Vail Resorts CEO Kirsten Lynch said Jan.16 the company is pleased to have reached an agreement with the Park City Professional Ski Patrol Association, ending the nearly two-week strike over increased wages and benefits.
The strike left Park City Mountain with reduced staff and limited open terrain. Guests made national news complaining about long lines and concerns about on-mountain safety.
“We deeply regret the disruptions caused to our guests during the patrol union strike and are committed to delivering an exceptional and safe experience for our guests, and rebuilding their trust and loyalty,” Lynch said.
Park City Mountain said it’s offering financial credits to skiers and riders on the mountain during the strike. The move comes on the heels of a class-action lawsuit filed in Utah’s U.S. District Court Jan. 9.
Vail Resorts also reported on its performance Thursday providing a glimpse at the company’s financials from the start of the ski season through Jan. 5.
Vail said skier visits are down 0.3% year-over-year at its 37 North American resorts, including Park City Mountain, Breckenridge and Whistler Blackcomb.
However, lift ticket revenue was up 4.5% year-over-year. Lynch said that reflects the stability of the Epic Pass model, which requires skiers and riders to commit financially before each winter.
"Early season conditions enabled a strong terrain offering and guest experience, which drove improved local visitation relative to the prior year," Lynch said. "Through the holiday period, destination guest visitation at our western North American destination mountain resorts was below prior year levels, which we believe was driven by a continued shift in visitation patterns across the ski industry to later in the ski season that increased after challenging early season conditions in the prior year."
Dining revenue at Vail’s properties was also up. Its restaurants saw a 6.6% bump over last season.
Vail Resorts’ stock (MTN) has declined more than 5% over the past month.
However, Lynch said the company is pleased with its season-to-date performance.
