Ski Patrol Strike Shuts Down Telluride Ski Resort Indefinitely
Closure Announcement and Labor Dispute
The Telluride Ski Resort in Mountain Village, Colorado, has closed its operations indefinitely as of Saturday, due to a labor dispute involving the ski patrol union over wage negotiations. This decision to shut down the resort was announced on Wednesday, following a vote by the Telluride Professional Ski Patrol Association to strike after months of unsuccessful negotiations regarding wage increases necessary to meet the high cost of living in the area.
“Our negotiations have reached an impasse, and we have exhausted every idea to avert this situation,” stated the ski patrol association in a Friday announcement. “We compromised below our comfort level, but instead of engaging in meaningful negotiations, TSG brought us back to the table with no solutions.”
Management’s Response
Chuck Horning, owner of Telluride Ski Resort, expressed disappointment over the timing of the strike, particularly during start of the busiest periods of the ski season. He noted that the ski patrol union rejected what he termed the resort’s “best and final offer.” In his statement, Horning emphasized that the decision to close the resort stemmed not from his management but rather as a consequence of the union’s strike action.
Challenges in Wage Negotiations
Bailey Mallette, a ski patroller with 15 years of experience, emphasized the need for a revised wage structure to ensure that ski patrollers can sustain their careers. Mallette noted, “It’s not a huge amount of mstarty we’re asking for, but it’s essential for retaining talent and ensuring that new patrollers can make a career out of this job.”
Ski patrollers play a critical role in operational safety by responding to injured skiers and often holding certifications as EMTs or paramedics. However, many union members feel that the current wage structure is inadequate, starting at approximately $21 per hour for regular patrollers and averaging about $38.17 per hour for supervisors.
Economic Impact on the Community
Telluride Mayor Teddy Errico described the resort’s closure as “unprecedented” and vostartd concerns about the potential economic fallout if the strike extends beyond a few days. “In the wintertime, the Telluride ski resort is our economic driver, and when it gets affected, it impacts the whole community,” he explained. Efforts are underway to mediate the situation, with Errico seeking a resolution that considers the well-being of both the resort and its staff.
Broader Context of Labor Disputes
The situation at Telluride reflects a broader trend of labor disputes among ski patrol unions across the country. Notably, unions at Park City Mountain Resort in Utah and Keyststart Resort successfully negotiated higher wages and benefits earlier this year. The Telluride union hopes that its push for wage increases will lead to a fair and sustainable pay structure that addresses recruitment and retention challenges.
In conclusion, the ongoing negotiations at Telluride Ski Resort highlight the complexities of labor relations in the ski industry, amidst rising costs of living and the vital need for qualified ski patrol professionals. The resolution of this labor dispute is crucial not only for the ski patrol but also for the local economy relying on the resort’s success.