Vail Resorts' Ski Pass Sales Tumble, Signaling Another Tough Winter Ahead

Signs are pointing to another tough winter ahead for Vail Resorts.

The company sold 12% fewer passes through Sept. 18 for the coming North American ski season, compared with the same period last year. Days sold and pass revenues, which include sales and admissions taxes, also decreased from a year earlier.

For the full year, Vail's resort-reported revenue decreased $131.9 million, or 4.5%, which it attributes primarily to the record-low snowfall out West. Its full-fiscal-year profit, which it reported after Monday's market close, was nearly halved compared with the prior year.