Epic By Nature

In 2008, the Epic Pass revolutionized skiing and riding, delivering unmatched value for guests and long-term stability for the industry. But for those who cannot commit to skiing and riding ahead of the season, the rise of season passes left a gap—one that Vail Resorts is trying to bridge with a new lift ticket discount for skiers and riders who plan a month ahead. In this episode, CEO Rob Katz welcomes Stuart Winchester—host of the Storm Skiing Podcast—for a candid conversation about the state of the ski industry, the pros and cons of lift ticket pricing, and the creative thinking needed to keep the sport accessible.

Making skiing and riding more accessible is an imperative for Vail Resorts—and a topic we’ll explore on Epic By Nature from multiple angles. In this first conversation, Rob Katz sits down with three-time Olympic medalist Nick Goepper to tackle one of the more subtle barriers in the sport: the judgments and stereotypes around what people wear on the mountain. From competing in jeans to his Midwest roots, Nick shares how embracing authenticity can help make skiing and riding more welcoming.

In the second episode of Epic By Nature, Rob Katz takes a hard look at Vail Resorts as it stands today, exploring the challenges, opportunities, and innovations shaping the company. From evolving the Epic Pass to reshaping the guest experience, he reflects on the difficulty of taking stock of what’s already been imagined in order to reimagine it again.

Rob Katz returns as CEO of Vail Resorts and revives Epic By Nature, sharing why he came back and what it means to lead the company today. In conversation with his chief of staff, Sara Schwandt, Rob reflects on the challenges, opportunities, and the people who make the mountain experience possible, kicking off a season of stories about leadership, culture, and the journeys that define Vail Resorts.

This episode of Epic By Nature share the story of leadership within our company, and is Rob Katz’s final appearance as our narrator.

The leaders featured in this episode are the epitome of our talent philosophy at work. Their paths have been anything but linear, they have faced disappointment and setbacks, been given tough feedback and told no. But throughout the years they have embraced each chapter, been guided by their leaders and mentors, and leveraged the development programming and stretch opportunities offered at our company – and thrived.

For the first time, we have invited someone who is not an employee of our company to join us in a conversation. Henri Rivers, is the President of the National Brotherhood of skiers and a frequent guest at our resorts. This mini-episode features Henri and President of the Mountain Division, Pat Campbell, discussing the history and mission of the National Brotherhood of Skiers and the partnership required between our two organizations.

This episode of Epic By Nature explores the journey of several members of our company who are Black, Indigenous or other People of Color. Their stories are all unique, their journeys very much their own... What was their path to our company? What were some of the challenges and barriers they faced? How have they overcome them and what do they think needs to change as we continue on our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion journey?

"No Playbook. Navigating Through COVID-19" explores in detail our company’s journey through the crisis that COVID-19 has presented. The first part "The Decision," documents our decision to close our resorts on March 14

"No Playbook. Navigating Through COVID-19" explores in detail our company’s journey through the crisis that COVID-19 has presented. The first part "The Decision," documents our decision to close our resorts on March 14

"No Playbook. Navigating Through COVID-19" explores in detail our company’s journey through the crisis that COVID-19 has presented. The second part "The Impact," explores the impact of the decision on employees and our company.