New Hampshire probes ski resort's ‘blended sales tax’

(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."

In a statement, a Vail Resorts spokesperson said the company "does not charge tax on New Hampshire goods or services, including on lift tickets that provide access to New Hampshire resorts."

"The Epic Pass and Northeast Value Pass include access to resorts outside of New Hampshire, so those pass products do include the sales and admission taxes that we are legally required to charge for those resorts," the statement said. "It’s important to note that our passes are priced very competitively, even including the allocated sales tax, and provide more choice than other season passes with access to only New Hampshire resorts."

“We value our relationship with our New Hampshire guests and community and are in contact with the Governor and Attorney General’s offices," the company spokesperson said.