The Transformation of Ski Towns: From Boom to Bust to Being Owned by Vail

TLDRSki towns went from thriving communities to ghost towns during the offseason. Vail Resorts introduced the Epic Pass, a cheap season pass that reinvigorated the ski industry. Vail Resorts vertically integrated the visitor experience, affecting local businesses. Vail offers employee housing, but the cost of living is still high for employees. Many administrative positions were moved to a Denver headquarters, leaving few higher-paying jobs in the resorts.

Key insights

🏔️Ski towns were once vibrant communities but became ghost towns during the offseason.

🎿Vail Resorts introduced the Epic Pass, a cheap season pass that reinvigorated the ski industry.

🌟Vail Resorts vertically integrated the visitor experience, impacting local businesses.

💰Vail offers employee housing, but the cost of living is still high for employees.

🏢Many administrative positions were moved to a Denver headquarters, leaving few higher-paying jobs in the resorts.

Q&A

What is the Epic Pass?

The Epic Pass is a cheap season pass introduced by Vail Resorts that provides unlimited skiing at multiple resorts.

How did Vail Resorts impact local businesses?

Vail Resorts vertically integrated the visitor experience, leading to competition with local businesses.

Does Vail Resorts offer employee housing?

Yes, Vail Resorts offers employee housing, but the cost of living is still high for many employees.

What happened to administrative positions within Vail Resorts?

Many administrative positions were moved to a Denver headquarters, leaving few higher-paying jobs in the resorts.

How did the ski industry change with the introduction of the Epic Pass?

The Epic Pass reinvigorated the ski industry by offering a cheap season pass, increasing skier numbers and visitor totals.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Ski towns were once vibrant communities but became ghost towns during the offseason.

05:00Vail Resorts introduced the Epic Pass, a cheap season pass that reinvigorated the ski industry.

10:00Vail Resorts vertically integrated the visitor experience, impacting local businesses.

15:00Vail offers employee housing, but the cost of living is still high for employees.

17:00Many administrative positions were moved to a Denver headquarters, leaving few higher-paying jobs in the resorts.