Product details

The case is positioned in the protagonist of Kirsten Lynch, CEO of Vail Resorts Inc (Vail Resorts) as she faces into her first full year at the helm. The major decision presented is whether to expand further externally and buy the Swiss resort of Andermatt-Sedrun. In the past 20 years, the ski resort industry has been disrupted by Vail Resorts, who have taken an aggressive approach to acquiring new ski mountains. Vail Resorts has instigated a major paradigm shift in how the ski resort industry operate and the changed the nature competition. The case gives students background and economic drivers of the ski resort industry. The case also describes the histories of both Vail Resorts, Inc and Alterra resorts which creates the juxtaposition of the two resort chains who are steadily becoming the main protagonists in the north American ski resort industry. Students can understand how each resort branded itself and the differing growth strategies of each - while also being able to critically analyze some of the strategic missteps by both firms. The case gives a holistic overview into the different season pass offerings and the creation of mega passes, which has dramatically changed the industry landscape (this business model innovation is a central component of how both firms have crafted a competitive advantage). The case then outlines different macro-environmental challenges facing ski resort firms and the difficulty in navigating them ie, climate change, changing demographics, and technological advancements. It also gives a detailed overview of industry dynamics and how Vail Resorts has manipulated these forces.