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Why a Lift Ticket Costs $356 at Vail and €76 in Austria - And Almost Nobody Pays the American Price
A lift ticket at Vail hit $356 US this season. In Austria, a day at Kitzbühel still costs around €76. At Perisher, which Vail bought in 2015, the window rate has roughly doubled against inflation in a decade - while just across the Tasman, where Vail owns nothing, prices stayed put. Same sport, same snow, wildly different outcomes depending on who owns the lift. We went through the SEC filings, the court records and the pass math to work out why. Full breakdown below, video included.
Alta Opens for Uphill Travel After Season Close
Alta closed its lift operations on 26 April following a 13-inch powder day, but uphill access remains open through the off-season. The mountain is now unpatrolled backcountry with no avalanche mitigation or emergency services - and you'll need to bring your own rescue capability.
Breckenridge Reopens Peak 8 for One-Day Peaks and Beats Event
Breckenridge is spinning lifts for one more day after its official closing date. Peak 8 reopens on 25 April for the resort's Peaks and Beats event, complete with limited terrain, live music, and the sort of spring skiing attire that says 'we know this is ridiculous.'
Vail Resorts Reports 25% Drop in Rocky Mountain Skier Visits
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.
Global Skier Visits Hit Record 399 Million in 2024-25 - Here's Who's Leading
The 2024-25 ski season set a new global record with 399 million skier visits worldwide - more people on snow than ever before. Nine countries account for nearly 80% of that total, with the US, France, and Austria holding the top three spots. Japan posted the biggest jump of any major market, driven largely by Australian and North American visitors chasing powder.
Breckenridge Marks 40 Years Since Opening Doors to Snowboarding
Breckenridge hosted the 'New Worlds' competition this past weekend, commemorating four decades since becoming the first major Colorado resort to permit snowboarding. The event drew nearly 100 competitors, including veterans from the 1986 World Championships, with bonus points awarded for vintage boards and authentic 1980s attire.
Mt Hood Meadows Closes April 12 After Latest Opening Day in 30 Years
Mt Hood Meadows will close April 12 following a season that didn't start until December 23 - the resort's latest opening in three decades. Insufficient snow coverage has forced the early closure, with pond skim and Pride events cancelled.
Delta Adds Year-Round Austin to Bozeman Service From Winter 2026-27
Delta Airlines will extend its Austin to Bozeman route to year-round service from late 2026, providing direct access to Big Sky and Bridger Bowl during the ski season. The move is part of Delta's push to establish a stronger presence in the Texas market against competing airline hubs.
Copper Mountain Season Passes for 2026/27 Now on Sale from $699
Copper Mountain has opened sales for 2026/27 season passes, with adult passes starting at $699 and expanded Kids Ski Free now covering children up to 17. The resort is hosting men's World Cup racing in November, but the real story is whether the pricing represents genuine value or just earlier sales windows.
Palisades Tahoe Abandons May Closing Date as Snow Drought Bites
Palisades Tahoe has scrapped its planned May 25 closing date, now targeting late April at best. The California resort is down to 15 of 39 lifts operating as early and mid-season snow shortfalls continue to take their toll on the 2024/25 season.
Western U.S. Ski Resorts Close Early as Warm Weather Compounds Poor Snow Season
A heat wave hitting the western United States has forced dozens of ski resorts to close early or abandon their seasons entirely. With below-average snowpacks across the region, the warm spell has ended operations at over 40 resorts from Arizona to Montana.
Snowbasin to Close March 22 After Difficult Utah Winter
Snowbasin Resort will close its 2025-26 season on March 22, weeks earlier than its typical mid-April closure. Warm temperatures and low snowfall drove the decision, with rain falling on Christmas Day compounding the challenges. The resort joins a growing list of operations cutting seasons short.
Killington's Snowdon Triple Chairlift Closes After 53 Seasons
Killington's oldest operating chairlift ends its run on Saturday 21 March after more than five decades of service. The 1973-era Snowdon Triple will be replaced by a fixed-grip quad as part of ongoing infrastructure upgrades under the resort's new ownership.
Utah Billionaire Escalates Campaign Against Vail Resorts Ownership of Park City
Matthew Prince, Utah's wealthiest resident, has intensified his public criticism of Vail Resorts' management of Park City Mountain Resort. The Cloudflare CEO claims Vail's 10-year stock performance has been dismal and argues the company should sell off individual resorts. Vail says it's not selling.
Two Lake Tahoe Resorts Close Early as March Heat Wave Decimates Snowpack
Sierra at Tahoe and Homewood have pulled the pin on their 2025-26 seasons weeks ahead of schedule as temperatures hit the low 20s celsius and California's snowpack drops to 28 percent of average in the northern Sierra - the worst levels since 2015.
Vail Resorts Drops My Epic Gear Membership Fee, Makes Premium Rentals Standard
Vail Resorts is scrapping the $50 My Epic Gear membership fee and rolling premium rental features into standard offerings. Starting next season, anyone booking Demo rentals at 12 resorts can select specific gear models online, access BOA ski boots and Step On bindings at no extra cost.
Inbounds Avalanche at Silver Mountain Raises Questions After Fatal 2020 Slide
Two skiers were caught in an inbounds avalanche on a double black diamond run at Silver Mountain Resort in Idaho, despite patrol conducting avalanche mitigation earlier that day. Both escaped without serious injury, but the incident raises questions about a resort that permanently closed terrain following a fatal 2020 slide.
Steamboat Resort Introduces Paid Parking and Carpool Incentives for 2026-27
Steamboat is overhauling its parking system next winter, introducing $15 charges for solo drivers on peak days while keeping parking free for carpoolers with three or more people. The changes mark a significant shift for Colorado's second-largest resort.
Tamarack Resort Season Pass Pricing: What the Numbers Actually Mean
Tamarack has opened sales for its 2026-27 season pass at $499, claiming it's the best deal of the year. We break down whether the early-bird pricing represents genuine value or standard industry tiering tactics, and what the cap on pass sales really means for access.
Aspen Occupancy Down 5.5% as International Boycotts and Weak Snowfall Hit Bookings
Aspen's winter season is tracking 5.5% behind last year through January, with Australian tour operators reporting boycotts related to US politics and a 30% drop in American bookings. Hotels are maintaining revenue by raising rates, but the combination of political sentiment, unfavourable exchange rates, and Colorado's poor early-season snowfall has dampened what's typically the resort's strongest period for international visitors.
Alpental Opens with New Edelweiss Triple Chairlift Completing Three-Year Lift Replacement Programme
The Summit at Snoqualmie's Alpental area opened for the 2025 season on January 7 with the debut of its new Edelweiss triple chair, replacing a 58-year-old Riblet double and completing a three-year lift modernisation. The upgrade promises more reliable upper mountain access for avalanche control, though whether it delivers on capacity claims remains to be seen.
Mammoth Mountain Ski Patroller Dies During Inbounds Avalanche Mitigation Work
A 30-year-old ski patroller has died from injuries sustained during avalanche control operations at Mammoth Mountain on 26 December. The incident raises questions about patroller safety protocols during extreme storm cycles and marks the second fatal inbounds avalanche at the California resort in less than a year.
Deer Valley Opens East Village Gondola and Pinyon Express as Expansion Takes Shape
Deer Valley's expansion reached its first operational milestone on 27 December with the opening of two new lifts. The 10-passenger East Village Gondola and Pinyon Express six-pack now provide access to previously inaccessible terrain, though five more lifts remain unopened this season.
Tamarack Resort Opens with Limited Terrain After Late Season Start
Tamarack Resort in Idaho has opened for the 2025-26 season on December 22, running three lifts with upper-mountain-only access. The delayed opening follows limited early snowfall, with skiers restricted from accessing lower mountain terrain as operations teams work to expand coverage.
Loon Mountain Opens 60% of Terrain in Early December, Claims Historical Record
Loon Mountain has opened 44 trails across three peaks by mid-December, claiming the most extensive early-season terrain in New Hampshire. The resort attributes the opening to aggressive snowmaking operations supported by favourable temperatures and approximately 10 inches of natural snow.
Early Season North America: Which Ski Resorts Are Open Right Now?
The 2025-26 North American ski season is underway with resorts across Colorado, Alberta, and Vermont opening their lifts. From Keystone's surprise first-to-open move to Sunshine Village's impressive 38 runs already available, here's exactly what terrain you can access right now and which resorts are offering the best early season conditions.
Kirkwood Mountain Resort: Tahoe's Deep Snow and Advanced Terrain Destination for Serious Skiers
Kirkwood Mountain Resort stands apart in Tahoe with the region's deepest snowfall (354 inches annually), 58% advanced/expert terrain, and a refreshingly uncrowded atmosphere. Discover why this remote alpine valley offers California's most authentic skiing experience, where challenging terrain and quality snow take priority over flashy amenities.
10 Best Ski Resorts in Colorado Ranked for the 2025-26 Season
Colorado stands as the undisputed capital of American skiing, combining reliable snowfall, varied terrain, and the legendary Rocky Mountain powder. With over 300 days of sunshine annually and some of the most accessible high-elevation skiing in North America, it's no wonder why Colorado draws skiers and snowboarders from around the globe.
Sun Valley Adds Multi-Day Adult Ski and Snowboard Camps for 2025-26
Sun Valley has launched four multi-day camp programmes for adult skiers and riders, including an all-women's intermediate camp. The structured packages aim to capture a growing segment of the lessons market, though the pricing and value proposition remain unclear.
Arizona Snowbowl's $10 Lift Tickets: Marketing Ploy or Genuine Value?
Arizona Snowbowl's announcement of $10 lift tickets for 2025-26 raises questions about dynamic pricing strategies and accessibility in the ski industry. We analyse the fine print and implications.
Aspen's Chalet Alpina: Another Ultra-Luxury Development in a Saturated Market
Construction of Chalet Alpina, a new luxury hotel and residential complex, is underway at Aspen Snowmass. While promising high-end amenities and ski-in/ski-out access, it raises questions about affordability and the future direction of this already exclusive ski town.
Arizona Snowbowl's $10 Lift Tickets: Marketing Ploy or Genuine Deal?
Arizona Snowbowl's announcement of $10 lift tickets for 2025-26 raises questions about the realities of demand-based pricing and its impact on skiers.
Mt. Bachelor Announces Northwest Lift Upgrades and New Programs for 2025-26
Mt. Bachelor plans improvements to its Northwest lift and introduces new community initiatives for the 2025-26 season, but questions remain about the true impact for skiers and riders.
Alterra's $400M Investment: Deer Valley Expansion Takes Centre Stage
Alterra Mountain Company announces a $400 million capital investment program, with a significant focus on expanding Deer Valley Resort in Utah. The plan includes doubling skiable terrain and adding new lifts, but questions remain about the impact on the resort's character and pricing.
Taos Ski Valley's 70th Anniversary Upgrades: Substance or Spin?
Taos Ski Valley marks its 70th season with infrastructure improvements and expanded air access. But do these changes genuinely enhance the skiing experience or just pad the marketing brochure?
Park City Mountain's Lift Upgrade Plans Derailed by 1998 Agreement
A Utah court ruling has blocked Park City Mountain's proposed lift upgrades, citing a decades-old development agreement. This setback highlights ongoing tensions between Vail Resorts and the local community over infrastructure improvements and resort capacity.
Vail Resorts Hit with $12.4M Verdict in Crested Butte Chairlift Accident
A Colorado jury's $12.4 million award to a paralysed skier challenges longstanding liability protections for ski resorts, potentially reshaping risk management across the industry.
Pats Peak's $5M Upgrade: New Quad and Beginner Area for 2025
Pats Peak in New Hampshire is investing heavily in infrastructure upgrades for the 2025-26 season, including a new quad lift and expanded beginner terrain. But what do these changes really mean for skiers and riders?
Purgatory's New Chairlift Plans Hit Bureaucratic Snag
Purgatory Resort's ambitious plan for a new front-side chairlift faces significant delays due to unexpected permitting hurdles, casting doubt on its availability for the upcoming ski season.
Big Sky's Kircliff: Glass Summit Experience Raises Questions
Big Sky Resort announces Kircliff, a glass observatory atop Lone Peak. While impressive, this latest development prompts scrutiny of the resort's priorities and environmental impact.
Jackson Hole's 60th Anniversary Ticket Sale: A Critical Look
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort's upcoming 60th anniversary ticket sale promises significant discounts, but savvy skiers should weigh the fine print against industry trends before rushing to purchase.
Global Ski Industry Rankings: Nine Countries Control 366 Million Annual Visits
The latest international ski tourism data reveals stark industry concentration, with just nine countries dominating global skiing. The USA leads with 60.5 million visits, whilst China shows explosive growth and traditional Alpine destinations face different challenges from climate change to currency strength.
Austria Gains Ground on Switzerland for U.S. Ski Tourists
Austria's winter tourism sees modest growth, with U.S. visitors increasing 15.4% to nearly 1 million overnight stays. However, Switzerland still leads with 1.2 million U.S. stays, despite Austria's larger ski industry and more competitive pricing.
Tamarack Resort's World's Best Award: Marketing Coup or Earned Recognition?
Tamarack Resort in Idaho has been named a Top Resort in Travel + Leisure's 2025 World's Best Awards. But what does this accolade really mean for skiers and riders considering a visit?
Sun Valley Resort Proposes Lift Upgrades, Are They Needed?
Sun Valley Resort's plan to replace four chairlifts faces regulatory hurdles and raises questions about long-term sustainability and guest experience impacts.
New Mexico Flood: Search Continues for Missing Residents
Severe flooding in Ruidoso, New Mexico has left three people missing as rescue teams work to locate those swept away by raging waters. The disaster has prompted evacuations and widespread damage to homes and infrastructure.
Deer Valley's $600 Million Expansion: Four Seasons Resort Development
Extell Development Company has secured a $600 million loan for the construction of Four Seasons Resort and Residences in Deer Valley, Utah. This project marks the first new luxury alpine village development in North America in over 40 years.
Silver Queen Express Chairlift at Crested Butte Receives Motor Upgrade
Crested Butte Mountain Resort has completed a major maintenance project on its Silver Queen Express Chairlift, with the refurbished motor now reinstalled after expert reconditioning in Denver.
Colorado Ski Resorts Achieve 13.8 Million Skier Visits in 2024-25 Season
Colorado Ski Country USA reports 13.8 million skier visits for the 2024-25 season, marking the third-highest total on record. The season saw varied conditions, from early snowfall to a snowy spring, with resorts adapting to provide quality experiences for visitors.
Global Ski Tourism: Top 9 Countries by Annual Skier Visits
Explore the world's most popular ski destinations as we analyse the top nine countries by annual skier visits. From the United States to Sweden, discover how these nations shape the global ski industry and attract millions of visitors each year.
Arapahoe Basin Updates Parking System for 2025-26 Season
Arapahoe Basin Ski Area in Colorado is modifying its parking reservation system for the upcoming 2025-26 season, aligning with changes to Ikon Pass access. The new system aims to manage traffic and maintain the resort's unique atmosphere.
Colorado Ski Slope Fatalities Decrease in 2024-25 Season
The 2024-25 ski season in Colorado saw 13 fatalities across its 27 ski areas, a slight reduction from previous years. This article examines the statistics and safety measures in place.
Loveland Ski Area Upgrades Lift 7 for 2025-26 Season
Loveland Ski Area announces plans to replace the 42-year-old Lift 7 with a modern fixed-grip quad, enhancing the learning experience in Loveland Valley.
Killington's Superstar Chairlift Replacement Project in Full Swing
Killington Resort has begun replacing its Superstar Chairlift, with construction progressing rapidly. The project includes removing old components, installing new towers, and upgrading related infrastructure.
Brian Head Resort Celebrates Longest Season in Its History
Brian Head Resort in Southern Utah concludes its 2024-25 season with a record-breaking 178 skiable days, surpassing last year's record and setting new visitation highs.
Stowe Mountain Resort Concludes Record-Breaking Snow Season
Stowe Mountain Resort in Vermont wraps up an exceptional 2024-25 ski season with over 300 inches of snowfall, marking one of its best years in recent memory.
Big Sky Resort Raises $162,600 for Local Nonprofits Through Chair Sale
Big Sky Resort's sale of 125 Explorer 2 chairs raises $162,600 for three local nonprofits, showcasing community support and marking the end of the historic lift's 51-year service.
Stevens Pass Revises Parking Plan After Guest Pushback
Stevens Pass ski resort has adjusted its parking policy for the 2025-26 season, offering a mix of free and paid options with some reservations available, following feedback from skiers and riders.
Mt. Bachelor to Remain Under POWDR Ownership
POWDR has decided to keep Mt. Bachelor as part of its portfolio, ending speculation about a potential sale. The company plans to invest in upgrades and introduce new pass options for the Oregon ski resort.
Alyeska Resort Surpasses 600 Inches of Snowfall This Season
Alyeska Resort in Alaska has recorded over 600 inches of snowfall this season, maintaining its reputation as one of North America's snowiest ski destinations. With a current base depth of 149 inches, Alyeska continues to offer exceptional skiing conditions.
Snowbird Launches 2025-26 Season Passes with Early Access
Snowbird unveils its 2025-26 season pass offerings, featuring the return of the Freeloader Pass program and early access to current-season skiing for new passholders. Various pass options and benefits are available, including flexible payment plans and discounts.
Alta's Supreme Lift Upgrade: Smoother Rides Coming in 2025
Alta Ski Area announces plans to straighten and upgrade the Supreme lift, eliminating the notorious 'bend' and improving the skiing experience for the 2025-26 season.
A Guide To Choosing The Right Thermal Base Layers For The Southern Winter Snow Season 2023
Master cold-weather comfort with expert guidance on thermal base layers for skiing in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Canada, Japan and beyond. From merino wool benefits to fit tips, learn how to stay warm and dry on the slopes with the right foundation layers.
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More from the SnowStash desk
Spain Moves to Ban Smoking at Ski Resorts Under New Tobacco Law
Spain's government has approved a draft tobacco law that would ban smoking across a wide range of outdoor spaces, including sports venues - a category Spanish winter sports media expect to cover ski resorts, potentially extending to slopes and lifts themselves. The rules would also apply to e-cigarettes and vaping devices, even nicotine-free ones. The bill still has to clear the Spanish parliament before any ban, signage, or fines can take effect.
South Tyrol Approves New 16-Person Ciampinoi Gondola in Val Gardena
South Tyrol has approved a full rebuild of the Ciampinoi cable car in Selva di Val Gardena, replacing the current 12-person gondola with a 16-person cabin and a new mountain-station restaurant. Capacity is capped at 3,200 people an hour rather than the 3,600 the operator wanted, and 250,000 euros must go toward compensatory measures. No construction or opening date has been set, though the upgrade is partly aimed at clearing bottlenecks before the 2031 Alpine Ski World Championships.
Resort Spotlight: Hoshino Tomamu - Corporate Japan's Mountain Playground Revisited
Hoshino Tomamu is the ski resort equivalent of a conference hotel that happens to have excellent powder. Built for corporate retreats and package tourists, it offers genuine Hokkaido snow on surprisingly limited terrain - 29 runs spread across 585 vertical metres.
La Thuile's New Cable Car Replaces Two Ageing Chairlifts
La Thuile is spending 38.7 million US dollars on a new 10-person cable car linking Les Suches to Chaz Dura, replacing the La Combe and Chaz Dura chairlifts after nearly forty years of service. Built by Leitner, the new cable car runs 1,950 metres to a top station at 2,576 metres, carrying up to 3,000 people an hour with a six-minute ride. It also improves the connection to La Rosiere in France via the Petit-Saint-Bernard Pass, and is on track to open for the 2026/27 season.
The Remarkables Adds Scarpa Bowl to Its Inbounds Terrain
The Remarkables is adding new inbounds terrain for winter, bringing the Scarpa Bowl - known locally as the Toilet Bowl - into its lift-accessed network after years as backcountry-only ground. The roughly 500 metre run is reached by bootpacking from the top of the Sugar Bowl chairlift, with a shuttle picking skiers up from the road at the bottom. It's a smaller, faster addition than the resort's planned Doolans expansion, though the new terrain hasn't opened yet due to a lack of snow this season.
Ski Portillo Cut Off After Storm Dumps More Than 4.5 Metres of Snow
Ski Portillo remains isolated after an extended storm buried the Chilean resort under more than 4.5 metres of snow, with both ground and air access suspended since Tuesday while crews monitor avalanche hazards and worsening weather. Resort officials say further snowfall is expected in the coming days and haven't set a timeline for reopening the mountain road. Once access resumes, the scale of the snowpack could set up a strong season at one of the Southern Hemisphere's most historic ski resorts.
Resort Spotlight: Lotte Arai - Japan's Corporate Ski Anomaly With 22 Metres of Annual Snowfall
Lotte Arai receives 22 metres of annual snowfall - exceptional even by Japanese standards - but its corporate ownership model and limited terrain create an unusual cost-benefit equation. Here's what the numbers actually mean on the ground.
Resort Spotlight: Banff Sunshine Village - Nine Metres of Snow and a Season That Runs Until May
Banff Sunshine Village sits at 1,660m base and receives 9.27m of snow annually. Inside Banff National Park, it offers a six-month season and terrain split that skews heavily advanced - though the crowds and lift infrastructure tell their own story.