In a move that underscores its commitment to customer satisfaction, Vail Resorts has announced credits for passholders affected by the ski patrollers’ strike at Park City Mountain. The strike, which spanned from December 27 to January 8, significantly disrupted the operations at the largest ski resort in the United States. The credits aim to address grievances voiced by skiers and snowboarders who endured subpar experiences during that period.
Acknowledging Guest Frustrations
Deirdra Walsh, the chief operating officer of Park City Mountain, expressed the company’s recognition of its guests’ disappointment. “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,” Walsh stated. She emphasized that the credits are a response to guest feedback and a gesture of goodwill toward affected passholders.
While the mountain remained operational throughout the strike, the experience was far from ideal. Limited snowfall coupled with a reduced number of ski patrollers led to closures of large portions of the resort. Guests reported long lift lines, restricted terrain access, and an overall decline in the quality of their visits. Social media became a sounding board for frustration, with many voicing their dissatisfaction online.
Details of the Compensation
To address these concerns, Vail Resorts is offering credits to customers who skied or snowboarded at Park City Mountain during the strike. The credits are calculated at 50% of the daily pass value for each day a passholder used the resort between December 27 and January 8. These credits can be applied toward the purchase of a 2025-2026 season pass of equal or greater value than the pass purchased for the current season.
Furthermore, all credits are guaranteed to be worth at least 25% of the cost of a 2024-2025 Park City Mountain or Epic Pass, ensuring that even passholders with fewer days on the mountain during the strike receive meaningful compensation.
However, refunds will not be provided, a decision that reflects Vail Resorts’ focus on incentivizing continued patronage rather than immediate reimbursement.
A Commitment to Improvement
In a letter addressed to passholders, Walsh reinforced the company’s dedication to enhancing the guest experience. “Our hope is that these customized credits demonstrate our commitment to you as a valued passholder,” she wrote. Walsh also expressed confidence in the resort team’s dedication to providing exceptional experiences moving forward.
The strike itself concluded with a new labor agreement between Vail Resorts and the Park City Ski Patrol Association. While details of the agreement have not been widely publicized, its resolution marked the end of a tumultuous period for the resort.
Looking Ahead
The credits offered by Vail Resorts signify more than just financial compensation—they reflect a commitment to rebuilding trust with their loyal guests. By taking accountability and addressing customer concerns, the company aims to strengthen its relationship with passholders and ensure that future seasons deliver the quality experiences for which Park City Mountain is renowned.
As winter sports enthusiasts look forward to upcoming seasons, this gesture by Vail Resorts may serve as a reassuring reminder that their voices are heard and valued. With promises of improvement and a commitment to their community, Park City Mountain is poised to regain its reputation as a premier destination for skiers and snowboarders alike.
