 31, 2006, the Company recorded a $1.4 million mold remediation credit due to Breckenridge Terrace receiving reimbursement from third parties for costs incurred in conjunction with its mold remediation efforts and a true-up adjustment as the remediation project was substantially complete.  This credit has been recognized by the Company as a reduction of the remediation expense that was originally recognized in the year ended July 31, 2004 (see Note 14,13, Commitments and Contingencies, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, for more information regarding this charge)credit).

Investment income, net.  The Company invests excess cash in short-termhighly liquid investments, as permitted under the Company’s Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of January 28, 2005, as amended between The Vail Corporation (a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company), Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and the Lenders party thereto (the “Credit Agreement”) underlying the Credit Facility and the Indenture relating to the 6.75% Notes.  The decrease in investment income for the year ended July 31, 2008 compared to the previous year is primarily due to a reduction in the average interest earned on investments, a decrease in average invested cash during the period as a result of significant capital investments and common stock repurchases and a $1.0 million impairment on a short-term investment resulting from a commercial paper write-down.

The increase in investment income for the yearsyear ended July 31, 2007 and 2006 compared to the previous yearsyear is due to a significant increasesincrease in average invested cash balances during the periodsyear resulting primarily from increased cash flows net of increased capital expenditures, which for the year ended July 31, 2006 and July 31, 2005 also included proceeds from hotel sales, net of the payoff of the $100 million term loan (the “Credit Facility Term Loan”) in the year ended July 31, 2005.expenditures.

Interest expense, net.  The Company’s primary sources of interest expense are the 6.75% Notes, the Credit Facility, incorporatingits credit facilities, including unused commitment fees and letter of credit fees related to the $300$400 million revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility Revolver”) thereunder, the outstanding $57.7 million of industrial development bonds (collectively, the “Industrial Development Bonds”) and the series of bonds issued to finance the construction of employee housing facilities (the “Employee Housing Bonds”).  Interest expense decreased $2.0 million for the year ended July 31, 2008 compared to the year ended July 31, 2007 primarily due to a reduction in the average variable borrowing rate of the employee housing bonds and an increase in capitalized interest associated with significant ongoing real estate and related resort development.

Interest expense decreased $3.9 million for the year ended July 31, 2007 compared to the year ended July 31, 2006, due primarily to an increase in capitalized interest associated with significant ongoing real estate and related resort development.  The Company has incurred additional interest expense for borrowings under real estate project specific financing, of which all has been capitalized to the projects.

The $3.8 million decrease in interest expense for the year ended July 31, 2006 compared to the year ended July 31, 2005 is primarily due to the Credit Agreement refinancing in January 2005 which, among other things, resulted in the extinguishment of the $100 million Credit Facility Term Loan and improved pricing for interest rate and commitment fee margins.  In addition, the Funded Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) improved under the refinancing in January 2005, which determined margin levels for pricing on interest rates and commitment fees under the Credit Facility.  The reduction in interest expense as a result of a reduction in outstanding debt and margin rates as previously discussed was partially offset by an increase in interest expense on variable rate debt although only 13.6% of the Company’s total debt was exposed to interest rate fluctuations.

Average borrowings under the Credit Facility Revolver were zero in the years ended July, 31, 2007 and 2006 and $6.6 million in the year ended July 31, 2005.

Loss on extinguishment of debt.  The Company recorded a $612,000 debt extinguishment charge in the year ended July 31, 2005 in connection with the refinancing in January 2005 of the Credit Facility.  The debt extinguishment charge is related to the write-off of unamortized issuance costs associated with the Credit Facility Term Loan, which was completely paid off.

(Loss) gain on sale of businesses, net.  The Company recorded a net loss of $601,000$0.6 million in the year ended July 31, 2007 on the sale of its investment in RTP.  The Company recorded a $4.7 million gain in the year ended July 31, 2006 associated with the sale of the assets constituting SRL&S.  Additionally in the year ended July 31, 2006, the Company recorded an $82,000a $0.1 million loss associated with the December 2004 sale of the Company’s interest in BG Resort due to the settlement of certain contingencies.  For the year ended July 31, 2005, the Company recorded a net loss consisting of (i) a $10.9 million loss associated with the sale of the assets constituting Rancho Mirage and (ii) a $2.1 million loss associated with the sale of the assets constituting the Vail Marriott, (iii) which was partially offset by a $5.7 million gain associated with the sale of the Company's interest in BG Resortcontingencies (see Note 9, Sale of Businesses, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).

Contract dispute charges.  credit (charges), net.  In March 2006, RockResorts was notified by the ownership of Cheeca Lodge & Spa, formerly a RockResorts managed property, that its management agreement was being terminated effective immediately.  RockResorts believed that the termination was in violation of the management agreement and pursued its legal rights.  In October 2007, RockResorts received payment from Cheeca Holdings as final settlement of the parties’ management agreement termination dispute in the amount of $13.5 million, of which $11.9 million (net of final attorney’s fees) is recorded in “contract dispute credit (charges), net” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended July 31, 2008.  The Company has incurred $4.6 million and $3.3 million of legal related costs related to this matter in the years ended July 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.  In February 2007, the arbitrator in the Cheeca matter rendered a decision in favor of the Company, awarding $8.5 million in damages to RockResorts.  The arbitrator found that the ownership group had wrongfully terminated the management contract and that RockResorts had not breached the contract.  In accordance with the arbitrator’s ruling, RockResorts is seeking recovery of costs and attorney’s fees in the last stage of the proceedings.  The Company will record the total arbitration award, upon receipt, in “contract dispute credit (charges), net” in its Consolidated Statement of Operationsrespectively (see Note 14,13, Commitments and Contingencies, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, for more information regarding this item)settlement).

Gain (loss) on put options, net.  The net gain for the year ended July 31, 2007 was related to the elimination of the put option liability (including(net of the write-off of the associated put option intangible asset) as a result of the sale of the Company’s investment in RTP in April 2007.  The net loss in the year ended July 31, 2006 was related to an increase in the estimated fair market value of the RTP put option.  The net gain in the year ended July 31, 2005 was related to decreases in the estimated fair value of the SSV and RTP put options.  As a result of the sale of the Company’s investment in RTP in April 2007, the Company currently does not anticipate recognizing further gain (loss) on put options (see Note 10, Put and Call Options, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, for more information regarding the Company's put options).

Minority interest in income of consolidated subsidiaries.  Minority interest in income of consolidated subsidiaries is a function of the performance of the Company's consolidated subsidiaries in which there is minority ownership.  ImprovementThe decrease in minority interest in the year ended July 31, 2008 is primarily due to a decrease in the minority shareholder’s ownership interest in SSV combined with a decrease in SSV's income before provision for income taxes is primarily responsible for thetaxes. The increase in minority interest in the years ended July 31, 2007 and 2006.  Improvements2006 is primarily due to improvement in SSV's and SRL&S's income before provision for income taxes are primarily responsible for the increase in minority interest in the year ended July 31, 2005.taxes.

Income taxes.  The Company's tax provision and effective tax rate are driven primarily by the amount of pre-tax income, non-deductible executive compensation and other non-deductible items and taxable income generated by state jurisdictions that varies from the consolidated pre-tax income.income and other non-deductible items.  The increase in the Company’s tax provision for the years ended July 31, 2008, 2007 2006 and 20052006 was primarily driven by a significant increase in pre-tax income.  The effective tax rate was 39.0%38.0%, 39.0% and 38.5%39.0% in the years ended July 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, and 2005, respectively.  The income tax provision recorded in the year ended July 31, 2008 reflects the impact of favorable settlements with state taxing authorities of $1.0 million.

The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) has completed its examexamination of the Company’s tax returns for tax years 2001 through 2003 and has issued a report of its findings.  The examiner’s primary finding is the disallowance of the Company’s position to remove the restrictions under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of approximately $73.8 million of net operating losses (“NOLs”NOL”). carryforwards.  These restricted NOLsNOL carryforwards relate to fresh start accounting from the Company’s reorganization in 1992.  The Company has appealed the examiner’s disallowance of these NOLsNOL carryforwards to the Office of the Appeals.  However, if the Company is unsuccessful in its appeals process, it will not negatively impact the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures

The following table reconciles from segment Reported EBITDA to net income (in thousands):

 
Year Ended July 31,
 
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
   
Mountain Reported EBITDA $207,728  $181,201  $151,269       
Lodging Reported EBITDA 18,199  13,114   16,203        
Resort Reported EBITDA 225,927  194,315   167,472        
Real Estate Reported EBITDA (2,482) 6,719   14,425       
Total Reported EBITDA 223,445  201,034   181,897        
Depreciation and amortization (87,664) (86,098)  (89,968)    
Relocation and separation charges (1,433) (5,096)  --      
Asset impairment charges --  (210)  (2,550)      
Mold remediation credit --  1,411   --        
Loss on disposal of fixed assets, net (1,083) (1,035)  (1,528)    
Investment income 12,403  7,995   2,066 
       
Interest expense, net (32,625) (36,478)  (40,298)    
Loss on extinguishment of debt --  --   (612)
(Loss) gain on sale of businesses, net (639) 4,625   (7,353)      
Contract dispute charges (4,642) (3,282)  -- 
     
Gain (loss) on put options, net 690  (1,212)  1,158       
Other income, net --  50   50        
Minority interest in income of consolidated subsidiaries, net (7,801) (6,694)  (5,239)    
Income before provision for income taxes 100,651  75,010   37,623        
Provision for income taxes (39,254) (29,254)  (14,485)    
Net income $61,397  $45,756  $23,138       

The following table reconciles Net Debt (defined as long-term debt plus long-term debt due within one year less cash and cash equivalents) (in thousands):

 
July 31,
 
 
2007
 
2006
  
Long-term debt $593,733 $525,313  
Long-term debt due within one year  377  5,915    
Total debt  594,110  531,228    
Less: cash and cash equivalents  230,819  191,794    
Net debt $363,291 $339,434
  

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Significant Sources of Cash

The Company's liquidity profile continued to improve inremained strong during the year ended July 31, 2007.2008.  The Company had no borrowings under its Credit Facility and had $230.8$162.3 million of cash and cash equivalents as of July 31, 2007.2008.  For the years ended July 31, 2008, 2007 2006 and 2005,2006, cash and cash equivalents (decreased) increased by $(68.5) million, $39.0 million $55.2 million and $90.3$55.2 million, respectively.  The Company generated $118.4$217.0 million of cash from operating activities during the year ended July 31, 2007,2008, compared to $63.7$118.4 million and $148.2$63.7 million generated during the years ended July 31, 20062007 and 2005,2006, respectively.  For the last three fiscal years, the Company’s cash flows from operations have been positively impacted by an increase in Resort Reported EBITDA (the combination of Mountain Reported EBITDA and Lodging Reported EBITDA) and.  In addition, significant net cash flows from operating activities were generated in the year ended July 31, 2008 due to an increase in Real Estate Reported EBITDA adjusted for non-cash cost of real estate sold (cash expenditures made in previous periods related to the cost of sales recorded in the current period), partially offset by an increase inless investments in real estate.  For the years ended July 31, 2007 and 2006 net cash generated from operating activities was negatively impacted as investments in real estate exceeded Real Estate Reported EBITDA adjusted for real estate cost of sales.  The Company currently anticipates that Resort Reported EBITDA will continue to provide a significant source of future operating cash flows as it expects to generate increased revenue combined with the generally fixed cost nature of the operations.flows.  Additionally, anticipated closings of real estate projects will provide a significant source of future cash flows from operations, offset by further investments in real estate (as further discussed below within Significant Uses of Cash).

Included within investing activities, the Company generated $30.7 million of cash from the sale of SRL&S in the year ended July 31, 2006 and generated $108.4 million of cash from the sale of the Vail Marriott and Rancho Mirage in the year ended July 31, 2005.2006. The Company does not currently anticipate material future cash from the sale of businesses in the near term.

Net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended July 31, 2008 decreased by $190.1 million compared to the year ended July 31, 2007 due to the decrease in net non-recourse borrowings of $111.0 million as well as an increase in repurchases of $84.6 million of the Company’s common stock during the year ended July 31, 2008 (as further discussed below within Significant Uses of Cash).  Additionally, cash proceeds from the exercise of stock options decreased by $14.6 million (including tax benefits) for the year ended July 31, 2008 compared to the year ended July 31, 2007.  The Company’s net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended July 31, 2007 was consistent with the prior periods;year ended July 31, 2006; however, cash proceeds from the exercise of stock options decreased by $42.6 million (including tax benefits) for the year ended July 31, 2007 compared to the year ended July 31, 2006.  Additionally, the Company repurchased $15.0 million of its common stock during the year ended July 31, 2007 (as further discussed below within Significant Uses of Cash).  The Company had2006, which was offset by an increase in netproceeds from non-recourse borrowing proceeds of $60.2 million, which was used to fund a portion of its investments in real estate.  The Company’s financing activities generated $53.5 million of cashborrowings in the year ended July 31, 2006 primarily due to cash proceeds from the exercise of stock options of $46.6 million, net proceeds from real estate financings of $13.4 million and the tax benefit from the exercise of stock options as a result of the adoption of SFAS 123R, as discussed above, of $14.3 million, which were partially offset by the repurchase of common stock of $10.8 million (as further discussed below within Significant Uses of Cash).2007.

In addition to the Company’s $230.8$162.3 million of cash and cash equivalents atas of July 31, 2007,2008, the Company has available $226.0$306.2 million under its Credit Facility (which represents the total commitment of $300$400 million less certain letters of credit outstanding of $74.0$93.8 million).  As of July 31, 20072008 and 2006,2007, total long-term debt (including long-term debt due within one year) was $594.1$556.7 million and $531.2$594.1 million, respectively, with the increase atdecrease as of July 31, 2007 being2008 due to the net repayment of non-recourse financing related to the Company’s vertical real estate projects.  Net Debt (defined as long-term debt plus long-term debt due within one year less cash and cash equivalents) increased from $339.4 million as of July 31, 2006 to $363.3 million as of July 31, 2007 to $394.4 million as of July 31, 2008 due to the increase in long-term debt from non-recourse financing partially offset by the increasea reduction in cash and cash equivalents.equivalents as discussed above, partially off-set by a reduction in borrowings under the Company’s non-recourse financings.  The Company believes it is in a good positionwell positioned to take advantage of potential strategic options as further discussed below, as the Company has significant cash and cash equivalents on hand and no revolver borrowings under its Credit Facility.

The Company expects that its liquidity needs in the near term will be met by continued utilization of operating cash flows and through borrowings under construction loan agreements entered into by the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, Arrabelle at Vail Square, LLC and The Chalets at The Lodge at Vail, LLC(including cash to be generated from anticipated real estate closings net of proceeds used to pay off real estate specific financing) and borrowings, if necessary, under the Credit Facility (see Note 4, Long-Term Debt, ofFacility.  In order to provide additional flexibility for the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, for more information onCompany’s liquidity needs, the construction loanCompany finalized in March 2008 an agreement with Arrabellethe lenders in its Credit Facility to utilize an accordion feature to expand commitments under the existing facility by $100 million (for a total borrowing capacity of $400 million), at Vail Square, LLC and The Chalets at The Lodge at Vail, LLC).the same terms existing in the current facility.  The Company also expects to enter into non-recourse financings on certain otherbelieves the Credit Facility, which matures in 2012, including the expanded commitments would provide added flexibility especially when evaluating future financing needs for its real estate projects such as The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Vail.given the current state of the non-recourse financing available in the capital markets, and is priced favorably, with any new borrowings currently being priced at LIBOR plus 0.50%.

TheIn addition to building excess cash, the Company is currently evaluatingcontinuously evaluates how to useutilize its excess cash, including aany combination of the following strategic options: increase resort capital expenditures, increaseself-funded real estate under development, continue recent levels of investment for further development,in resort assets, pursue strategic acquisitions, payoffpay off outstanding debt, repurchase additional common stock of the Company and/or other options to return value to shareholders, including the repurchase of additional stock of the Company.stockholders.  The Company’s debt generally has favorable fixed interest rates and is long-term in nature.  The Company’s Credit Facility and the Indenture limit the Company’s ability to make investments or distributions, including the payment of dividends and/or the repurchase of the Company’s common stock, and the pay off of certain of its debt, including its 6.75% Notes.

Significant Uses of Cash

The Company’s cash needs typically include providing for operating expenditures, debt service requirements and capital expenditures for both assets to be used in operations as well asand real estate development projects.  In addition, the Company expects it will incur a significant increase in cash income tax payments (generally expectedfor the next two to approximate its statutory income tax rate) in the near futurethree years due to the improved operating results, the limitations on the usageutilization of NOLs generated in prior periodsall NOL carryforwards previously available to offset taxable income (subject to the appeal of the IRS ruling described above), real estate under development and aan estimated decline in tax benefits resulting from stock optionaward exercises.  Historically, the Company had not been a significant cash income tax payer.

The Company expects to spend approximately $325$260 million to $345$280 million in calendar year 20072008 for real estate development projects, including the construction of associated resort-related depreciable assets, of which $146$153 million was spent as of July 31, 2007,2008, leaving approximately $179$107 million to $199$127 million to spend in the remainder of calendar year 2007.  As indicated in the table under Contractual Obligations below, the Company has significant cash commitments in the near term.  These commitments are primarily related to the completion of several major real estate development projects under construction.2008.  The Company has entered into contracts with third parties to provide construction-related services to the Company throughout the course of construction for these projects; commitments for future services to be performed over the next several years under such current contracts total approximately $376$291 million.  The primary projects are expected to include continued construction and development costs, as well as planning and infrastructure costs associated with planned development projects in and around each of the Company’s resorts.  The Company expects investments in real estate will be higher than historical levelssignificant for the foreseeable future as the Company continues its vertical development efforts.  The Company has not finalized its real estate development plan for calendar year 2008.  As noted above, the2009.  The Company obtained non-recourse financing to partially fund construction of Arrabelle and The Lodge at Vail Chalets projects.  The Company expects to utilize similar financing arrangements for certain other development projects, such as The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Vail.  In addition to utilizing project-specific financing and cash on hand as appropriate, the Company also pre-sells units requiring deposits in a proposed development prior to committing to the completion of the development.

The Company has historically invested significant cash in capital expenditures for its resort operations, and expects to continue to invest significant cash in the future.  The Company evaluates additional capital improvements based on expected strategic impacts and/or expected return on investment.  The Company currently anticipates it will spend $95approximately $105 million to $100$115 million of resort capital expenditures for calendar year 20072008 excluding projectsresort depreciable assets arising from real estate activities noted above, of which $36$48 million was spent as of July 31, 2007,2008, leaving approximately $59$57 million to $64$67 million to spend in the remainder of calendar year 2007.2008.  This overall resort capital investment will allow the Company to maintain its high quality standards and make incremental discretionary improvements at the Company’s five ski resorts and throughout its owned hotels.  Included in these capital expenditures are approximately $38$40 million to $40$42 million which are necessary to maintain appearance and level of service appropriate to the Company’s world-class resort operations, including routine replacement of snow grooming equipment and rental fleet equipment.  Discretionary expenditures for calendar 2007 are expected to include2008 includes a replacement of an existing gondola with a new state-of-the-art eight passenger Keystone River Run gondola in River Run Village; completion of an on-mountain ski school building following the new Buckaroo Express gondola installed in 2007 at Beaver Creek; full renovation of The Osprey at Beaver Creek children’s ski school gondola; replacement and realignment(formerly known as the Inn at Beaver Creek), including substantial upgrades to create a unique ultra-luxury RockResorts branded hotel; new snowmaking equipment at Peak 7 in Breckenridge; start of two chairlifts with high-speed chairlifts at Vail; a new high-speed chairlift at Heavenly; an expanded spa at The KeystoneJackson Lake Lodge room renovations at The Lodge at Vail;remodel in Grand Teton National Park; and upgrades to the Company’s central reservations, marketing database and e-commerce booking systems, among other projects.  The Company has not finalized its specific resort capital plan for calendar year 2008.2009.  The Company currently plans to utilize cash flow from operations and cash on hand to provide the cash necessary to execute its capital plan.

Principal payments on the vast majority of the Company'sCompany’s long-term debt ($489.4489.2 million of the total $594.1$556.7 million debt outstanding as of July 31, 2007)2008) are not due until fiscal 20132014 and beyond.  Excluding payments of amounts due under non-recourse real estate financing ($49.4 million), which willare expected to be made utilizing proceeds from the applicable real estate closings, the Company has $17.9a total of $18.2 million of principal payments due over the next five years.fiscal years on its current debt outstanding.  Interest expensepayments under the Company's debt will be approximately $34$36 million in the year ending July 31, 2008,2009, assuming the debt remains at its current level and assuming current interest rates.

The Company'sCompany’s debt service requirements can be impacted by changing interest rates as the Company had $139.5$102.0 million of variable-rate debt outstanding as of July 31, 2007.2008.  A 100-basis point change in LIBOR would cause the Company'sCompany’s annual interest payments to change by approximately $1.4$0.8 million.  The fluctuation in the Company’s debt service requirements, in addition to interest rate changes, may be impacted by future borrowings under its Credit Facility or other alternative financing arrangements, including non-recourse real estate financings, it may enter into.  The Company’s long term liquidity needs are dependent upon operating results that impact the borrowing capacity under the Credit Facility, which can be mitigated by adjustments to capital expenditures, flexibility of investment activities and the ability to obtain favorable future financing.  The Company managescan manage changes in the business and economic environment by managing its capital expenditures and real estate development activities.

On March 9, 2006, the Company'sCompany’s Board of Directors approved the repurchase of up to 3,000,000 shares of common stock.stock and on July 16, 2008 approved an increase of the Company’s common stock repurchase authorization by an additional 3,000,000 shares.  During the year ended July 31, 2007,2008, the Company repurchased 358,4002,330,608 shares of common stock at a cost of $15.0$99.6 million.  Since inception of this stock repurchase plan, the Company has repurchased 673,5003,004,108 shares at a cost of approximately $25.8$125.5 million, as ofthrough July 31, 2007.2008.  As of July 31, 2007, 2,326,5002008, 2,995,892 shares remained available to repurchase under the existing repurchase authorization.  Subsequent to July 31, 2007, the Company repurchased 232,504 additional shares at a cost of approximately $11.7 million.  Shares of common stock purchased pursuant to the repurchase program will be held as treasury shares and may be used for the issuance of shares under the Company'sCompany’s employee share award plans.  Acquisitions under the sharestock repurchase program willmay be made from time to time at prevailing prices as permitted by applicable laws, and subject to market conditions and other factors.  The timing as well as the number of shares that may be repurchased under the program will depend on a number of factors including the Company'sCompany’s future financial performance, the Company'sCompany’s available cash resources and competing uses for cash that may arise in the future, the restrictions in the Credit Facility and in the Indenture, prevailing prices of the Company'sCompany’s common stock and the number of shares that become available for sale at prices that the Company believes are attractive.  The stock repurchase program may be discontinued at any time and is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company'sCompany’s capitalization.

Covenants and Limitations

The Company must abide by certain restrictive financial covenants under its Credit Facility and the Indenture.  The most restrictive of those covenants include the following Credit Facility covenants: Net Funded Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio, Minimum Net Worth and the Interest Coverage ratio (each as defined in the Credit Agreement).  In addition, the Company’s financing arrangements, including the Indenture, limit its ability to incur certain indebtedness, make certain restricted payments, enter into certain investments, make certain affiliate transfers and may limit its ability to enter into certain mergers, consolidations or sales of assets.  The Company’s borrowing availability under the Credit Facility is primarily determined by the Net Funded Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio, which is based on the Company’s segment operating performance, as defined in the Credit Agreement.

The Company was in compliance with all relevantrestrictive financial covenants in its debt instruments as of July 31, 2007.2008.  The Company expects it will meet all applicable financial maintenance covenants in its Credit Agreement, including the Net Funded Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio throughout the year ending July 31, 2008.2009.  However, there can be no assurance that the Company will meet such 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.

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 debt agreements, construction agreements in conjunction with the Company’s development activities and lease agreements.  Debt obligations, which total $594.1$556.7 million as of July 31, 20072008 are recognized as liabilities in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet as of July 31, 2007.2008. Obligations under construction contracts are not recognized as liabilities in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet until services and/or goods are received which is in accordance with GAAP.  Additionally, operating lease obligations, which total $50.7$68.7 million as of July 31, 2007,2008, are not recognized as liabilities in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet, which is in accordance with GAAP.  A summary of the Company's contractual obligations as of July 31, 20072008 is as follows (in thousands):

    
Payments Due by Period
      
2-3
 
4-5
  
More than
Contractual Obligations
 
Total
 
2008
 
years
 
years
  
5 years
Long-Term Debt (1)
 $594,110 $377 $102,425 $1,943 $489,365
Fixed Rate Interest (1)
  227,025  30,833  59,868  59,073  77,251
Operating Leases and Service Contracts  50,670  12,271  16,186  9,833  12,380
Purchase Obligations (2)
  669,231  622,305  42,626  4,300  --
Other Long-Term Obligations (3)
  1,086  377  --  --  709
Total Contractual Cash Obligations $1,542,122 $666,163 $221,105 $75,149 $579,705

    
        
      
     
          
          
          
          
     

(1)           The fixed-rate interest payments included in the table above assume that all fixed-rate debt outstanding as of July 31, 20072008 will be held to maturity.  Interest payments associated with variable-rate debt have not been included in the table.  Assuming that the amounts outstanding under variable-rate long-term debt as of July 31, 20072008 are held to maturity, and utilizing interest rates in effect at July 31, 2007,2008, the Company anticipates that its annual interest payments (including commitment fees and letter of credit fees) on variable rate long-term debt as of July 31, 20072008 will be in the range of $4.0$2.0 million to $5.0$3.0 million (excluding interest payments of $5.9 million and $1.9approximately $1.0 million to be paid in the yearsyear ending July 31, 2008 and 2009, respectively, related to non-recourse real estate financings)financing) for at least the next five years.  The future annual interest obligations noted herein are estimated only in relation to debt outstanding as of July 31, 2007,2008, and do not reflect interest obligations on potential future debt including non-recourse financing associated with real estate development.
(2)Purchase obligations include amounts which are classified as trade payables, accrued payroll and benefits, accrued fees and assessments, accrued taxes, accrued interest, contingencies, commitments to complete real estate projects on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet as of July 31, 20072008 and other commitments for goods and services not yet received, including construction contracts.
(3)           Other long-term obligations include amounts which become due based on deficits in underlying cash flows of the metropolitan district as described in Note 14,13, Commitments and Contingencies, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company does not have off balance sheet transactions that are expected to have a material effect on the Company's financial condition, revenue, expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP requires the Company to select appropriate accounting policies and to make judgments and estimates affecting the application of those accounting policies.  In applying the Company's accounting policies, different business conditions or the use of different assumptions may result in materially different amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Company has identified the most critical accounting policies upon which its financial status depends.  The critical principles were determined by considering accounting policies that involve the most complex or subjective decisions or assessments.  The Company also has other policies considered key accounting policies; however, these policies do not meet the definition of critical accounting policies because they do not generally require the Company to make estimates or judgments that are complex or subjective.  The Company has reviewed these critical accounting policies and related disclosures with the Company’s Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.

Real Estate Revenue and Cost of Sales.

Description

The Company utilizes the relative sales value method to determine cost of sales for individual parcels of real estate or condominium units sold within a project, when specific identification of costs cannot be reasonably determined.  The determination of cost of sales may utilize estimates for both the ultimate total revenue to be recognized, including the value of resort depreciable assets that may be part of a mixed-use real estate development project and total costs to be incurred on a real estate development project.  Real estate development projects generally span several years.

Judgments and Uncertainties

Changes to either total projected revenue to be earned, the relative sales values of the components of a project, which may include resort depreciable assets, or the total projected costs to be incurred to determine cost of sales may cause significant variances in the profit margins recognized on individual parcels or units within a project.

Effect if Actual Results Differ From Assumptions

A 10% change in the estimates of either future revenue to be earned, the relative sales values of the components of a project or remaining costs to be incurred for projects utilizing the relative sales value method would have changed the profit margin recognized by approximately $1.9$13.1 million for the year ended July 31, 2007.2008.

Intangible Assets.

Description

The Company frequently acquires intangible assets, including goodwill, primarily through business combinations.  The assignment of value to individual intangible assets generally requires the assistance of a specialist, such as an appraiser.  The assumptions used in the appraisal process are forward-looking, and thus are subject to significant interpretation.  Because individual intangible assets (i) may be expensed immediately upon acquisition; (ii) amortized over their estimated useful life; or (iii) not amortized, the assigned values and lives, when applicable, could have a material effect on current and future period results of operations.  Further, intangibles are subject to certain judgments when evaluating impairment pursuant to SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill“Goodwill and Intangible Assets"Assets” (“SFAS 142”), discussed further in Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.  The Company tests goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets annually for impairment under SFAS 142 as of May 1, or whenever events may indicate a possible impairment exists.  Additionally, future operating results could trigger significant future non-cash impairment charges.

Judgments and Uncertainties

The Company determines fair value using current market values and widely accepted valuation techniques, including discounted cash flows and a royalty rate model.  These types of analyses require the Company to make certain assumptions and estimates regarding economic factors and the future operating results of certain business operations.

Effect if Actual Results Differ From Assumptions

The Company completed the annual impairment testing of intangible assets in the fourth quarter of the year ended July 31, 2007,2008, which resulted in no impairment being recorded, using the methodology described herein.  A 10% decrease in the estimated fair value of the reporting unit associated with goodwill andand/or fair value of the intangible assets tested would not have had a significant impact on the test results.

Income Taxes.Tax Contingencies.

Description

On August 1, 2007, the Company adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”).  See Note 11 in the Notes of Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further discussion.

The Company must make certain estimates and judgments in determining income tax expense for financial statement purposes.  These estimates and judgments occur in the calculation of tax credits and deductions and in the calculation of certain tax assets and liabilities, which arise from differences in the timing of recognition of revenue and expense for tax and financial statement purposes, as well as the interest and penalties relating to these uncertain tax positions.  The calculation of the Company’s tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax regulations.  As a result of the implementation of FIN 48, the Company recognizes liabilities for uncertain tax positions based on the two-step process prescribed within the interpretation.  The first step is required to estimate its income taxes in each jurisdiction in whichevaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it operates.  This processis more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any.  The second step requires the Company to estimate and measure the actual current tax exposure together with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatmentbenefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely of items for taxbeing realized upon ultimate settlement.  It is inherently difficult and financial reporting purposes.  These temporary differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.  The Company must then assess the likelihood that the deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income and,subjective to the extent recovery is not likely, must establish a valuation allowance.  This assessment is complicated by the fact thatestimate such amounts, as this requires the Company files itsto determine the probability of various possible outcomes.  This evaluation is based on factors including, but not limited to, changes in facts or circumstances, changes in tax return on a calendar year basis which is different from its fiscal year end.  As of July 31, 2007, the Company had total deferred tax assets of $62.5 million (before valuation allowances)law, effectively settled issues under audit and total deferred tax liabilities of $118.0 million.  The deferred tax asset contains a valuation allowance representing the portion that management does not believe will be recovered from future taxable income.  Management believes that sufficient taxable income will be generated in the future, primarily through the reversal of the deferred tax liabilities, to realize the benefit of the Company's deferred tax assets for which valuation allowances have not been recorded against.

Judgments and Uncertainties

The Company has approximately $2.8 million (tax-effected) of NOLs carryforward as of July 31, 2007 for which it has not recorded a valuation allowance against.  The Company is relying on the reversal of deferred tax liabilities and generation of future taxable income to utilize this carryforward.

Effect if Actual Results Differ From Assumptions

If the Company were to incur substantial tax losses, the carryforward for which it has not recorded a valuation allowance against could expire without being utilized resulting in an increased tax expense in the period that the Company believes that it more likely than not the carryforward will not be realized.

Tax Contingencies.

Description

The Company is subject to periodic review by domestic tax authorities fornew audit of the Company's income tax returns.  These audits generally include questions regarding the Company's tax filing positions, including the amount and timing of deductions and the allocation of income among various tax jurisdictions.  In evaluating the exposures associated with the Company's various tax filing positions, including state and local taxes, the Company recorded reserves for probable exposure.  activity.  A significant amount of time may pass before a particular matter, for which the Company may have established a reserve, is audited and fully resolved.

The IRS has completed its examexamination of the Company’s tax returns for tax years 2001 through 2003 and has issued a report of its findings.  The examiner’s primary finding is the disallowance of the Company’s position to remove the restrictions under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of approximately $73.8 million of NOLs.NOL carryforwards.  These restricted NOLsNOL carryforwards relate to fresh start accounting from the Company’s reorganization in 1992.  The Company has appealed the examiner’s disallowance of these NOLsNOL carryforwards to the Office of the Appeals.

Judgments and Uncertainties

The estimates of the Company's tax contingencies reserve contains uncertainty because management must use judgment to estimate the potential exposure associated with the Company's various filing positions.

Effect if Actual Results Differ From Assumptions

Although management believes that the estimates and judgments discussed herein are reasonable and it has adequate reserves for its tax contingencies, actual results could differ, and the Company may be exposed to increases or decreases in those reserves and tax provisions that could be material.

An unfavorable tax settlement could require the use of cash and could possibly result in an increased tax expense and effective tax rate in the year of resolution.  A favorable tax settlement could possibly result in a reduction in the Company's tax expense, effective tax rate, income taxes payable and/or adjustments to its deferred tax assets, liabilities or intangible assets in the year of settlement or in future years resulting in additional cash being generated from operating activities, a reduction in the effective tax rate in the year of resolution or may require adjustments to the Company’s deferred tax assets, liabilities or intangible assets.  Additionally, a favorable outcome could result in a reduction in taxes owed to government agencies over the next several years.

Depreciable Lives of Assets.

Description

Mountain and lodging operational assets, furniture, computer equipment, software, vehicles and leasehold improvements are depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the asset.  Assets may become obsolete or require replacement before the end of their useful life in which the remaining book value would be written off or the Company could incur costs to remove or dispose of assets no longer in use.

Judgments and Uncertainties

The estimates of the Company’s useful life of the assets contains uncertainty because management must use judgment to estimate the useful life of the asset.

Effect if Actual Results Differ From Assumptions

Although management believes that the estimates and judgments discussed herein are reasonable, actual results could differ, and the Company may be exposed to increased expense related to depreciable assets disposed of, removed or taken out of service prior to its originally estimated useful life, which may be material.  A 10% decrease in the estimated useful lives of depreciable assets would have increased depreciation expense by approximately $7.3$9.0 million for the year ended July 31, 2007.2008.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2006, the FASB issued Financial Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an Interpretation of SFAS No. 109” (“FIN 48”), which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements.  FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.  It also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition.  The requirements of FIN 48 are effective for the Company beginning August 1, 2007 (its fiscal year ending July 31, 2008).  Although the Company has not completed its analysis, the Company does not expect the implementation of FIN 48 will have a significant impact on its financial position or results of operations.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”), which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.  SFAS 157 does not require any new fair value measurements, but provides guidance on how to measure fair value by providing a fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to classify the source of the information.measure fair value.  The requirements of SFAS 157 are effective for the Company beginning August 1, 2008 (its(the Company’s fiscal year ending July 31, 2009).  In February 2008, the FASB issued Staff Position (“FSP”) 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157.”  This FSP delays the effective date of SFAS 157 for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value on a recurring basis (at least annually), to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008 (the Company's fiscal year ending July 31, 2010) and interim periods within the fiscal year of adoption.  The adoption of SFAS 157 for financial assets and liabilities will not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.  The Company is incurrently evaluating the processimpacts, if any, the adoption of evaluating this guidancethe provisions of SFAS 157 for nonfinancial assets and therefore has not yet determined the impact that SFAS 157liabilities will have on the Company’s financial position or results of operations upon adoption.operations.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“SFAS 159”).  SFAS 159 gives the Company the irrevocable option to carry many financial assets and liabilities at fair values,value, with changes in fair value recognized in earnings.  The requirements of SFAS 159 are effective for the Company beginning August 1, 2008 (its(the Company’s fiscal year ending July 31, 2009), although early adoption is permitted..  The Company is indoes not expect the processadoption of evaluating this guidance and therefore has not yet determined the impact that SFAS 159 willto have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations upon adoption.

InflationIn December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141R, “Business Combinations” (“SFAS 141R”), which establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in an acquiree, including the recognition and measurement of goodwill acquired in a business combination.  SFAS 141R also requires acquisition-related transaction expenses and restructuring costs be expensed as incurred rather than capitalized as a component of the business combination.  SFAS 141R will be applicable prospectively to business combinations consummated after July 31, 2009 (the Company’s fiscal year ending July 31, 2010).

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interest in Consolidated Financial Statements, an amendment of ARB No. 51” (“SFAS 160”), which will change the accounting and reporting for minority interests, which will be recharacterized as noncontrolling interests and classified as a component of equity within the balance sheet.  Currently, noncontrolling interests (minority interests) are reported as a liability in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet and the related income (loss) attributable to minority interests is reflected as an expense (credit) in arriving at net income.  Upon adoption of SFAS 160, the Company will be required to report its minority interests as a separate component of stockholders’ equity and present net income allocable to the minority interests along with net income attributable to the stockholders of the Company separately in its consolidated statement of operations.  SFAS 160 requires retroactive adoption of the presentation and disclosure requirements for existing minority interests.  All other requirements of SFAS 160 shall be applied prospectively.  The requirements of SFAS 160 are effective for the Company beginning August 1, 2009 (the Company’s fiscal year ending July 31, 2010).

Inflation

Although the Company cannot accurately determine the precise effect of inflation on its operations, management does not believe inflation has had a material effect on the results of operations in the last three fiscal years.  When the costs of operating resorts increase, the Company generally has been able to pass the increase on to its customers.  However, there can be no assurance that increases in labor and other operating costs due to inflation will not have an impact on the Company's future profitability.

Seasonality and Quarterly Results

The Company's mountain and lodging operations are seasonal in nature.  In particular, revenue and profits for the Company's Mountainmountain and most of its lodging operations are substantially lower and historically result in losses from late spring to late fall.  Conversely, peak operating seasons for GTLC, certain managed hotel properties and the Company's owned golf courses occur during the summer months while the winter season generally results in operating losses.  However, revenueRevenue and profits generated by GTLC's summer operations, management fees from thosecertain managed properties, certain other lodging properties and golf operations are not nearly sufficient to fully offset the Company's off-season losses from its mountain and other lodging operations.  During the year ended July 31, 2007, 79%2008, 80% of total combined Mountain and Lodging segment net revenue was earned during the second and third fiscal quarters.  Therefore, the operating results for any three-month period are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved for any subsequent quarter or for a full year (see Note 16,15, Selected Quarterly Financial Data, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).

ITEM 7A.  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 July 31, 2007,2008, the Company had $139.5$102.0 million of variable rate indebtedness, representing 23.5%18.3% of the Company's total debt outstanding, at an average interest rate during the year ended July 31, 20072008 of 6.2%5.2%.  Based on variable-rate borrowings outstanding as of July 31, 2007,2008, a 100-basis point (or 1.0%) change in LIBOR would have causedwill cause the Company's annual interest payments to change by $1.4$0.8 million.  The Company's market risk exposure fluctuates based on changes in underlying interest rates.


ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

Vail Resorts, Inc.

Vail Resorts, Inc.

Consolidated Financial Statements for the Years Ended July 31, 2008, 2007 2006 and 20052006

F-2
  
F-3
  
Consolidated Financial Statements
 
F-4
F-5
F-6
F-7
F-8
F-9
  
Financial Statement Schedule:
 
The following consolidated financial statement schedule of the Company is filed as part of this Report on Form 10-K and should be read in conjunction with the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements: 
  
59





Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Management of Vail Resorts, Inc. (the “Company"“Company”) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  The Company's internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management, including the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, assessed the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of July 31, 2007.2008.  In making this assessment, management used the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.  Based on this assessment, management concluded that, as of July 31, 2007,2008, the Company's internal control over financial reporting was effective.

The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, has issued an audit report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of July 31, 2008, as stated in the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on the following page.






Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors
of Vail Resorts, Inc.:

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the accompanying index present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Vail Resorts, Inc. and its subsidiaries at July 31, 20072008 and 2006,2007, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended July 31, 20072008 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements.  Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of July 31, 20072008, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).  The Company's management is responsible for these financial statements and financial statement schedule, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.  Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements, on the financial statement schedule, and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits.  We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.  Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk.  Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in which it accounts for share-based compensation in fiscal 2006.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Denver, Colorado
September 26, 200724, 2008



(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 
July 31,
 July 31, 
 
2007
  
2006
 2008  2007 
Assets
           
Current assets:           
Cash and cash equivalents $230,819 $191,794 $162,345 $230,819 
Restricted cash 54,749  20,322 58,437  54,749 
Trade receivables, net of allowances of $2,118 and $1,388, respectively 43,557  35,949
Inventories, net of reserves of $826 and $755, respectively 48,064  42,278
Deferred income taxes (Note 12) 15,056  11,938
Trade receivables, net of allowances of $1,666 and $2,118, respectively 50,185  43,557 
Inventories, net of reserves of $1,211 and $826, respectively 49,708  48,064 
Deferred income taxes (Note 11) 15,142  15,056 
Other current assets 19,392  23,693 23,078  19,392 
Total current assets 411,637  325,974 358,895  411,637 
Property, plant and equipment, net (Note 5) 885,926  851,112 1,056,837  885,926 
Real estate held for sale and investment 357,586  259,384 249,305  357,586 
Deferred charges and other assets 30,129  29,615 38,054  30,129 
Notes receivable 8,639  10,638 8,051  8,639 
Goodwill, net (Note 5) 141,699  135,811 142,282  141,699 
Intangible assets, net (Note 5) 73,507  75,109 72,530  73,507 
Total assets $1,909,123 $1,687,643 $1,925,954 $1,909,123 
           
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
           
Current liabilities:           
Accounts payable and accrued expenses (Note 5) $281,779 $230,762 $294,182 $281,779 
Income taxes payable 37,441  17,517 57,474  37,441 
Long-term debt due within one year (Note 4) 377  5,915 15,355  377 
Total current liabilities 319,597  254,194 367,011  319,597 
Long-term debt (Note 4) 593,733  525,313 541,350  593,733 
Other long-term liabilities (Note 5) 181,830  158,490 183,643  181,830 
Deferred income taxes (Note 12) 72,213  73,064
Commitments and contingencies (Note 14)     
Put option liabilities (Note 10) --  1,245
Deferred income taxes (Note 11) 75,279  72,213 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)      
Minority interest in net assets of consolidated subsidiaries 27,711  32,560 29,915  27,711 
Stockholders’ equity:           
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 25,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding --  -- --  -- 
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, and 39,747,976 and 39,036,282 shares issued, respectively (Note 17) 397  390
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, and 39,926,496 and 39,747,976 shares issued, respectively 399  397 
Additional paid-in capital 534,370  509,505 545,773  534,370 
Retained earnings 205,118  143,721 308,045  205,118 
Treasury stock (Note 17) (25,846) (10,839)
Treasury stock, at cost; 3,004,108 and 673,500 shares, respectively (Note 16) (125,461) (25,846)
Total stockholders’ equity 714,039  642,777 728,756  714,039 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $1,909,123 $1,687,643 $1,925,954 $1,909,123 

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


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

 
Year Ended July 31,
 Year Ended July 31,
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 2008 2007 2006
Net revenue:            
Mountain $665,377  $620,441  $540,855  $685,533  $665,377  $620,441 
Lodging  162,451  155,807   196,351   170,057  162,451   155,807 
Real estate  112,708  62,604   72,781   296,566  112,708   62,604 
Total net revenue  940,536  838,852   809,987   1,152,156  940,536   838,852 
Operating expense:           
Segment operating expense:           
Mountain  462,708  443,116   391,889   470,362  462,708   443,116 
Lodging  144,252  142,693   177,469   159,832  144,252   142,693 
Real estate  115,190  56,676   58,254   251,338  115,190   56,676 
Total segment operating expense  722,150  642,485   627,612   881,532  722,150   642,485 
Other operating (expense) income:                      
Gain on sale of real property  709 --   -- 
Depreciation and amortization  (87,664) (86,098)  (89,968)  (93,794) (87,664)  (86,098)
Relocation and separation charges (Note 8)  (1,433) (5,096)  --   -- (1,433)  (5,096)
Asset impairment charges (Note 11)  --  (210)  (2,550)
Mold remediation credit (Note 14)  --  1,411   -- 
Asset impairment charges  -- --   (210)
Mold remediation credit (Note 13)  -- --   1,411 
Loss on disposal of fixed assets, net  (1,083) (1,035)  (1,528)  (1,534) (1,083)  (1,035)
Income from operations  128,206  105,339   88,329   176,005 128,206   105,339 
Mountain equity investment income, net  5,059  3,876   2,303   5,390 5,059   3,876 
Lodging equity investment loss  --  --   (2,679)
Real estate equity investment income (loss)  --  791   (102)
Investment income  12,403  7,995   2,066 
Real estate equity investment income  -- --   791 
Investment income, net  8,285 12,403   7,995 
Interest expense, net  (32,625) (36,478)  (40,298)  (30,667) (32,625)  (36,478)
Loss on extinguishment of debt  --  --   (612)
(Loss) gain on sale of businesses, net (Note 9)  (639) 4,625   (7,353)  -- (639)  4,625 
Contract dispute charges (Note 14)  (4,642) (3,282)  -- 
Contract dispute credit (charges), net (Note 13)  11,920 (4,642)  (3,282)
Gain (loss) on put options, net (Note 10)  690  (1,212)  1,158   -- 690   (1,212)
Other income, net  --  50   50   -- --   50 
Minority interest in income of consolidated subsidiaries, net  (7,801) (6,694)  (5,239)  (4,920) (7,801)  (6,694)
Income before provision for income taxes  100,651  75,010   37,623   166,013 100,651   75,010 
Provision for income taxes (Note 12)  (39,254) (29,254)  (14,485)
Provision for income taxes (Note 11)  (63,086) (39,254)  (29,254)
Net income $61,397  $45,756  $23,138  $102,927 $61,397  $45,756 
                      
Per share amounts (Note 3):                      
Basic net income per share $1.58  $1.21  $0.65  $2.67  $1.58  $1.21 
Diluted net income per share $1.56  $1.19  $0.64  $2.64  $1.56  $1.19 

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



Vail Resorts, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
(In thousands, except share amounts)

 
Common Stock
  
Additional
           
Total
                 
 
Shares
       
Paid-in
  
Deferred
Retained
 
Treasury
 
Stockholders'
        Additional       Total
 
Class A
  
Common
  
Total
  
Amount
 
Capital
  
Compensation
Earnings
 
Stock
 
Equity
   Common Stock Paid-in  DeferredRetained Treasury Stockholders’
Balance, July 31, 2004 6,114,834  29,222,828  35,337,662  $353  $416,660  $(677) $74,827  $-- $491,163 
Net income --  --  --   --   --   --   23,138  --  23,138 
Conversion of Class A shares                               
to common shares (Note 17) (6,114,834) 6,114,834  --   --   --   --   --  --  -- 
Amortization of deferred                               
compensation --  --  --   --   --   348   --  --  348 
Issuance of shares                               
under share                               
award plans (Note 18) --  1,258,531  1,258,531   13   21,928   --   --  --  21,941 
Tax benefit of stock option                               
exercises --  --  --   --   3,939   --   --  --  3,939 
   Shares  Amount Capital  CompensationEarnings Stock Equity
Balance, July 31, 2005 --  36,596,193  36,596,193   366   442,527   (329)  97,965  --  540,529    36,596,193  $366  $442,527  $(329) $97,965  $-- $540,529 
Net income --  --  --   --   --   --   45,756  --  45,756    --   --   --   --   45,756  --  45,756 
Stock-based compensation                                                          
(Note 18) --  --  --   --   6,476   --   --  --  6,476 
(Note 17)   --   --   6,476   --   --  --  6,476 
Reversal of deferred                                                          
compensation due to adoption                                                          
of SFAS 123R -- -- -- --  (329) 329  -- -- --  -- --  (329) 329  -- -- -- 
Issuance of shares                                                          
under share                                                          
award plans (Note 18) --  2,440,089  2,440,089   24   46,508   --   --  --  46,532 
Tax benefit of stock option                               
exercises --  --  --   --   14,323   --   --  --  14,323 
award plans (Note 17)   2,440,089   24   46,508   --   --  --  46,532 
Tax benefit from share                           
award plans   --   --   14,323   --   --  --  14,323 
Repurchase of common stock                                                          
(Note 17) --  --  --   --   --   --   --  (10,839) (10,839)
(Note 16)   --   --   --   --   --  (10,839) (10,839)
Balance, July 31, 2006 --  39,036,282  39,036,282   390   509,505   --   143,721  (10,839) 642,777    39,036,282   390   509,505   --   143,721  (10,839) 642,777 
Net income --  --  --   --   --   --   61,397  --  61,397    --   --   --   --   61,397  --  61,397 
Stock-based compensation                                                          
(Note 18) --  --  --   --   6,965   --   --  --  6,965 
(Note 17)   --   --   6,965   --   --  --  6,965 
Issuance of shares                                                          
under share                                                          
award plans (Note 18) --  711,694  711,694   7   10,975   --   --  --  10,982 
Tax benefit of stock option                               
exercises --  --  --   --   6,925   --   --  --  6,925 
award plans (Note 17)   711,694   7   10,975   --   --  --  10,982 
Tax benefit from share                           
award plans   --   --   6,925   --   --  --  6,925 
Repurchase of common stock                                                          
(Note 16)   --   --   --   --   --  (15,007) (15,007)
Balance, July 31, 2007   39,747,976   397   534,370   --   205,118  (25,846) 714,039 
Net income   --   --   --   --   102,927  --  102,927 
Stock-based compensation                           
(Note 17) --  --  --   --   --   --   --  (15,007) (15,007)   --   --   8,414   --   --  --  8,414 
Balance, July 31, 2007 --  39,747,976  39,747,976  $397  $534,370  $--  $205,118  $(25,846)$714,039 
Issuance of shares                           
under share                           
award plans (Note 17)   178,520   2   1,122   --   --  --  1,124 
Tax benefit from share                           
award plans   --   --   1,867   --   --  --  1,867 
Repurchase of common stock                           
(Note 16)   --   --   --   --   --  (99,615) (99,615)
Balance, July 31, 2008   39,926,496  $399  $545,773  $--  $308,045  $(125,461)$728,756 

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



Vail Resorts, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
 
Year Ended July 31,
 Year Ended July 31,
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 2008 2007 2006
Cash flows from operating activities:                  
Net income $61,397 $45,756 $23,138  $102,927 $61,397 $45,756 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:                  
Depreciation and amortization  87,664  86,098 89,968   93,794  87,664 86,098 
Non-cash cost of real estate sales  81,176  35,121 38,425 
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense  6,998  6,523 437 
Real estate cost of sales  208,820  81,176 35,121 
Stock-based compensation expense  8,414  6,998 6,523 
Asset impairment charges  --  210 2,550   --  -- 210 
Non-cash mold remediation credit  --  (559) -- 
Mold remediation credit  --  -- (559)
Loss (gain) on sale of businesses, net  639  (4,625) 7,353   --  639 (4,625)
Loss on extinguishment of debt  --  -- 612 
Deferred income taxes, net  (3,968)  1,322 (7,514)  2,980  (3,968) 1,322 
Minority interest in net income of consolidated subsidiaries  7,801  6,694 5,239   4,920  7,801 6,694 
Other non-cash expense (income), net  720  (6,291) (3,433)  (7,268)  720 (6,291)
Changes in assets and liabilities:                  
Restricted cash  (34,427)  (2,069) (2,222)  (3,688)  (34,427) (2,069)
Accounts receivable, net  (4,496)  (2,644) (3,665)  (12,173)  (4,496) (2,644)
Inventories, net  (5,171)  (4,811) (5,074)  (1,643)  (5,171) (4,811)
Investments in real estate  (179,234)  (129,728) (72,164)  (217,482)  (179,234) (129,728)
Notes receivable  (2,590)  (1,925) 4,052   4,429  (2,590) (1,925)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses  30,691  26,213 26,443   5,946  30,691 26,213 
Income taxes receivable/payable  19,924  4,538 21,960   20,033  19,924 4,538 
Deferred real estate credits  25,330  14,539 29,755 
Deferred real estate deposits  (2,308)  25,330 14,539 
Private club deferred initiation fees and deposits  21,438  7,126 8,324   15,867  21,438 7,126 
Other assets and liabilities, net  4,550  (17,812) (16,007)  (6,572)  4,550 (17,812)
Net cash provided by operating activities  118,442  63,676 148,177   216,996  118,442 63,676 
Cash flows from investing activities:                  
Capital expenditures  (119,232)  (88,901) (79,975)  (150,892)  (119,232) (88,901)
Distributions from joint ventures  -  522 6,588 
Cash received from disposal of fixed assets  554  823 2,019 
Cash received from sale of businesses  3,544  30,712 108,399   --  3,544 30,712 
Purchase of minority interests  (8,387)  -- (9,748)  --  (8,387) -- 
Other investing  (8,625)  (5,149) --   2,757  (8,071) (3,804)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities  (132,146)  (61,993) 27,283 
Net cash used in investing activities  (148,135)  (132,146) (61,993)
Cash flows from financing activities:                  
Repurchases of common stock  (15,007)  (10,839) --   (99,615)  (15,007) (10,839)
Payment of financing costs  (1,294)  (1,584) (1,774)  (695)  (1,294) (1,584)
Proceeds from borrowings under Non-Recourse Real Estate Financings  75,019  25,548 --   136,519  75,019 25,548 
Payments of Non-Recourse Real Estate Financings  (1,493)  (12,191) --   (174,008)  (1,493) (12,191)
Payment of Credit Facility Term Loan  --  -- (98,750)
Proceeds from borrowings under other long-term debt  64,612  38,112 176,423   77,641  64,612 38,112 
Payments of other long-term debt  (75,284)  (42,248) (181,239)  (78,121)  (75,284) (42,248)
Distributions from joint ventures to minority shareholders  (10,005)  (4,239) (1,807)  (2,939)  (10,005) (4,239)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options  11,496  46,649 21,939   1,994  11,496 46,649 
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options  6,925  14,323 -- 
Tax benefit from share award plans  1,867  6,925 14,323 
Other financing  (2,240)  -- --   22  (2,240) -- 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities  52,729  53,531 (85,208)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents  39,025  55,214 90,252 
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities  (137,335)  52,729 53,531 
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents  (68,474)  39,025 55,214 
Cash and cash equivalents:                  
Beginning of period  191,794  136,580 46,328   230,819  191,794 136,580 
End of period $230,819 $191,794 $136,580  $162,345 $230,819 $191,794 
                  
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized $23,573 $33,550 $38,158  $34,298 $23,573 $33,550 
Taxes paid, net  16,357  8,617 --  $35,483 $16,357 $8,617 

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



Vail Resorts, Inc.
Supplemental Schedule of Non-Cash Transactions
(In thousands)

  
Year Ended July 31,
   
2007
  
2006
  
2005
Land exchange with the United States Forest Service $-- $5,407 $--
  Year Ended July 31,
   2008  2007  2006
Land exchange with the United States Forest Service $-- $-- $5,407

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



Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
1.           Organization and Business
 
Vail Resorts, Inc. ("(“Vail Resorts"Resorts” or the “Parent Company”) is organized as a holding company and operates through various subsidiaries.  Vail Resorts and its subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company"“Company”) currently operate in three business segments: Mountain, Lodging and Real Estate.  In the Mountain segment, the Company owns and operates five world-class ski resort properties at the Vail, Breckenridge, Keystone and Beaver Creek mountain resorts in Colorado and the Heavenly Mountain Resort (“Heavenly”) in the Lake Tahoe area of California and Nevada, as well as ancillary businesses, primarily including ski school, dining and retail/rental operations, at Vail, Breckenridge, Keystone and Beaver Creek mountains in Colorado and the Heavenly Ski Resort ("Heavenly") in the Lake Tahoe area of California and Nevada.operations.  These resorts useoperate primarily on Federal land under the terms of Special Use Permits granted by the USDA Forest Service (the “Forest Service”).  The Company also holds a 69.3% interest in SSI Venture, LLC ("SSV"(“SSV”), a retail/rental company.  In the Lodging segment, the Company owns and/or manages a collection of luxury hotels under its RockResorts International, LLC ("RockResorts"(“RockResorts”) brand, as well as other strategic lodging properties and a large number of condominiums located in proximity to the Company’s ski resorts, the Grand Teton Lodge Company ("GTLC"(“GTLC”), which operates three destination resorts at Grand Teton National Park (under a National Park Service concessionaire contract), and golf courses.  Vail Resorts Development Company ("VRDC"(“VRDC”), a wholly-owned subsidiary, conducts the operations of the Company's Real Estate segment.  The Company’s Real Estate segment, holdswhich owns and develops real estate in and around the Company’s resort communities.  The Company's MountainCompany’s mountain business and its Lodginglodging properties at or around the Company’s ski resorts are seasonal in nature with peak operating seasons from mid-November through mid-April.  The Company'sCompany’s operations at GTLC and its golf courses generally operate from mid-May through mid-October.  The Company also has non-majority owned investments in various other entities, some of which are consolidated (see Note 6, Investments in Affiliates and Note 7, Variable Interest Entities).

2.           Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation-- The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company, its majority-owned subsidiaries and all variable interest entities for which the Company is the primary beneficiary.  Investments in which the Company does not have a controlling interest or is not the primary beneficiary are accounted for under the equity method.  All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Cash and Cash Equivalents-- The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturitymaturities of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents.

Restricted Cash-- Restricted cash represents certain deposits received from real estate development related transactions, amounts held as state-regulated reserves for self-insured workers' compensation claims and owner and guest advance deposits held in escrow for lodging reservations.

Trade Receivables-- The Company records trade accounts receivable in the normal course of business related to the sale of products or services.  The Company charges interest on past due accounts at a rate of 18% per annum.  The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on a specific reserve analysis and on a percentage of accounts receivable, and takes into consideration such factors as historical write-offs, the economic climate and other factors that could affect collectibility.  Write-offs are evaluated on a case by case basis.

Inventories-- The Company's inventories consist primarily of purchased retail goods, food and beverage items and spare parts.  Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or fair value, determined using primarily an average weighted cost method.  The Company records a reserve for estimated shrinkage and obsolete or unusable inventory.

Property, Plant and Equipment-- Property, plant and equipment is carried at cost net of accumulated depreciation.  Repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred.  Expenditures that improve the functionality of the related asset or extend the useful life are capitalized.  When property, plant and equipment is retired or otherwise disposed of, the related gain or loss is included in operating income.  Depreciation is calculated on the straight-line method generally based on the following useful lives:

 
Estimated Life
 
in Years
Land improvements20-3510-35
Buildings and building improvements7-30
Machinery and equipment2-30
Furniture and fixtures3-10
Software3
Vehicles3

The Company capitalizes interest on non-real estate construction projects expected to take longer than one year to complete and cost more than $1.0 million.  The Company records capitalized interest once construction activities commence and capitalized $1.6 million, $1.1 million $63,000 and zero$0.1 million of interest on non-real estate projects during the years ended July 31, 2008, 2007 2006 and 2005,2006, respectively.

The Company has certain assets being used in resort operations that were constructed as amenities in conjunction with real estate development and included in project costs and expensed as the real estate was sold.  Accordingly, there is no carrying value and no depreciation expense related to these assets in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.  These assets were primarily placed in service from 1995 to 1997 with an original cost of approximately $33.0 million and an average estimated useful life of 15 years.

Real Estate Held for Sale and Investment-- The Company capitalizes as landreal estate held for sale and investment the original land acquisition cost, direct construction and development costs, property taxes, interest incurred on costs related to landreal estate under development and other related costs, including costs that will be capitalized as resort depreciable assets associated with mixed-use real estate development projects for which the Company cannot specifically identify the components at the time of incurring such cash outflows until the property reaches its intended use.  The cost of sales for individual parcels of real estate within a project is determined using either specific identification or the relative sales value method, as applicable.  Sales and marketing expenses are charged against income in the period incurred.  Sales commission expenses are charged against income in the period that the related revenue is recorded.  The Company records capitalized interest once construction activities commence and real estate deposits have been utilized in construction.  Interest capitalized on real estate development projects during the years ended July 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 and 2005 was $11.8 million, $8.2 million and $2.2 million, and $14,000, respectively.

The Company is a member in Keystone/Intrawest, LLC (“KRED”), which is a joint venture with Intrawest Resorts, Inc. formed to develop land at the base of Keystone Mountain.  The Company's investment in KRED, including the Company's equity earnings from the inception of KRED, is reported as "real“real estate held for sale and investment"investment” in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.  The Company recorded equity investment income (loss) of zero $791,000 and $(102,000) for the years ended July 31, 2008 and 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively,$0.8 million for the year ended July 31, 2006, related to KRED.  During the year ended July 31, 2006, KRED made distributions of $2.2 million related to the sale of final inventory of developed real estate.  It is the intent of the members to dissolve KRED.

Deferred Financing Costs-- Costs incurred with the issuance of debt securities are included in deferred charges and other assets, net of accumulated amortization.  Amortization is charged to interest expense over the respective term of the applicable debt issues.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets-- The Company has classified as goodwill the cost in excess of fair value of the net assets of companies acquired in purchase transactions.  The Company's major intangible asset classes are trademarks, water rights, customer lists, property management contracts, Forest Service permits and excess reorganization value.  As prescribed in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 142, "Goodwill“Goodwill and Intangible Assets"Assets” (“SFAS 142”), goodwill and certain indefinite lived intangible assets, including excess reorganization value, water rights and certain trademarks, are no longer amortized, but are subject to at least annual impairment testing.  The Company tests annually (or more often, if necessary) for impairment under SFAS 142 as of May 1.  The Company determined that there was no impairment to goodwill or intangible assets during the years ended July 31, 2008, 2007 2006 and 2005.2006.

Long-lived Assets-- The Company evaluates potential impairment of long-lived assets and long-lived assets to be disposed of in accordance with SFAS No. 144, "Accounting“Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets"Assets” (“SFAS 144”).  SFAS 144 establishes procedures for the review of recoverability and measurement of impairment, if necessary, of long-lived assets held and used by an entity.  SFAS 144 requires that those assets be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be fully recoverable.  SFAS 144 requires that long-lived assets to be disposed of be reported at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less estimated selling costs (see Note 11, Asset Impairment Charges, for more information related to impaired long-lived assets).costs.

Revenue Recognition-- Mountain and Lodging revenue is derived from a wide variety of sources, including, among other things, sales of lift tickets (including season passes), ski school operations, dining operations, retail sales, equipment rentals, hotel operations, property management services, private club dues technology services and golf course greens fees, and are recognized as products are delivered or services are performed.  Revenue from private club initiation fees is recognized over the estimated life of the club facilities.  Revenue from arrangements with multiple deliverables is bifurcated into units of accounting based on relative fair values and revenue is separately recognized for each unit of accounting.  If fair market value cannot be established for an arrangement, revenue is deferred until all deliverables have been performed.

Revenue from real estate primarily involves the sale of condominiums/townhomes and land parcels (including related improvements).  Revenue is not recognized until a sale is fully consummated as evidenced by (i) a binding contract, (ii) receipt of adequate consideration and (iii) transfer to the buyer the usual risks and rewards of ownership.  Contingent future profits, if any, are recognized only when received.  The Company generally applies the "full accrual"“full accrual” method of revenue recognition thereby recognizing revenue and the related profit upon transfer of title to the buyer.  However, if the Company has an obligation to complete improvements to parcels or to construct amenities or other facilities as contractually required by sales that have been consummated, the Company utilizes the "percentage-of-completion"“percentage-of-completion” method of revenue recognition.  The Company recorded revenue under the percentage-of-completion method of approximately $1.4 million, $7.1 million $6.4 million and $11.2$6.4 million for the years ended July 31, 2008, 2007 2006 and 2005,2006, respectively.  Additionally, the Company uses the "deposit"“deposit” method for sales that have not been completed for which payments have been received from buyers (reflected as deferred creditsreal estate deposits in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets), and as such no profit is recognized until the sale is consummated.

Real Estate Cost of Sales-- Costs of real estate transactions include direct project costs, common cost allocations (primarily determined on relative sales value) and may include accrued commitment liabilities for costs to be incurred subsequent to the sales transaction.  The Company utilized the relative sales value method to determine cost of sales for individual parcels of real estate or condominium units sold within a project, when specific identification of costs cannot be reasonably determined.  Estimates of project costs and cost allocations are reviewed at the end of each financial reporting period until a project is substantially completed and available for sale.  Costs are revised and reallocated as necessary for material changes on the basis of current estimates and are reported as a change in estimate in the current period.  The Company recorded changes in estimates that increased (decreased) increased real estate cost of sales by approximately $(636,000), $(214,000)$0.1 million, $(0.6) million and $435,000$(0.2) million for the years ended July 31, 2008, 2007 2006 and 2005,2006, respectively.  Additionally, for the years ended July 31, 2007 and 2006, the Company recorded $7.6 million and $1.8 million, respectively, of incremental estimatedremediation costs to complete the construction of the Jackson Hole Golf & Tennis Club (”(“JHG&TC”) cabins that havehad design and construction issues.

Deferred Revenue-- In addition to deferring certain revenue related to private club initiation fees and the real estate sales as noted above, the Company records deferred revenue related to the sale of season ski passes and certain dailyother lift ticket products.  The number of season pass holder visits is estimated based on historical data and the deferred revenue is recognized throughout the season based on this estimate.

Reserve Estimates-- The Company uses estimates to record reserves for certain liabilities, including medical claims, workers' compensation, third-party loss contingencies, liabilities for the completion of real estate sold by the Company, allowance for doubtful accounts, and property taxes and loyalty reward programs among other items.  The Company estimates the potential costs related to these liabilities that will be incurred and records that amount as a liability in its financial statements.  These estimates are reviewed and appropriately adjusted as the facts and circumstances related to the liabilities change.  The Company records legal costs related to defending its claims as incurred.

Advertising Costs-- Advertising costs are expensed at the time such advertising commences.  Advertising expense for the years ended July 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 and 2005 was $17.6 million, $17.5 million $17.2 million and $15.1$17.2 million, respectively.  At July 31, 20072008 and 2006,2007, prepaid advertising costs of $337,000$0.4 million and $642,000,$0.3 million, respectively, are reported as "other“other current assets"assets” in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Income Taxes-- The Company uses the liability method of accounting for income taxes as prescribed by SFAS No. 109, "Accounting“Accounting for Income Taxes"Taxes” (“SFAS 109”).  Under SFAS 109, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded for the estimated future tax effects of temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and amounts reported in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets and for operating loss and tax credit carryforwards.  The change in deferred tax assets and liabilities for the period measures the deferred tax provision or benefit for the period.  Effects of changes in enacted tax laws on deferred tax assets and liabilities are reflected as adjustments to the tax provision or benefit in the period of enactment.  The Company's deferred tax assets have been reduced by a valuation allowance to the extent it is deemed to be more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized (see Note 12,11, Income Taxes, for more information related to deferred tax assets and liabilities).

On August 1, 2007, the Company adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”).  FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements.  FIN 48 prescribes a two-step process to determine the amount of tax benefit to be recognized.  However, the tax position must be evaluated to determine the likelihood that it will be sustained upon examination.  If the tax position is deemed “more-likely-than-not” to be sustained, the tax position is then valued to determine the amount of benefit to be recognized in the financial statements (see Note 11, Income Taxes, for more information related to the adoption of FIN 48).

Net Income Per Share-- In accordance with SFAS No. 128, "Earnings“Earnings Per Share"Share” (“EPS”) (“SFAS 128”), the Company computes net income per share on both the basic and diluted basis (see Note 3, Net Income Per Common Share).

Fair Value of Financial Instruments-- The recorded amounts for cash and cash equivalents, receivables, other current assets, and accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these financial instruments.  The fair value of amounts outstanding under the Company's credit facilities, Employee Housing Bonds and Non-Recourse Real Estate Financings (as defined in Note 4, Long-Term Debt) approximate book value due to the variable nature of the interest rate associated with that debt.  The fair value of the 6.75% Notes (as defined in Note 4, Long-Term Debt) is based on quoted market price.  The fair value of the Company's Industrial Development Bonds (as defined in Note 4, Long-Term Debt) and other long-term debt have been estimated using discounted cash flow analyses based on current borrowing rates for debt with similar remaining maturities and ratings.  The estimated fair value of the 6.75% Notes, Industrial Development Bonds and other long-term debt as of July 31, 20072008 and 20062007 is presented below (in thousands):

 
July 31, 2007
 
July 31, 2006
 July 31, 2008 July 31, 2007
 
Carrying
 
Fair
 
Carrying
 
Fair
 Carrying Fair Carrying Fair
 
Value
 
Value
 
Value
 
Value
 Value Value Value Value
6.75% Notes $390,000 $377,325 $390,000 $372,450 $390,000 $362,700 $390,000 $377,325
Industrial Development Bonds  57,700  59,206  61,700  63,423 $57,700 $57,556 $57,700 $59,206
Other long-term debt  6,953  6,863  7,335  7,211 $7,036 $6,590 $6,953 $6,863

Stock Compensation--At July 31, 2007,2008, the Company had four stock-based compensation plans, which are described more fully in Note 18,17, Stock Compensation Plans.  Prior to August 1, 2005, theThe Company accounted for those plans under the recognition and measurement provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" ("APB 25") and related interpretations, as permitted by SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock Based Compensation" ("SFAS 123").

Effective August 1, 2005, the Company adopteduses the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123R, "Share-Based Payment" ("“Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS 123R"123R”), using the modified prospective method.  Under that transition method, compensation cost recognized in the years ended July 31, 2007 and 2006 includes: (i) compensation cost for all share-based payments granted prior to, but not yet vested as of August 1, 2005, based on the grant-date fair value estimated in accordance with the original provisions of SFAS 123 and (ii) compensation cost for all share-based payments granted subsequent to August 1, 2005, based on the grant-date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 123R.  The grant-date fair value of share-based payments is amortized to expense ratably over the awards' vesting periods.  Results for prior periods have not been restated..  The following table shows total stock-based compensation expense for the years ended July 31, 2008, 2007 2006 and 20052006 included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations (in thousands):

 
Year Ended July 31,
 Year Ended July 31,
 
2007
2006
 
2005
 20082007 2006
Mountain operating expense $3,824 $3,685  $254  $3,834 $3,824  $3,685 
Lodging operating expense  1,091  1,334  88   1,294  1,091  1,334 
Real estate operating expense  2,083  1,504  95   3,136  2,083  1,504 
Pre-tax stock-based compensation expense  6,998  6,523  437   8,264  6,998  6,523 
Less: benefit for income taxes  2,628  2,450  164   3,134  2,628  2,450 
Net stock-based compensation expense $4,370 $4,073  $273  $5,130 $4,370  $4,073 


As a result of adopting SFAS 123R on August 1, 2005, the Company's income before income taxes and net income for the year ended July 31, 2007 decreased $6.6 million and $4.1 million, respectively, and for the year ended July 31, 2006 decreased $6.1 million and $3.8 million, respectively as compared to accounting for share-based compensation under APB 25, after considering the change in the Company's compensation strategy to issue a portion of its stock-based compensation as restricted stock to certain levels of employees.  The after-tax impact of stock-based compensation expense recorded pursuant to SFAS 123R resulted in a reduction in basic and diluted net income per share of $0.11 for each of the years ended July 31, 2007 and 2006.

Prior to the adoption of SFAS 123R, the Company reported all tax benefits for deductions resulting from the exercise of stock options as operating cash flows in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.  SFAS 123R requires that cash flows resulting from the tax benefits to be realized in excess of the compensation expense recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations before considering the impact of stock options that expire unexercised or forfeited (the "excess tax benefit") be classified as financing cash flows.  The excess tax benefit of $6.9 million and $14.3 million classified as financing cash inflows for the years ended July 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, would have been classified as operating cash inflows if the Company had not adopted SFAS 123R.  The Company has elected to establish its pool of windfall tax benefits under the “long-form” method, and therefore, has calculated such excess amounts as if stock-based compensation expense on an individual grant basis had been recognized under the pro forma method of SFAS 123 and SFAS 123R.

The following table illustrates the effect on net income and net income per share if the Company had recorded in its Consolidated Statement of Operations the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS 123 to stock options granted under the Company's share award plans for the year ended July 31, 2005.  For purposes of this pro forma disclosure, stock options granted subsequent to July 31, 2005 are not considered, the value of the stock options is estimated using a Black-Scholes option-pricing formula and the expense is amortized ratably over the options' vesting periods (in thousands, except per share amounts).

Year Ended July 31, 
  
2005
 Net income     
     As reported  $23,138 
 Add: stock-based employee compensation expense included in reported net income, net of related tax effects   273 
 Deduct: total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value-based method for all awards, net of related tax effects   (2,987)
 Pro forma  $20,424 
      
 Basic net income per share     
     As reported  $0.65 
     Pro forma  $0.57 
      
 Diluted net income per share     
    As reported  $0.64 
    Pro forma  $0.56 

The fair value of each stock option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions used for stock option grants in 2005: dividend yield of 0%; expected volatility of 35.3%; risk-free interest rate of 3.28%; and an expected life of five years.  The weighted-average grant-date fair value per share of stock options granted in the year ended July 31, 2005 was $6.83.

Concentration of Credit Risk-- The Company's financial instruments that are exposed to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash.  The Company places its cash and temporary cash investments in high quality credit institutions.  At times, suchinstitutions, but these investments may be in excess of FDIC insurance limits.  The Company does not enter into financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.  Concentration of credit risk with respect to trade and notes receivables is limited due to the wide variety of customers and markets in which the Company transacts business, as well as their dispersion across many geographical areas.  As a result, as of July 31, 2007, the Company did not consider itself to have any significant concentrations of credit risk.  The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and generally does not require collateral.  The Company maintains allowances for potential losses,collateral, but does require advance deposits on certain transactions, and historical losses have been within management's expectations.  The Company does not enter into financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.transactions.

Use of Estimates-- The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) 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 revenue and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

New Accounting Pronouncements-- In June 2006, the FASB issued Financial Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an Interpretation of SFAS No. 109” (“FIN 48”), which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements.  FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.  It also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition.  The requirements of FIN 48 are effective for the Company beginning August 1, 2007 (its fiscal year ending July 31, 2008).  Although the Company has not completed its analysis, the Company does not expect the implementation of FIN 48 to have a significant impact on its financial position or results of operations.Pronouncements

-- In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”), which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, in GAAP, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.  SFAS 157 does not require any new fair value measurements, but provides guidance on how to measure fair value by providing a fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to classify the source of the information.measure fair value.  The requirements of SFAS 157 are effective for the Company beginning August 1, 2008 (its(the Company’s fiscal year ending July 31, 2009).  In February 2008, the FASB issued Staff Position (“FSP”) 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157.”  This FSP delays the effective date of SFAS 157 for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value on a recurring basis (at least annually), to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008 (the Company's fiscal year ending July 31, 2010) and interim periods within the fiscal year of adoption.  The adoption of SFAS 157 for financial assets and liabilities will not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.  The Company is incurrently evaluating the processimpacts, if any, the adoption of evaluating this guidancethe provisions of SFAS 157 for nonfinancial assets and therefore has not yet determined the impact that SFAS 157liabilities will have on the Company’s financial position or results of operations upon adoption.operations.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“SFAS 159”).  SFAS 159 gives the Company the irrevocable option to carry many financial assets and liabilities at fair values,value, with changes in fair value recognized in earnings.  The requirements of SFAS 159 are effective for the Company beginning August 1, 2008 (its(the Company’s fiscal year ending July 31, 2009), although early adoption is permitted..  The Company is indoes not expect the processadoption of evaluating this guidance and therefore has not yet determined the impact that SFAS 159 willto have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations upon adoption.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141R, “Business Combinations” (“SFAS 141R”), which establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in an acquiree, including the recognition and measurement of goodwill acquired in a business combination.  SFAS 141R also requires acquisition-related transaction expenses and restructuring costs be expensed as incurred rather than capitalized as a component of the business combination.  SFAS 141R will be applicable prospectively to business combinations consummated after July 31, 2009 (the Company’s fiscal year ending July 31, 2010).

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interest in Consolidated Financial Statements, an amendment of ARB No. 51” (“SFAS 160”), which will change the accounting and reporting for minority interests, which will be recharacterized as noncontrolling interests and classified as a component of equity within the balance sheet.  Currently, noncontrolling interests (minority interests) are reported as a liability in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet and the related income (loss) attributable to minority interests is reflected as an expense (credit) in arriving at net income.  Upon adoption of SFAS 160, the Company will be required to report its minority interests as a separate component of stockholders’ equity and present net income allocable to the minority interests along with net income attributable to the stockholders of the Company separately in its consolidated statement of operations.  SFAS 160 requires retroactive adoption of the presentation and disclosure requirements for existing minority interests.  All other requirements of SFAS 160 shall be applied prospectively.  The requirements of SFAS 160 are effective for the Company beginning August 1, 2009 (the Company’s fiscal year ending July 31, 2010).

3.           Net Income Per Common Share

SFAS 128 establishes standards for computing and presenting EPS.  SFAS 128 requires the dual presentation of basic and diluted EPS on the face of the income statementConsolidated Statements of Operations and requires a reconciliation of numerators (net income) 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 holders of common stockholdersstock 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 shares of common stock that would then share in the earnings of the Company.  Presented below is basic and diluted EPS for the years ended July 31, 2008, 2007 2006 and 20052006 (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 
Year Ended July 31,
 Year Ended July 31,
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 2008 2007 2006
 
Basic
 
Diluted
 
Basic
 
Diluted
 
Basic
 
Diluted
 Basic Diluted Basic Diluted Basic Diluted
Net income per share:
                                        
Net income $61,397  $61,397  $45,756 $45,756 $23,138 $23,138  $102,927  $102,927  $61,397 $61,397 $45,756 $45,756 
      ��                               
Weighted-average shares outstanding  38,849   38,849   37,866 37,866 35,712  35,712   38,616   38,616   38,849 38,849 37,866  37,866 
Effect of dilutive securities  --   525   -- 701 --  648   --   318   -- 525 --  701 
Total shares  38,849   39,374   37,866 38,567 35,712  36,360   38,616   38,934   38,849 39,374 37,866  38,567 
Net income per share $1.58  $1.56  $1.21 $1.19 $0.65 $0.64  $2.67  $2.64  $1.58 $1.56 $1.21 $1.19 

The number of shares issuable on the exercise of share based awards that were excluded from the calculation of diluted net income per share because the effect of their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive totaled 63,000, 18,000 334,000 and 631,000334,000 for the years ended July 31, 2008, 2007 2006 and 2005,2006, respectively.

4.           Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt as of July 31, 20072008 and 20062007 is summarized as follows (in thousands):

Fiscal Year
  
July 31,
  
July 31,
Fiscal Year  July 31,  July 31,
Maturity (i)
  
2007
  
2006
Maturity (i)  2008  2007
Credit Facility Revolver (a)2012 $-- $--2012 $-- $--
SSV Facility (b)2011  --  6,2612011  --  --
Industrial Development Bonds (c)2009-2020  57,700  61,7002009-2020  57,700  57,700
Employee Housing Bonds (d)2027-2039  52,575  52,5752027-2039  52,575  52,575
Non-Recourse Real Estate Financings (e)2009-2010  86,882  13,3572010  49,394  86,882
6.75% Senior Subordinated Notes (f)2014  390,000  390,0002014  390,000  390,000
Other (g)2008-2029  6,953  7,3352009-2029  7,036  6,953
Total debt   594,110  531,228   556,705  594,110
Less: Current maturities (h)   377  5,915   15,355  377
Long-term debt  $593,733 $525,313  $541,350 $593,733

(a)On March 13, 2007,20, 2008, The Vail Corporation (“Vail Corp.”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into an amendment (the “Third Amendment”)exercised the accordion feature under the revolver component of its existing senior credit facility (the “Credit Facility”), as provided in the existing Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, (the “Credit Agreement”), amongdated as of January 28, 2005, as amended, between The Vail Corp., Bank of America, N.A. as administrative agent U.S. Bank National Association  (“U.S. Bank”) and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (“Wells Fargo”) as co-syndication agents, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas and LaSalle Bank National Association as co-documentation agents, and the lendersLenders party thereto.  The Third Amendment amendedthereto (the “Credit Agreement”), which expanded the borrowing capacity from $300.0 million to $400.0 million at the same terms existing in the Credit Agreement to, among other things, (i) decrease the total loan commitment with respect to borrowings under the revolving facility (the “Credit Facility Revolver”) and letters of credit from $400 million to $300 million, (ii) improve pricing, including unused commitment fees and letter of credit fees and improve flexibility in the Company’s ability to make investments, (iii) extend the maturity date from January 28, 2010 to February 1, 2012 and (iv) eliminate certain covenant ratios and change, for pricing and covenant purposes, the gross debt leverage ratio to a net debt ratio.Agreement.

Vail Corp. obligations under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by the Company and certain of its subsidiaries and are collateralized by a pledge of all of the capital stock of Vail Corp., substantially all of its subsidiaries and the Company's interest in SSV.  The proceeds of loans made under the Credit Agreement may be used to fund the Company's working capital needs, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other general corporate purposes, including the issuance of letters of credit.  Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest annually at the Company's option currently at the rate of (i) LIBOR plus 0.5% (5.82%(2.96% at July 31, 2007)2008) or (ii) the Agent's prime lending rate plus, in certain circumstances, a margin (8.25%(5.00% at July 31, 2007)2008).  Interest rate margins fluctuate based upon the ratio of the Company's Net Funded Debt to Adjusted EBITDA (as defined in the Credit Agreement) on a trailing twelve-month basis.  The Credit Agreement also includes a quarterly unused commitment fee, which is equal to a percentage determined by the Net Funded Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio, as defined in the Credit Agreement, times the daily amount by which the Credit Agreement commitment exceeds the total of outstanding loans and outstanding letters of credit.  The unused amounts are accessible to the extent that the Net Funded Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio does not exceed the maximum ratio allowed at quarter-ends.quarter-end.  The unused amount available for borrowing under the Credit Agreement was $226.0$306.2 million as of July 31, 2007,2008, net of certain letters of credit of $74.0$93.8 million outstanding under the Credit Agreement.  The Credit Agreement provides for affirmative and negative covenants that restrict, among other things, the Company's ability to incur indebtedness, dispose of assets, make capital expenditures, make distributions and make investments.  In addition, the Credit Agreement includes the following restrictive financial covenants: Net Funded Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio, Minimum Net Worth and the Minimum Interest Coverage ratio (each as defined in the Credit Agreement).

Additionally, the Company amended and restated its then existing senior credit facility in January 2005 to, among other things, (i) expand the total loan commitment and (ii) improve pricing, including unused commitment fees and letter of credit fees and improve flexibility in the Company’s ability to make investments.  The Company recorded a $612,000 loss on extinguishment of debt in the year ended July 31, 2005 for the remaining unamortized deferred financing costs associated with the pay off of the term loan under such credit facility.

(b)In September 2005, SSV entered into a new credit facility ("(“SSV Facility"Facility”) with U.S. Bank as lender to refinance its existing credit facility and to provide additional financing for future acquisitions.  The new facility provides for financing up to an aggregate $33$33.0 million consisting of (i) an $18$18.0 million working capital revolver, (ii) a $10$10.0 million reducing revolver and (iii) a $5$5.0 million acquisition revolver.  Obligations under the SSV Facility are collateralized by a first priority security interest in all the assets of SSV ($90.294.3 million at July 31, 2007)2008).  Availability under the SSV Facility is based on the book values of accounts receivable, inventories and rental equipment of SSV.  The SSV Facility matures September 2010.  Borrowings bear interest annually at SSV's option of (i) LIBOR plus 0.875% (6.20%(3.34% at July 31, 2007)2008) or (ii) U.S. Bank's prime rate minus 1.75% (6.50%(3.25% at July 31, 2007)2008).  Proceeds under the working capital revolver are for SSV's seasonal working capital needs.  No principal payments are due until maturity, and principal may be drawn and repaid at any time.  Proceeds under the reducing revolver were used to pay off SSV's existing credit facility.  Principal under the reducing revolver may be drawn and repaid at any time.  The reducing revolver commitments decrease by $312,500$0.3 million on January 31, April 30, July 31 and October 31 of each year beginning January 31, 2006 ($7.86.6 million available at July 31, 2007)2008).  Any outstanding balance in excess of the reduced commitment amount is due on the day of each commitment reduction.  The acquisition revolver is to be utilized to make acquisitions subject to U.S. Bank's approval.  Principal under the acquisition revolver may be drawn and repaid at any time.  The acquisition revolver commitments decrease by $156,250$0.2 million on January 31, April 30, July 31 and October 31 of each year beginning January 31, 2007 ($4.53.9 million available at July 31, 2007)2008).  Any outstanding balance in excess of the reduced commitment amount is due on the day of each commitment reduction.  The SSV Facility contains certain restrictive financial covenants, including the Consolidated Leverage Ratio and Minimum Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (each as defined in the underlying credit agreement).

(c)  The Company has outstanding $57.7 million of industrial development bonds (collectively, the "Industrial“Industrial Development Bonds"Bonds”), of which $41.2 million were issued by Eagle County, Colorado (the "Eagle“Eagle County Bonds"Bonds”) and mature, subject to prior redemption, on August 1, 2019.  These bonds accrue interest at 6.95% per annum, with interest being payable semi-annually on February 1 and August 1.  The promissory note with respect to the Eagle County Bonds between Eagle County and the Company is collateralized by the Forest Service permits for Vail and Beaver Creek.  In addition, the Company has outstanding two series of refunding bonds (collectively, the "Summit“Summit County Bonds"Bonds”).  TheAt July 31, 2008, the Series 1990 Sports Facilities Refunding Revenue Bonds, issued by Summit County, Colorado, have an aggregate outstanding principal amount of $15.0 million maturing in the year ending July 31, 2009 and bear interest at 7.875%.  On August 29, 2008 the borrowings under the Series 1990 Sports Facilities Refunding Revenue Bond was paid in full.  The Series 1991 Sports Facilities Refunding Revenue Bonds, issued by Summit County, Colorado, have an aggregate outstanding principal amount of $1.5 million maturing in the year ending July 31, 2011 and bear interest at 7.375%.  The promissory note with respect to the Summit County Bonds between Summit County and the Company is pledged and endorsed to the Bank of New York as Trustee under the Indenture of Trust underlying the Summit County Bonds.  The promissory note is also collateralized in accordance with a guaranty from Ralston Purina Company (subsequently assumed by Vail Corp. to the Trustee for the benefit of the registered owners of the bonds).

(d)As of November 1, 2003, theThe Company began consolidatinghas recorded for financial reporting purposes the outstanding debt of four employee housing entitiesEmployee Housing Entities (each an “Employee Housing Entity” and collectively the "Employee“Employee Housing Entities"Entities”): Breckenridge Terrace, Tarnes, BC Housing and Tenderfoot.  The Employee Housing Entities had previously been accounted for under the equity method (see Note 7, Variable Interest Entities).  Accordingly, the outstanding indebtedness of the entities (collectively, the "Employee Housing Bonds") is included in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets as of July 31, 2007 and 2006.  The proceeds of the Employee Housing Bonds were used to develop apartment complexes designated primarily for use by the Company's seasonal employees at its mountain resorts.  The Employee Housing Bonds are variable rate, interest-only instruments with interest rates tied to LIBOR plus 0% to 0.05% (5.32%(2.46% to 5.37%2.51% at July 31, 2007)2008).  Interest on the Employee Housing Bonds is paid monthly in arrears and the interest rate is adjusted weekly.  No principal payments are due on the Employee Housing Bonds until maturity.  Each Employee Housing Entity’s bonds were issued in two series.  The Series A bonds for each Employee Housing Entity and the Series B bonds for Breckenridge Terrace, BC Housing and Tenderfoot are backed by letters of credit issued under the Credit Facility.  The Series B bonds for Tarnes are backed by a letter of credit issued by a bank, for which the assets of Tarnes serve as collateral ($8.27.9 million at July 31, 2007)2008).  The table below presents the principal amounts outstanding for the Employee Housing Bonds as of July 31, 20072008 and 20062007 (in thousands):

Maturity
  
Tranche A
  
Tranche B
  
Total
Maturity (i)  Tranche A  Tranche B  Total
Breckenridge Terrace2039 $14,980 $5,000 $19,9802039 $14,980 $5,000 $19,980
Tarnes2039  8,000  2,410  10,4102039  8,000  2,410  10,410
BC Housing2027  9,100  1,500  10,6002027  9,100  1,500  10,600
Tenderfoot2035  5,700  5,885  11,5852035  5,700  5,885  11,585
Total  $37,780 $14,795 $52,575  $37,780 $14,795 $52,575

(e)In January 2006, ArrabelleMarch 2007, The Chalets at The Lodge at Vail, Square, LLC ("Arrabelle"(“Chalets”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a construction loan agreement (the "Arrabelle Facility"(“Chalets Facility”) in the amount of up to $175$123.0 million with Wells Fargo, as administrative agent, book manager, and joint lead arranger, U.S. Bank as administrativejoint lead arranger and syndication agent, and U.S. Bank and Wells Fargo, as joint lead arrangers.the lenders party thereto.  Borrowings under the ArrabelleChalets Facility are non-revolving and must be used for the payment of certain costs associated with the construction and development of ArrabelleThe Lodge at Vail Square,Chalets, a mixed-useresidential development consisting of 6713 luxury residential condominium units, as well as a 36-room RockResorts hotel, approximately 33,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space, a spa, private mountain club, skating rink anda spa, skier services facilities.  The Arrabellebuilding and parking structure.  Borrowings under the Chalets Facility matures on August 1, 2008, and principal payments are due at maturity, with certain pre-payment requirements, including upon the earlier of either the closing of the condominium units.units (of which the amount due is determined by the amount of proceeds received upon closing) or the stated maturity date of September 1, 2009.  Borrowings under the ArrabelleChalets Facility are required to be paid in full by ArrabelleChalets prior to any distribution of funds from the closingclosings of the luxury condominium units to the Company.  ArrabelleChalets has the option to extend the term of the ArrabelleChalets Facility for ninesix months, subject to certain requirements.  Borrowings under the ArrabelleChalets Facility bear interest annually  at Arrabelle'sthe Chalets’ option, at the rate of (i) LIBOR plus 1.45% (6.77%a margin of 1.35% (3.81% at July 31, 2007)2008) or (ii) the greater of (x) the administrative agent'sagent’s prime commercial lending rate (8.25%(5.00% at July 31, 2007)2008) or (y) the Federal Funds Rate in effect on that day as announced by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, plus 0.5% (2.59% at July 31, 2008).  Interest is payable monthly in arrears.  The ArrabelleChalets Facility provides for affirmative and negative covenants that restrict, among other things, Arrabelle'sChalets’ ability to dispose of assets, transfer or pledge its equity interest, incur indebtedness and make investments or distributions.  The ArrabelleChalets Facility contains non-recourse provisions to the Company with respect to repayment, whereby under event of default, the lenders have recourse only against Arrabelle'sChalets’ assets ($197.4191.4 million at July 31, 2007)2008) and as provided for below the lenders do not have recourse against assets held by the Company or Vail Corp.  All assets of ArrabelleChalets are provided as collateral under the ArrabelleChalets Facility.  At July 31, 2007,2008, borrowings under the ArrabelleChalets Facility were $60.5$49.4 million.  The investment in the Chalet’s real estate development is recorded in real estate held for sale and investment.  Subsequent to July 31, 2008, the Company had net repayments under the Chalets Facility of $6.1 million.

In March 2007, The Chalets at The Lodge at Vail, LLC (“Chalets”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a construction loan agreement (the “Chalets Facility”) in the amount of up to $123 million with Wells Fargo, as administrative agent, book manager, and joint lead arranger, U.S. Bank as joint lead arranger and syndication agent, and the lenders party thereto.  Borrowings under the Chalets Facility are non-revolving and must be used for the payment of certain costs associated with the construction and development of The Lodge at Vail Chalets, a residential development consisting of 13 luxury condominium units, as well as a private mountain club, a spa, skier services building and parking structure.  The Chalets Facility matures on September 1, 2009, and principal payments are due at maturity, with certain pre-payment requirements, including upon the closing of the condominium units.  Borrowings under the Chalets Facility are required to be paid in full by Chalets prior to any distribution of funds from the closings of the luxury condominium units to the Company.  Chalets has the option to extend the term of the Chalets Facility for six months, subject to certain requirements.  Borrowings under the Chalets Facility bear interest annually at the rate, at the Chalets’ option, of (i) LIBOR plus a margin of 1.35% (6.67% at July 31, 2007) or (ii) the greater of (x) the administrative agent’s prime commercial lending rate (8.25% at July 31, 2007) or (y) the Federal Funds Rate in effect on that day as announced by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, plus 0.5% (5.78% at July 31, 2007).  Interest is payable monthly in arrears.  The Chalets Facility provides for affirmative and negative covenants that restrict, among other things, Chalets’ ability to dispose of assets, transfer or pledge its equity interest, incur indebtedness and make investments or distributions.  The Chalets Facility contains non-recourse provisions to the Company with respect to repayment, whereby under event of default, the lenders have recourse only against Chalets’ assets ($100.7 million at July 31, 2007) and as provided for below the lenders do not have recourse against assets held by the Company or Vail Corp.  All assets of Chalets are provided as collateral under the Chalets Facility.  At July 31, 2007, borrowings under the Chalets Facility were $26.4 million.

On July 19, 2005, Gore Creek Place, LLC ("Gore Creek"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a construction loan agreement (the "Gore Creek Facility") in the amount of up to $30 million with U.S. Bank, as administrative agent and lender.  Borrowings under the Gore Creek Facility were non-revolving and were used for the payment of certain costs associated with the construction and development of Gore Creek Place, a residential development consisting of 16 luxury duplex residences.  The Gore Creek Facility had a scheduled maturity of July 19, 2007, and principal payments were due at the earlier of closing of sales for the Gore Creek residences or maturity.  At July 31, 2006, borrowings under the Gore Creek Facility were $1.5 million.  On August 3, 2006 the borrowings under the Gore Creek Facility were paid in full and the project was completed during the year ended July 31, 2007.

In connection with the Arrabelle Facility, Chalets Facility, and Gore Creek Facility (collectively, "Non-Recourse Real Estate Financings"), the Company and/or certain subsidiaries guaranteesguarantee the completion of the construction of the projectsproject (but not the repayment of any amounts drawn under the facilities)Chalet Facility).  However, Vail Corp. could be responsible to pay damages to the lenders under very limited circumstances.  If either the Company or Vail Corp. is required to perform Arrabelle’s or Chalets’ obligation to complete the projects,project, the lenders will make available to the Company or Vail Corp. any undisbursed commitments under the facilitiesChalets Facility for the completion of construction and development of the projects.project.

In January 2006, Arrabelle at Vail Square, LLC (“Arrabelle”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a construction loan agreement (“Arrabelle Facility”) in the amount of up to $175.0 million with U.S. Bank, as administrative agent, and U.S. Bank and Wells Fargo, as joint lead arrangers.  Borrowings under the Arrabelle Facility were non-revolving and must be used for the payment of certain costs associated with the construction and development of The Arrabelle at Vail Square, a mixed-use development consisting of 66 luxury residential condominium units, a 36-room RockResorts hotel, approximately 33,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space, a spa, private mountain club, skating rink and skier services facilities.  The Arrabelle Facility had a scheduled maturity of August 1, 2008, and principal payments were due at maturity, with certain pre-payment requirements, including upon the closing of the condominium units.  During the year ended July 31, 2008 the borrowings under the Arrabelle Facility were paid in full.

(f)The Company has outstanding $390$390.0 million of Senior Subordinated Notes due 2014 (the "6.75% Notes"(“6.75% Notes”) issued in January 2004, the proceeds of which were used to purchase the previously outstanding $360 million principal amount of Senior Subordinated Notes due 2009 (the "8.75% Notes") and pay related premiums, fees and expenses.2004.  The 6.75% Notes have a fixed annual interest rate of 6.75% with interest due semi-annually on February 15 and August 15.  The 6.75% Notes will mature February 2014 and no principal payments are due to be paid until maturity.  The Company has certain early redemption options under the terms of the 6.75% Notes.  The premium for early redemption of the 6.75% Notes ranges from 0% to 3.375%, depending on the date of redemption beginning in February 2009.  The 6.75% Notes are subordinated to certain of the Company's debts, including the Credit Facility.  The Company's payment obligations under the 6.75% Notes are jointly and severally guaranteed by substantially all of the Company's current and future domestic subsidiaries (see Note 20,19, Guarantor Subsidiaries and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries).  The indentureIndenture, dated as of January 29, 2004 among the Company, the guarantors therein and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company N.A., as Trustee (the “Indenture”) governing the 6.75% Notes contains restrictive covenants which, among other things, limit the ability of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries (as defined in the Indenture) to (i) borrow money or sell preferred stock, (ii) create liens, (iii) pay dividends on or redeem or repurchase stock, (iv) make certain types of investments, (v) sell stock in the Restricted Subsidiaries, (vi) create restrictions on the ability of the Restricted Subsidiaries to pay dividends or make other payments to the Company, (vii) enter into transactions with affiliates, (viii) issue guarantees of debt and (ix) sell assets or merge with other companies.

(g)Other obligations primarily consist of a $6.5$6.3 million note outstanding to the Colorado Water Conservation Board, which matures in the year ending July 31, 2029, and capital leases totaling $473,000.$0.7 million.  Other obligations, including the Colorado Water Conservation Board note and the capital leases, bear interest at rates ranging from 3.5% to 6.0% and have maturities ranging from the year ending July 31, 20082009 to the year ending July 31, 2029.

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

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

Aggregate maturities for debt outstanding as of July 31, 20072008 reflected by fiscal year are as follows (in thousands):

Non-Recourse
Real Estate
Financings
 
 
All Other
 
Total
Non-Recourse
Real Estate
Financings
 
 
All Other
 Total
2008$--$377$377
2009 60,530 15,279 75,809$--$15,355$15,355
2010 26,352 264 26,616 49,394 344 49,738
2011 -- 1,738 1,738 -- 1,831 1,831
2012 -- 205 205 -- 305 305
2013 -- 318 318
Thereafter -- 489,365 489,365 -- 489,158 489,158
Total debt$86,882$507,228$594,110$49,394$507,311$556,705

The Company recorded gross interest expense of $44.1 million, $41.9 million $38.7 million and $40.3$38.7 million for the years ended July 31, 2008, 2007 2006 and 2005,2006, respectively, of which $2.5 million, $1.9 million $1.8 million and $2.1$1.8 million was amortization of deferred financing costs.  The Company capitalized $13.4 million, $9.3 million and $2.2 million and $14,000 of interest during the years ended July 31, 2008, 2007 2006 and 2005,2006, 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.

5.           Supplementary Balance Sheet Information (in thousands)

The composition of property, plant and equipment follows:follows (in thousands):

 
July 31,
 July 31,
 
2007
 
2006
 2008 2007
Land and land improvements $249,291  $248,941  $265,123  $249,291 
Buildings and building improvements  553,958   529,316   685,393   553,958 
Machinery and equipment  420,514   393,949   457,825   420,514 
Furniture and fixtures  114,615   113,696   149,251   114,615 
Software  27,756   32,508   39,605   27,756 
Vehicles  27,179   25,671   28,829   27,179 
Construction in progress  71,666   39,149   80,601   71,666 
Gross property, plant and equipment  1,464,979   1,383,230   1,706,627   1,464,979 
Accumulated depreciation  (579,053)  (532,118)  (649,790)  (579,053)
Property, plant and equipment, net $885,926  $851,112  $1,056,837  $885,926 

Depreciation expense for the years ended July 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 and 2005 totaled $93.3 million, $84.0 million $81.7 million and $87.6$81.7 million, respectively.

The composition of intangible assets follows:follows (in thousands):

 
July 31,
 July 31,
 
2007
 
2006
  2008 2007 
Indefinite lived intangible assets
                
Trademarks $61,714  $59,379  $61,714  $61,714 
Water rights  11,180   11,180   10,684   11,180 
Excess reorganization value  14,145   14,145   14,145   14,145 
Other intangible assets  6,175   6,577   6,200   6,175 
Gross indefinite lived intangible assets  93,214   91,281   92,743   93,214 
Accumulated amortization  (24,713)  (24,752)  (24,713)  (24,713)
Indefinite lived intangible assets, net  68,501   66,529   68,030   68,501 
                
Goodwill
                
Goodwill  159,053   153,165   159,636   159,053 
Accumulated amortization  (17,354)  (17,354)  (17,354)  (17,354)
Goodwill, net  141,699   135,811   142,282   141,699 
                
Amortizable intangible assets
                
Customer lists  17,814   18,087   17,814   17,814 
Property management contracts  4,412   10,869   4,412   4,412 
Intellectual property  --   4,348 
Forest Service permits  5,905   5,905   5,905   5,905 
Other intangible assets  15,308   15,320   15,159   15,308 
Gross amortizable intangible assets  43,439   54,529   43,290   43,439 
Accumulated amortization
                
Customer lists  (17,814)  (17,851)  (17,814)  (17,814)
Property management contracts  (3,643)  (8,345)  (3,726)  (3,643)
Intellectual property  --   (3,968)
Forest Service permits  (2,000)  (1,826)  (2,174)  (2,000)
Other intangible assets  (14,976)  (13,959)  (15,076)  (14,976)
Accumulated amortization  (38,433)  (45,949)  (38,790)  (38,433)
Amortizable intangible assets, net  5,006   8,580   4,500   5,006 
                
Total gross intangible assets  295,706   298,975   295,669   295,706 
Total accumulated amortization  (80,500)  (88,055)  (80,854)  (80,500)
Total intangible assets, net $215,206  $210,920  $214,812  $215,206 

Amortization expense for intangible assets subject to amortization for the years ended July 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 and 2005 totaled $0.5 million, $3.7 million $4.3 million and $2.3$4.3 million, respectively, and is estimated to be approximately $336,000$0.3 million annually, on average, for the next five fiscal years.

The weighted-average amortization period (in years) for intangible assets subject to amortization is as follows:

July 31,
July 31,
2007
 
2006
2008 2007
Customer lists8 88 8
Property management contracts8 108 8
Intellectual property-- 6
Forest Service permits35 3535 35
Other intangible assets8 88 8

The changes in the net carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended July 31, 2008, 2007 2006 and 20052006 are as follows (in thousands):

Balance at July 31, 2004 $145,090 
Sale of Rancho Mirage  (6,396)
Assets held for sale adjustment  (185)
Purchase of minority interest  (1,775)
Put exercise adjustment  (1,227)
Balance at July 31, 2005 $135,507  $135,507 
Acquisition  304   304 
Balance at July 31, 2006 $135,811  $135,811 
Purchase of minority interest  2,955   2,955 
Sale of RTP  (3,049)  (3,049)
Acquisitions  5,982   5,982 
Balance at July 31, 2007 $141,699   141,699 
Acquisition  583 
Balance at July 31, 2008 $142,282 

In December 2007, the Company acquired a retail/rental business, resulting in $0.6 million of goodwill.  In March 2007, the Company acquired 20% of the minority interest in SSV, resulting in $3.0 million of goodwill.  In April 2007, the Company sold its interest in RTP, LLC (“RTP”), resulting in a $3.0 million decrease of associated goodwill.  In June 2007, the Company acquired retail/rental and dining businesses, resulting in $6.0 million of goodwill.  In the year ended July 31, 2006, the Company acquired a retail/rental business, resulting in $304,000$0.3 million of goodwill.  In July 2005, the Company sold the assets constituting The Lodge at Rancho Mirage (“Rancho Mirage”), resulting in a $6.4 million decrease of associated goodwill.  The assets held for sale adjustment in the year ended July 31, 2005 relates to the goodwill associated with Snake River Lodge & Spa (“SRL&S”) which had been classified as held for sale.  The purchase of minority interest in the year ended July 31, 2005 consists of an adjustment to reduce goodwill for the purchase of the remaining SRL&S minority interest at less than carrying value.  The put exercise adjustment in the year ended July 31, 2005 consists of an adjustment to reduce goodwill for the purchase of the remaining RockResorts minority interest.

The composition of accounts payable and accrued expenses follows:follows (in thousands):

 
July 31,
 July 31,
 
2007
2006
 20082007
Trade payables $58,292 $58,959 $53,187 $67,517
Real estate development payables  39,807  23,640  52,574  30,582
Deferred revenue  36,179  30,785  45,805  36,179
Deferred credits and deposits  51,351  24,026
Deferred real estate and other deposits  58,421  51,351
Accrued salaries, wages and deferred compensation  30,721  31,954  22,397  30,721
Accrued benefits  23,810  24,538  22,777  23,810
Accrued interest  14,710  14,969  14,552  14,710
Liability to complete real estate projects, short term  8,500  5,951  4,199  8,500
Other accruals  18,409  15,940  20,270  18,409
Total accounts payable and accrued expenses $281,779 $230,762 $294,182 $281,779

The composition of other long-term liabilities follows:follows (in thousands):

 
July 31,
 July 31,
 
2007
2006
 20082007
Private club deferred initiation fee revenue $94,205 $91,438 $92,066 $94,205
Deferred real estate credits  54,363  54,578
Deferred real estate deposits  45,775  54,363
Private club initiation deposits  17,767  1,308  29,881  17,767
Liabilities to complete real estate projects  6,301  550
Other long-term liabilities  9,194  10,616  15,921  15,495
Total other long-term liabilities $181,830 $158,490 $183,643 $181,830

6.           Investments in Affiliates

The Company held the following investments in equity method affiliates as of July 31, 2007:2008:

Equity Method Affiliates
 
Ownership
Interest
Slifer, Smith, and Frampton/Vail Associates Real Estate, LLC ("(“SSF/VARE"VARE”) 50%
KRED 50%
Clinton Ditch and Reservoir Company 43%
Eclipse Television & Sports Marketing, LLC (“Eclipse”)*
Bachelor Gulch Resort, LLC (“BG Resort”)**
*   The Company had a 20% ownership interest in Eclipse which it sold on July 31, 2007.
** The Company had a 49% ownership interest in BG Resort which it sold on December 8, 2004.

The Company had total net investments in equity method affiliates of $5.4$8.6 million and $6.4$5.4 million as of July 31, 20072008 and 2006,2007, respectively, classified as "deferred“deferred charges and other assets"assets” in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.  The amount of retained earnings that represent undistributed earnings of 50-percent-or-less-owned entities accounted for by the equity method was $2.4$5.5 million and $2.9$2.4 million as of July 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  During the years ended July 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.distributions in the amounts of $2.3 million, $5.8 million and $5.2 million, respectively, were received from equity method affiliates.

Historically, the Company's carrying amount of the equity method investment in KRED differed 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 entity.  The land basis difference for KRED was $58,000 as of July 31, 2005, which was recognized in the year ended July 31, 2006, as all land was sold.  In addition, the Company historically carried a basis difference related to its investment in BG Resort associated with the land beneath BG Resort's hotel facility.  The Company recognized a $2.5 million gain in Real Estate revenue in the year ended July 31, 2005 as a result of the sale of the Company's investment in BG Resort.

7.           Variable Interest Entities 

The Company has determined that it is the primary beneficiary of the Employee Housing Entities, which are variable interest entitiesVariable Interest Entities (“VIEs”), and has consolidated them in its Consolidated Financial Statements.  As a group, as of July 31, 2007,2008, the Employee Housing Entities had total assets of $40.1$38.3 million (primarily recorded in property, plant and equipment)equipment, net) and total liabilities of $66.7$68.8 million (primarily recorded in long-term debt)debt as “Employee Housing Bonds”).  All of the assets of Tarnes ($8.27.9 million as of July 31, 2007)2008) of Tarnes serve as collateral for Tarnes' Tranche B obligations.Employee Housing Bonds.  The Company has issued under its Credit Facility $38.3 million letters of credit related to the Tranche A Employee Housing Bonds and $12.6 million letters of credit related to the Tranche B Employee Housing Bonds.  The letters of credit would be triggered in the event that one of the entities defaults on required payments.  The letters of credit have no default provisions.

The Company has determined that it is the primary beneficiary of Avon Partners II, LLC ("APII"(“APII”), which is a VIE.  APII owns commercial space and the Company currently leases substantially all of that space.  APII had total assets of $5.1$5.6 million (primarily recorded in property, plant and equipment) and no debt as of July 31, 2007.2008.

The Company had determined that it was the primary beneficiary of FFT Investment Partners (“FFT”), which was a VIE.  FFT’s sole asset was a private residence in Eagle County, Colorado.  In March 2007, the private residence owned by FFT was sold for $6.7 million, and thereafter FFT was dissolved.

The Company, through various lodging subsidiaries, manages the operations of several entities that own hotels in which the Company has no ownership interest.interest in the entities that own such hotels.  The Company also has extended a $2.0 million note receivable to one of these entities.  These entities were formed to acquire, own, operate and realize the value in resort hotel properties.  The Company managed the day-to-day operations of six hotel properties as of July 31, 2007.2008.  The Company has determined that the entities that own the hotel properties are VIEs, and the management contracts are significant variable interests in these VIEs.  The Company has also determined that it is not the primary beneficiary of these entities and, accordingly, is not required to consolidate any of these entities.  Based on information provided to the Company by owners of the entities, theseThese VIEs had estimated total assets of approximately $190.0$246.1 million (unaudited) and total liabilities of approximately $50.1$147.2 million (unaudited) as of July 31, 2007..  The Company's maximum exposure to loss as a result of its involvement with these VIEs is limited to the note receivable and accrued interest of approximately $2.0$2.2 million and the net book value of the intangible asset associated with thea management agreementsagreement in the amount of $769,000$0.7 million as of July 31, 2007.2008.

8.           Relocation and Separation Charges

In February 2006, the Company announced a plan to relocate its corporate headquarters; the plan was formally approved by the Company’s Board of Directors in April 2006.  The relocation process (which also includesincluded the consolidation of certain other operations of the Company) was completed by July 31, 2007.  The total chargescharge associated with the relocation was $3.8$1.4 million (which includes chargesand $2.4 million for severance and retention of  $1.5 million, charges for contract termination costs of $348,000 and facility, employee and other relocation costs of $1.9 million), all of which has been recorded throughthe years ended July 31, 2007.  The above2007 and 2006, respectively.  These amounts do not reflectexclude any of the anticipated benefits expected to be realized from the relocation and consolidation of offices.
The following table summarizes the activity and balances of the liability related to future payments of relocation charges, which has been recorded in “accounts payable and accrued expenses” in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Facility,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Severance
 
 
 
 
 
 Employee
 
 
 
 
 
 
 and
 
 
 Contract
 
 
 and Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Retention
 
 
 Termination
 
 
 Relocation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Benefits
 
 
 Costs
 
 
 Costs
 
 
 Total
 
 Balance at July 31, 2005
 $
--
 
$
 --
 
 $
 --
 
 $
--
 
 Relocation charges
 
1,440
  
--
  
911
  
2,351
 
 Payments
 
(567
)
 
--
  
(628
)
 
(1,195
)
 Balance at July 31, 2006
 
873
  
--
  
283
  
1,156
 
 Relocation charges
 
67
  
348
  
1,018
  
1,433
 
 Payments
 
(940
)
 
(226
)
 
(1,301
)
 
(2,467
)
 Balance at July 31, 2007
$
--
 
$
122
 
$
--
 
$
122
 

In addition, in February 2006, Adam Aron, the former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, resigned.  In connection with Mr. Aron's resignation, the Company entered into a separation agreement with Mr. Aron, whereby the Company recorded $2.7 million of separation related expenses, which is included in “relocation and separation charges” in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended July 31, 2006.  Payments of Mr. Aron’s separation benefits were made during the year ended July 31, 2007.

9.           Sale of Businesses

On April 30, 2007, the Company sold its 54.5% interest in RTP to RTP’s minority shareholder for approximately $3.5 million.  As part of this transaction the Company retained source code rights to its internal use software and internet solutions.  The net impact to income before provision for income taxes in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended July 31, 2007 from this transaction was a gain of $89,000$0.1 million comprised of (i) a net loss of $601,000$0.6 million on the sale of its investment in RTP, which was recorded in “(loss) gain on sale of businesses, net” and (ii) a net gain of $690,000$0.7 million related to the elimination of the put option liability to RTP’s minority shareholder and the write-off of the associated put option intangible asset which was recorded in “gain (loss) on put options, net” (see Note 10, Put and Call Options, for more information on this transaction).

On January 19, 2006, JHL&S LLC, a limited liability company owned by wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company, sold the assets constituting Snake River Lodge & Spa (“SRL&S&S”) to Lodging Capital Partners, a private, Chicago-based hospitality investment firm ("LCP"(“LCP”), for $32.5 million, the proceeds of which were adjusted for normal working capital pro-rations.  The carrying value of the assets sold (net of liabilities assumed) was $26.9 million, which were recorded as "assets“assets held for sale"sale” prior to the sale.  The Company recorded a $4.7 million gain after consideration of all costs involved, which is included in "(loss)“(loss) gain on sale of businesses, net"net” in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended July 31, 2006.  The Company continues to manage SRL&S pursuant to a 15-year management agreement with LCP.

On July 28, 2005, VA Rancho Mirage Resort, L.P., a limited partnership owned by wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company, sold the assets constituting Rancho Mirage to GENLB-Rancho LLC ("GenLB"), a partnership led by the Gencom Group ("Gencom"), for $33.0 million, the proceeds of which were adjusted for normal working capital prorations.  Gencom is an affiliate of GHR, LLC, the company which acquired the Company's interest in BG Resort earlier in the year ended July 31, 2005.  An agreement to sell the hotel was reached in early July 2005, after Gencom expressed its interest in acquiring the property.  The carrying value of the assets sold (net of liabilities assumed) was $43.3 million.  The Company recorded a $10.9 million loss in the year ended July 31, 2005 after consideration of all costs involved, which is included in "(loss) gain from sale of businesses, net" in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations.  In connection with the sale of Rancho Mirage, the Company entered into a multi-year management agreement of the hotel with GenLB.  The Company continued to manage Rancho Mirage; however, in June 2006, the Company received notification by GenLB that effective August 13, 2006 the hotel would be closed in order to complete an extensive redevelopment of the property and the management agreement was terminated generating a termination fee of $2.4 million (pursuant to the terms of the management agreement).

On June 24, 2005, VAMHC, Inc., a subsidiary of the Company, sold the assets constituting the Vail Marriott Mountain Resort & Spa (the "Vail Marriott") to DiamondRock Hospitality Limited Partnership ("DiamondRock") for $62.0 million, the proceeds of which were adjusted for normal working capital prorations.  An agreement to sell the hotel was reached in May 2005, after DiamondRock expressed its interest in acquiring the property.  The carrying value of the assets sold (net of liabilities assumed) was $60.1 million.  Additionally, the Company was required to complete certain capital projects that were part of the Company's 2005 capital plan as well as fund, in certain circumstances, certain other future improvements, the total of which was not expected to exceed $3.1 million.  The Company recorded a $2.1 million loss in the year ended July 31, 2005 after consideration of all costs involved, which is included in "(loss) gain from sale of businesses, net" in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations.  The Company continues to manage the Vail Marriott pursuant to a 15-year management agreement with DiamondRock.

On December 8, 2004, the Company sold its 49% minority equity interest in BG Resort, the entity that owns The Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch, for $13.0 million, with net cash proceeds to the Company of $12.7 million.  This transaction resulted in a $5.7 million gain on disposal of the investment, which is included in "(loss) gain on sale of businesses, net" in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended July 31, 2005.  In addition, the Company recognized $2.5 million of Real Estate revenue associated with the recognition of previously deferred revenue for the basis difference in land originally contributed to the entity and $369,000 of deferred interest income related to advances previously made to the entity for the year ended July 31, 2005.  In conjunction with the sale, the Company had guaranteed payment of certain contingencies of BG Resort upon settlement.  At the time of sale, the Company recorded a liability related to these contingencies in the amount of $130,000.$0.1 million.  In February 2006, the Company reached a settlement of these contingencies and recorded an additional liability in the amount of $82,000,$0.1 million, which has been recorded as a loss within "(loss)“(loss) gain on sale of businesses, net"net” in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended July 31, 2006.  The Company's interest was acquired by GHR, LLC, a new joint venture between Gencom BG, LLC and Lehman BG, LLC.

10.           Put and Call Options

On March 31, 2007, the Company acquired 20% of GSSI LLC’s (“GSSI”), the minority shareholder in SSV, ownership interest in SSV for $8.4 million.  As a result of this transaction, the Company holds an approximate 69.3% ownership interest in SSV.  In addition, the put and call rights for GSSI’s remaining interest in SSV were extended to begin August 1, 2010, as discussed below, and the existing management agreement was extended to coincide with the exercise of the remaining put and call rights.

The Company’s and GSSI’s remaining put and call rights are as follows: (i) beginning August 1, 2010 and each year thereafter, each of the Company and GSSI have the right to call or put, respectively, 100% of GSSI's ownership interest in SSV to the Company during certain periods each year and (ii) 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 after an involuntary transfer of the Company's ownership interest in SSV has occurred.  The put and call pricing is generally based on the trailing twelve month EBITDA (as defined in the operating agreement) of SSV for the fiscal period ended prior to the commencement of the put or call period, as applicable.  As of July 31, 2007,2008, the estimated price at which the put/call option for the remaining interest could be expected to be settled was $36.9$33.2 million.

In November 2004, GSSI notified the Company of its intent to exercise its put (the "2004 Put") for 20% of its ownership interest in SSV; in January 2005, the 2004 Put was exercised and settled for a price of $5.8 million.  As a result, the Company then held an approximate 61.7% ownership interest in SSV.  The Company had determined that the price to settle the 2004 Put should be marked to fair value through earnings.  During the year ended July 31, 2005, the Company recorded a gain of $612,000 related to the decrease in the estimated fair value of the liability associated with the 2004 Put.

In March 2001, in connection with the Company's acquisition of a 51% ownership interest in RTP, the Company and RTP's minority shareholder entered into a put agreement whereby the minority shareholder could put up to an aggregate one-third of its original 49% interest in RTP to the Company during the period from August 1 through October 31 annually.  The put price was 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 had determined that this put option should be marked to fair value through earnings.  The put period was extended in October 2006, and again in February 2007.  In connection with the Company’s sale of its 54.5% interest in RTP (see Note 9, Sale of Businesses, for more information on this transaction) the put agreement with RTP’s minority shareholder was terminated resulting in the Company recording a net gain of $690,000$0.7 million for the year ended July 31, 2007 related to the elimination of its put option liability net of the write-off of the associated put option intangible asset.  For the year ended July 31, 2006, the Company recorded a loss of $1.2 million representing an increase in the estimated fair value of the put option liability during the period.  For the year ended

11.           Income Taxes

As of July 31, 2005,2008, the Company recorded a gain of $546,000 representing a decrease in the estimated fair value of the put option liability during the period.

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 ("Olympus"has utilized all available Federal net operating loss (“NOL”) had 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 was exercisable between October 1, 2004 and September 30, 2005.  If the put option was not exercised, then the Company had a call option on Olympus' equity interest which was valued at $1.6 million and recorded as an intangible asset at the time that the written option was entered into.  The Company marked the put option to fair value through earnings each period.  There was no impact on earnings related to changes in the fair market value of the put liability for the year ended July 31, 2005 as the estimated fair market value of the put option did not exceed the book value of the minority shareholder's interest during that period.  Olympus notified the Company of its intent to exercise the put option for 100% of its interest in RockResorts in October 2004; however, due to a dispute over the settlement price of the put, the parties did not agree on a settlement price until April 2005.  In May 2005, the put was settled for a price of $1.3 million.  As a result, the Company now holds a 100% ownership interest in RockResorts.  When the put price was settled, the call option no longer had value, and the Company recorded a $1.6 million chargecarryforwards.  These NOL carryforwards expired in the year ended July 31, 2005 to write the value of the call option to zero.

11.           Asset Impairment Charges

During the year ended July 31, 2006, the Company recorded $210,000 of impairment losses for the write off of construction in progress costs, as it was determined that the Company would not receive future benefits from these development efforts.

During the year ended July 31, 2005, the Company recorded $2.6 million of impairment losses on long-lived assets consisting of (i) $1.6 million to write-off the value of the RockResorts call option intangible upon settlement of the Olympus put in May 2005 (see Note 10, Put and Call Options), (ii) $536,000 to write-off the intangible asset associated with the Casa Madrona property management contract which was terminated in May 2005, (iii) $273,000 to write-off construction in progress costs related to a water rights expansion project resulting from the termination of a cooperation agreement in June 2005 after failing to obtain a necessary permit and (iv) $167,000 to write off construction in progress costs associated with a Keystone water reservoir project which management decided to abandon due to difficulty in obtaining necessary permits and the high cost of continuing the project.

12.           Income Taxes

At July 31, 2007, the Company has total Federal net operating loss ("NOL") carryforwards of approximately $70.8 million for income tax purposes, all of which expire in the year ending July 31, 2008 and arewere limited in deductibility each year under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code.  The Company willhad only bebeen able to use these NOLsNOL carryforwards to the extent of approximately $8.0 million per year through December 31, 2007 (the "Section“Section 382 Amount"Amount”).  However, during the year ended July 31, 2005, the Company amended previously filed tax returns (for tax years 1997-2002) in an effort to remove the restrictions under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code on approximately $73.8 million of the above NOLsNOL carryforwards to reduce itsfuture taxable income.  These NOLsNOL carryforwards relate to fresh start accounting from the Company's reorganization in 1992.  During the year ended July 31, 2006, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) completed its examexamination of the Company’s filing position in these amended returns and disallowed the Company’s position to remove the restrictions under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of approximately $73.8 million.Code.  Consequently, the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statementsfinancial statements and table of deferred items and components of the tax provision have only recognized benefits related to the NOLsNOL carryforwards to the extent of the Section 382 Amount reported in its tax returns prior to its amendments.  The Company has appealed the examiner’sexaminer's disallowance of these NOLsNOL carryforwards to the Office of Appeals.  To the Appeals.  Ifextent that the Company is successful in its appeal and able to reduce taxable income from the utilization of these NOL carryforwards, it will result in a corresponding reduction in intangible assets existing at the date of fresh start accounting to the extent that the Company is able to reduce taxable income from the utilization of the NOLs currently restricted.start.  If the Company is unsuccessful in its appeals process, it will not negatively impact the Company’sCompany's financial position or results of operations.  Additionally, theThe Company has state NOLsNOL carryforwards (primarily California) totaling $25.1 million.  The state NOLsNOL carryforwards primarily expire by the year ending July 31, 2015.

At July 31, 2007,2008, the Company has recorded a valuation allowance of $1.6 million, primarily due to California NOLsNOL carryforwards generated in prior years.  ManagementThe Company has determined that it is more likely than not that a portion of its deferred tax assets, those primarily generated from California NOL carryovers,carryforwards, will not be realized.

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and income tax purposes.  Significant components of the Company's deferred tax liabilities and assets as of July 31, 2007 and July 31, 2006 are as follows (in thousands):

 
July 31,
 July 31,
 
2007
 
2006
 2008 2007
Deferred income tax liabilities:                
Fixed assets $90,984  $94,411  $89,343  $90,984 
Intangible assets  22,330   19,884   26,542  22,330 
Other, net  4,705   4,147   2,455  4,705 
Total  118,019   118,442   118,340  118,019 
Deferred income tax assets:               
Deferred membership revenue  30,807  30,942 
Real estate and other investments  11,407   8,440   11,007  11,407 
Deferred compensation and other accrued expenses  15,965   13,474   14,083  15,965 
Net operating loss carryforwards and minimum and               
other tax credits  2,775   5,584   2,775  2,775 
Deferred membership revenue  30,942   29,519 
Other, net  1,361   1,904   1,119  1,361 
Total  62,450   58,921   59,791  62,450 
Valuation allowance for deferred income taxes  (1,588)  (1,605)  (1,588) (1,588)
Deferred income tax assets, net of valuation allowance  60,862   57,316   58,203  60,862 
Net deferred income tax liability $57,157  $61,126  $60,137  $57,157 

The net current and non-current components of deferred income taxes recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are as follows (in thousands):

 
July 31,
 July 31,
 
2007
 
2006
 2008 2007
Net current deferred income tax asset $15,056 $11,938  $15,142 $15,056 
Net non-current deferred income tax liability  72,213  73,064   75,279  72,213 
Net deferred income tax liability $57,157 $61,126  $60,137 $57,157 

Significant components of the provision for income taxes are as follows (in thousands):

 
Year Ended July 31,
 Year Ended July 31,
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 2008 2007 2006
Current:                        
Federal $37,962  $22,757  $18,987  $50,169  $37,962  $22,757 
State  5,566   4,196   2,873   6,710   5,566   4,196 
Total current  43,528   26,953   21,860   56,879   43,528   26,953 
Deferred:                        
Federal  (4,125)  3,383   (6,731)  5,533   (4,125)  3,383 
State  (149)  (1,082)  (644)  674   (149)  (1,082)
Total deferred  (4,274)  2,301   (7,375)  6,207   (4,274)  2,301 
Provision for income taxes $39,254  $29,254  $14,485  $63,086  $39,254  $29,254 

The Company recorded a tax benefit upon the exercise of stock options and issuance of restricted stock of $1.9 million, $6.9 million $14.3 million and $3.9$14.3 million for the years ended July 31, 2008, 2007 2006 and 2005,2006, respectively.

A reconciliation of the income tax provision from continuing operations and the amount computed by applying the United States federalFederal statutory income tax rate to income before income taxes is as follows:

 
Year Ended July 31,
 Year Ended July 31,
 
2007
2006
 
2005
 20082007 2006
At U.S. federal income tax rate 35.0 %35.0 % 35.0 %
State income tax, net of federal benefit 3.5 %2.7 % 3.3 %
At U.S. Federal income tax rate 35.0 %35.0 % 35.0 %
State income tax, net of Federal benefit 2.9 %3.5 % 2.7 %
Nondeductible compensation 0.4 %1.4 % 0.7 % -- %0.4 % 1.4 %
Nondeductible meals or entertainment 0.2 %0.2 % 0.6 % 0.1 %0.2 % 0.2 %
General business credits (0.6)%(1.0)% (1.2)% (0.4)%(0.6)% (1.0)%
Tax exempt interest (0.2)%-- % -- %
Other 0.5 %0.7 % 0.1 % 0.6 %0.5 % 0.7 %
 39.0 %39.0 % 38.5 % 38.0 %39.0 % 39.0 %

13.           Related Party TransactionsThe Company adopted the provisions of FIN 48 on August 1, 2007.  As of the date of adoption, the accrual for uncertain tax positions was $13.1 million.  The adoption of FIN 48 did not impact the amount of the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits.  However, the adoption did result in a reclassification of $2.8 million of liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits from deferred income tax liabilities to other long-term liabilities to conform to the balance sheet presentation requirements of FIN 48.  A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):

Historically,
  Unrecognized Tax Benefits
Balance as of August 1, 2007$12,257 
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year -- 
Additions for tax positions of prior years 6,331 
Reductions for tax positions of prior years (237)
Settlements (555)
Balance as of July 31, 2008$17,796 

As of July 31, 2008, the amount of unrecognized tax benefits was $17.8 million, of which $1.2 million would, if recognized, decrease the Company’s effective tax rate.  As allowed under FIN 48, the Company is continuing its policy of accruing income tax related interest and penalties, if applicable, within income tax expense.  As of July 31, 2008, accrued interest and penalties, net of tax, is $2.3 million and for the years ended July 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company recognized $1.5 million and $0.8 million of interest expense and penalties, net of tax, respectively.

The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state jurisdictions. The IRS has completed its examination of the Company’s tax returns for tax years 2001 through 2003 and has issued a report of its findings.  As discussed above, the examiner’s primary finding is the disallowance of the Company’s position to remove the restrictions under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of approximately $73.8 million of NOL carryforwards; however, the Company has paid a feeappealed the examiner’s disallowance of these NOL carryforwards to Apollo Advisors for management services and expenses related thereto.    In connection with the conversion by Apollo Ski Partners, L.P. ("Apollo")Office of its Class A common stock into shares of common stock, this arrangement was terminated effective October 1, 2004.  The Company recorded $83,000 of expenseAppeals.  Upon ultimate resolution, the unrecognized tax benefit related to this feematter will be resolved as it will result in either payment by the Company, recognition of the tax benefits through the utilization of NOL carryforwards, or a combination of both.  The Company anticipates that this matter will be resolved in the next twelve months.  Upon final resolution, the unrecognized tax benefits of $17.8 million shown above would decrease by approximately $16.6 million.

As reflected in the table above, the Company recorded a decrease to unrecognized tax benefits during the fiscal year of $0.6 million as a result of the Company entering into an agreement with the Colorado Department of Revenue covering calendar year tax returns from 2001 through 2005.  Additionally, the IRS commenced an examination of the Company's U.S. income tax return for 2006 during the year ended July 31, 2005 (see Note 17, Capitalization,2008 that is anticipated to be completed in the year ending July 31, 2009.  The Company’s Federal calendar year tax returns for more information regarding this matter).2000 and beyond remain subject to examination.

12.           Related Party Transactions

The Company has the right to appoint 4 of 9 directors of the Beaver Creek Resort Company of Colorado ("BCRC"(“BCRC”), a non-profit entity formed for the benefit of property owners and certain others in Beaver Creek.  The Company has a management agreement with the BCRC, renewable for one-year periods, to provide management services on a fixed fee basis.  Management fees and reimbursement of operating expenses paid to the Company under its agreement with the BCRC during the years ended July 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 totaled $7.1 million, $6.7 million and $6.3 million, respectively.  The Company had a receivable with respect to this arrangement of $49,000 and $16,000 as of July 31,2008, 2007 and 2006 respectively.


The Company previously had a 49% ownership interest in BG Resort, which it sold in December 2004.  In August 2004, BG Resort repaid the $4.9totaled $7.5 million, principal balance note receivable which was outstanding to the Company as of July 31, 2004 from funds obtained by BG Resort in a debt refinancing.

Between August 2003 and May 2005, the Company was the bookkeeper for BG Resort.  The Company's responsibilities included maintaining the books and records of BG Resort and overseeing the annual financial statement audit.  The Company recorded revenue of $85,000 during the year ended July 31, 2005 related to this agreement.

In November 2002, the Company purchased an approximately 20,000 square foot spa and skier services area and 30 parking spaces from BG Resort for $13.3 million.  The Company recorded revenue of $768,000, $2.6$7.1 million and $2.5$6.7 million, during the years ended July 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively, related to use of the spa by guests of the Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch (the "Ritz").  In October 2006, the Company converted the mountain club spa from an owned and operated club to a leased facility and now leases this facility to BG Resort, under which the Company recorded revenue of $214,000 in the year ended July 31, 2007.

On December 7, 2000, the Company and BG Resort entered into a Golf Course Access Agreement (the "Golf Agreement") which gave Ritz guests preferential tee times at Red Sky Ranch Golf Course (the "Course").  For this privilege, BG Resort paid a one-time access fee of $3.0 million to the Company.  The term of the Golf Agreement commenced with the opening date of the Course and will expire on the later of (i) 50 years after the opening date of the Course or (ii) the date on which the Golf Agreement expires or is terminated.  The Company recognized approximately $60,000 in revenue related to the Golf Agreement during each of the years ended July 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005.

respectively.

For the year ended July 31, 2006, KRED, an entity in which the Company has a 50% ownership interest, made distributions to the Company in the amount of $2.2 million related to the sale of inventory of developed real estate.  In connection with this distribution, the Company recorded a $715,000$0.7 million gain during the year ended July 31, 2006 for distributions in excess of the Company’s basis in the KRED investment.

As of July 31, 2005, the Company had outstanding a $500,000 long-term note receivable from KRED.  This note was related to the fair market value of the land originally contributed to the partnership, and was repaid as the underlying land was sold to third parties.  KRED made principal payments totaling $2.0 million in the year ended July 31, 2005 related to this note.  This note was fully paid off during the year ended July 31, 2006.  In addition, the Company previously had a receivable from KRED in the amount of $355,000 related to advances used for development project funding.  In the fourth quarter of the year ended July 31, 2005, this receivable, including accrued interest, was converted to equity in KRED in lieu of payment of the receivable by KRED.  The Company received interest payments from KRED of $49,000 during the year ended July 31, 2005.


SSF/VARE is a real estate brokerage with multiple locations in Eagle and Summit Counties, Colorado in which the Company has a 50% ownership interest.  SSF/VARE is the broker for several of the Company's developments.  The Company recorded net real estate commissions expense of approximately $14.7 million, $3.4 million and $1.0 million and $375,000 for payments made to SSF/VARE during the years ended July 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.  In addition, the Company had prepaid commission expense of $6.4 million and $5.9 million at July 31,2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, for amounts paid to SSF/VARE.respectively.  SSF/VARE leases several spaces for real estate offices from the Company.  The Company recognized approximately $416,000, $406,000 and $370,000$0.4 million in revenue related to these leases during each of the years ended July 31, 2008, 2007 2006 and 2005, respectively.2006.

In January 2007, Robert A. Katz, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, executed a purchase and sale agreement for the purchase of a unit at The Lodge at Vail Chalets project located near the Vista Bahn at the base of Vail Mountain for a total purchase price of $12.5 million.  Mr. Katz has provided an earnest money deposit of $1.9 million, a framing deposit of $1.2 million and upgrade deposits totaling $63,000.$1.4 million.  The earnest money depositsdeposit will be used to fund the construction of The Lodge at Vail Chalets project.  The sale of the unit by the Company to Mr. Katz was approved by the Board of Directors of the Company in accordance with the Company's related party transactions policy.

In September 2003, the Company invested in the purchase of a residence in Eagle County, Colorado for Jeffrey W. Jones, the Company's Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and his family.  The Company contributed $650,000$0.7 million toward the purchase price of the residence and thereby obtained a 46.1% undivided ownership interest in such residence.  In May 2006, Mr. Jones’ former residence was sold, in connection with the Company’s relocation of its corporate headquarters to Broomfield, Colorado, for $2.0 million.  The net proceeds to the Company for its 46.1% ownership interest were approximately $851,000, $201,000$0.9 million, $0.2 million in excess of the Company’s investment.  In June 2006, the Company invested in the purchase of a residence in the Denver/Boulder, Colorado area, for Mr. Jones and his family in connection with his relocation to the Company’s new headquarters in Broomfield, Colorado.  The Company contributed $650,000$0.7 million towards the purchase price of the residence and thereby obtained a 31.0% undivided ownership interest in such residence.  In January 2007, Mr. Jones purchased the Company’s ownership interest for an appraised value of $650,000.$0.7 million.  The sale of the Company’s ownership interest was approved by the Board of Directors of the Company in accordance with the Company's related party transactions policy.

In July 2002, RockResorts entered into an agreement with Edward E. Mace, former President of RockResorts and of Vail Resorts Lodging Company, whereby RockResorts invested in the purchase of a residence for Mr. Mace and his family in Eagle County, Colorado.  RockResorts contributed $900,000$0.9 million towards the purchase price of the residence and thereby obtained an approximate 47% undivided ownership in such residence.  In April 2006, Mr. Mace ceased to be an employee of the Company.  In October 2006, RockResorts sold its proportionate share of the residence to Mr. Mace.  The net proceeds to the Company for its 47% ownership interest after certain deductions was $893,000, $7,000 less than RockResorts’ investment.$0.9 million.

In November 2002, Heavenly Valley Limited Partnership ("(“Heavenly LP"LP”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, invested in the purchase of a residence in the greater Lake Tahoe area for Blaise Carrig, Chief Operating Officer for Heavenly.  Heavenly LP contributed $449,500$0.4 million toward the purchase price of the residence and thereby obtained a 50% undivided ownership interest in such residence.  Heavenly LP shall be entitled to receive its proportionate share of the fair value of the residence, less certain deductions, upon the earlier of the resale of the residence or within approximately 18 months after Mr. Carrig's termination of employment from Heavenly LP.

In February 2001, the Company invested in the purchase of a primary residence in Breckenridge, Colorado for Roger McCarthy, former Co-President of the Mountain Division and Chief Operating Officer for Breckenridge.  The Company contributed $400,000$0.4 million towards the purchase price of the residence and thereby obtained an approximate 40% undivided ownership interest in such residence.  In May 2007, Mr. McCarthy ceased to be an employee of the Company.  The Company shall be entitled to receive its proportionate share of the fair value of the residence, less certain deductions, upon the earlier of the resale of the residence or within approximately 18 months from Mr. McCarthy's termination of employment from the Company.

In 1999, the Company entered into an agreement with William A. Jensen, former President of the Mountain Division and Chief Operating Officer for Vail Mountain, whereby the Company invested in the purchase of a primary residence for Mr. and Mrs. Jensen in Vail, Colorado.  The Company contributed $1.0 million towards the purchase price of the residence and thereby obtained an approximate 49% undivided ownership interest in such residence.  In July 2007, Mr. Jensen purchased the Company’s ownership interest for an appraised value of $1.5 million.  The net proceeds to the Company for its ownership interest were approximately $1.4 million, $406,000$0.4 million in excess of the Company’s investment.  The sale of the Company’s ownership interest was approved by the Board of Directors of the Company in accordance with the Company's related party transactions policy.

In December 2004, Adam Aron, the former Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and Ronald Baron, an affiliate of a significant shareholder in the Company, reserved the purchase of condominium units at the planned "Arrabelle" project located in the core of LionsHead (Vail).The Arrabelle at Vail Square project.  In April 2005, Mr. Aron executed a purchase and sale agreement for the purchase of a condominium unit for a total purchase price of $4.6 million.  In July 2008, Mr. Aron provided earnest money deposits totaling $690,000 and upgrade deposits totaling $154,000.purchased the completed condominium unit for $4.6 million.  In May 2005, Mr. Baron and his wife executed a purchase and sale agreement for the purchase of a condominium unit for a total purchase price of $14.0 million.  In July 2008, Mr. Baron and Mrs. Baron provided earnest money deposits totaling $2.1his wife purchased the completed condominium unit for $15.6 million, and upgrade deposits totaling $1.0 million.  The earnest money deposits are only refundable at the Company's discretion or if the Company fails to complete the project.including purchase upgrades.  The sale of the condominiums was approved by the Board of Directors of the Company in accordance with the Company's related party transactions policy.

14.13.           Commitments and Contingencies

Metropolitan Districts

The Company credit-enhances $8.5 million of bonds issued by Holland Creek Metropolitan District ("HCMD"(“HCMD”) through an $8.6 million letter of credit issued against the Company's Credit Facility.  HCMD's bonds were issued and used to build infrastructure associated with the Company's Red Sky Ranch residential development.  The Company has agreed to pay capital improvement fees to Red Sky Ranch Metropolitan District ("RSRMD"(“RSRMD”) until RSRMD's revenue streams from property taxes are sufficient to meet debt service requirements under HCMD's bonds, and the Company has recorded a liability of $1.1$1.6 million and $1.3$1.1 million, primarily within "other“other long-term liabilities"liabilities” in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as of July 31, 20072008 and 2006,2007, respectively, with respect to the estimated present value of future RSRMD capital improvement fees.  The Company estimates that it will make capital improvement fee payments under this arrangement through the year ending July 31, 2014.2016.

Guarantees

As of July 31, 2007,2008, the Company had various other guarantees, primarily in the form of letters of credit outstanding in the amount of $67.2$94.3 million, consisting primarily of $51.0 million in support of the Employee Housing Bonds, $4.5 million related to workers' compensation for Heavenly and Rancho Mirage, $7.5$34.5 million of construction performanceand development related guarantees and $2.9$7.6 million for workers'workers’ compensation and general liability deductibles related to the construction of Gore Creek Place and Arrabelle at Vail Square.development activities.

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 FASB Financial InterpretationsInterpretation No. 45, "Guarantor's“Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others"Others” (“FIN 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 include indemnities to licensees in connection with the licensees'licensees’ use of the Company'sCompany’s trademarks and logos, indemnities for liabilities associated with the infringement of other parties'parties’ technology and software products, indemnities related to liabilities associated with the use of easements, indemnities related to employment of contract workers, the Company'sCompany’s use of trustees, indemnities related to the Company'sCompany’s use of public lands and environmental indemnifications.  The duration of these indemnities generally is indefinite and generally do not limit the future payments the Company could be obligated to make.

As permitted under applicable law, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries indemnify their directors and officers over their lifetimes for certain events or occurrences while the officer or director is, or was, serving the Company or its subsidiaries 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 should enable the Company to recover a portion of any future amounts paid.

Unless otherwise noted, the Company has not recorded any significant liabilities for the letters of credit, indemnities and other guarantees noted above in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements, either because the Company has recorded on its Consolidated Balance Sheets the underlying liability associated with the guarantee, the guarantee or indemnification existed prior to January 1, 2003, the guarantee is with respect to the Company’s own performance and is therefore not subject to the measurement requirements of FIN 45, or because the Company has calculated the fair value of the indemnification or guarantee to be immaterial based upon the current facts and circumstances that would trigger a payment under the indemnification clause.  In addition, with respect to certain indemnifications it is not possible to determine the maximum potential amount of liability under these guarantees due to the unique set of facts and circumstances that are likely to be involved in each particular claim and indemnification provision.  Historically, payments made by the Company under these obligations have not been material.

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

Commitments

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 whether to complete 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 Consolidated Balance Sheet, to complete or fund certain improvements with respect to real estate developments; the Company has estimated such costs to be approximately $14.8$4.8 million as of July 31, 2007,2008, and anticipates completion of the majority of these commitments within the next two years.

The Company installed a new gondola lift and related infrastructure at Breckenridge for the 2006/2007 ski season pursuant to an agreement with the Town of Breckenridge (the “Town”).  The Town contributed $6.7 million to fund construction of the gondola, as well as the already completed skiway.  The funds contributed by the Town reduced the book value of the gondola and related infrastructure.

The Company has executed as lessee operating leases for the rental of office and commercial space, employee residential units and office equipment through fiscal 2019.  Certain of these leases have renewal terms at the Company's option, escalation clauses, rent holidays and leasehold improvement incentives.  Rent holidays and rent escalation clauses are recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.  Leasehold improvement incentives are recorded as leasehold improvements and amortized over the shorter of their economic lives or the term of the lease.  For the years ended July 31, 2008, 2007 2006 and 2005,2006, the Company recorded lease expense related to these agreements of $24.8 million, $22.3 million $17.4 million and $13.7$17.4 million, respectively, which is included in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Future minimum lease payments under these leases as of July 31, 20072008 are as follows (in thousands):

2008$12,271
2009 8,810$13,214
2010 7,376 11,715
2011 5,779 9,739
2012 4,054 7,660
2013 7,301
Thereafter 12,380 19,110
Total$50,670$68,739

Self Insurance

The Company is self-insured for claims under its health benefit plans and for workers’ compensation claims, subject to a stop loss policy.  The self-insurance liability related to workers' compensation is determined actuarially based on claims filed.  The self-insurance liability related to claims under the Company’s health benefit plans is determined based on internal and external analysis of actual claims.  The amounts related to these claims are included as a component of accrued benefits in accounts payable and accrued expenses (see Note 5, Supplementary Balance Sheet Information).

Legal

The Company is a party to various lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business, including resort (mountainResort (Mountain and lodging)Lodging) related cases and contractual and commercial litigation that arises from time to time in connection with the Company'sCompany’s real estate operations.  Management believes the Company has adequate insurance coverage or has accrued for loss contingencies for all known matters that are deemed to be probable losses and estimable.  As of July 31, 2008 and 2007, the accrual for the above loss contingencies was not material individually and in the aggregate.

Cheeca Lodge & Spa Contract Dispute

In March 2006, RockResorts was notified by the ownership of Cheeca Lodge & Spa, formerly a RockResorts managed property, that its management agreement was being terminated effective immediately.  RockResorts believed that the termination was in violation of the management agreement and sought monetary damages, and recovery of attorney’s fees and costs.  Cheeca Holdings, LLC (“Cheeca Holdings”), the entity owner of the hotel property, asserted that RockResorts breached the management contract, among other alleged breaches, and sought a ruling that it had the right to terminate the management contract and sought monetary damages, and recovery of attorneys’ fees and costs.  Pursuant to the dispute resolution provisions of the management agreement, the disputed matter went before a single judge arbitrator at the JAMS Arbitration Tribunal in Chicago, Illinois.  On February 28, 2007, the arbitrator rendered a decision, awarding $8.5 million in damages in favor of RockResorts and against Cheeca Holdings, LLC (“Cheeca Holdings”) and recovery of costs and attorney’s fees to be determined in the last stage of the proceedings.  Prior to the ruling by the arbitrator in the last stage of the proceeding, the Company reached a comprehensive settlement with Cheeca Holdings which included damages, attorney’s fees and expenses.  On October 19, 2007, RockResorts received payment of the final settlement from Cheeca Holdings in the amount of $13.5 million, of which $11.9 million (net of final attorney’s fees) is recorded in “contract dispute credit (charges), net” in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended July 31, 2008.  The Company has incurred $4.6 million and $3.3 million of legal related costs related to this matter in the years ended July 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, which is included in “contract dispute charges” in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations in the respective periods.respectively.

On February 28, 2007, the arbitrator rendered a decision, awarding $8.5 million in damages in favor of RockResorts and against Cheeca Holdings.  The arbitrator found that the ownership group had wrongfully terminated the hotel management contract without good cause, as RockResorts had maintained in the proceedings, and that RockResorts had not breached the management contract, as the ownership group had alleged.  In accordance with the arbitrator’s ruling, RockResorts is seeking recovery of costs and attorneys’ fees in the last stage of the proceedings.  Upon conclusion of that stage, the total award, which will incorporate the $8.5 million damage award and any additional cost recovery award, is final, binding and not subject to appeal.  Upon completion of the cost recovery stage, RockResorts will proceed with the collection of the award and will record the actual amount received, upon receipt, in “contract dispute credit (charges), net” in its Consolidated Statement of Operations.

Breckenridge Terrace Employee Housing Construction Defect/Water Intrusion Claims

During the year ended July 31, 2004, the Company became aware of water intrusion and condensation problems causing mold damage in the 17 building employee housing facility owned by Breckenridge Terrace, an Employee Housing Entity in which the Company is a member and manager.  As a result, the facility was not available for occupancy during the 2003/2004 ski season.  All buildings at the facility required mold remediation and reconstruction and this work began in the year ended July 31, 2004.  Breckenridge Terrace recorded a $7.0 million liability in the year ended July 31, 2004 for the estimated cost of remediation and reconstruction efforts.  These costsefforts which were fundedsubstantially completed by a loan to Breckenridge Terrace from the Company member of Breckenridge Terrace.  As of July 31, 2006, Breckenridge Terrace had substantially completed all remediation efforts.2006.

Forensic construction experts retained by Breckenridge Terrace determined that the water intrusion and condensation problems were the result of construction and design defects.  In accordance with Colorado law, Breckenridge Terrace served separate notices of claims on the general contractor, architect and developer and initiated arbitration proceedings.  During the year ended July 31, 2006, the Company recorded a $1.4 million mold remediation credit due to Breckenridge Terrace receiving reimbursement from third parties for costs incurred in conjunction with its mold remediation efforts and a true-up adjustment as the remediation project is complete.  This credit was recognized by the Company as reduction of the remediation expense that was originally recognized in the year ended July 31, 2004.

15.14.           Segment Information

The Company has three reportable segments: Mountain, Lodging and Real Estate.  The Mountain segment includes the operations of the Company'sCompany’s ski resorts and related ancillary activities.  The Lodging segment includes the operations of all of the Company'sCompany’s owned hotels, RockResorts, GTLC, condominium management and golf operations.  The Resort segment is the combination of the Mountain and Lodging segments.  The Real Estate segment holdsowns and develops real estate in and around the Company'sCompany’s resort communities.  The Company'sCompany’s reportable segments, although integral to the success of the others, offer distinctly different products and services and require different types of management focus.  As such, these segments are managed separately.
 
The Company reports its segment results using Reported EBITDA (defined as segment net revenue less segment operating expenses, plus or minus segment equity investment income or loss)loss, and for the Real Estate segment, plus gain on sale of real property) which is a non-GAAP financial measure.  SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures“Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information"Information” requires the Company to report segment results in a manner consistent with management'smanagement’s internal reporting of operating results to the chief operating decision maker (Chief Executive Officer) for purposes of evaluating segment performance.  Therefore, since the Company uses Reported EBITDA to measure performance of segments for internal reporting purposes, the Company will continue to use Reported EBITDA to report segment results.

Reported EBITDA is not a measure of financial performance under GAAP.  Items excluded from Reported EBITDA are significant components in understanding and assessing financial performance.  Reported EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to, or substitute for, net income, net change in cash flows generated by operations, investing or financing activitiesand cash equivalents or other financial statement data presented in the consolidated financial statements as indicators of financial performance or liquidity.  Because Reported EBITDA is not a measurement determined in accordance with GAAP and thus is susceptible to varying calculations, Reported EBITDA as presented may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies.

The Company utilizes Reported EBITDA in evaluating performance of the Company and in allocating resources to its segments.  Mountain Reported EBITDA consists of Mountain net revenue less Mountain operating expense plus Mountain equity investment income less Mountain operating expense.income.  Lodging Reported EBITDA consists of Lodging net revenue less Lodging equity investment loss less Lodging operating expense.  Real Estate Reported EBITDA consists of Real Estate net revenue less Real Estate operating expense plus (less) Real Estate equity investment income (loss) less Real Estate operating expense.plus gain on sale of real property.  All segment expenses include an allocation of corporate administrative expense.  Assets are not allocated between segments, or used to evaluate performance, except as shown in the table below.  The accounting policies specific to each segment are the same as those described in Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.

Following is key financial information by reportable segment which is used by management in evaluating performance and allocating resources (in thousands):

 
Year Ended July 31,
 Year Ended July 31,
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 2008 2007 2006
Net revenue:                        
Lift tickets $286,997  $263,036  $233,458  $301,914  $286,997  $263,036 
Ski school  78,848   72,628   63,915   81,384   78,848   72,628 
Dining  59,653   56,657   53,688   62,506   59,653   56,657 
Retail/rental  160,542   149,350   120,149   168,765   160,542   149,350 
Other  79,337   78,770   69,645   70,964   79,337   78,770 
Total Mountain net revenue  665,377   620,441   540,855   685,533   665,377   620,441 
Lodging  162,451   155,807   196,351   170,057   162,451   155,807 
Resort  827,828   776,248   737,206   855,590   827,828   776,248 
Real estate  112,708   62,604   72,781   296,566   112,708   62,604 
Total net revenue $940,536  $838,852  $809,987  $1,152,156  $940,536  $838,852 
Operating expense:            
Segment operating expense:            
Mountain $462,708  $443,116  $391,889  $470,362  $462,708  $443,116 
Lodging  144,252   142,693   177,469   159,832   144,252   142,693 
Resort  606,960   585,809   569,358   630,194   606,960   585,809 
Real estate  115,190   56,676   58,254   251,338   115,190   56,676 
Total segment operating expense $722,150  $642,485  $627,612  $881,532  $722,150  $642,485 
Equity investment income (loss):            
Mountain $5,059  $3,876  $2,303 
Lodging  --   --   (2,679)
Resort  5,059   3,876   (376)
Real estate  --   791   (102)
Total equity investment income (loss) $5,059  $4,667  $(478)
            
Gain on sale of real property $709  $--  $-- 
Mountain equity investment income, net $5,390  $5,059  $3,876 
Real estate equity investment income $--  $--  $791 
                        
Reported EBITDA:                        
Mountain $207,728  $181,201  $151,269  $220,561  $207,728  $181,201 
Lodging  18,199   13,114   16,203   10,225   18,199   13,114 
Resort  225,927   194,315   167,472   230,786   225,927   194,315 
Real estate  (2,482)  6,719   14,425   45,937   (2,482)  6,719 
Total Reported EBITDA $223,445  $201,034  $181,897  $276,723  $223,445  $201,034 
                        
Real estate held for sale and investment $357,586  $259,384  $154,874 
            
Reconciliation to net income:                         
Mountain Reported EBITDA  207,728   181,201   151,269 
Lodging Reported EBITDA  18,199   13,114   16,203 
Resort Reported EBITDA  225,927   194,315   167,472 
Real Estate Reported EBITDA  (2,482)  6,719   14,425 
Total Reported EBITDA  223,445   201,034   181,897  $276,723  $223,445  $201,034 
Depreciation and amortization  (87,664)  (86,098)  (89,968)  (93,794)  (87,664)  (86,098)
Relocation and separation charges  (1,433)  (5,096)  --   --   (1,433)  (5,096)
Asset impairment charges  --   (210)  (2,550)  --   --   (210)
Mold remediation credit  --   1,411   --   --   --   1,411 
Loss on disposal of fixed assets, net  (1,083)  (1,035)  (1,528)  (1,534)  (1,083)  (1,035)
Investment income  12,403   7,995   2,066 
Investment income, net  8,285   12,403   7,995 
Interest expense, net  (32,625)  (36,478)  (40,298)  (30,667)  (32,625)  (36,478)
Loss on extinguishment of debt  --   --   (612)
(Loss) gain from sale of businesses, net  (639)  4,625   (7,353)  --   (639)  4,625 
Contact dispute charges  (4,642)  (3,282)  -- 
Contact dispute credit (charges), net  11,920   (4,642)  (3,282)
Gain (loss) on put options, net  690   (1,212)  1,158   --   690   (1,212)
Other income, net  --   50   50   --   --   50 
Minority interest in income of consolidated subsidiaries, net  (7,801)  (6,694)  (5,239)  (4,920)  (7,801)  (6,694)
Income before provision for income taxes  100,651   75,010   37,623   166,013   100,651   75,010 
Provision for income taxes  (39,254) (29,254)  (14,485) (63,086) (39,254)  (29,254)
Net income $61,397 $45,756 $23,138  $102,927 $61,397 $45,756 
            
Real estate held for sale and investment $249,305  $357,586  $259,384 

16.15.           Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited--in thousands, except per share amounts)

 
2007
 2008
 
Year
 
Quarter
 
Quarter
 
Quarter
 
Quarter
 Year Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter
 
Ended
 
Ended
 
Ended
 
Ended
 
Ended
 Ended Ended Ended Ended Ended
 
July 31,
 
July 31,
 
April 30,
 
January 31,
 
October 31,
 July 31, July 31, April 30, January 31, October 31,
 
2007
 
2007
 
2007
 
2007
 
2006
 2008 2008 2008 2008 2007
Mountain revenue $665,377 $38,475 $308,712 $272,026  $46,164  $685,533 $37,549 $325,726 $279,722  $42,536 
Lodging revenue  162,451 45,604 43,643  32,796   40,408   170,057 48,323 43,590  34,827   43,317 
Real estate revenue  112,708 12,436 17,134  56,216   26,922   296,566 184,587 54,474  45,471   12,034 
Total net revenue  940,536 96,515 369,489  361,038   113,494   1,152,156 270,459 423,790  360,020   97,887 
Income (loss) from operations  128,206 (54,867) 136,184  97,750   (50,861)  176,005 (15,824) 151,461  92,572   (52,204)
Loss on sale of businesses, net  (639) (38) (601)  --   -- 
Contract dispute charges  (4,642) (181) (184)  (672)  (3,605)
Contract dispute credit, net  11,920 -- --  --   11,920 
Net income (loss)  61,397 (34,322) 78,508  53,026   (35,815)  102,927 (11,123) 87,341  51,319   (24,610)
Basic net income (loss) per common share  1.58 (0.88) 2.02  1.37   (0.93)  2.67 (0.29) 2.26  1.32   (0.63)
Diluted net income (loss) per common share $1.56 $(0.88) $1.99 $1.35  $(0.93) $2.64 $(0.29) $2.24 $1.31  $(0.63)
                              
 
2006
 2007
 
Year
 
Quarter
 
Quarter
 
Quarter
 
Quarter
 Year Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter
 
Ended
 
Ended
 
Ended
 
Ended
 
Ended
 Ended Ended Ended Ended Ended
 
July 31,
 
July 31,
 
April 30,
 
January 31,
 
October 31,
 July 31, July 31, April 30, January 31, October 31,
 
2006
 
2006
 
2006
 
2006
 
2005
 2007 2007 2007 2007 2006
Mountain revenue $620,441 $39,163 $294,773 $246,228  $40,277  $665,377 $38,475 $308,712 $272,026  $46,164 
Lodging revenue  155,807 42,486 39,492  32,079   41,750   162,451 45,604 43,643  32,796   40,408 
Real estate revenue  62,604 42,378 7,124  9,709   3,393   112,708 12,436 17,134  56,216   26,922 
Total net revenue  838,852 124,027 341,389  288,016   85,420   940,536 96,515 369,489  361,038   113,494 
Income (loss) from operations  105,339 (45,034) 123,245  77,008   (49,880)  128,206 (54,867) 136,184  97,750   (50,861)
Gain on sale of businesses, net  4,625 -- --  4,625   --   (639) (38) (601)  --   -- 
Contract dispute charges  (3,282) (2,466) (816)  --   --   (4,642) (181) (184)  (672)  (3,605)
Net income (loss)  45,756 (31,263) 68,337  43,011   (34,329)  61,397 (34,322) 78,508  53,026   (35,815)
Basic net income (loss) per common share  1.21 (0.80) 1.78  1.15   (0.93)  1.58 (0.88) 2.02  1.37   (0.93)
Diluted net income (loss) per common share $1.19 $(0.80) $1.75 $1.12  $(0.93) $1.56 $(0.88) $1.99 $1.35  $(0.93)

17.           Capitalization

Class A Common Stock Conversion

In September 2004, the Company and Apollo entered into a Conversion and Registration Rights Agreement (the "Conversion Agreement").  Pursuant to the Conversion Agreement, Apollo converted all of its Class A common stock into shares of the Company's common stock.  Apollo distributed the shares to its partners in proportion to each partner's interest in the partnership.  Apollo did not dissolve after this distribution and continues to exist as a partnership.  The Company, pursuant to the Conversion Agreement, filed a shelf registration statement in November 2004 (which has since been withdrawn), covering certain of the shares owned by the limited partners of Apollo.  Before the conversion, Apollo owned 6.1 million shares of Class A common stock or 99.9% of the Company's Class A common stock.  As a result of the above Conversion Agreement, the Company no longer has any Class A common stock outstanding and the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet no longer presents any Class A common stock and the full balance of the Company's common stock outstanding is presented under "common stock."

16.           Stock Repurchase Plan

On March 9, 2006, the Company'sCompany’s Board of Directors approved the repurchase of up to 3,000,000 shares of common stock.stock and on July 16, 2008 approved an increase of the Company’s common stock repurchase authorization by an additional 3,000,000 shares.  During the year ended July 31, 2007,2008, the Company repurchased 358,4002,330,608 shares of common stock at a cost of $15.0$99.6 million.  Since inception of this stock repurchase plan through July 31, 2007,2008, the Company has repurchased 673,5003,004,108 shares at a cost of approximately $25.8$125.5 million.  As of July 31, 2007, 2,326,5002008, 2,995,892 shares remained available to repurchase under the existing repurchase authorization.  Shares of common stock purchased pursuant to the repurchase program will be held as treasury shares and may be used for the issuance of shares under the Company's employee share award plans.  Acquisitions under the share repurchase program will be made from time to time at prevailing prices as permitted by applicable laws, and subject to market conditions and other factors.  The timing as well as the number of shares that may be repurchased under the program will depend on a number of factors including the Company's future financial performance, the Company's available cash resources and competing uses for cash that may arise in the future, the restrictions in the Credit Facility and in the Indenture, prevailing prices of the Company's common stock and the number of shares that become available for sale at prices that the Company believes are attractive.  The stock repurchase program may be discontinued at any time and is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company's capitalization.

18.17.           Stock Compensation Plans

The Company has four share award plans which have been approved by the Company's shareholders: the 1993 Stock Option Plan ("(“1993 Plan"Plan”), the 1996 Long Term Incentive and Share Award Plan ("(“1996 Plan"Plan”), the 1999 Long Term Incentive and Share Award Plan ("(“1999 Plan"Plan”) and the 2002 Long Term Incentive and Share Award Plan ("(“2002 Plan"Plan”).  On January 4, 2007, the Company’s shareholders approved to amend the Company’s 2002 Plan to, among other things, (i) rollover to the 2002 Plan an amount equal to the number of shares of common stock remaining for issuance under the 1999 Plan as of November 6, 2006 and a number of shares of common stock that is equal to any shares of common stock that are forfeited pursuant to the terms of the 1999 Plan after November 6, 2006; and (ii) increase the number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance under the 2002 Plan from 2,500,000 to 5,000,000 shares (“Amended 2002 Plan”).  Under the Amended 2002 Plan, 5,000,000 shares of common stock could be issued in the form of options, stock appreciation rights, restricted shares, restricted share units, performance shares, performance share units, dividend equivalents or other share-based awards to employees, directors or consultants of the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates.  The terms of awards granted under the Amended 2002 Plan, including exercise price, vesting period and life, are set by the Compensation Committee.Committee of the Board of Directors.  All share-based awards (except for restricted shares and restricted share units) granted under these plans have a life of ten years.  Most awards vest ratably over three years; however some have been granted with different vesting schedules.  To date, no awards have been granted to non-employees (except those granted to non-employee members of the Board of Directors of the Company and of a consolidated subsidiary) under any of the four plans.  At July 31, 2007,2008, approximately 2.92.7 million share-based awards were available to be granted under the Amended 2002 Plan.  Under the 1993 Plan, 1996 Plan and 1999 Plan no share-based awards are available for grant.

The fair value of each option award granted prior to August 1, 2005 was estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model that uses the assumptions noted in the table below.  With the adoption of SFAS 123R, the Company has decided that a lattice-based option valuation model will be used for equity award grants subsequent to August 1, 2005 if sufficient historical data is available by type of equity award to estimate the fair value of the equity awards granted.  A lattice-based model considers factors such as exercise behavior, and assumes employees will exercise equity awards at different times over the contractual life of the equity awards.  As a lattice-based model considers these factors, and is more flexible, the Company considers it to be a better method of valuing equity awards than a closed-form Black-Scholes model.

The fair value of most option awards and stock-settled stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) granted in the years ended July 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 were estimated on the date of grant using a lattice-based option valuation model that applies the assumptions noted in the table below.  In the year ended July 31, 2006 the fair value of equity awards with cliff vesting was estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model due to the lack of historical employee exercise behavior, which applies assumptions within the ranges as noted in the table below.  Because lattice-based option valuation models incorporate ranges of assumptions for inputs, those ranges are disclosed.  Expected volatility is based on historical volatility of the Company's stock.  The Company uses historical data to estimate equity awards exerciseaward exercises and employee terminationterminations within the valuation model; separate groups of employees that have similar historical exercise behavior are considered separately for valuation purposes.  The expected term of equity awards granted is derived from the output of the option valuation model and represents the period of time that equity awards granted are expected to be outstanding; the range given below results from certain groups of employees exhibiting different behavior.  The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual life of the equity award is based on the United States Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant.

 
Year Ended July 31,
 Year Ended July 31,
 
2007
 
2006
2005
 2008 20072006
Expected volatility 37.4% 38.9%35.3% 36.6% 37.4%38.9%
Expected dividends --% --%--% --% --%--%
Expected term (in years) 5.3  5.8-7.0 5.0  5.4  5.3 5.8-7.0 
Risk-free rate 4.3-4.8% 4.0-4.6%3.3% 4.0-5.1% 4.3-4.8%4.0-4.6%

The Company has estimated forfeiture rates that range from 12.0%11.2% to 12.1%11.4% in its calculation of stock-based compensation expense for the year ended July 31, 2007.2008.  These estimates are based on historical forfeiture behavior exhibited by employees of the Company.

A summary of aggregate option and SARs award activity under the share-based compensation plans as of July 31, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2007,2008, and changes during the years then ended is presented below (in thousands, except exercise price and contractual term):

   
Weighted-Average
 
Weighted-Average
 
Aggregate
   Weighted-Average Weighted-Average Aggregate
   
Exercise
 
Remaining
 
Intrinsic
   Exercise Remaining Intrinsic
 
Awards
 
Price
 
Contractual Term
 
Value
 Awards Price Contractual Term Value
Outstanding at July 31, 2004 4,453 $18.32       
Granted 790  18.76       
Exercised (1,244)  17.70       
Forfeited or expired (119)  17.21       
Outstanding at July 31, 2005 3,880 $18.64        3,880 $18.64       
Granted 805  29.86        805  29.86       
Exercised (2,433)  19.27        (2,433)  19.27       
Forfeited or expired (469)  21.18        (469)  21.18       
Outstanding at July 31, 2006 1,783 $22.18        1,783 $22.18       
Granted 227  42.37        227  42.37       
Exercised (649)  17.71        (649)  17.71       
Forfeited or expired (165)  28.63        (165)  28.63       
Outstanding at July 31, 2007 1,196 $27.55  7.9 years $31,185  1,196 $27.55       
Exercisable at July 31, 2007 532 $22.36  7.1 years $16,579 
Granted 221  59.56       
Exercised (117)  20.40       
Forfeited or expired (81)  45.71       
Outstanding at July 31, 2008 1,219 $32.83  7.3 years $13,358 
Exercisable at July 31, 2008 722 $25.21  6.6 years $11,026 

The weighted-average grant-date fair value of options and SARs granted during the years ended July 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 was $21.64, $16.18 and 2005 was $16.18, $12.71, and $6.83, respectively.  The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended July 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 and 2005 was $4.1 million, $19.8 million and $37.6 million, and $10.3 million, respectively.  The Company granted 97,000 restricted share awards/units during the year ended July 31, 2008 with a weighted-average grant-date fair value of $57.72.  The Company granted 102,000 restricted share awards/units during the year ended July 31, 2007 with a weighted-average grant-date fair value of $41.76.  The Company granted 208,000 restricted share awards/units during the year ended July 31, 2006 with a weighted-average grant-date fair value of $29.08.  No restricted share awards/units were granted during the year ended July 31, 2005.  The Company had 79,000, 75,000 19,000 and 22,00019,000 restricted share awards/units that vested during the years ended July 31, 2008, 2007 2006 and 2005,2006, respectively.  These awards/units had a total fair value of $4.8 million, $3.0 million $675,000 and $519,000$0.7 million at the date of vesting for the years ended July 31, 2008, 2007 2006 and 2005,2006, respectively.

A summary of the status of the Company's nonvested options and SARs as of July 31, 2007,2008, and changes during the year then ended, is presented below (in thousands, except fair value amounts):

   
Weighted-Average
   Weighted-Average
   
Grant-Date
   Grant-Date
 
Awards
 
Fair Value
 Awards Fair Value
Outstanding at August 1, 2006 1,108 $9.99 
Outstanding at August 1, 2007 664 $12.87 
Granted 227  16.18  221  59.56 
Vested (508) 8.56  (308) 38.37 
Forfeited (163) 11.33  (80) 17.95 
Nonvested at July 31, 2007 664 $12.87 
Nonvested at July 31, 2008 497 $16.98 

A summary of the status of the Company's nonvested restricted share awards/units as of July 31, 2007,2008, and changes during the year then ended, is presented below (in thousands, except fair value amounts):

   
Weighted-Average
   Weighted-Average
   
Grant-Date
   Grant-Date
 
Awards
 
Fair Value
 Awards Fair Value
Outstanding at August 1, 2006 193 $28.43 
Outstanding at August 1, 2007 195 $34.94 
Granted 102  41.76  97  57.72 
Vested (75) 27.94  (79) 38.32 
Forfeited (25) 33.26  (27) 48.91 
Nonvested at July 31, 2007 195 $34.94 
Nonvested at July 31, 2008 186 $43.32 

As of July 31, 2007,2008, there was $9.5$8.4 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the share-based compensation plans, of which $5.9$5.3 million, $3.0$2.9 million and $619,000$0.3 million of expense is expected to be recognized in the years ending July 31, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2010,2011, respectively, assuming no future share-based awards are granted.

Cash received from option exercises under all share-based payment arrangements was $2.0 million, $11.5 million $46.6 million and $21.9$46.6 million for the years ended July 31, 2008, 2007 2006 and 2005,2006, respectively.  The actual tax benefit realized or to be realized for the tax deductions from options/SARs exercised and restricted stock awards/units vested was $1.9 million, $6.9 million $14.3 million and $3.9$14.3 million for the years ended July 31, 2008, 2007 2006 and 2005,2006, respectively.

The Company has a policy of using either authorized and unissued shares or treasury shares (if any), including shares acquired by purchase in the open market or in private transactions, to satisfy equity award exercises.

19.18.           Retirement and Profit Sharing Plans

The Company maintains a defined contribution retirement plan (the "plan"“Retirement Plan”), qualified under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code, for its employees.  Under this plan,Retirement Plan, employees are eligible to make before-tax contributions on the first day of the calendar month following the later of: (i) their employment commencement date or (ii) the date they turn 21.  Participants may contribute up to 100% of their qualifying annual compensation up to the annual maximum specified by the Internal Revenue Code.  The Company matches an amount equal to 50% of each participant's contribution up to 6% of a participant's bi-weekly qualifying compensation upon obtaining the later of: (i) 12 consecutive months of employment and 1,000 service hours or (ii) 1,500 service hours since the employment commencement date.  The Company's matching contribution is entirely discretionary and may be reduced or eliminated at any time.

Total retirement planRetirement Plan expense recognized by the Company for the years ended July 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 and 2005 was $2.8$2.9 million, $2.8 million and $2.6$2.8 million, respectively.

20.19.           Guarantor Subsidiaries and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries

The Company'sCompany’s payment obligations under the 6.75% Notes (see Note 4, Long-Term Debt) are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several, senior subordinated basis by substantially all of the Company'sCompany’s consolidated subsidiaries (collectively, and excluding Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries (as defined below), the "Guarantor Subsidiaries"“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., SSV, Larkspur Restaurant & Bar, LLC, Vail Associates Investments, Inc., Arrabelle, Gore Creek Place, LLC, Chalets RCR Vail, LLC, Crystal Peak Lodge of Breckenridge, Inc., Timber Trail, Inc. and VR Holdings, Inc.certain other insignificant entities (together, the "Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries"“Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries”).  APII and the Employee Housing Entities are included with the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries for purposes of the consolidated financial information, but are not considered subsidiaries under the indenturesIndenture governing the 6.75% Notes.

Presented below is the consolidated financial information of the Parent Company, the Guarantor Subsidiaries and the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries.  Financial information for the Non-Guarantor subsidiaries is presented in the column titled "Other“Other Subsidiaries."  Balance sheet data is presented as of July 31, 20072008 and 2006.2007.  Statement of operations and statement of cash flows data are presented for the years ended July 31, 2008, 2007 2006 and 2005.2006.

Investments in subsidiaries are accounted for by the Parent Company and Guarantor Subsidiaries using the equity method of accounting.  Net income (loss) 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 (loss) 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 July 31, 2008
(in thousands)

      100% Owned            
  Parent Guarantor Other Eliminating    
  Company Subsidiaries Subsidiaries Entries Consolidated
Current assets:                    
Cash and cash equivalents $--  $156,782  $5,563  $--  $162,345 
Restricted cash  --   10,526   47,911   --   58,437 
Trade receivables, net  --   47,953   2,232   --   50,185 
Inventories, net  --   11,786   37,922   --   49,708 
Other current assets  15,142   19,205   3,873   --   38,220 
Total current assets  15,142   246,252   97,501   --   358,895 
Property, plant and equipment, net  --   806,696   250,141   --   1,056,837 
Real estate held for sale and investment  --   204,260   45,045   --   249,305 
Goodwill, net  --   123,034   19,248   --   142,282 
Intangible assets, net  --   56,650   15,880   --   72,530 
Other assets  3,936   34,922   7,247   --   46,105 
Investments in subsidiaries and advances to (from) parent  1,248,019   599,199   (61,968)  (1,785,250)  -- 
Total assets $1,267,097  $2,071,013  $373,094  $(1,785,250) $1,925,954 
                     
Current liabilities:                    
Accounts payable and accrued expenses $12,446  $196,360  $85,376  $--  $294,182 
Income taxes payable  57,474   --   --   --   57,474 
Long-term debt due within one year  --   15,022   333   --   15,355 
Total current liabilities  69,920   211,382   85,709   --   367,011 
Long-term debt  390,000   42,722   108,628   --   541,350 
Other long-term liabilities  3,142   149,557   30,944   --   183,643 
Deferred income taxes  75,279   --   --   --   75,279 
Minority interest in net assets of consolidated subsidiaries  --   --   --   29,915   29,915 
Total stockholders’ equity  728,756   1,667,352   147,813   (1,815,165)  728,756 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $1,267,097  $2,071,013  $373,094  $(1,785,250) $1,925,954 




Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
As of July 31, 2007
(in thousands)

      100% Owned            
  Parent Guarantor Other Eliminating    
  Company Subsidiaries Subsidiaries Entries Consolidated
Current assets:                    
Cash and cash equivalents $--  $225,952  $4,867  $--  $230,819 
Restricted cash  --   11,437   43,312   --   54,749 
Trade receivables, net  --   41,804   1,753   --   43,557 
Inventories, net  --   9,805   38,259   --   48,064 
Other current assets  15,056   13,545   5,847   --   34,448 
Total current assets  15,056   302,543   94,038   --   411,637 
Property, plant and equipment, net  --   784,458   101,468   --   885,926 
Real estate held for sale and investment  --   86,837   270,749   --   357,586 
Goodwill, net  --   123,033   18,666   --   141,699 
Intangible assets, net  --   57,087   16,420   --   73,507 
Other assets  4,646   24,225   9,897   --   38,768 
Investments in subsidiaries and advances to (from) parent  1,206,709   337,716   (82,219)  (1,462,206)  -- 
Total assets $1,226,411  $1,715,899  $429,019  $(1,462,206) $1,909,123 
                     
Current liabilities:                    
Accounts payable and accrued expenses $12,718  $161,456  $107,605  $--  $281,779 
Income taxes payable  37,441   --   --   --   37,441 
Long-term debt due within one year  --   49   328   --   377 
Total current liabilities  50,159   161,505   107,933   --   319,597 
Long-term debt  390,000   57,724   146,009   --   593,733 
Other long-term liabilities  --   108,582   73,248   --   181,830 
Deferred income taxes  72,213   --   --   --   72,213 
Minority interest in net assets of consolidated subsidiaries  --   --   --   27,711   27,711 
Total stockholders’ equity  714,039   1,388,088   101,829   (1,489,917)  714,039 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $1,226,411  $1,715,899  $429,019  $(1,462,206) $1,909,123 


Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
As of July 31, 2006
(in thousands)

      
100% Owned
             
  
Parent
 
Guarantor
  
Other
 
Eliminating
    
  
Company
 
Subsidiaries
  
Subsidiaries
 
Entries
 
Consolidated
Current assets:                     
Cash and cash equivalents $--  $179,998   $11,796  $--  $191,794 
Restricted cash  --   14,787    5,535   --   20,322 
Trade receivables, net  --   31,030    4,919   --   35,949 
Inventories, net  --   8,595    33,683   --   42,278 
Other current assets  11,945   21,308    2,378   --   35,631 
Total current assets  11,945   255,718    58,311   --   325,974 
Property, plant and equipment, net  --   782,158    68,954   --   851,112 
Real estate held for sale and investment  --   154,330    105,054   --   259,384 
Goodwill, net  --   118,475    17,336   --   135,811 
Intangible assets, net  --   58,185    16,924   --   75,109 
Other assets  5,356   20,510    14,387   --   40,253 
Investments in subsidiaries and advances to (from) parent  1,053,209   (541,621)   (51,690)  (459,898)  -- 
Total assets $1,070,510  $847,755   $229,276  $(459,898) $1,687,643 
                      
Current liabilities:                     
Accounts payable and accrued expenses $19,857  $161,179   $49,726  $--  $230,762 
Income taxes payable  17,517   --    --   --    17,517 
Long-term debt due within one year  --   4,045    1,870   --   5,915 
Total current liabilities  37,374   165,224    51,596   --   254,194 
Long-term debt  390,000   57,734    77,579   --   525,313 
Other long-term liabilities  359   121,995    36,136   --   158,490 
Deferred income taxes  --   72,919    145   --   73,064 
Put option liabilities  --   1,245    --   --   1,245 
Minority interest in net assets of consolidated subsidiaries  --   13,285    19,275   --   32,560 
Total stockholders’ equity  642,777   415,353    44,545   (459,898)  642,777 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $1,070,510  $847,755   $229,276  $(459,898) $1,687,643 






Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
For the year ended July 31, 2008
(in thousands)

    100% Owned      
  Parent Guarantor Other Eliminating  
  Company Subsidiaries Subsidiaries Entries Consolidated
Total net revenue $--  $709,572  $453,741  $(11,157) $1,152,156 
Total operating expense  127   599,954   387,075   (11,005)  976,151 
(Loss) income from operations  (127)  109,618   66,666   (152)  176,005 
Other (expense) income, net  (27,015)  20,740   (4,339)  152   (10,462)
Equity investment income, net  --   5,390   --   --   5,390 
Minority interest in income of consolidated subsidiaries, net  --   --   --   (4,920)  (4,920)
(Loss) income before income taxes  (27,142)  135,748   62,327   (4,920)  166,013 
Benefit (provision) for income taxes  10,341   (73,401)  (26)  --   (63,086)
Net (loss) income before equity in income of consolidated subsidiaries  (16,801)  62,347   62,301   (4,920)  102,927 
Equity in income of consolidated subsidiaries  119,728   46,449   --   (166,177)  -- 
Net income $102,927  $108,796  $62,301  $(171,097) $102,927 





Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
For the year ended July 31, 2007
(in thousands)

   
100% Owned
         100% Owned      
 
Parent
 
Guarantor
 
Other
 
Eliminating
   Parent Guarantor Other Eliminating  
 
Company
 
Subsidiaries
 
Subsidiaries
 
Entries
 
Consolidated
 Company Subsidiaries Subsidiaries Entries Consolidated
Total net revenue $--  $719,258  $234,780  $(13,502) $940,536  $--  $719,258  $234,780  $(13,502) $940,536 
Total operating expense  510  612,972   210,301   (11,453)  812,330   510  612,972   210,301   (11,453)  812,330 
(Loss) income from operations  (510) 106,286   24,479   (2,049)  128,206   (510) 106,286   24,479   (2,049)  128,206 
Other (expense) income, net  (27,037) 5,950   (3,929)  152   (24,864)  (27,037) 5,950   (3,929)  152   (24,864)
Equity investment income, net  --  5,059   --   --   5,059   --  5,059   --   --   5,059 
Loss on sale of businesses, net  --  (639)  --   --   (639)  --  (639)  --   --   (639)
Gain on put options, net  --  690   --   --   690   --  690   --   --   690 
Minority interest in income of consolidated subsidiaries, net  --  --   --   (7,801) (7,801)  --  --   --   (7,801)  (7,801)
(Loss) income before income taxes  (27,547) 117,346   20,550   (9,698)  100,651   (27,547) 117,346   20,550   (9,698)  100,651 
Benefit (provision) for income taxes  10,743  (50,124)  127   --   (39,254)  10,743  (50,124)  127   --   (39,254)
Net (loss) income before equity in income of consolidated subsidiaries  (16,804) 67,222   20,677   (9,698) 61,397   (16,804) 67,222   20,677   (9,698)  61,397 
Equity in income of consolidated subsidiaries  78,201  --   --   (78,201) --   78,201  --   --   (78,201)  -- 
Net income (loss) $61,397  $67,222  $20,677  $(87,899) $61,397 
Net income $61,397  $67,222  $20,677  $(87,899) $61,397 






Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
For the year ended July 31, 2006
(in thousands)

   
100% Owned
         100% Owned      
 
Parent
 
Guarantor
 
Other
 
Eliminating
   Parent Guarantor Other Eliminating  
 
Company
 
Subsidiaries
 
Subsidiaries
 
Entries
 
Consolidated
 Company Subsidiaries Subsidiaries Entries Consolidated
Total net revenue $--  $649,743  $197,656  $(8,547) $838,852  $--  $649,743  $197,656  $(8,547) $838,852 
Total operating expense  18,204  551,923   171,933   (8,547)  733,513   18,204  551,923   171,933   (8,547)  733,513 
(Loss) income from operations  (18,204) 97,820   25,723   --   105,339   (18,204) 97,820   25,723   --   105,339 
Other expense, net  (27,149) (1,857)  (2,709)  --   (31,715)  (27,149) (1,857)  (2,709)  --   (31,715)
Equity investment income, net  --  4,667   --   --   4,667   --  4,667   --   --   4,667 
Gain on sale of businesses, net  --  4,625   --   --   4,625   --  4,625   --   --   4,625 
Loss on put options, net  --  (1,212)  --   --   (1,212)  --  (1,212)  --   --   (1,212)
Minority interest in income of consolidated subsidiaries, net  --  --   (6,694) --  (6,694)  --  --   (6,694)  --   (6,694)
(Loss) income before income taxes  (45,353) 104,043   16,320   --   75,010   (45,353) 104,043   16,320   --   75,010 
Benefit (provision) for income taxes  17,688  (47,172)  230   --   (29,254)  17,688  (47,172)  230   --   (29,254)
Net (loss) income before equity in income of consolidated subsidiaries  (27,665) 56,871   16,550  --  45,756   (27,665) 56,871   16,550   --   45,756 
Equity in income of consolidated subsidiaries  73,421  --   --  (73,421) --   73,421  --   --   (73,421)  -- 
Net income (loss) $45,756  $56,871  $16,550  $(73,421) $45,756 
Net income $45,756  $56,871  $16,550  $(73,421) $45,756 
 


Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
For the year ended July 31, 2005
(in thousands)

    
100% Owned
      
  
Parent
 
Guarantor
 
Other
 
Eliminating
  
  
Company
 
Subsidiaries
 
Subsidiaries
 
Entries
 
Consolidated
Total net revenue $48  $675,176  $143,579  $(8,816) $809,987 
Total operating expense  15,515   581,632   133,327   (8,816)  721,658 
(Loss) income from operations  (15,467)  93,544   10,252   --   88,329 
Other expense, net  (27,706)  (7,921)  (3,167)  --   (38,794)
Equity investment loss, net  --   (478)  --   --   (478)
Loss on sale of businesses, net  --   (7,353)  --   --   (7,353)
Gain on put options, net  --   1,158   --   --   1,158 
Minority interest in loss (income) of consolidated subsidiaries, net  --   476   (5,715)  --   (5,239)
(Loss) income before income taxes  (43,173)  79,426   1,370   --   37,623 
Benefit (provision) for income taxes  16,622   (31,291)  184   --   (14,485)
Net (loss) income before equity in income of consolidated subsidiaries  (26,551)  48,135   1,554   --   23,138 
Equity in income of consolidated subsidiaries  49,689   --   --   (49,689)  -- 
Net income (loss) $23,138  $48,135  $1,554  $(49,689) $23,138 




Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
For the year ended July 31, 2008
(in thousands)

      100% Owned        
  Parent Guarantor Other    
  Company Subsidiaries Subsidiaries Consolidated
Net cash provided by operating activities $9,792  $103,610  $103,594  $216,996 
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:                
Capital expenditures  --   (95,291)  (55,601)  (150,892)
Other investing activities, net  --   2,956   (199)  2,757 
Net cash used in investing activities  --   (92,335)  (55,800)  (148,135)
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:                
Repurchase of common stock  (99,615)  --   --   (99,615)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options  1,994   --   --   1,994 
Proceeds from borrowings under Non-Recourse Real Estate Financings  --   --   136,519   136,519 
Payments of Non-Recourse Real Estate Financings  --   --   (174,008)  (174,008)
Proceeds from borrowings under other long-term debt  --   --   77,641   77,641 
Payments of other long-term debt  --   (65)  (78,056)  (78,121)
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options  1,867   --   --   1,867 
Distributions from joint ventures from (to) minority shareholders  --   5,638   (8,577)  (2,939)
Advances from (to) affiliates  85,962   (85,048)  (914)  -- 
Other financing activities, net  --   (970)  297   (673)
Net cash used in financing activities  (9,792)  (80,445)  (47,098)  (137,335)
                 
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents  --   (69,170)  696   (68,474)
Cash and cash equivalents                
Beginning of period  --   225,952   4,867   230,819 
End of period $--  $156,782  $5,563  $162,345 




Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
For the year ended July 31, 2007
(in thousands)

     
100% Owned
             100% Owned        
 
Parent
 
Guarantor
 
Other
     Parent Guarantor Other    
 
Company
 
Subsidiaries
 
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidated
 Company Subsidiaries Subsidiaries Consolidated
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities $(41,046) $191,441  $(31,953) $118,442  $(41,046) $191,441  $(31,953) $118,442 
                                
Cash flows from investing activities:                                
Capital expenditures  --   (76,563)  (42,669)  (119,232)  --   (76,563)  (42,669)  (119,232)
Cash received from sale of businesses  --   3,544   --   3,544   --   3,544   --   3,544 
Purchase of minority interest  --   (8,387)  --   (8,387)  --   (8,387)  --   (8,387)
Other investing activities, net  --   (2,561)  (5,510)  (8,071)  --   (2,561)  (5,510)  (8,071)
Net cash used in investing activities  --   (83,967)  (48,179)  (132,146)  --   (83,967)  (48,179)  (132,146)
                                
Cash flows from financing activities:                                
Repurchase of common stock  (15,007)  --   --   (15,007)  (15,007)  --   --   (15,007)
Net proceeds (payments) from borrowings under long-term debt  --  (9,898)  72,752   62,854   --   (9,898)  72,752   62,854 
Proceeds from exercise of stock options  11,496   --   --   11,496   11,496   --   --   11,496 
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options  6,925   --   --   6,925   6,925   --   --   6,925 
Distributions from joint ventures from (to) minority shareholders  --  3,986   (13,991)  (10,005)  --   3,986   (13,991)  (10,005)
Advances (from) to affiliates  38,926   (53,384)  14,458   -- 
Advances from (to) affiliates  38,926   (53,384)  14,458   -- 
Other financing activities, net  (1,294)  (2,224)  (16)  (3,534)  (1,294)  (2,224)  (16)  (3,534)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities  41,046  (61,520)  73,203   52,729   41,046   (61,520)  73,203   52,729 
                                
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents  --  45,954   (6,929)  39,025   --   45,954   (6,929)  39,025 
Cash and cash equivalents                                
Beginning of period  --   179,998   11,796   191,794   --   179,998   11,796   191,794 
End of period $--  $225,952  $4,867  $230,819  $--  $225,952  $4,867  $230,819 




Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
For the year ended July 31, 2006
(in thousands)

      
100% Owned
        
  
Parent
 
Guarantor
 
Other
    
  
Company
 
Subsidiaries
 
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidated
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities $(13,000) $92,568  $(15,892) $63,676 
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:                
Capital expenditures  --   (78,380)  (10,521)  (88,901)
Cash received from sale of businesses  --   30,712   --   30,712 
Other investing activities, net  --   277   (4,081)  (3,804)
Net cash used in investing activities  --   (47,391)  (14,602)  (61,993)
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:                
    Repurchase of common stock  --   (10,839)  --   (10,839)
Net proceeds from borrowings under long-term debt  --   5,769   3,452   9,221 
Proceeds from exercise of stock options  46,649   --   --   46,649 
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options  14,323   --   --   14,323 
Advances (from) to affiliates  (47,972)  49,590   (1,618)  -- 
Other financing activities, net  --   (2,578)  (3,245)  (5,823)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities  13,000   41,942   (1,411)  53,531 
                 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents  --   87,119   (31,905)  55,214 
Cash and cash equivalents                
Beginning of period  --   92,879   43,701   136,580 
End of period $--  $179,998  $11,796  $191,794 



Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
For the year ended July 31, 2005
(in thousands)

     
100% Owned
             100% Owned       
 
Parent
 
Guarantor
 
Other
     Parent Guarantor Other    
 
Company
 
Subsidiaries
 
Subsidiaries
 
Consolidated
 Company Subsidiaries Subsidiaries Consolidated
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities $(4,690) $147,928  $4,939  $148,177  $(13,000) $92,568  $(15,892) $63,676 
                                
Cash flows from investing activities:                                
Capital expenditures  --   (71,532)  (8,443)  (79,975)  --   (78,380)  (10,521)  (88,901)
Cash received from sale of businesses      108,399    --   108,399   --   30,712   --   30,712 
Other investing activities, net  --   (1,511)  370   (1,141)  --   277   (4,081)  (3,804)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities  --   35,356   (8,073)  27,283 
Net cash used in investing activities  --   (47,391)  (14,602)  (61,993)
                                
Cash flows from financing activities:                                
Repurchase of common stock  --   (10,839)  --   (10,839)
Net proceeds from borrowings under long-term debt  --   5,769   3,452   9,221 
Proceeds from exercise of stock options  21,939   --   --   21,939   46,649   --   --   46,649 
Net payments on long-term debt  --   (98,945)  (4,621)  (103,566)
Advances (from) to affiliates  (17,249)  (30,562)  47,811   -- 
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options  14,323   --   --   14,323 
Advances (to) from affiliates  (47,972)  49,590   (1,618)  -- 
Other financing activities, net  --   (1,973)  (1,608)  (3,581)  --   (2,578)  (3,245)  (5,823)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities  4,690   (131,480)  41,582   (85,208)  13,000   41,942   (1,411)  53,531 
                                
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents  --   51,804   38,448   90,252 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents  --   87,119   (31,905)  55,214 
Cash and cash equivalents                                
Beginning of period  --   41,075   5,253   46,328   --   92,879   43,701   136,580 
End of period $--  $92,879  $43,701  $136,580  $--  $179,998  $11,796  $191,794 






ITEM 9.  CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.

None.

ITEM 9A.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Management of the Company, including the Chief Executive Officer ("CEO"(“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"(“CFO”), have evaluated the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Form 10-K.  The term "disclosure“disclosure controls and procedures"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 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 and CFO, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Based upon their evaluation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures, the CEO and the CFO concluded that the disclosure controls are effective to provide reasonable assurance 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 management, including the CEO and CFO, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and are effective to provide reasonable assurance that such information is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC's rules and forms.

The Company, including its CEO and CFO, does not expect that the Company's internal controls and procedures 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.

Management's Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

The report of management required under this Item 9A is contained in Item 8 of this Form 10-K under the caption "Management's“Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.”

Attestation Report of Registered Public Accounting Firm

The attestation report required under this Item 9A is contained in Item 8 of this Form 10-K under the caption "Report“Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm."

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended July 31, 20072008 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 9B.  OTHER INFORMATION.

None.On September 23, 2008, the Board of Directors of the Company approved the Amended and Restated Bylaws (“Amended Bylaws”) filed as Exhibit 3.2 in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  The director election provisions in the Amended Bylaws supplement and clarify the requirement that the Company’s directors be elected by majority vote.  The Amended Bylaws also contemplate, consistent with recent amendments to Delaware law, that directors may tender advance, irrevocable resignations conditioned upon the failure to receive a specified vote.  In addition, the Amended Bylaws provide that, to bring appropriate business before an annual meeting or nominate a person for election as a director, a stockholder must provide advance notice in a window of time determined based on the prior year’s annual meeting date, which provides for better predictability and clarity in planning for both stockholders and the Company.

PART III

PART IIIITEM 10.  DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.

ITEM 10.  DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT.

Code of Ethics.Ethics and Business Conduct.  The Company has adopted a code of ethics that applies to its principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions.  The code of ethics and business conduct is posted in the corporate governance section of the Company's website at www.vailresorts.com.  The Company will post any waiver to the code of ethics and business conduct granted to any of its officers on its website.

The New York Stock Exchange requires chief executive officers of listed corporations to certify that they are not aware of any violations by their company of the exchange’s corporate governance listing standards.  Following the 2007 annual meeting of stockholders, the Company submitted the annual certification by the Chief Executive Officer to the New York Stock Exchange.

The Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as an exhibit to this Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2008, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act Section 302 certification regarding the quality of the Company’s public disclosure.

The additional information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference from the Company's proxy statement for the 20072008 annual meeting of stockholders.

ITEM 11.  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference from the Company's proxy statement for the 20072008 annual meeting of stockholders.

ITEM 12.  SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference from the Company's proxy statement for the 20072008 annual meeting of stockholdersstockholders.

ITEM 13.  CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE.

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference from the Company's proxy statement for the 20072008 annual meeting of stockholdersstockholders.

ITEM 14.  PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference from the Company's proxy statement for the 20072008 annual meeting of stockholdersstockholders.

PART IV

PART IV

ITEM 15.  EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SCHEDULES.

a)           Index to Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules.
(1)See "Item“Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data"Data” for the index to the Financial Statements.
(2)All other schedules have been omitted because the required information is not applicable or because the information required has been included in the financial statements or notes thereto.
(3)           Index to Exhibits.

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.

Posted Exhibit NumberDescriptionSequentially Numbered Page
3.1Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Vail Resorts, Inc., dated January 5, 2005.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended January 31, 2005.) 
3.2Amended and Restated Bylaws.59
4.1(a)Indenture, dated as of January 29, 2004, among Vail Resorts, Inc., the guarantors therein and the Bank of New York as Trustee (Including Exhibit A, Form of Global Note).  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 on Form 8-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. filed on February 2, 2004.) 
4.1(b)Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 10, 2006 to Indenture dated as of January 29, 2004 among Vail Resorts, Inc., as Issuer, the Guarantors named therein, as Guarantors, and The Bank of New York, as Trustee.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.34 on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended January 31, 2006.) 
4.1(c)Form of Global Note.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 on Form 8-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. filed February 2, 2004.) 
4.1(d)Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 26, 2007 to Indenture dated as of January 29, 2004 among Vail Resorts, Inc., as Issuer, the Guarantors named therein, as Guarantors, and The Bank of New York, as Trustee.77
4.1(e)Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 11, 2008 to Indenture dated as of January 29, 2004 among Vail Resorts, Inc., as Issuer, the Guarantors named therein, as Guarantors, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee.84
10.1Forest Service Unified Permit for Heavenly ski area, dated April 29, 2002.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.13 of the report on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended April 30, 2002.) 
10.2(a)Forest Service Unified Permit for Keystone ski area, dated December 30, 1996.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2(a) on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended October 31, 2002.) 
10.2(b)Amendment No. 2 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.) 
10.2(c)Amendment No. 3 to Forest Service Unified Permit for Keystone ski area. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 (c) on Form 10-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the year ended July 31, 2005.) 
10.2(d)Amendment No. 4 to Forest Service Unified Permit for Keystone ski area. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 (d) on Form 10-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the year ended July 31, 2005.) 
10.2(e)Amendment No. 5 to Forest Service Unified Permit for Keystone ski area. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 (e) on Form 10-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the year ended July 31, 2005.) 
10.3(a)Forest Service Unified Permit for Breckenridge ski area, dated December 30, 1996.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3(a) on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended October 31, 2002.) 
10.3(b)Amendment No. 1 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.) 
10.3(c)Amendment No. 2 to Forest Service Unified Permit for Breckenridge ski area. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 (c) on Form 10-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the year ended July 31, 2005.) 
10.3(d)Amendment No. 3 to Forest Service Unified Permit for Breckenridge ski area. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 (d) on Form 10-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the year ended July 31, 2005.) 
10.3(e)Amendment No. 4 to Forest Service Unified Permit for Breckenridge ski area. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 (e) on Form 10-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the year ended July 31, 2005.) 
10.3(f)Amendment No. 5 to Forest Service Unified Permit for Breckenridge ski area. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4(f) on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended January 31, 2006.) 
10.4(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.) 
10.4(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.) 
10.4(c)Amendment No. 1 to Forest Service Unified Permit for Beaver Creek ski area. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5(c) on Form 10-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the year ended July 31, 2005.) 
10.4(d)Amendment No. 2 to Forest Service Unified Permit for Beaver Creek ski area. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5(d) on Form 10-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the year ended July 31, 2005.) 
10.4(e)Amendment to Forest Service Unified Permit for Beaver Creek ski area. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5(e) on Form 10-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the year ended July 31, 2005.) 
10.4(f)Amendment No. 3 to Forest Service Unified Permit for Beaver Creek ski area.91
10.5(a)Forest Service Unified Permit for Vail ski area, dated November 23, 1993.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.5(a) on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended October 31, 2002.) 
10.5(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.) 
10.5(c)Amendment No. 2 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.) 
10.5(d)Amendment No. 3 to Forest Service Unified Permit for Vail ski area. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 (d) on Form 10-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the year ended July 31, 2005.) 
10.5(e)Amendment No. 4 to Forest Service Unified Permit for Vail ski area. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 (e) on Form 10-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the year ended July 31, 2005.) 
10.6(a)Purchase and Sale Agreement by and between VAHMC, Inc. and DiamondRock Hospitality Limited Partnership, dated May 3, 2005.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18(a) on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended April 30, 2005.) 
10.6(b)First Amendment to Purchase and Sale Agreement by and between VAHMC, Inc. and DiamondRock Hospitality Limited Partnership, dated May 10, 2005.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18(b) on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended April 30, 2005.) 
10.7(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 on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended April 30, 1998.) 
10.7(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 on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended April 30, 1998.) 
10.8(a)Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of January 28, 2005 among The Vail Corporation (d/b/a Vail Associates, Inc.), as borrower, Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, U.S. Bank National Association and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association as Co-Syndication Agents, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas and LaSalle Bank National Association as Co-Documentation Agents the Lenders party thereto and Banc of America Securities LLC, as Sole Lead Arranger and Sole Book Manager.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 on Form 8-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. filed on January 31, 2005.) 
10.8(b)First Amendment to Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of June 29, 2005 among The Vail Corporation (d/b/a Vail Associates, Inc.), as borrower and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16(b) on Form 10-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the year ended July 31, 2005.) 
10.8(c)Second Amendment to Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement among The Vail Corporation, the Required Lenders and Bank of America, as Administrative Agent.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of Form 8-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. filed on March 3, 2006.) 
10.8(d)Limited Waiver, Release, and Third Amendment to Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated March 13, 2007.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the report on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended April 30, 2007.) 
10.8(e)Fourth Amendment to Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated April 30, 2008, among The Vail Corporation (d/b/a Vail Associates, Inc.) as borrower, the lenders party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the report on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended April 30, 2008.) 
10.9(a)Construction Loan Agreement, dated January 31, 2006 among Arrabelle at Vail Square, LLC, U.S. Bank National Association and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A..  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.33(a) on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended January 31, 2006.) 
10.9(b)Completion Guaranty Agreement by and between The Vail Resorts Corporation and U.S. Bank National Association, dated January 31, 2006.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.33(b) on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended January 31, 2006.) 
10.9(c)Completion Guaranty Agreement by and between Vail Resorts, Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association dated January 31, 2006. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.33(c) on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended January 31, 2006.) 
10.10(a)**Construction Loan Agreement, dated March 19, 2007 among The Chalets at The Lodge at Vail, LLC, and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the report on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended April 30, 2007.) 
10.10(b)Completion Guaranty Agreement by and between The Vail Corporation and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., dated March 19, 2007.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the report on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended April 30, 2007.) 
10.10(c)Completion Guaranty Agreement by and between Vail Resorts, Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., dated March 19, 2007.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the report on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended April 30, 2007.) 
10.10(d)Development Agreement Guaranty by and between The Vail Corporation and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., dated March 19, 2007.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of the report on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended April 30, 2007.) 
10.10(e)Development Agreement Guaranty by and between Vail Resorts, Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., dated March 19, 2007.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 of the report on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended April 30, 2007.) 
10.11Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Security Agreement between SSI Venture, LLC and U.S. Bank National Association, dated September 23, 2005. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 on Form 8-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. filed on September 29, 2005.) 
10.12*Vail Resorts, Inc. 1993 Stock Option Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.A of the registration statement on Form S-8 of Vail Resorts, Inc., dated October 21, 1997, File No. 333-38321.) 
10.13*Vail Resorts, Inc. 1996 Long Term Incentive and Share Award Plan (Incorporated by reference to the Exhibit 4.B of the registration statement on Form S-8 of Vail Resorts, Inc., dated October 21, 1997, File No. 333-38321.) 
10.14*Vail Resorts, Inc. 1999 Long Term Incentive and Share Award Plan.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the registration statement on Form S-8 of Vail Resorts, Inc., dated September 7, 2007, File No. 333-145934.) 
10.15*Vail Resorts, Inc. Amended and Restated 2002 Long Term Incentive and Share Award Plan.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the registration statement on Form S-8 of Vail Resorts, Inc., dated September 7, 2007, File No. 333-145934.) 
10.16*Form of Stock Option Agreement.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 of Form 10-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the year ended July 31, 2007.) 
10.17*Form of Restricted Share [Unit] Agreement.92
10.18*Form of Share Appreciation Rights Agreement.98
10.19*Stock Option Agreement between Vail Resorts, Inc. and Jeffrey W. Jones, dated September 30, 2005.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 on Form 8-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. filed on March 3, 2006.) 
10.20*Restricted Share Agreement between Vail Resorts, Inc. and Jeffrey W. Jones, dated September 30, 2005.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 on Form 8-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. filed on March 3, 2006.) 
10.21*Summary of Vail Resorts, Inc. Director Compensation, effective October 15, 2007.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 of the report on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended October 31, 2007.) 
10.22*Vail Resorts Deferred Compensation Plan, effective as of October 1, 2000.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 on Form 10-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the year ended July 31, 2000.) 
10.23*Vail Resorts, Inc. Executive Perquisite Fund Program. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.27 on Form 10-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the year ended July 31, 2007.) 
10.24*Vail Resorts, Inc. Management Incentive Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Schedule 14A of Vail Resorts, Inc. as filed on October 26, 2007.) 
10.25(a)*Employment Agreement of William A. Jensen as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer – Breckenridge Ski Resort, dated May 1, 1997.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9(a) on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended October 31, 2004.) 
10.25(b)*First Amendment to the Employment Agreement of William A. Jensen as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer – Vail Ski Resort, dated August 1, 1999.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9(b) on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended October 31, 2004.) 
10.25(c)*Second Amendment to the Employment Agreement of William A. Jensen as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer – Vail Ski Resort, dated July 22, 1999.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9(c) on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended October 31, 2004.) 
10.25(d)*Third Amendment to the Employment Agreement of William A. Jensen as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer – Vail Ski Resort, dated July 19, 2007.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.29(d) of Form 10-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the year ended July 31, 2007.) 
10.25(e)*Agreement, dated January 7, 2008, by and among Vail Associates, Inc., William A. Jensen and Intrawest ULC.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the report on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended January 31, 2008.) 
10.26*Separation Agreement and General Release, dated December 7, 2006 between Martha D. Rehm and Vail Resorts, Inc. and Amendment No. 1 thereto dated March 9, 2007.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the report on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended January 31, 2007.) 
10.27*Employment Agreement, dated as of February 28, 2006, between Vail Resorts, Inc. and Robert A. Katz.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 on Form 8-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. filed on March 3, 2006.) 
10.28(a)*Amended and Restated Employment Agreement of Jeffrey W. Jones, as Chief Financial Officer of Vail Resorts, Inc. dated September 29, 2004.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 of Form 10-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the year ended July 31, 2004.) 
10.28(b)*Restated First Amendment to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated September 18, 2008, by and between Vail Resorts, Inc. and Jeffrey W. Jones.105
10.29*Employment Agreement, dated as of May 4, 2006, between Keith Fernandez and Vail Resorts Development Company.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 on Form 8-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. filed on May 9, 2006.) 
10.30*Employment Agreement, dated May 17, 1999, between John McD. Garnsey and Vail Associates, Inc.108
10.31(a)*Employment Agreement, dated June 23, 2002, between Blaise Carrig and Heavenly Valley, Limited Partnership.121
10.31(b)*Addendum to the Employment Agreement, dated September 1, 2002, between Blaise Carrig and Heavenly Valley, Limited Partnership.129
21Subsidiaries of Vail Resorts, Inc.134
22Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.140
23Power of Attorney.  Included on signature pages hereto. 
31.1Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.141
31.2Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.142
32Certifications of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.143
*Management contracts and compensatory plans and arrangements. 
**Portions of this Exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Omitted portions have been filed separately with the Commission. 
Posted Exhibit Number
Description
Sequentially Numbered Page
3.1Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Vail Resorts, Inc., dated January 5, 2005.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended January 31, 2005.) 
3.2Amended and Restated By-Laws of Vail Resorts, Inc., dated September 28, 2004.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 on Form 8-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. filed on September 30, 2004.) 
4.1(a)Indenture, dated as of January 29, 2004, among Vail Resorts, Inc., the guarantors therein and the Bank of New York as Trustee (Including Exhibit A, Form of Global Note).  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 on Form 8-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. filed on February 2, 2004.) 
4.1(b)Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 10, 2006 to Indenture dated as of January 29, 2004 among Vail Resorts, Inc., as Issuer, the Guarantors named therein, as Guarantors, and The Bank of New York, as Trustee.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.34 on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended January 31, 2006.) 
4.1(c)Form of Global Note.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 on Form 8-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. filed February 2, 2004.) 
10.1Forest Service Unified Permit for Heavenly ski area, dated April 29, 2002.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.13 of the report on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended April 30, 2002.) 
10.2(a)Forest Service Unified Permit for Keystone ski area, dated December 30, 1996.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2(a) on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended October 31, 2002.) 
10.2(b)Amendment No. 2 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.) 
10.2(c)Amendment No. 3 to Forest Service Unified Permit for Keystone ski area. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 (c) on Form 10-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the year ended July 31, 2005.) 
10.2(d)Amendment No. 4 to Forest Service Unified Permit for Keystone ski area. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 (d) on Form 10-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the year ended July 31, 2005.) 
10.2(e)Amendment No. 5 to Forest Service Unified Permit for Keystone ski area. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 (e) on Form 10-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the year ended July 31, 2005.) 
10.3(a)Forest Service Unified Permit for Breckenridge ski area, dated December 30, 1996.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3(a) on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended October 31, 2002.) 
10.3(b)Amendment No. 1 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.) 
10.3(c)Amendment No. 2 to Forest Service Unified Permit for Breckenridge ski area. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 (c) on Form 10-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the year ended July 31, 2005.) 
10.3(d)Amendment No. 3 to Forest Service Unified Permit for Breckenridge ski area. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 (d) on Form 10-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the year ended July 31, 2005.) 
10.3(e)Amendment No. 4 to Forest Service Unified Permit for Breckenridge ski area. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 (e) on Form 10-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the year ended July 31, 2005.) 
10.3(f)Amendment No. 5 to Forest Service Unified Permit for Breckenridge ski area. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4(f) on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended January 31, 2006.) 
10.4(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.) 
10.4(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.) 
10.4(c)Amendment No. 1 to Forest Service Unified Permit for Beaver Creek ski area. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 (c) on Form 10-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the year ended July 31, 2005.) 
10.4(d)Amendment No. 2 to Forest Service Unified Permit for Beaver Creek ski area. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 (d) on Form 10-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the year ended July 31, 2005.) 
10.4(e)Amendment to Forest Service Unified Permit for Beaver Creek ski area. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 (e) on Form 10-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the year ended July 31, 2005.) 
10.5(a)Forest Service Unified Permit for Vail ski area, dated November 23, 1993.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.5(a) on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended October 31, 2002.) 
10.5(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.) 
10.5(c)Amendment No. 2 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.) 
10.5(d)Amendment No. 3 to Forest Service Unified Permit for Vail ski area. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 (d) on Form 10-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the year ended July 31, 2005.) 
10.5(e)Amendment No. 4 to Forest Service Unified Permit for Vail ski area. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 (e) on Form 10-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the year ended July 31, 2005.) 
10.6Purchase and Sale Agreement between VR Holdings, Inc., as Seller and GHR, LLC, as Purchaser dated December 8, 2004.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 on Form 8-K of Vail Resorts, Inc., dated December 14, 2004.) 
10.7(a)Purchase and Sale Agreement by and between VAHMC, Inc. and DiamondRock Hospitality Limited Partnership, dated May 3, 2005.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18(a) on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended April 30, 2005.) 
10.7(b)First Amendment to Purchase and Sale Agreement by and between VAHMC, Inc. and DiamondRock Hospitality Limited Partnership, dated May 10, 2005.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18(b) on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended April 30, 2005.) 
10.8Purchase and Sale Agreement by and between VA Rancho Mirage Resort L.P., Rancho Mirage Concessions, Inc. and GENLB-Rancho, LLC, dated July 1, 2005.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 on Form 10-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the year ended July 31, 2005.) 
10.9Purchase and Sale Contract between JHL&S LLC and Lodging Capital Partners, LLC, dated December 22, 2005.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.32 on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended January 31, 2006.) 
10.10(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 on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended April 30, 1998.) 
10.10(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 on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended April 30, 1998.) 
10.11(a)Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of January 28, 2005 among The Vail Corporation (d/b/a Vail Associates, Inc.), as borrower, Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, U.S. Bank National Association and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association as Co-Syndication Agents, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas and LaSalle Bank National Association as Co-Documentation Agents the Lenders party thereto and Banc of America Securities LLC, as Sole Lead Arranger and Sole Book Manager.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 on Form 8-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. filed on January 31, 2005.) 
10.11(b)First Amendment to Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of June 29, 2005 among The Vail Corporation (d/b/a Vail Associates, Inc.), as borrower and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16(b) on Form 10-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the year ended July 31, 2005.) 
10.11(c)Second Amendment to Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement among The Vail Corporation, the Required Lenders and Bank of America, as Administrative Agent.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of Form 8-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. filed on March 3, 2006.) 
10.11(d)Limited Waiver, Release, and Third Amendment to Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated March 13, 2007.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the report on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended April 30, 2007.) 
10.12(a)Construction Loan Agreement, dated January 31, 2006 among Arrabelle at Vail Square, LLC, U.S. Bank National Association and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A..  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.33(a) on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended January 31, 2006.) 
10.12(b)Completion Guaranty Agreement by and between The Vail Resorts Corporation and U.S. Bank National Association, dated January 31, 2006.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.33(b) on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended January 31, 2006.) 
10.12(c)Completion Guaranty Agreement by and between Vail Resorts, Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association dated January 31, 2006. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.33(c) on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended January 31, 2006.) 
10.13(a)Construction Loan Agreement by and between Gore Creek Place, LLC and U.S. Bank National Association, dated July 19, 2005.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22(a) on Form 10-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the year ended July 31, 2005.) 
10.13(b)First Amendment to Construction Loan Agreement by and between Gore Creek Place, LLC and U.S. Bank National Association, dated December 1, 2005.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11(b) on Form 10-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the year ended July 31, 2006.) 
10.13(c)Second Amendment to Construction Loan Agreement by and between Gore Creek Place, LLC and U.S. Bank National Association, dated July 5, 2006.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11(c) on Form 10-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the year ended July 31, 2006.) 
10.13(d)Amended and Restated Completion Guaranty Agreement among Vail Resorts, Inc., The Vail Corporation and U.S. Bank National Association, dated December 1, 2005.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11(d) on Form 10-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the year ended July 31, 2006.) 
10.14(a)**Construction Loan Agreement, dated March 19, 2007 among The Chalets at The Lodge at Vail, LLC, and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the report on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended April 30, 2007.) 
10.14(b)Completion Guaranty Agreement by and between The Vail Corporation and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., dated March 19, 2007.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the report on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended April 30, 2007.) 
10.14(c)Completion Guaranty Agreement by and between Vail Resorts, Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., dated March 19, 2007.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the report on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended April 30, 2007.) 
10.14(d)Development Agreement Guaranty by and between The Vail Corporation and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., dated March 19, 2007.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of the report on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended April 30, 2007.) 
10.14(e)Development Agreement Guaranty by and between Vail Resorts, Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., dated March 19, 2007.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 of the report on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended April 30, 2007.) 
10.15Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Security Agreement between SSI Venture, LLC and U.S. Bank National Association, dated September 23, 2005. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 on Form 8-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. filed on September 29, 2005.) 
10.16*Vail Resorts, Inc. 1993 Stock Option Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.A of the registration statement on Form S-8 of Vail Resorts, Inc., dated October 21, 1997, File No. 333-38321.) 
10.17*Vail Resorts, Inc. 1996 Long Term Incentive and Share Award Plan (Incorporated by reference to the Exhibit 4.B of the registration statement on Form S-8 of Vail Resorts, Inc., dated October 21, 1997, File No. 333-38321.) 
10.18*Vail Resorts, Inc. 1999 Long Term Incentive and Share Award Plan.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the registration statement on Form S-8 of Vail Resorts, Inc., dated September 7, 2007, File No. 333-145934.) 
10.19*Vail Resorts, Inc. Amended and Restated 2002 Long Term Incentive and Share Award Plan.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the registration statement on Form S-8 of Vail Resorts, Inc., dated September 7, 2007, File No. 333-145934.) 
10.20*Form of Stock Option Agreement.  
59
10.21*Form of Restricted Share [Unit] Agreement.65
10.22*Form of Share Appreciation Rights Agreement.
71
10.23*Stock Option Agreement between Vail Resorts, Inc. and Jeffrey W. Jones, dated September 30, 2005.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 on Form 8-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. filed on March 3, 2006.) 
10.24*Restricted Share Agreement between Vail Resorts, Inc. and Jeffrey W. Jones, dated September 30, 2005.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 on Form 8-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. filed on March 3, 2006.) 
10.25*Summary of Vail Resorts, Inc. Director Compensation, effective February 27, 2006.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.38 of the report on Form 10-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the year ended July 31, 2006.) 
10.26*Vail Resorts Deferred Compensation Plan, effective as of October 1, 2000.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 on Form 10-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the year ended July 31, 2000.) 
10.27*Vail Resorts, Inc. Executive Perquisite Fund Program.77
10.28*Relocation and Separation Policy for Executives 2006.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 on Form 8-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. filed on April 14, 2006.) 
10.29(a)*Employment Agreement of William A. Jensen as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer – Breckenridge Ski Resort, dated May 1, 1997.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9(a) on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended October 31, 2004.) 
10.29(b)*First Amendment to the Employment Agreement of William A. Jensen as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer – Vail Ski Resort, dated August 1, 1999.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9(b) on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended October 31, 2004.) 
10.29(c)*Second Amendment to the Employment Agreement of William A. Jensen as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer – Vail Ski Resort, dated July 22, 1999.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9(c) on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended October 31, 2004.) 
10.29(d)*Third Amendment to the Employment Agreement of William A. Jensen as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer – Vail Ski Resort, dated July 19, 2007.78
10.30*Amended and Restated Employment Agreement of Jeffrey W. Jones, as Chief Financial Officer of Vail Resorts, Inc. dated September 29, 2004.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 of Form 10-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the year ended July 31, 2004.) 
10.31*Employment Agreement, dated as of February 28, 2006, between Vail Resorts, Inc. and Robert A. Katz.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 on Form 8-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. filed on March 3, 2006.) 
10.32(a)*Employment Agreement, dated as of May 4, 2006, between Keith Fernandez and Vail Resorts Development Company.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 on Form 8-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. filed on May 9, 2006.) 
10.32(b) *First Amendment to the Employment Agreement of Keith Fernandez as Chief Operating Officer of Vail Resorts Development Company, dated August 6, 2007.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 on Form 8-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. filed on August 8, 2007). 
10.33*Separation Agreement and General Release, dated as of February 27, 2006, between Adam M. Aron and Vail Resorts, Inc.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 on Form 8-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. filed on March 3, 2006.) 
10.34*Separation Agreement and General Release, dated as of April 15, 2006, between Edward E. Mace and RockResorts International., LLC (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 on Form 8-K of Vail Resorts, Inc. filed on April 20, 2006.) 
10.35*Separation Agreement and General Release, dated December 7, 2006 between Martha D. Rehm and Vail Resorts, Inc. and Amendment No. 1 thereto dated March 9, 2007.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the report on Form 10-Q of Vail Resorts, Inc. for the quarter ended January 31, 2007.) 
21Subsidiaries of Vail Resorts, Inc.80
22Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.82
23Power of Attorney.  Included on signature pages hereto. 
31.1Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.83
31.2Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.84
32Certifications of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.85
*Management contracts and compensatory plans and arrangements. 
**Portions of this Exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Omitted portions have been filed separately with the Commission. 




b)           Exhibits
The exhibits filed herewith as indicated in the exhibit listed above following the Signatures section of this report.

c)           Financial Statement Schedules

Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule
(in thousands)
(in thousands)
(in thousands)
For the Years Ended July 31,
For the Years Ended July 31,
For the Years Ended July 31,
                
 
Balance at
 
Charged to
   
Balance at
 Balance at Charged to   Balance at
 
Beginning of
 
Costs and
   
End of
 Beginning of Costs and   End of
 
Period
 
Expenses
 
Deductions
 
Period
2005           
Inventory Reserves $738 $1,754 $(1,773) $719
Valuation Allowance on Income Taxes  686 919  --  1,605
Trade Receivable Allowances  1,265 766  (696)  1,335
            Period Expenses Deductions Period
2006                      
Inventory Reserves  719 2,139  (2,103)  755 $719 $2,139 $(2,103) $755
Valuation Allowance on Income Taxes  1,605 --  --  1,605  1,605 --  --  1,605
Trade Receivable Allowances  1,335 694  (641)  1,388  1,335 694  (641)  1,388
                      
2007                      
Inventory Reserves  755 2,202  (2,131)  826  755 2,202  (2,131)  826
Valuation Allowance on Income Taxes  1,605 --  (17)  1,588  1,605 --  (17)  1,588
Trade Receivable Allowances $1,388 $1,638 $(908) $2,118  1,388 1,638  (908)  2,118
           
2008           
Inventory Reserves  826 2,729  (2,344)  1,211
Valuation Allowance on Income Taxes  1,588 --  --  1,588
Trade Receivable Allowances $2,118 $670 $(1,122) $1,666



SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.

Vail Resorts, Inc.
  
By:/s/ Jeffrey W. Jones
 Jeffrey W. Jones
 Senior Executive Vice President and
 
Chief Financial Officer and
(Chief Accounting Officer and Duly Authorized Officer)
  
Date:September 27, 200725, 2008

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Jeffrey W. Jones or Fiona E. Arnold his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any or all amendments or supplements to this Form 10-K and to file the same with all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing necessary or appropriate to be done with this Form 10-K and any amendments or supplements hereto, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, or their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities indicated on September 27, 2007.25, 2008.

Signature
Title
/s/ Robert A. KatzChief Executive Officer and Director
Robert A. Katz(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ Jeffrey W. JonesSenior Executive Vice President, and
Jeffrey W. JonesChief Financial Officer and Director
 (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
/s/ Joe R. Micheletto 
Joe R. MichelettoChairman of the Board
/s/ John J. Hannan 
John J. HannanDirector
/s/ Roland A. Hernandez 
Roland A. HernandezDirector
/s/ Thomas D. Hyde 
Thomas D. HydeDirector
/s/ Richard D. Kincaid 
Richard D. KincaidDirector
/s/ John T. Redmond
John T. RedmondDirector
/s/ John F. Sorte 
John F. SorteDirector
/s/ William P. Stiritz 
William P. StiritzDirector