“Perfect fit for Vail”: Prince slams appointment of Las Vegas resort CEO to Vail Resorts board

MGM Resorts International chief Bill Hornbuckle. Photo: Courtesy of Vail Corporation

Responding on X to news of Hornbuckle's appointment, Park City billionaire Matthew Prince wrote: "No one better at finding ways to be tacky and extract your money without any real benefit. Perfect fit for Vail."

PARK CITY, Utah — Vail Resorts has appointed longtime hospitality executive Bill Hornbuckle to its board of directors, a move the company says will strengthen its leadership as it looks to its next phase of growth.

The announcement prompted another public rebuke from Park City billionaire Matthew Prince, who continues to press Vail to sell him Park City Mountain.

Hornbuckle, who serves as CEO and president of MGM Resorts International, joined Vail’s board, the company announced July 30. In announcing the appointment, Vail cited his decades of leadership in hospitality, entertainment, and resort operations, saying his experience will help guide the company as it continues investing in its mountain resorts and guest experience.

“Bill is an accomplished hospitality leader with deep experience operating world-class resorts, building guest loyalty and elevating service,” Vail Resorts CEO Rob Katz said in a news release.

The appointment quickly drew criticism from Prince, the Park City resident, Cloudflare co-founder, and owner of the Park Record, who has spent months publicly urging Vail to sell Park City Mountain Resort to him.

Responding on X to news of Hornbuckle’s appointment, Prince wrote: “No one better at finding ways to be tacky and extract your money without any real benefit. Perfect fit for Vail.”

No one better at finding ways to be tacky and extract your money without any real benefit. Perfect fit for Vail. https://t.co/Vimx69qrsg

— Matthew Prince 🌥 (@eastdakota) August 1, 2026

Prince’s latest comments continue an increasingly public campaign against Vail Resorts’ leadership and business model.

Earlier this year, he publicly offered to purchase Park City Mountain for $500 million, arguing that local ownership would allow more investment in employees, infrastructure and the guest experience.

Vail has repeatedly rejected the proposal. Company executives have said Park City Mountain remains a core asset within its portfolio and is not for sale.

While the board appointment does not directly affect ownership of Park City Mountain, it comes as scrutiny of Vail’s leadership remains high among some investors and members of the Park City community, where Prince has continued to use social media and public statements to advocate for a sale.