All articles tagged with #ski industry
Vail Resorts reported fiscal 2026 net income of $147.5 million, down from $280 million in the prior year, due to historic snow deficits in the western U.S. and Australia. Resort EBITDA fell 11.7% to $745.7 million. The company expects a recovery in fiscal 2027, guided by $158 million to $233 million in net income, supported by cost efficiencies and pricing strategies despite ongoing pass sales declines.
A coalition of ski resort trade groups representing 115 ski areas in 10 states urged U.S. Senators to oppose the Sunshine Protection Act of 2026, which would lock in daylight saving time year‑round. They contend that losing a wintermorning hour of daylight would jeopardize safety and operations—hampering dawn avalanche control, lift prep and early starts, potentially delaying openings, shortening the season, and hurting mountain-town economies. The bill would replace the current Uniform Time Act with a nationwide standard time; past attempts have stalled in Congress, and industry patrollers note that morning daylight is crucial for their work.
Three federal lawsuits in Colorado allege that Vail Resorts, Alterra Mountain Co., Boyne Resorts, and Powdr conspired to raise and maintain high lift-ticket and pass prices by sharing nonpublic pricing data through industry groups, seeking class-action relief for thousands of skiers.
A snow-starved winter forced Vail Resorts to cut its earnings forecast, with skier visits down about 11.9% through March 1 and declines across ski school, dining, rentals, and lift tickets. The company lowered its annual target from about $842–$898 million to $745–$775 million as Epic Pass sales slow and promotions (younger-pass discounts and half-price tickets for friends/family) aim to spur demand, while stock remained under pressure.
A historic snow drought across the Western United States, paired with labor strikes at major resorts and restrictive international travel, has left the 2026 ski season among the worst in decades. Resorts report limited terrain and closures (e.g., Telluride), skier visits down sharply, lodging occupancy slipping, and political headwinds reducing international tourism, while the Northeast partly offsets the weakness. The drought also threatens water resources and foreshadows a volatile wildfire season, with little relief on the horizon.
A small Colorado town, Nederland, is set to purchase Eldora Mountain Resort for $120 million, marking a rare instance of a municipality acquiring a ski resort, with plans to operate it sustainably and maintain community benefits, funded through resort revenues and bonds, and with continued support from the current owner, POWDR.
Alterra Mountain Co. has acquired Arapahoe Basin, a 1,428-acre ski area in Colorado, from its Canadian owner. The acquisition marks a new chapter for the ski area, with plans for capital improvements including expanded parking and snowmaking. Arapahoe Basin's chief operating officer, Alan Henceroth, will continue to run the ski area, and there are no planned changes to Alterra Mountain Co.'s Ikon Pass for the rest of the 2023-24 season. This acquisition adds to Alterra Mountain Co.'s portfolio of 18 year-round mountain destinations and expands its presence in the ski industry.
Arapahoe Basin, an independent ski area, is being acquired by Denver-based Alterra Mountain Co., marking the end of its decades-long independence. The ski area has been owned by Dream Unlimited since 1997, and the acquisition is expected to close later this year. The news has received primarily negative reactions from customers, who lament the perceived loss of independence and unique charm. Alterra Mountain Co. owns 17 resorts, including Winter Park and Steamboat, and provides access to others through the Ikon Pass.
After 27 years of ownership under Dream Unlimited Corporation, Colorado's Arapahoe Basin Ski Area is set to be sold to Alterra Mountain Company, known for the 'Ikon Pass,' with the deal expected to close later in 2024. COO Al Henceroth will continue his role, and there are no planned changes for the 2023-2024 season. The acquisition aims to preserve the unique culture and traditions of Arapahoe Basin, a local favorite known for its terrain and festive atmosphere.
Bluebird Backcountry, a lift-free ski area in Colorado that introduced uphill skiing and backcountry safety to skiers, is permanently closing after four seasons. The resort, which saw increasing visits and sales, struggled due to its remote location and the lack of investment opportunities. Despite its closure, the founders believe the concept of a human-powered ski area has potential and hope that someone with passion and a more accessible location can carry on their vision.