Maybe patrol took three hours too long getting the sidecountry open.
Or, halfway through the season, the park only boasts a single completely busted tube.
Good guess, the answer is the titanic megacorps, like Vail.
But, regardless of intent, the formation of resort monopolies created a new model for lift-accessible skiing.
IMAGE: Berkeley spins under Peak Chair at Whistler B.C.
COVID was the stress test.
Vail’s secure finances have allowed them to make an unprecedented pricing shift for their ubiquitous Epic pass.
For context, I purchased a single resort pass for about $600 this past season.
As a contrast, typical finances for standalone resorts are worth mentioning.
There are two primary points here.
Second, that reduced snowfall will likely drive resort profits down.
Similarly, its geographically expansive resort portfolio allows it to take advantage of inconsistent snow years.
Lone resorts dont have this advantage.
Now, I dont make this argument to shit-talk the local resort.
The primary benefit being a combination of stable, semi-affordable, lift-accessible skiing.
