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Vail Resorts has announced a 50% per-day credit for pass holders and lift ticket guests who skied or snowboarded at Park City Mountain between December 27, 2024, and January 8, 2025, during the highly publicized ski patrol strike. While the move is an attempt to mend relations with frustrated guests, many believe it’s too little, too late—a last-ditch effort after losing the PR battle surrounding one of the most turbulent holiday seasons in Park City history.
A Guest Experience Gone Wrong
For nearly two weeks, guests at Park City Mountain faced limited terrain, delayed openings, and reduced safety patrols as the resort struggled to maintain operations without its full ski patrol team. Social media was flooded with complaints, and many longtime pass holders called the experience “disorganized” and “unsafe.”
Now, in an attempt to rebuild trust, Park City Mountain Chief Operating Officer Deirdra Walsh has issued a statement acknowledging the situation:
“We deeply value the trust and loyalty of our guests, and while Park City Mountain was open during the patrol strike, it was not the experience we wanted to provide. We have heard our guests’ feedback and are providing credits to those who skied and snowboarded at Park City Mountain during that time.”
The offer applies to all Pass Holders and lift ticket guests, with credits based on the number of days skied and the type of pass purchased. A minimum credit of 25% of the total 2024/25 pass price will be provided, with details set to arrive in March via email.
Vail’s PR Nightmare: Damage Control Mode
While Vail Resorts’ credit offer is meant to smooth things over, the bigger question is: will it be enough? Many guests aren’t just frustrated with their holiday experience—they feel Vail Resorts ignored their concerns until the backlash became too big to ignore.
Local skiers and long-time pass holders have accused Vail of prioritizing profits over guest experience, letting Park City Mountain operate at subpar conditions during the strike.
The ski patrol strike became a national story, with headlines painting Vail as out of touch with its workforce and guests caught in the crossfire.
Social media criticism was relentless, with some skiers vowing not to renew their passes and others demanding full refunds instead of future credits.
Vail Resorts Has Officially Pissed Off Wall Street
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“Too Little, Too Late?”
While offering a credit is better than nothing, critics argue that Vail Resorts should have acted sooner, either by resolving the patrol strike before peak season or offering guest compensation immediately after it ended.
Instead, the announcement comes weeks after the damage was done, leaving many wondering whether Vail truly values its pass holders or if this is just an attempt at PR damage control.
With rival resorts like Deer Valley and Snowbird capitalizing on Park City’s misfortune, Vail Resorts now faces an uphill battle to regain guest trust—and ensure that next season’s passes are still worth the price.
Will You Accept the Offer?
For those who endured the strike period, the 50% per-day credit could be an incentive to return next season. But for many, the real question isn’t about money—it’s about trust.
SkiTheWorld has head from long time Park City residents who are looking to relocate to a new ski town, one not owned by Vail or part of the Epic program.
Did Vail Resorts wait too long to make things right? Or is this enough to bring frustrated skiers back to Park City Mountain?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
