Closing the Lift Ticket Gap: A Conversation with Industry Guru Stuart Winchester

09/12/2025 27 min
Closing the Lift Ticket Gap: A Conversation with Industry Guru Stuart Winchester

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Episode Synopsis

In 2008, the Epic Pass revolutionized skiing and riding, delivering unmatched value for guests and long-term stability for the industry. But for those who cannot commit to skiing and riding ahead of the season, the rise of season passes left a gap—one that Vail Resorts is trying to bridge with a new lift ticket discount for skiers and riders who plan a month ahead. In this episode, CEO Rob Katz welcomes Stuart Winchester—host of the Storm Skiing Podcast—for a candid conversation about the state of the ski industry, the pros and cons of lift ticket pricing, and the creative thinking needed to keep the sport accessible.