The Telluride Ski Resort in Mountain Village, Colorado, is currently closed due to a labor dispute involving the ski patrol union. The shutdown began on Saturday, with no reopening date announced. The resort’s management indicated the impending closure earlier in the week.
Labor Dispute Leads to Resort Closure
The Telluride Professional Ski Patrol Association voted to strike following prolonged negotiations over wages. The union claims that the resort management has dismissed their proposals for wage increases necessary to cope with the high cost of living in Telluride.
Union’s Stance
In a statement released on Friday, the ski patrol association expressed their disappointment. They noted that they had attempted every strategy to reach an agreement but felt forced into a strike as resort ownership failed to propose any viable solutions.
- The union declared, “TSG never attempted to increase their offer whatsoever.”
- Chuck Horning, the owner of Telluride, countered that the union rejected their best offer.
The Role of Ski Patrol
Ski patrol members are highly trained professionals responsible for rescuing injured skiers. Many hold certifications as EMTs or paramedics. Some are specialized in avalanche control, a critical safety measure for skiers.
Statements from Both Sides
Horning expressed disappointment over the timing of the strike, particularly during peak season. Conversely, the ski patrol association refuted any closure responsibility, emphasizing that their goal was to advocate for fair wages and program sustainability.
The union alleged that their demands had already been reduced significantly, lowering their wage expectations and removing requests for healthcare and equipment stipends, resulting in a total reduction of approximately $220,000.
Wage Structure and Cost of Living in Telluride
The ongoing negotiations highlight a “broken wage structure,” which the union argues fails to adequately compensate ski patrol members. Current wages for patrollers start at $21 per hour, while supervisors earn an average of $38.17 per hour. This translates to yearly salaries ranging from around $43,680 to $79,393 before taxes.
Living costs in Telluride are notably high. Recent data indicates that the average rent in the area is $8,342 per month, with one-bedroom apartments averaging $3,594 monthly. This is approximately 318% above the national average.
Context of Labor Disputes in the Ski Industry
Telluride’s closure adds to a growing list of recent labor disputes in ski resorts. For instance, the Park City Mountain Resort in Utah and Keystone Resort in Colorado have both reached agreements with their ski patrol unions in the past year, resulting in improved wages and benefits.
The situation at Telluride reflects broader trends in the ski industry regarding compensation and employee retention. The patrol association insists that meaningful wage increases are crucial to supporting the skill development necessary for their operations.
