Vail and Beaver Creek Resorts to Rename Ski Trails In Honor of President Gerald R. Ford

- Lower Giant Steps run at Vail to be renamed '38'



VAIL and BEAVER CREEK, Colo., Feb. 18  /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- President's Day takes on special significance at Vail and Beaver Creek Resorts as the ski areas announced today that a trail at each resort will be renamed in honor of President Gerald R. Ford, the nation's 38th President. 

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Vail Mountain has designated the last pitch of the black diamond trail Giant Steps to "38." The designation 38 represents Gerald R. Ford's presidential lineage among the great men who have led our country. The trail location on the front side of Vail Mountain overlooks President Ford's former home and is a tribute to his contribution to the nation as well as the community.

Beaver Creek Resort has designated its advanced Pitchfork trail "President Ford's". The black diamond trail begins at the top of Strawberry Park and winds past President Ford's former residence.

"Dad's fond memories of the Vail Valley spanned many decades. He always spoke with pride and happiness about our family activities in Beaver Creek and Vail, and especially skiing, golfing, and our holidays spent together with friends in the mountains. And, most of all, Dad and our family enjoyed being with our dear friends in Beaver Creek and Vail and in the surrounding communities. Those friendships and our love for the Vail Valley are timeless. Thus, we are especially grateful to Vail and Beaver Creek Resorts for remembering Dad by renaming a trail on each mountain in his honor. Our thanks to everyone in the Vail Valley for this tribute and for your special friendship with the Ford Family," said Mrs. Gerald R. Ford in a written statement of behalf of she and their four children Mike, Jack, Steve and Susan.

"President Ford remains a deeply respected member of the Vail Valley and Beaver Creek families. We are thankful for his commitment and generous contributions to our community and his leadership in shaping our world-class resorts. Skiers and snowboarders can share the former president's love for the mountains each time they carve a turn or float through fresh powder on '38' at Vail and 'President Ford's' at Beaver Creek," said John Garnsey, Chief Operating Officer for Beaver Creek. 

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DATASOURCE: Vail Mountain; Beaver Creek Resorts



CONTACT:  Jen Brown, [phone], , or

Christina Schleicher, [phone], 



Web site:  http://www.snow.com/

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