A “major” television deal teaming MTV and Vail Resorts promises to shine a bright light on Colorado’s ski country and bring economic development to the state, officials say. Details will be unveiled today.
“This is quite a coup for Colorado,” said Susan Smith, spokeswoman for Lt. Gov. Jane Norton, who will represent the state at today’s news conference at the Pepsi Center. “We really don’t have a lot of detail. … They’re pretty closed-lipped about it, although we know it is a good event for Colorado and Vail.”
Smith said the deal calls for a show to be filmed at Vail Resorts ski areas between December and April. The company beat out rivals in Utah, California, Oregon and Washington.
A Vail Resorts spokeswoman declined to disclose any further information Monday.
MTV officials were said to be flying to Colorado and could not be reached for comment. They have been in closed-door negotiations for a show with elected officials in Breckenridge and Vail. Perhaps coincidentally, the network also filmed this Thursday’s episode of the reality show “Run’s House” in Keystone, a ski area owned by Vail Resorts.
Norton agreed to participate under assurances that the deal is positive for the state, Smith said, although MTV is known for carrying some adult content.
“If Utah competed for something like this, it can’t be bad,” Smith said. “We’re fully aware of the type of shows they do. We see this as an economic driver and an opportunity to showcase Colorado.”
Staff writer Steve Lipsher can be reached at 970-513-9495 or slipsher@denverpost.com.
