Vail Resorts, Alterra Sued for Being Too Expensive, Inflating Cost of Epic and Ikon Passes
Vail Resorts and Alterra are facing a class-action lawsuit alleging inflated prices and anti-competitive practices related to their Epic and Ikon passes.Summary
Vail Resorts and Alterra Mountain Company are being sued by four skiers and snowboarders who claim the companies have unlawfully inflated prices and suppressed competition through their multi-mountain season passes, the Epic Pass and Ikon Pass. The lawsuit argues that these practices have led to increased costs for skiers and snowboarders, with pass prices rising significantly over the years – the Epic Pass increasing from $579 in 2008 to $1,089 currently, and the Ikon Pass from $899 in 2018 to $1,399.
Vail Resorts defends its pricing, stating the Epic Pass was introduced to make skiing more accessible and has reduced the cost of season passes. They also highlight the availability of lower-priced pass options. However, the plaintiffs contend that the lack of competition has resulted in consumers paying excessively high prices for lift tickets and passes.
The lawsuit seeks to recover damages for overpayment and restore competition to the ski industry, while also pointing to the historical context of lift ticket prices, which were significantly lower when Vail and Steamboat first opened in 1963. The case comes as many Colorado ski areas are facing early closures due to a lack of snow and warm temperatures.
(Source：Westword)