Are you a Disney fan and a skiing enthusiast? If so, you might be wondering if Disney has its own ski resort.
The answer is both yes and no. Let’s dive into the details!
Disney’s Ski Resort: The History
In the late 1990s, Disney decided to expand its theme parks’ offerings by creating a ski resort. They found a perfect location in Mineral King, California, which is part of Sequoia National Park.
However, environmental concerns and protests from local residents halted the development plans. In 1994, Disney abandoned the idea of building a ski resort.
Disney and Skiing
Although Disney doesn’t have its own ski resort, it doesn’t mean they aren’t involved in skiing at all. In fact, here are some ways in which Disney is connected to skiing:
1. ESPN Winter X Games
ESPN is a subsidiary of Disney that organizes various sports events, including the Winter X Games – an annual extreme sports competition featuring skiing and snowboarding.
2. Walt Disney World Ski Club
The Walt Disney World Ski Club was founded in 1970 as a way for employees to enjoy skiing together. While the club no longer exists, it shows that many Disney employees enjoy skiing.
3. Skiing References in Disney Movies
If you’re a fan of classic animated movies like “Frozen” or “Snow White,” you might have noticed references to skiing or snowboarding in these movies.
The Nearest Ski Resorts to Disneyland and Walt Disney World
While there isn’t a ski resort owned by Disney, there are several ski resorts located near Disneyland and Walt Disney World:
- Snow Summit: Located approximately 100 miles east of Disneyland, Snow Summit is a popular ski resort with over 240 acres of skiable terrain.
- Bear Mountain: Also located near Disneyland, Bear Mountain is a sister resort to Snow Summit and offers similar terrain.
- Winter Park Resort: Located approximately 90 miles west of Walt Disney World, Winter Park Resort is a popular ski destination in Colorado.
- Vail Ski Resort: Located approximately 100 miles west of Walt Disney World, Vail Ski Resort is one of the largest ski resorts in the world with over 5,000 acres of skiable terrain.
In Conclusion
While Disney doesn’t have its own ski resort, there are still ways in which they are connected to skiing. Additionally, there are several ski resorts located near Disneyland and Walt Disney World for those who want to hit the slopes before or after their visit to the theme parks. So pack your skis and enjoy some winter fun!