Vail Resorts has announced the company has sealed the deal and officially acquired Perisher Ski Resort down under.

Perisher will now be included in Vail’s line up of world-class mountain resorts and its season pass program.

Perisher’s 2015 Freedom Pass, now with Epic Benefits, provides all Freedom Pass holders with ski access at the Company’s North American resorts for the 2015-2016 ski season in addition to Perisher.

Likewise, Vail Resorts’ Epic Pass now includes unlimited and unrestricted skiing at Perisher, giving keen skiers and snowboarders the chance to chase the snow season around the world at unmatched resorts.

“The acquisition of Perisher by Vail Resorts, the world’s preeminent mountain resort company, is a big win for local communities, the broader Snowy Mountains region, state of New South Wales and all Australian snow-sports enthusiasts,” MP for Monaro and Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Skills, and Minister for Small Business John Barilaro said.

“Families in New South Wales are in a most enviable position having access to high-alpine areas with amenities such as those offered by Perisher. Married with the industry expertise and proven record for driving tourism that Vail Resorts brings with it, our community will gain tremendously from this acquisition.”

Vail Resorts’ chairman and ceo Rob Katz added it was exciting to welcome visitors to Perisher across to Vail as well.

“Closing on the acquisition of our first international mountain resort is a significant milestone for our Company,” he said.

“We’re thrilled to officially welcome the guests and employees of Perisher, Australia’s largest and most iconic resort, into the Vail Resorts family and deepen ties with one of our most important international markets.

“We see this as a ground-breaking acquisition that will dramatically enhance the connection between our Company and Australian skiers and riders, creating a true year-round skiing opportunity.

“Australians can now enjoy unlimited skiing and snowboarding in their own backyard as well as free access to our world-class ski resorts in the U.S., a value and experience unmatched in the ski industry.”

The Freedom Pass with Epic Benefits provides unlimited, unrestricted access to Perisher for the 2015 ski season, as well as unlimited skiing and snowboarding at Breckenridge, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin in Colorado; Park City and Canyons in Utah; and Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood in Tahoe during the 2015-2016 ski season.

The Freedom Pass with Epic Benefits also includes 10 days of skiing and riding at Vail and Beaver Creek during the 2015-2016 ski season.

Likewise, Vail Resorts’ industry leading Epic Pass now includes unlimited and unrestricted skiing at Perisher. Purchasers of the Epic Pass, who paid in full prior to June 2, receive unlimited, unrestricted access to Perisher throughout the 2015 ski season, as well as unlimited, unrestricted access to 12 of the best resorts in the U.S.

All purchasers of the Epic Pass after this date will have unlimited access to Perisher for the 2016 Australian ski season, in addition to unlimited, unrestricted access to Vail Resorts’ U.S. resorts throughout the 2015-2016 ski season.

For those who missed out on a Freedom Pass with Epic Benefits, the Epic Pass is on sale now for the 2015-2016 U.S. ski season at www.epicpass.com or through Skimax, Travelplan or Mogul Ski World.

Perisher is now open for the 2015 ski season, through Monday, October 5, 2015.