Vail Mountain, the largest ski resort in the United States, announced today details of plans to extend Australia Day throughout the month of January. As a tribute and thank you to its Australian guests, Vail will host three parties this month for Australians, with drink specials, limited edition Vail mementos and traditional Aussie cuisine.

“Vail’s Australia Day celebration is something we introduced last year and are really leaning into for this season. Apart from the reality that Australia has become one of our top international markets, the fact that so many Aussies fly such a long way to spend their summer holidays in Vail is something we are a little in awe of. This is our small way of saying thanks Australia! We love you,” saidAdam Sutner, director of sales and marketing for Vail Mountain.

Australia month festivities will kick off on Jan. 19, with a champagne cocktail party hosted by Vail Mountain at Frost Bar from 4-7 p.m., in The Sebastian in Vail Village, for Australians and their guests. Flash your Australian passport and receive two complimentary glasses of Veuve Clicqout champagne and discounted drinks.

Celebrations for Australia Day on Jan. 26 will be at 11,200 feet at Two Elk Restaurant, perched high above Vail. For one day only, Two Elk will serve traditional Australian cuisine. In addition to the special menu, Two Elk Restaurant will have a large outdoor barbecue and bar, with music. Everyone that skis and snowboards Vail on Jan. 26 will earn the special Australia Day EpicMix digital pin to commemorate Australia Day 2012 and be able to share socially with friends and family on Facebook and Twitter through EpicMix, Vail Resorts’ online and mobile app that has revolutionized the ski industry.

When the lifts stop turning at 3:30 p.m., the party will move to Garfinkel’s in Lionshead, where you can enjoy a beer and some Aussie Rules football, along with drinks specials and giveaways for Australians all night long. Be sure to pick up a limited edition ‘Vail Loves Australia’ stubbie holder, with a beer purchase. If you can’t make it to Vail for Australia Day or the January celebrations, you can still enjoy skiing and riding in Vail this season until closing day on April 15. 

Save on lodging and lift tickets this season at Vail with the Ski Free Stay Free offer. Purchase a minimum of two nights of lodging and two days of lift tickets and receive the third night of lodging and day of skiing or riding free. For more information and to book, call (800) 404-3535 or visit Vail.com.