EXHIBIT 23(A) CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form S-8 of our report dated October 31, 1996, appearing on page F-2 of Vail Resorts, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 1996. ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP Denver, Colorado October 21, 1997