Vail Resorts making strides in Diversity and Inclusion efforts

The Quicksilver Gondola at Park City Mountain. Photo: Mollie Moran

BROOMFIELD, Colo. — This week, Vail Resorts released a statement summarizing the company’s efforts in creating a more equitable, diverse ski industry since the conversation was initiated last summer in a letter from CEO Rob Katz. Since June, the company has been busy building a foundation for change within Vail Resorts, from adding “be inclusive” to the company’s core values to launching a new leadership development program titled “Leading Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.”

In the statement, the company said, “Both Vail Resorts and the broader ski industry have incredibly low representation from people of color. Clearly, there are elements of ski and snowboard culture that are not inviting to newcomers and we have not done enough to solve for that.”

Vail also hosted a conversation between Katz and Park City Community Foundation Community Impact Director Diego Zegarra (link to video below).

Zegarra, a Parkite, hails from Peru originally and was once a liftie for Park City Mountain. In the video coversation, Zegarra highlighted his experience working in the ski industry. The two talk about definitions of “diversity and inclusion,” the difference between “equality and equity,” and the importance of shared language.

The company committed to efforts such as these as part of its commitment to take “steps toward a more inclusive company and sport.”

Vail said in its statement that it has a long way to go, but is steadfast in its commitment to creating lasting change.

“We know we’ll be a stronger company and better industry with more diverse viewpoints, and the sport will be more resilient with broader engagement,” the statement said.