Vail Resorts to Expand in Europe with New Switzerland Acquistion
by Briana Bonfiglio /Vail Resorts, which operates dozens of ski resorts in North America, is expanding its European presence with the acquisition of another resort in Switzerland.
The company has announced that it will take ownership of the Crans-Montana Mountain Resort in Switzerland from CPI Property Group (CPIPG) during the 2023-24 winter season. Vail Resorts owns one other Switzerland ski resort about two and a half hours away in Andermatt-Sedrun.
“CPIPG is proud to have contributed significantly to the positive development of Crans-Montana over the past 10 years,” said David Greenbaum, CEO of CPIPG. “Vail Resorts is a talented ski resort operator, and we are certain that Crans-Montana will thrive under their ownership.”
Crans-Montana Resort is a top ski destination in the in the Valais canton of Switzerland. It has held outdoor sports events such as the Ski World Cup, Mountain Bike World Cup, Omega European Masters, and other championships, as well as the Caprices Festival.
“Crans-Montana is an iconic ski destination in the heart of the Swiss Alps, with a unique heritage, incredible terrain, passionate team, and a community dedicated to the success of the region,” said Vail Resorts CEO Kirsten Lynch. “Our acquisition of the resort aligns to our growth strategy of expanding our resort network in Europe, creating even more value for our Pass Holders and guests around the world. Much like Andermatt-Sedrun, we believe Crans-Montana has a unique opportunity for future growth.”
The Crans-Montana area is a developed ski commune with luxury retail shops, restaurants, and other resorts and hotels, including the recently opened Six Senses lodge and spa.