Look, it sounds like the price of skiing has increased a lot and the market is not that competitive. (The relevant market from an antitrust perspective isn’t “ski resorts” though - “winter recreation” or “general outdoor recreation” are much more plausible.)
To blame Vail Resorts for high housing costs is just stupid. Any ski town in Colorado could make it easier to build housing. They don’t. Nor do the non-ski-towns along the I-70 corridor. They all make it extremely difficult. Assign blame where it is actually due. Vail Resorts may be loathsome for a lot of reasons but don’t blame them for housing costs.
Any discussion of the ski market that doesn't discuss climate change is missing out on major factors.
Why are no new resorts built to meet rising demand? Because any new resort is likely to be unskiable before it pays itself off. (Esp given all the best locations are already taken).
Why are mulit-resort ski passes of more interest now? Because it reduces the risk of buying a pass for a resort that has a crap snow year. (Also other factors like cheaper travel, ofc)
To blame Vail Resorts for high housing costs is just stupid. Any ski town in Colorado could make it easier to build housing. They don’t. Nor do the non-ski-towns along the I-70 corridor. They all make it extremely difficult. Assign blame where it is actually due. Vail Resorts may be loathsome for a lot of reasons but don’t blame them for housing costs.