TL;DR
Vail Resorts has disclosed a 25% decline in skier visits across its Rocky Mountain properties through April 2026, attributing the drop to historically poor snow conditions. The company's North American portfolio saw visits fall 15% overall, with several resorts closing weeks ahead of schedule.
Vail Resorts Discloses Major Visitation Decline Across Rocky Mountain Properties
Vail Resorts has reported a 25% drop in skier visits across its Rocky Mountain ski areas through 19 April 2026, marking one of the most significant declines in the company's recent history. The company's 37 North American resorts collectively saw visits fall just under 15% compared to the previous season, with lift revenue down 5.6% for the comparable period.
The disclosure came as part of the company's financial reporting, with CEO Rob Katz describing the 2025/2026 winter as "one of the most challenging winters in history across the western U.S." The weather impact forced early closures at several properties, with Beaver Creek shutting two weeks ahead of its scheduled 12 April closing date, and Vail Mountain closing on 8 April rather than its planned 19 April date.
Revenue Impact Across Multiple Segments
The visitation decline translated to revenue drops across Vail Resorts' North American operations. Ski school revenue fell 12%, dining revenue dropped 11.7%, and retail and rental revenues declined 6.6% compared to the previous season. The company attributed these figures to record low snowfall and historically warm temperatures that persisted throughout the season, with March conditions continuing the pattern rather than delivering the typical late-season snow that often salvages poor early-season performance.Vail Resorts doesn't release individual resort figures, which makes it difficult to assess exactly which properties bore the brunt of the decline beyond the Rocky Mountain designation. The 25% drop in the Rockies - where the company's flagship resorts operate - significantly outpaced the 15% North American average, suggesting either better performance at coastal properties or that the company's eastern resorts helped cushion the overall numbers.
