parks
Tech titan says safety may be best reason for Vail Resorts to start selling off its ski areas
By David O. Williams Follow
dwilliams@vaildaily.com at Glenwood Springs Post Independent
· July 13, 2026
· 10 min read
Tech billionaire Matthew Prince grew up in Park City, Utah, and has garnered plenty of headlines recently for his aggressive media campaign to buy the ski area from Vail Resorts, but last season marked the first time since he was two years old that he did not ski his home hill.
Not because of ...
Key takeaway “This last year is the first year since I was two years old that I didn’t ski a single day at Park City,” Prince said.
Why this matters in Aspen News
Aspen residents are likely watching the debate over Vail Resorts' investment in its ski areas with interest, given the potential implications for local ski resorts. While Prince's comments are specifically about Park City, the concerns he raises about infrastructure and safety are relevant to ski resorts everywhere, including those in the Roaring Fork Valley. The fact that Prince is pointing to Deer Valley, a neighboring resort, as a model for investment in snowmaking and lift infrastructure, suggests that there are viable alternatives to Vail Resorts' approach. For Aspen, which relies heavily on its ski industry, the question of whether Vail Resorts will prioritize investment in its ski areas is crucial, particularly given the unique challenges posed by mountain weather hazards such as heavy snow and avalanche risk. If Prince's concerns about safety are valid, it could have significant consequences for the local economy and public safety.
About this story
Original reporting by Glenwood Springs Post Independent . Aspen News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: parks ·
Published: July 13, 2026 ·
Source: Glenwood Springs Post Independent ·
Reading time: 10 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Tech billionaire Matthew Prince grew up in Park City, Utah, and has garnered plenty of headlines recently for his aggressive media campaign to buy the ski area from Vail Resorts, but last season marked the first time since he was two years old that he did not ski his home hill.
Not because of ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 13, 2026 by Glenwood Springs Post Independent and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by David O. Williams Follow
dwilliams@vaildaily.com at Glenwood Springs Post Independent. To learn more about how Aspen News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from Aspen News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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