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By Ted Cohen
Vail Resorts, which owns three mountains in Vermont, is being sued in federal court for allegedly colluding with a ski-industry trade association and a research firm to fix prices for multi-mountain season passes and lift tickets.
The lawsuit was filed earlier this week by three skiers against Vail, Alterra, Boyne USA, Powdr Corp, data firm RRC Associates and the National Ski Areas Association, according to Reuters reporter Mike Scarcella.
The plaintiffs allege the four companies collectively own most of the 32 “destination” ski venues in the U.S., including Vail’s Stowe, Okemo and Mount Snowe in Vermont.
Peak daily lift tickets at flagship resorts climbed more than 55 percent in the past six years, according to the lawsuit.
The ski resorts allegedly violated antitrust law by sharing confidential revenue and cost information with the data firm, which prepared and circulated reports that helped to guide business strategy and decisions.
Vail and the other defendants did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The plaintiffs said they are seeking to form a class action on behalf of thousands of customers.
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What a great bunch of business people we have here.
Dig deep on Vail Resorts ,and the leaders of the same, and you’ll find, as a whole, they are big supporters of the Democrat Party and candidates.
Perhaps they based their pricing formula after Act Blue’s fundraising tactics.
Dig deep.
Wouldn’t be surprised if one digs deep enough, you get down to Black Rock, the financial enforcement arm of DNC and DSA
Skiing in VT is now a sport for only the wealthy.
Absolutely Beth. I grew up in the 60’s and started skiing at Smugglers Notch. Most of the people skiing there were Vermonters who lived close to the mountain. The prices were very affordable and many of my friends in school skied there. More out-of-state people went to Stowe because it was a shorter drive. Then the interstate was built and the out-of-state could get to ski areas way faster. Over the years the ski areas have become so expensive and fewer Vermonters could afford to ski. Like you said, It is a sport that is owned by the wealthy for the wealthy.
I own a gearbox repair facility. When presented with an emergency repair from a Vail Assoc. resort, I price it at 5X the standard rate. As they explain, sales have nothing to do with cost. It’s what the market will bear. Suck it.