Vail Resorts analysts expect reduced visitation, higher spending at Colorado ski resorts during holiday week

Pete’s Express as seen from the lift exiting the station Monday on its first day of operation for the 2022-23 season. Improved staffing and plentiful natural snowfall contributed to a much earlier opening for the lift this season as compared to last season.
John LaConte/Vail Daily

Vail Mountain visitation during the upcoming holiday week could be quite the opposite of last season, if predictions hold true.

Part of the reason is something local parents won’t be surprised to hear — the fact that kids are still in school on the Thursday before the Sunday on which Christmas falls.

It’s a