Ikon Pass Holders Entitled To $17.5 Million In Refunds For 2020 COVID Closures
Alterra Mountain Co.'s $17.5 million settlement of class allegations by skiers who bought “unlimited access” passes but were unable to ski after the slopes closed due to the Covid-19 outbreak has been given final court approval.
Alterra agreed to a class action lawsuit settlement to resolve claims it failed to issue refunds for yearly passes after resorts closed because of COVID-19.
The settlement benefits American consumers who purchased or received as a gift an Ikon Pass resort pass for the 2019/2020 season and who used their pass on one or more days before March 15, 2020.
According to a class action lawsuit against Alterra, the resort operator failed to refund customers for “unlimited” season passes when resorts closed due to the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020. T
Although no one could predict the COVID-19 outbreak, the class action lawsuit argued that Ikon Pass still had a responsibility to issue refunds to customers who did not get the full benefit of their season pass purchases.
In a statment Alterra said:
“In response to the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, Alterra Mountain Company, together with local, state, and federal authorities, made the difficult decision to shut down our operations to protect the health and safety of our guests, our employees, and the local communities that support our resorts. Several class action lawsuits were subsequently filed alleging the closure prevented Ikon Pass holders from accessing our ski facilities. Although we fully stand by the decision to pause operations in the face of unprecedented and unknown health and safety risks, we wanted to move beyond March 2020 and have agreed to a settlement resolution for our valued pass holders who were impacted. You may visit skipasssettlement.com for more information.”
Simon Franzini of lawyers Dovel & Luner said of the settlement:
"Over 2 and a half years ago, we filed a lawsuit against Alterra Mountain Company on behalf of a class of skiers who bought 2019/2020 Ikon season ski passes. Alterra was forced to cut the ski season short because of the pandemic, but--unlike its main competitor Vail Resorts--refused to give passholders even partial refunds for their unused season passes.
"After years of litigation, the case settled. Last week, the judge gave final approval to the settlement, which delivers significant relief--$10 to $150 per class member, for a total of about $20 million in value--to the class. The order is attached.
"“It feels good to get a real, meaningful recovery for class members,” said Simon Franzini. “And I am especially happy with this settlement because the funds are deposited automatically in passholder accounts--meaning that all class members will benefit, even without filing a claim.”"
The order is here
