Thomas Cook didn't fail because of packages, they failed because their costs were way too high & systems way too old. They were living in the 90s, before LCCs.
Most skiers buy some sort of package(except maybe locals who drive), whether it's air & accom, air accom & lift tickets or accom & lift tickets.
OTAs don't sell much ski, cos it's too hard to do online.
If Vail did flights to ABX, they would control 2 of 3 main parts of package & re accom they would also generate resort fees.
