URGENT UPDATE: Telluride Ski Resort, a premier destination in the Western U.S., is set to close its slopes on Saturday, October 14, 2023, due to a labor dispute with the Telluride Professional Ski Patrol Association. The strike, confirmed by union officials after a vote on October 10, comes as contract negotiations regarding pay have stalled since June.
The union, representing ski patrollers, is demanding a pay increase to better match compensation at similar resorts. They are seeking to raise starting wages from $21 to $28 per hour, and for experienced patrollers, pay should increase from a range of $30-$36 per hour to as much as $39-$48.60 per hour. With no further negotiations scheduled before the weekend, the resort’s management has confirmed the imminent closure.
Owner Chuck Horning expressed concern over the union’s decision to strike, stating, “We are concerned that any organization, particularly one that exists to help people, would do something that will have such a devastating effect on our community.” However, union spokesperson Andy Dennis countered, labeling Horning’s actions as bullying. “He’s being a bully. This is what bullies do, take their toys and run,” Dennis said. “All he has to do is give us a fair contract, and this would all be over.”
The impact of this strike could resonate far beyond Telluride. Ski patrollers play a critical role in ensuring the safety of skiers, including providing assistance to injured individuals and controlling avalanches through managed releases. The closure also comes at a time when the resort has been struggling with unusually warm weather, which has limited operations to just 20 out of 149 trails.
This situation mirrors recent labor disputes in the ski industry, where workers are increasingly advocating for fair compensation amid rising living costs in resort towns. Last year, a nearly two-week strike at Utah’s Park City Mountain Resort resulted in significant operational disruptions before a settlement was reached, including a $2 per hour pay increase.
As the situation develops, Telluride Ski Resort officials are reportedly working on strategies to reopen even if the strike continues. The urgency of the matter is heightened as many in the community, reliant on the resort for employment and tourism, feel the impending effects of this labor dispute.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Further negotiations, potential community impact, and the outcome of the strike will be crucial in the coming days. As winter approaches, the need for a resolution is more pressing than ever for both the patrollers and the resort. Stay tuned for updates on this developing situation.
