Lawsuits target resorts over shortened ski season
Apr 24, 2020, 10:52 AM
(PHOTO: Credit Park City Mountain Resort)
(PHOTO: Credit Park City Mountain Resort)
PARK CITY, Utah — The coronavirus pandemic is having a few unintended consequences, which in Utah, includes a shortened ski-season. Now many of the big ski resorts are facing lawsuits after they decided to shut down lifts early in a practice of caution.
Ski lawsuits, money-back guarantee?
Now, many of those who purchased expensive season-passes are looking for some compensation for lost time on the slopes.
According to the Park Record, a class-action lawsuit is being filed against some ski giants, including Vail Resorts and Alterra Mountain Company.
The various lawsuits are similar to one another and claim false advertising, fraud and negligent misrepresentation, among other counts.
The plaintiff in the lawsuit against Vail is Brian Hunt, a Tahoe Local pass holder for the season. The lawsuit claims he was promised mountain access from October to June, as long as snow continued to be on the mountain. It states that was broken when Vail closed shop in March.
One representing many
According to the lawsuit, the class action is on behalf of all Epic Pass holders for the 2019-20 ski season. That is including those with unused days on the Epic Day Pass. Hunt is also looking to represent those who purchased passes specifically in California, as some claims reference California law. He’s seeking compensatory and punitive damages to be determined by the court or jury, among other judgments.
Vail Resorts Chief Marketing Officer Kirsten Lynch sent an email to pass holders on March 25 that read, in part: “We intend to reach back out to you with more information by the end of April.”
Robert Stephen Kramer is the plaintiff in the lawsuit against Alterra Mountain Company. He is also a California resident but does not list a California subclass. The suit alleges that Ikon pass holders, which is a season pass, did not receive the benefits that they paid for when the resorts closed in mid-March.
How To Prevent the Spread of COVID-19Coronavirus
COVID-19 coronaviruses transmitted from person to person. It is a virus that is similar to the common cold and the flu. So, to prevent it from spreading:
- Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds.
- Don’t touch your face.
- Keep children and those with compromised immune systems away from someone who is coughing or sneezing (in this instance, at least six feet)
- If there is an outbreak near you, practice social distancing (stay at home, instead of going to the movies, sports events, or other activities.)
- Get a flu shot.
Local resources
Utah’s Coronavirus Information
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Utah Coronavirus Information Line – 1-800-456-7707
National Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Commonly asked questions, World Health Organization
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