Epic By Nature

Vail Resorts
  • 4.5 (95)
  • BUSINESS

There are so many heroes in the story of Vail Resorts and in the ski industry as a whole. Those are the journeys that CEO Rob Katz explores on this podcast, while also tackling some tough questions, like crowding, labor, and accessibility. Joined by his Chief of Staff and the occasional guest, Rob dives into the values that guide our company, the decisions that shape our future, and the stories that inspire us to keep pushing forward.

  1. Raising the Bar on Mountain Dining

    12/17/2025

    Raising the Bar on Mountain Dining

    Food is more than just fuel when you’re skiing or riding—it’s a core part of the fun. But as trends and expectations change, so too must the dining experience—which is why Vail Resorts recently announced a series of strategic investments and upgrades to elevate mountain dining across our portfolio. In this episode, CEO Rob Katz talks with two of our leading innovators about how mountain dining is evolving—and how we’re evolving along with it, putting our money where our mouth is through immersive (and delicious) dining experiences.

    22 min
  2. Closing the Lift Ticket Gap: A Conversation with Industry Guru Stuart Winchester

    12/09/2025

    Closing the Lift Ticket Gap: A Conversation with Industry Guru Stuart Winchester

    In 2008, the Epic Pass revolutionized skiing and riding, delivering unmatched value for guests and long-term stability for the industry. But for those who cannot commit to skiing and riding ahead of the season, the rise of season passes left a gap—one that Vail Resorts is trying to bridge with a new lift ticket discount for skiers and riders who plan a month ahead. In this episode, CEO Rob Katz welcomes Stuart Winchester—host of the Storm Skiing Podcast—for a candid conversation about the state of the ski industry, the pros and cons of lift ticket pricing, and the creative thinking needed to keep the sport accessible.

    27 min
  3. Why Olympian Nick Goepper Isn’t Afraid to Ski in Jeans

    11/17/2025

    Why Olympian Nick Goepper Isn’t Afraid to Ski in Jeans

    Making skiing and riding more accessible is an imperative for Vail Resorts—and a topic we’ll explore on Epic By Nature from multiple angles. In this first conversation, Rob Katz sits down with three-time Olympic medalist Nick Goepper to tackle one of the more subtle barriers in the sport: the judgments and stereotypes around what people wear on the mountain. From competing in jeans to his Midwest roots, Nick shares how embracing authenticity can help make skiing and riding more welcoming.

    24 min
  4. The state of our business and the need to reimagine (again)

    10/08/2025

    The state of our business and the need to reimagine (again)

    In the second episode of Epic By Nature, Rob Katz takes a hard look at Vail Resorts as it stands today, exploring the challenges, opportunities, and innovations shaping the company. From evolving the Epic Pass to reshaping the guest experience, he reflects on the difficulty of taking stock of what’s already been imagined in order to reimagine it again.

    18 min
  5. Epic By Nature is back and so am I, why?

    10/08/2025

    Epic By Nature is back and so am I, why?

    Rob Katz returns as CEO of Vail Resorts and revives Epic By Nature, sharing why he came back and what it means to lead the company today. In conversation with his chief of staff, Sara Schwandt, Rob reflects on the challenges, opportunities, and the people who make the mountain experience possible, kicking off a season of stories about leadership, culture, and the journeys that define Vail Resorts.

    12 min
  6. Navigating Leadership Terrain

    10/01/2021

    Navigating Leadership Terrain

    This episode of Epic By Nature share the story of leadership within our company, and is Rob Katz’s final appearance as our narrator. The leaders featured in this episode are the epitome of our talent philosophy at work. Their paths have been anything but linear, they have faced disappointment and setbacks, been given tough feedback and told no. But throughout the years they have embraced each chapter, been guided by their leaders and mentors, and leveraged the development programming and stretch opportunities offered at our company – and thrived.

    58 min
  7. A Conversation on Inclusion: Henri Rivers, the National Brotherhood of Skiers

    02/24/2021

    A Conversation on Inclusion: Henri Rivers, the National Brotherhood of Skiers

    For the first time, we have invited someone who is not an employee of our company to join us in a conversation. Henri Rivers, is the President of the National Brotherhood of skiers and a frequent guest at our resorts. This mini-episode features Henri and President of the Mountain Division, Pat Campbell, discussing the history and mission of the National Brotherhood of Skiers and the partnership required between our two organizations.

    25 min
  8. We Are Part Of The Problem

    02/04/2021

    We Are Part Of The Problem

    This episode of Epic By Nature explores the journey of several members of our company who are Black, Indigenous or other People of Color. Their stories are all unique, their journeys very much their own... What was their path to our company? What were some of the challenges and barriers they faced? How have they overcome them and what do they think needs to change as we continue on our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion journey?

    1 hr
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4.5
out of 5
95 Ratings

About

There are so many heroes in the story of Vail Resorts and in the ski industry as a whole. Those are the journeys that CEO Rob Katz explores on this podcast, while also tackling some tough questions, like crowding, labor, and accessibility. Joined by his Chief of Staff and the occasional guest, Rob dives into the values that guide our company, the decisions that shape our future, and the stories that inspire us to keep pushing forward.

Information

  • Creator
    Vail Resorts
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2025
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Epic By Nature

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