The latest ski destination to be linked heavily with Vail Resorts is Flims Laax in Switzerland.
After their acquisitions of Crans Montana and Andermatt Sedrun, it’s believed the company is keen to add further resorts to their portfolio of 42 ski areas across the world.
Is Flims Laax next on the list for Vail Resorts?
However, the latest rumour is that the company is in talks to acquire the Flims Laax ski area in the Graubunden region of Switzerland.
The current owners are Weisse Arena Gruppe, a family business that was started by the father of current chairman, Reto Gurtner.
“Vail Resorts intend to buy another 5-6 resorts in Switzerland”
The original source of this rumour appears to be Pierre Besson, head of the Magic Mountains Cooperation, which sells the Magic Pass – a collective lift ticket that covers 80 different ski resorts, mainly in Switzerland.
We shared his view last week that Vail Resorts have plenty more acquisitions lined up.
Listen to Iain’s interview for The Ski Podcast with Mike Goar, CEO of Vail Resorts Europe:
CEO still to be replaced
The Swiss publication Blick subsequently followed this up with a detailed look at the possibility that Flims Laax could be next.
They noted that five members of the management had left since December, including the CEO, with no successor yet appointed.
“Verbier is not being bought by Vail Resorts!”
Earlier this year, it was strongly rumoured that Vail Resorts were in the early stages of negotiation to add Verbier to their portfolio.
This was categorically denied by Laurent Vauchet, CEO of Televerbier, in an interview with The Ski Podcast in March 2024.
No comment
Neither Vail Resorts nor Weisse Arena Gruppe have commented on the possible acquisition.