Analysts view the deal as a harbinger of future mergers.
With individual investors pouring billions of dollars a month into stocks and mutual funds, other investment banks may seek similar deals to share in the wealth. Once, a skier had to be a real hot-dog to own the slopes. Vail, known primarily for its namesake resort in Colorado, is a leader in a consolidating industry. It recently acquired neighboring resorts Breckenridge and Keystone, while competitors have gone on similar buying sprees in New England and California. Ski industry growth has been about as flat as a bunny slope.