Lawsuit Alleges Ski Industry Collusion to Raise Ticket Prices

A new lawsuit has been filed against Vail Resorts, Alterra Mountain Company, and the National Ski Areas Association, alleging that these companies conspired to inflate lift ticket prices. The suit, initiated on August 6, claims that the sharing of confidential revenue and cost data among these industry giants has led to a 55 percent increase in lift ticket prices since 2020.

This lawsuit, distinct from a previous class-action case against Vail and Alterra, also names Boyne Resorts, PWODR, and RCC Associates. It asserts that the collaboration among these companies allowed them to coordinate pricing strategies, effectively eliminating competition.

Consumers have experienced significant price hikes, with reports indicating that single-day lift tickets surpassed $300 for the first time in early 2023 at Arizona Snowbowl. The lawsuit argues that the data-sharing practices have resulted in overcrowded resorts and diminished service quality, as companies no longer compete for customer value.