Mary Bono, former wife of Sonny Bono who tragically died in a ski accident, has decided to stop skiing due to the physical dangers and overcrowding at major ski resorts. Bono believes skiing has become riskier over the years with the popularity of multi-resort passes and advanced equipment. She now prefers smaller, less crowded resorts like Purgatory in Colorado.
Experts agree that smaller resorts are gaining popularity among skiers seeking a more relaxed experience away from the crowds and traffic of mega-resorts served by the Epic Pass and Ikon Pass. Andy Daly, a former Vail Resorts CEO, notes that small resorts offer more terrain per skier and are preferred by older skiers who may feel threatened by younger, faster crowds.
The rise of multi-resort passes like Epic Pass and Ikon Pass has led to increased crowding, traffic, and parking issues at major ski resorts. Despite this, industry insiders believe that the pass model is here to stay due to its affordability and convenience for skiers.
While some locals in ski towns have voiced concerns about overcrowding, others see it as a positive for the ski industry. Ski towns like Vail and Park City are working to balance the needs of residents with the demands of tourists to ensure the sustainability of their communities.
Overall, the debate over ski resort crowding and pass affordability continues as skiers weigh the benefits of larger resorts with the appeal of smaller, more intimate ski areas. In a rapidly changing industry, the future of skiing remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the passion for skiing and snowboarding is stronger than ever.
