Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2011

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation-- The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company, its majority-owned subsidiaries and all variable interest entities for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. Investments in which the Company does not have a controlling interest or is not the primary beneficiary are accounted for under the equity method. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Cash and Cash Equivalents-- The Company considers all highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents.

Restricted Cash-- Restricted cash primarily represents amounts held as state-regulated reserves for self-insured workers' compensation claims and owner and guest advance deposits held in escrow for lodging reservations.

Trade Receivables-- The Company records trade accounts receivable in the normal course of business related to the sale of products or services. The Company generally charges interest on past due accounts at a rate of 18% per annum. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on a specific reserve analysis and on a percentage of accounts receivable, and takes into consideration such factors as historical write-offs, the economic climate and other factors that could affect collectability. Write-offs are evaluated on a case by case basis.

Inventories-- The Company's inventories consist primarily of purchased retail goods, food and beverage items and spare parts. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or fair value, determined using primarily an average weighted cost method. The Company records a reserve for estimated shrinkage and obsolete or unusable inventory.

Property, Plant and Equipment-- Property, plant and equipment is carried at cost net of accumulated depreciation. Repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. Expenditures that improve the functionality of the related asset or extend the useful life are capitalized. When property, plant and equipment is retired or otherwise disposed of, the related gain or loss is included in operating income. Depreciation is calculated on the straight-line method generally based on the following useful lives:

	Estimated Life in Years
Land improvements	10-35
Buildings and building improvements	7-30
Machinery and equipment	2-30
Furniture and fixtures	3-10
Software	3
Vehicles	3-4

The Company capitalizes interest on non-real estate construction projects expected to take longer than one year to complete and cost more than $1.0 million. The Company records capitalized interest once construction activities commence and capitalized $0.1 million, $1.1 million and $0.8 million of interest on non-real estate projects during the years ended July 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

The Company has certain assets being used in resort operations that were constructed as amenities in conjunction with real estate development and included in project costs and expensed as the real estate was sold. Accordingly, there is no carrying value and no depreciation expense related to these assets in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements. These assets were primarily placed in service from 1995 to 1997 with an original cost of approximately $33.0 million and an average estimated useful life of 15 years.

Real Estate Held for Sale and Investment-- The Company capitalizes as real estate held for sale and investment the original land acquisition cost, direct construction and development costs, property taxes, interest recorded on costs related to real estate under development and other related costs, including costs that will be capitalized as resort depreciable assets associated with mixed-use real estate development projects for which the Company cannot specifically identify the components at the time of incurring such cash outflows until the property reaches its intended use. Additionally, the Company records depreciation on completed condominium units that are placed in rental programs until such units are sold. Sales and marketing expenses are charged against income in the period incurred. Sales commission expenses are charged against income in the period that the related revenue from real estate sales is recorded. The Company records capitalized interest once construction activities commence and real estate deposits have been utilized in construction. Interest capitalized on real estate development projects during the years ended July 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $0.5 million, $15.1 million and $6.8 million, respectively.

Deferred Financing Costs-- Certain costs incurred with the issuance of debt securities are capitalized and included in deferred charges and other assets, net of accumulated amortization. Amortization is charged to interest expense over the respective term of the applicable debt issues.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets-- The Company has classified as goodwill the cost in excess of fair value of the net assets of businesses acquired in purchase transactions. The Company's major intangible asset classes are trademarks, water rights, customer lists, property management contracts, Forest Service permits and excess reorganization value. Goodwill and certain indefinite-lived intangible assets, including trademarks, water rights and excess reorganization value, are not amortized, but are subject to at least annual impairment testing. The Company tests annually (or more often, if necessary) for impairment as of May 1. Amortizable intangible assets are amortized over the shorter of their contractual terms or estimated useful lives.

The testing for impairment consists of a comparison of the fair value of the assets with their carrying values (including goodwill and other intangibles) for each reporting unit. If the carrying amount of the assets exceed its fair value, an impairment will be recognized in an amount equal to that excess. If the carrying amount of the assets does not exceed the fair value, no impairment is recognized. The Company determines the estimated fair value of its reporting units using a discounted cash flow analysis. The fair value of indefinite-lived intangible assets is estimated using an income approach. The Company determined that there was no impairment to goodwill or intangible assets during the years ended July 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009

Long-lived Assets-- The Company evaluates potential impairment of long-lived assets and long-lived assets to be disposed of whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be fully recoverable. If the sum of the expected cash flows, on an undiscounted basis, is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value. The Company does not believe any events or changes in circumstances indicating an impairment of the carrying amount of a long-lived asset occurred during the years ended July 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009. See Note 8, Variable Interest Entities, for impairment charge recorded on a note receivable.

Revenue Recognition-- The following describes the composition of revenues for the Company:

• Mountain revenue is derived from a wide variety of sources, including, among other things, sales of lift tickets (including season passes), ski school operations, dining operations, retail sales, equipment rentals, private ski club amortized initiation fees and dues, marketing and internet advertising, commercial leasing, employee housing, and municipal services, and are recognized as products are delivered or services are performed.

• Lodging revenue is derived from a wide variety of sources, including, among other things, hotel operations, dining operations, property management services, managed hotel property payroll cost reimbursements, private golf club amortized initiation fees and dues, transportation services and golf course greens fees, and are recognized as products are delivered or services are performed.

• Revenues from private club initiation fees are primarily recognized over the estimated life of the club facilities on a straight-line basis upon inception of the club. As of July 31, 2011, the weighted average remaining period over which the private club initiation fees will be recognized is approximately 22 years. Certain club initiation fees are refundable in 30 years after the date of acceptance of a member. Under these memberships, the difference between the amount paid by the member and the present value of the refund obligation is recorded as deferred initiation fee revenue in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets and recognized as revenue on a straight-line basis over 30 years. The present value of the refund obligation is recorded as an initiation deposit liability and accretes over the nonrefundable term using the effective interest method. The accretion is included in interest expense.

• Real estate revenue primarily includes the sale of condominium/townhome units and land parcels (including related improvements). Recognition of revenue from all condominium/townhome unit sales are recorded using the full accrual method and occurs only upon the following: (i) substantial completion of the entire development project, (ii) receipt of certificates of occupancy or temporary certificates of occupancy from local governmental agencies, if applicable, (iii) closing of the sales transaction including receipt of all, or substantially all, sales proceeds (including any deposits previously received), and (iv) transfer of ownership. The percentage-of-completion method is used for sales of land parcels where the Company has a commitment to complete certain improvements or amenities (i.e. access roads, utilities, and site improvements) at the time of consummation of the sales transaction. For the years ended July 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company did not record any revenue earned under the percentage of completion method. The Company recorded revenue under the percentage-of-completion method of approximately $1.5 million for the year ended July 31, 2009.

Revision of Payroll Cost Reimbursement from Managed Hotel Properties-- Revenue from reimbursement of payroll costs relates to payroll costs of managed hotel properties where the Company is the employer. The reimbursements are based upon the costs incurred with no added margin; therefore, these revenues and corresponding expenses have no net effect on the Company's operating income or net income. The Company previously reported payroll cost reimbursement from managed hotel properties net of reimbursed payroll costs; however, as the Company is the employer at certain managed hotel properties, and thus the primary obligor, these amounts should be reported gross. The Company determined that the impact of these revisions were not material to the Consolidated Statements of Operations to all applicable prior interim and annual periods. For the year ended July 31, 2011, revenue and expenses relating to reimbursed payroll costs were $28.6 million. For the years ended July 31, 2010 and 2009, the Company revised its presentation of these reimbursed payroll costs from a net presentation to a gross presentation in its Consolidated Statements of Operations to conform to its current year presentation. The effect of this change increased Lodging net revenue for the years ended July 31, 2010 and 2009 from $169.1 million and $176.2 million, respectively (as previously reported in the prior year's Annual Report on Form 10-K) to $195.3 million and $203.6 million, respectively, with a corresponding increase in the Lodging operating expense for the years ended July 31, 2010 and 2009 from $166.7 million and $169.5 million, respectively (as previously reported in the prior year's Annual Report on Form 10-K) to $192.9 million and $196.9 million, respectively. Additionally, previously reported quarterly financial data for Fiscal 2011 and Fiscal 2010 as presented in Note 15, Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited), and the information for the years ended July 31, 2010 and 2009 as presented in Note 14, Segment Information, and Note 19, Guarantor Subsidiaries and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries have been revised to reflect these revisions.

Real Estate Cost of Sales-- Costs of real estate transactions include direct project costs, common cost allocations (primarily determined on relative sales value) and may include accrued liabilities for costs to be incurred subsequent to the sales transaction. The Company utilizes the relative sales value method to determine cost of sales for individual parcels of real estate or condominium/townhome units sold within a project, when specific identification of costs cannot be reasonably determined. Estimates of project costs and cost allocations are reviewed at the end of each financial reporting period until a project is substantially completed and available for sale. Costs are revised and reallocated as necessary for material changes on the basis of current estimates and are reported as a change in estimate in the current period. Additionally, for the year ended July 31, 2009 the Company recorded a $2.8 million charge for an affordable housing commitment related to the Jackson Hole Golf & Tennis Club ("JHG&TC") development.

Deferred Revenue-- In addition to deferring certain revenue related to private club initiation fees, the Company records deferred revenue related to the sale of season ski passes. The number of season pass holder visits is estimated based on historical data and the deferred revenue is recognized throughout the season based on this estimate, or on a straight-line basis if usage patterns cannot be determined based on available historical data.

Reserve Estimates-- The Company uses estimates to record reserves for certain liabilities, including medical claims, workers' compensation, third-party loss contingencies, liabilities for the completion of real estate sold by the Company, property taxes and loyalty reward programs among other items. The Company estimates the potential costs related to these liabilities that will be incurred and records that amount as a liability in its consolidated financial statements. These estimates are reviewed and adjusted as the facts and circumstances related to the liabilities change. The Company records legal costs related to defending claims as incurred.

Advertising Costs-- Advertising costs are expensed at the time such advertising commences. Advertising expense for the years ended July 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $20.3 million, $18.8 million and $17.9 million, respectively. Prepaid advertising costs as of July 31, 2011 and 2010 was $0.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively and is reported within "other current assets" in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Income Taxes-- The Company's provision for income taxes is based on current pre-tax income, changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities and changes in estimates with regard to uncertain tax positions. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded for the estimated future tax effects of temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and amounts reported in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets and for operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. The change in deferred tax assets and liabilities for the period measures the deferred tax provision or benefit for the period. Effects of changes in enacted tax laws on deferred tax assets and liabilities are reflected as adjustments to the tax provision or benefit in the period of enactment. The Company's deferred tax assets have been reduced by a valuation allowance to the extent it is deemed to be more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company recognizes liabilities for uncertain tax positions based on a two-step process. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is "more-likely-than-not" to be sustained, on audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step requires the Company to estimate and measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement (see Note 11, Income Taxes, for more information).

Fair Value of Financial Instruments-- The recorded amounts for cash and cash equivalents, receivables, other current assets, and accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate fair value due to their short-term nature. The fair value of amounts outstanding under the Employee Housing Bonds (as defined in Note 4, Long-Term Debt) approximate book value due to the variable nature of the interest rate associated with that debt. The fair value of the 6.50% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2019 ("6.50% Notes") and the 6.75% Senior Subordinated Notes ("6.75% Notes") (Note 4, Long-Term Debt) are based on quoted market prices. The fair value of the Company's Industrial Development Bonds and other long-term debt (Note 4, Long-Term Debt) have been estimated using discounted cash flow analyses based on current borrowing rates for debt with similar remaining maturities and ratings. The estimated fair value of the 6.50% Notes, 6.75% Notes, Industrial Development Bonds and other long-term debt as of July 31, 2011 and 2010 is presented below (in thousands):

	July 31, 2011				July 31, 2010
	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value
6.50% Notes	$	390,000	$	397,800	$	--	$	--
6.75% Notes	$	--	$	--	$	390,000	$	394,875
Industrial Development Bonds	$	41,200	$	47,581	$	42,700	$	48,756
Other long-term debt	$	7,968	$	8,320	$	6,436	$	6,342

Stock-Based Compensation-- Stock-based compensation expense is measured at the grant date based upon the fair value of the portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest and is recognized as expense over the applicable vesting period of the award generally using the straight-line method (see Note 17, Stock Compensation Plan for more information). The following table shows total stock-based compensation expense for the years ended July 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations (in thousands):

	Year Ended July 31,
	2011		2010		2009
Mountain operating expense	$	7,140	$	5,332	$	4,834
Lodging operating expense		2,088		2,010		1,778
Real estate operating expense		3,265		4,501		4,129
Pre-tax stock-based compensation expense		12,493		11,843		10,741
Less: benefit for income taxes		4,738		4,481		4,071
Net stock-based compensation expense	$	7,755	$	7,362	$	6,670

Concentration of Credit Risk-- The Company's financial instruments that are exposed to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash. The Company places its cash and temporary cash investments in high quality credit institutions, but these investments may be in excess of FDIC insurance limits. The Company does not enter into financial instruments for hedging, trading or speculative purposes. Concentration of credit risk with respect to trade and notes receivables is limited due to the wide variety of customers and markets in which the Company transacts business, as well as their dispersion across many geographical areas. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and generally does not require collateral, but does require advance deposits on certain transactions.

Use of Estimates-- The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the balance sheet date and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

New Accounting Standards-- In June 2009, the FASB issued guidance which is included in Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 810, "Consolidation" which amends the consolidation guidance for variable interest entities. Under this new standard, entities must perform a qualitative assessment in determining the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity which includes, among other things, consideration as to whether a variable interest holder has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the variable interest entity and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the variable interest entity that could potentially be significant to the variable interest entity. This standard was effective for the Company beginning August 1, 2010. The adoption of this accounting standard did not have a material impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.

In September 2009, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2009-13, "Multiple-Deliverables Revenue Arrangements" (amendments to ASC Topic 605, "Revenue Recognition," and the Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 08-01 "Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables") which amends the revenue recognition guidance for arrangements with multiple deliverables. This new standard requires entities to allocate revenue in arrangements with multiple deliverables using estimated selling prices and eliminates the use of the residual method. The provisions of this new standard were effective for the Company beginning August 1, 2010. The adoption of this accounting standard did not have a material impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.