Vail’s Chief Executive Officer Rob Katz did not make direct comment when asked by journalists whether Vail Resorts might be interested in buying its arch North American rival, Whistler ski resort in British Columbia, if such a purchase became a possibility.

The question came up during a media question and answer session on Vail’s second quarter earnings. Whistler’s ownership is currently uncertain as Fortress Investments, the company that owns Intrawest, the company that owns Whistler Blackcomb, has failed to make repayments on loans secured on Intrawest’s assets, including Whistler.

After creditors threatened to put Whistler up for auction during the Olympics, Fortress has now been granted a few weeks more to work out a solution to its debt repayment problem that will satisfy its creditors.

“Our company has always had an interest in acquisitions and strategic growth and we still do,” Katz said, adding, “We’re absolutely interested in doing something but won’t unless it’s justified by the asset and the economic environment. Overall, our balance sheet position remains strong.”

Vail Resorts is believed to have around $400m available to spend, made up of about 15% cash in hand and 85% available credit.