Vail Resorts, Inc. (MTN, Financial), a global operator of ski resorts, increased because of stronger-than-expected season pass sales for the upcoming ski season. Vail’s recent acquisition of Perisher, an Australian ski resort, contributed to this growth. We are optimistic about the longer-term opportunity to market directly to Australians, already one of Vail’s largest international customer bases. We believe that the Perisher acquisition combined with this year’s expansion of the Park City resort (which will connect the Canyons and Park City resorts) should allow Vail to continue increasing its lift ticket prices, leading to improved margins. We are also optimistic about the revenue opportunity associated with the summer activities to be introduced at Vail’s three most popular ski resort destinations.
From Baron Funds' second quarter commentary.
