Introduction

In a significant move that could impact thousands, Christopher Bisaillon, a primary plaintiff from Illinois, has filed a class action lawsuit against Vail Resorts on behalf of all those who purchased Park City Mountain lift tickets between December 27 and January 8, coinciding with a disruptive ski patrol strike.

Claims of Poor Experience

Bisaillon claims that the ski experience fell drastically short of expectations, emphasizing that many families often invest between $10,000 and $20,000 for a full ski trip to Park City. Notably, he reported spending $15,000 for his family's ski vacation, only to ski fewer than ten runs over the week-long holiday.

Lack of Communication

He asserts that he was unaware of the ongoing strike until after he arrived at the resort, despite the fact that the labor dispute had begun a day earlier. The lawsuit highlights that during the 13-day strike, less than 20% of the mountain was operational, leading to unbearably long lift lines—some lasting up to three hours.

Misleading Wait Times

Frustratingly for guests, the ski lift wait times advertised on Park City Mountain’s digital trail maps were often misleading, with advertised 30-minute waits turning into hour-long lines upon arrival.

Plaintiffs’ Arguments

Bisaillon’s suit argues that Vail Resorts failed to adequately inform guests about the potential impacts of the strike, despite warning signs emerging weeks in advance. The Park City Professional Ski Patrol Association initiated federal unfair labor practice charges against Vail Resorts starting December 16, signaling the growing tension over contract negotiations that have been ongoing since April 2024.

Strike Impact

The strike came after 204 unionized ski patrollers and mountain safety staff authorized a walkout on December 14, drastically reducing the number of safety personnel on the slopes. Despite bringing in around 30 replacement patrollers from other resorts, operations were severely hampered during the peak holiday season.

Social Media Reactions

Reports of skier frustrations flooded social media, as well as firsthand accounts from guests witnessing long lines and significant operational disruptions. Local lodging businesses noted a sharp increase in cancellations and early departures from guests unhappy with the on-mountain conditions.

Safety Concerns

In a concerning trend, there were even reports of skiers disregarding safety measures by ducking ropes to access closed runs, sparking fears about safety on the mountain during this chaotic period.

Initial Acknowledgment and Apology

Resort officials initially acknowledged the impact of the strike through sporadic posts on X (formerly Twitter), although many of these were quickly removed amidst growing scrutiny. After the strike concluded, Vail Resorts Mountain Division President Bill Rock publicly apologized to affected guests.

Plaintiffs’ Demands

The plaintiffs are seeking over $5 million in damages, represented by a coalition of law firms from Illinois and Wyoming.

Conclusion

With this suit poised to unfold, it raises questions about the responsibilities of ski resorts to communicate with guests and maintain safety standards, especially during critical holiday periods. As skiers await updates, many are left wondering if Vail Resorts will face accountability for the chaos that unfolded on the slopes.