Shareholder turns on Vail ski resorts in blistering price fixing lawsuit as Epic Pass costs explode

Vail Resorts is facing a revolt from within.A shareholder has turned on the ski resort behemoth in a blistering lawsuit accusing the corporate executives of participating in an illegal price-fixing scheme that sent the cost of list tickets and its popular Epic Pass soaring.In a 55-page complaint brought by shareholder Gary Peterson in Colorado federal court on Monday, he claims that Vail Resorts exchanged pricing and financial information with competitors Alterra Mountain Company, Boyne Resorts, and Powdr Corp.starting in 2020 to increase prices across passes, lift tickets, rentals, and lessons.

The alleged backroom dealing sent ski ticket prices soaring into the stratosphere.At the center of the legal snowstorm is Vail’s lucrative Epic Pass, which gives skiers access to their massive portfolio of mountain resorts.Vail pioneered the Epic Pass, and helped shape the economics of skiing by getting customers to ditch pricey day tickets and commit to a full season upfront.

The coordinated scheme allowed Vail to ratchet up seasonal Epic Pass costs by 39% since 2021, going from $783 to a whopping $1,119 this season.California's top news, sports and entertainment delivered to your inbox every day.

Please provide a valid email.By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Never miss a story To force skiers into buying the pricey multi-mountain pass, the lawsuit claims Vail drove single-day lift tickets to “economically irrational” extremes, with peak holiday tickets reaching $385.The sticker shock has sparked widespread fury.

“I’m sitting in the parking lot staring at my receipt and I feel sick,” one devastated skier vented on Reddit after hitting Vail.“$275 for a Saturday pass.

That doesn’t include the $40 parking, the $22 mountain priced burger, or the gas to get here.”“The pricing of the Epic Pass and the Company’s lift tickets is not a peripheral concern; it is the ...