Industry News
A critical deadline is fast approaching in the Vail Resorts ski instructor wage lawsuit. Eligible workers have until Wednesday, April 15, to opt in to Quint et al. v. Vail Resorts, Inc.—Civil Action No. 20-cv-03569. The case is currently before the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado, presided over by Judge Daniel D. Domenico.
- Related: 3 Employees File Lawsuit Against Vail Resorts Alleging Federal and State Labor Law Violations
What the Vail Resorts Ski Instructor Wage Lawsuit Alleges
The complaint alleges that Vail Resorts paid instructors only for scheduled shifts of 6.5 to 7.25 hours, even though supervisors knew they typically worked closer to nine. The unpaid time reportedly includes travel on company buses between parking lots and worksites, time spent putting on and removing required uniforms and equipment, mandatory training sessions, and other off-the-clock duties.
Additionally, the lawsuit claims instructors were not reimbursed for job-related expenses such as personal ski and snowboard equipment and work-related cell phone use. The lawsuit clearly states: “Vail Resorts has exploited plaintiffs and thousands of other seasonal employees in violation of federal and state labor laws for years, and these egregious practices continue to the present.” Plaintiffs estimate that total damages to all affected employees could exceed $100 million. SnowBrains reached out to Vail Resorts for comment, and Vail has nothing to share at this time.
Who Is Eligible to Join the Vail Resorts Instructor Wage Lawsuit
This case is proceeding as a collective action under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the federal law that sets minimum wage, overtime pay, and recordkeeping requirements for U.S. workers. Unlike a traditional class action, a collective action requires eligible workers to actively opt in by submitting a consent form. Workers must opt in by the April 15 deadline to be included in the case and qualify for any potential settlement or judgment. Eligible workers include anyone employed by Vail Resorts from December 2, 2017, through the current 2025–26 season. It is estimated that more than 24,000 current and former employees may be eligible for compensation.
Background: Years in the Making
The case has faced delays partly due to parallel legal proceedings in California. In 2022, a proposed $13.1 million settlement aimed at resolving related wage claims nationwide was negotiated but ultimately overturned on appeal. A federal appellate court found that the settlement may have significantly undervalued the scope of alleged unpaid wages and expenses, potentially leaving workers with only a fraction of what they could recover if the claims were fully litigated. The court also raised concerns about whether the agreement adequately accounted for differences in state labor laws. As a result, the settlement was vacated and the broader litigation allowed to continue.
Next Steps for Affected Employees
Instructors who believe they may be eligible should act now. Missing the April 15 deadline means losing the chance to participate in the lawsuit and potentially recover unpaid wages and expenses. After the deadline, the court will move forward with those who have opted in toward resolution.
For detailed information, including a downloadable PDF of the case and relevant forms, visit the Vail Resorts Instructor Wage Litigation website. According to the Vail Daily, nearly 2,000 ski and snowboard instructors have joined the law suit so far.
