Vail Resorts Hit New Highs in Fiscal 2016

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03 October 2016

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SAM Magazine—Broomfield, Colo., Oct. 3, 2016—Vail Resorts, Inc. has reported net income of $149.8 million for fiscal 2016, an increase of 30.5 percent compared to fiscal 2015, and EBITDA of $452.6 vail resorts logo emailsize million, an increase of 29.5 percent. VR expects an even better year in fiscal 2017, as its guidance range is for EBITDA of $480 million and $510 million, excluding results from Whistler Blackcomb. VR revealed its purchase of WB in August.

One reason for optimism in 2017: Season pass sales through Sept. 18, 2016, for the upcoming season increased approximately 24 percent in units and 29 percent in sales dollars versus the comparable period in the prior year.

“Our growth continues to be driven by our increasingly sophisticated and targeted marketing efforts to move destination guests into our season pass products,” said Rob Katz, chief executive officer, adding that this accounts for “over half” of the increase for 2016-17.

But back to fiscal 2016. "We achieved another year of record-breaking results with significant growth across our business,” said Katz. “Our results were driven by the strength of our network and excellent results across all of our resort locations.” Season's pass revenue increased 21.5 percent compared to the prior year, as the Tahoe region rebounded from a drought year and both Colorado and Park City had strong seasons.

For fiscal 2016, total mountain division net revenue increased 18.2 percent, to $1.3 billion. And total visits were nearly 10 million—an 18.5 percent increase. Effective ticket price increased only 3.5 percent, though, as higher ticket prices were partially offset by higher visitation per pass. Ski school, dining, and retail/rental revenue rose, by 13.5 percent, 19.8 percent, and 10 percent, respectively.

Summer also showed growth. “We officially launched Epic Discovery at Vail and Heavenly this summer, driving significant increases in visitation and revenue in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016 compared to the prior year,” Katz said. “Our summer business will continue to grow as we further build out activities at Vail and Heavenly and officially launch Epic Discovery at Breckenridge next summer.”