b_in_subtleThat’s not true, vail essentially acts as the property management company/HOA/etc for the properties on resort so they maintain control. Yes other people “own”/“invested” in it but vail maintains operating rights/powers on all places in the actual resort area.
It's very much true.
They do not act as the sole property manager, they do not act as the HOA either (they may get a vote if they own units or other property in the building). They do not retain rights/powers beyond having contracts with the actual HOAs or owners, unless they also own the property.
They act as "a" property manager with a front desk staff and housekeepers in house. If the actual owner of a unit rented though any other booking platform Vail Resorts does not get any of that money. Vail Resorts' front desk staff do not assist the guests, Vail Resorts' housekeepers do not clean the rooms.
The people who own those units are free to have their property managed by anyone or no one.
You claimed they offer free parking for people who book through Vail Resorts. Anecdotally the 2 main hotels at my resort base both charge for parking, and rooms can be booked directly through Vail Resorts, the front desk is staffed by Vail Resorts employees, but booking directly through them doesn't waive any parking charges.
Fuck Vail, obviously, but i think you're off base on the parking situation for lodging. Vail cares about 1 thing: Selling epic passes during the off season; They dgaf about your experience once you arrive.