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Former Vail Resorts co-owner Leon Black testifies in Epstein investigation
By John LaConte Follow
jlaconte@vaildaily.com at Aspen Times
· July 13, 2026
· 3 min read
Apollo Global Management co-founder Leon Black, in testifying to the House Oversight Committee on Friday, insisted he committed no criminal wrongdoing in paying $158 million to Jeffrey Epstein.
Black is the 16th person to appear before the committee as part of a broader investigation into the ...
Key takeaway Apollo Global Management spinoff Apollo Ski Partners became the majority shareholder of Vail Associates in 1992 after former owner George Gillett declared bankruptcy on the company.
Why this matters in Aspen News
The testimony of Leon Black, former co-owner of Vail Resorts, brings attention to the complex web of financial dealings and influential figures that have shaped the ski industry in the Rocky Mountains. As the majority shareholder of Vail Associates, Apollo Ski Partners, a spinoff of Apollo Global Management, played a significant role in the development of Vail Resorts, which has since become a major player in the regional ski scene. The fact that Epstein, a convicted sex offender, owned a home in Vail and had planned a ski trip to Snowmass, just a few miles from Aspen , raises questions about the potential local connections and activities of Epstein's network. The investigation into Epstein's associates and their financial dealings may have implications for the local community, particularly in the areas of tourism and hospitality, which are vital to the economy of Pitkin County and the Roaring Fork Valley.
About this story
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Category: local ·
Published: July 13, 2026 ·
Source: Aspen Times ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Apollo Global Management co-founder Leon Black, in testifying to the House Oversight Committee on Friday, insisted he committed no criminal wrongdoing in paying $158 million to Jeffrey Epstein.
Black is the 16th person to appear before the committee as part of a broader investigation into the ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 13, 2026 by Aspen Times and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by John LaConte Follow
jlaconte@vaildaily.com at Aspen Times. To learn more about how Aspen News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Aspen News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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