The biggest and most powerful corporation in the ski industry has officially begun to disrupt the Northeast with the purchase of Stowe, announcing the acquisition this morning.
Vail Resorts, which already owns many of the biggest ski resorts in the world, is known for their long lift lines, high-end accommodations, and comically high lift ticket prices. A lift ticket at Vail or Breckenridge this weekend cost $189. Stowe was already the highest priced lift ticket in New England, but with this acquisition a lot more could change than lift ticket prices.
Vail Resorts does not cater to the average skier. Their season pass products, although affordable, are only relevant for skiers and snowboarders that get to the mountain several times per year. If you ski or ride a couple times a year, if you want to teach a friend to ski, or if you want to take the family out for a day trip, Vail Resorts makes it nearly impossible for you to do that at their mountains. These are the type of people that built the skiing and snowboarding culture in New England, but Vail Resorts does not care about them.
It’s too early to tell how this acquisition will impact the rest of the industry in New England, but the majority of skiers and riders in the area should be concerned. No Boundaries will continue to do our part by offering you the best lift ticket deals we can find, so the average person can still enjoy a day on the mountain without breaking the bank.