(The Center Square) — New Hampshire officials are conducting an investigation into claims that Vail Resorts — the world’s largest operator of ski resorts — is illegally collecting a sales tax from its patrons in the state.
In March, the Colorado-based company implemented a “broad-based tax” on all Epic Pass products, including Epic Day Passes at its New Hampshire resorts, including Wildcat Mountain, Attitash and Mount Sunapee, which operates on land leased by the state. The new 3.2% charge is listed as “Sales and Other Taxes” for customers when they buy seasonal tickets, officials said.
While the state allows local rooms and meals taxes, New Hampshire doesn’t have a statewide sales tax.
Gov. Kelly Ayotte announced on Monday that the Attorney General’s office is investigating whether the company is in violation of state laws for charging the “sales tax.”
“New Hampshire is proud to have no sales tax, and we’re not going to let an out-of-state company try to sneak one in,” Ayotte said. “The attorney general will thoroughly investigate Vail Resorts’ attempt to charge a sales tax on Granite State skiers. We’ll continue to ensure New Hampshire is America’s best place to ski — sales tax-free.”
Vail Resorts didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment about the investigation.
