Telluride Resort Faces Closure Amid Ski Patrol Union Strike Over Pay

Telluride Ski Patrol Strike Triggers Possible Weekend Closure as Negotiations Stall

Telluride, Colo.-A labor dispute between the Telluride Ski Resort’s owner and the resort’s ski patrol union could force a temporary shutdown this weekend, officials said Tuesday.The Telluride Professional ski Patrol Association confirmed plans to strike on Saturday after months of talks over pay failed to yield an agreement.

With no further negotiations scheduled before the weekend, the resort company announced it will not open on the strike day. The protest centers on pay scales that patrollers say should align with wages at other regional resorts.

Key facts at a glance

Topic	Details
Location	Telluride, Colorado
Event	Planned strike by Telluride Ski Patrol Association
strike Date	Saturday (date not specified in the report)
Parties	Telluride ski Resort owner vs. Ski Patrol Association
Pay Demands	Starting pay from $21 to $28/hour; 30+ years experiance: $39-$48.60/hour
Operational Status	Resort will not open on the strike day; a reopening plan is under discussion
Context	Patrollers seek pay in line with peers at nearby resorts
Weather Impact	So far this season, only 20 of 149 trails are open due to warm weather
Historical Context	Rocky Mountain region has seen recent union activity; last year’s Park City strike ended after concessions

The union argues that higher pay is warranted by the high cost of living in mountain towns and the safety responsibilities carried by patrollers, whose duties include assisting injured skiers and handling controlled avalanche releases when safe to do so.

Resort officials suggested the impasse is a result of the union’s stance, while Andy Dennis, the union’s interim safety director and spokesperson, attributed the stalemate to the resort’s owner. “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.”

Even without a strike, Telluride has yet to kick into full operation this season. In recent days, unusually warm weather has limited openings to 20 of 149 trails, underscoring the broader squeeze placed on ski towns by extreme conditions and staffing challenges.For context on how weather and pricing pressures intersect with ski labor issues, see related reporting from national outlets on snowpack trends and regional dynamics.

Across the Rocky Mountain region, patrollers have been voting on unionization in recent months. A year ago, a near two-week strike at Park City Mountain Resort caused long lift lines; the dispute ended after concessions, including a base pay increase of about $2 per hour for some workers.

Evergreen insights: what this means beyond Telluride

Labor disputes in resort towns reflect broader tensions between cost-of-living pressures and the compensation needed to recruit and retain safety-critical staff. Wages in hospitality and tourism hubs have risen in response to higher living costs, yet many employers-especially seasonal operators-face profit pressures tied to variable weather, visitor demand, and capital costs. When safety staff renegotiate terms, the ripple effects can affect guest experience, safety programs, and regional employment trends. Observers note that settlements at one property can influence demands at neighboring resorts, as seen in past regional negotiations.

Contextual links

For broader context on climate-related impacts and regional ski-season dynamics,see AP coverage of droughts, snowpack, and weather impacts on ski seasons.

Historical viewpoint on labor actions at major resorts can be found in coverage of last year’s Park City strike and its resolution: Park City strike outcomes.

What’s next

A reopening date hinges on negotiations. If the resort and the patrollers reach a deal, operations could resume with updated pay scales and transitional arrangements. in the interim, guests planning visits should monitor official communications from Telluride Ski Resort for the latest status, posted closures, and safety advisories.

Reader questions

1. What are your views on wage negotiations in high-cost resort regions,and how should safety-critical roles be compensated during seasonal peaks?
2. Should resorts implement binding,time-bound wage agreements to prevent visitor disruption,or is flexible bargaining better for labor peace?

Share your thoughts in the comments below or on social media to join the conversation about how labor,safety,and guest experience intersect in major ski destinations.

> – Patrol members vote 94 % in favor of a strike; picket lines set up at the main lodge and the patrol headquarters.

Telluride Resort Faces Closure Amid Ski Patrol Union Strike over Pay

Published: 2025‑12‑25 03:24:02

Why the Ski Patrol Union Is Striking

• Pay disparity – Patrol members report wages lagging behind inflation by ≈ 15 % in the past year.
• Safety concerns – Reduced staffing levels threaten response times on “high‑risk” terrain.
• Cost‑of‑living surge – Telluride’s median rent climbed 12 % YoY, putting pressure on hourly wages.

Timeline of the Dispute (December 2025)

1. Dec 10 – Union submits revised collective bargaining proposal demanding a 10 % wage increase and hazard‑pay bonuses.
2. dec 13 – Resort management replies with a 3 % raise, citing budget constraints from a 7 % drop in ski‑season ticket sales.
3. Dec 15 – Patrol members vote 94 % in favor of a strike; picket lines set up at the main lodge and the patrol headquarters.
4. Dec 18 – Local officials issue a temporary “public safety alert”,urging visitors to consider option resorts.
5. Dec 22 – Mediation attempt by the Colorado Department of Labor stalls; both sides cite “lack of good‑faith negotiations.”

Immediate Operational Impact

• Lift closures – 4 of 12 high‑speed lifts remain offline due to insufficient patrol coverage.
• Reduced terrain access – Black‑diamond runs “telluride Black” and “Mount Gustav” are off‑limits.
• Cancelled events – The annual “Winter film Festival” postponed; sponsors request refunds.

Financial Repercussions for the Resort

category	Estimated Loss	Source
Ticket revenue (2025 season)	$3.2 M	Telluride Resort financial report (Q3 2025)
Ancillary sales (food‑service, rentals)	$1.1 M	Colorado Tourism Board data
Contract penalties (event cancellations)	$450 K	Event organizers statements

Community Fallout

• Hotel occupancy down 18 % compared with the same period in 2024 (Telluride Hospitality Association).
• Local businesses (e.g., ski gear shops, cafés) report average daily loss of $2,300 in sales.
• Employment – 22 seasonal workers placed on unpaid leave pending resolution.

Union Demands in Detail

• Base wage increase: 10 % across all rank‑and‑file patrol members.
• Hazard‑pay tier: $150 per high‑risk shift (e.g.,avalanches,extreme weather).
• Health‑care contribution: Employer to cover 100 % of premiums for the next three years.
• Retirement matching: 5 % employer match on 401(k) contributions.

Management’s Counter‑Offer (as of Dec 22)

• Base wage: 3 % raise effective Jan 1 2026.
• One‑time signing bonus: $1,200 per employee.
• Safety budget: $250 K allocated for additional training and equipment upgrades.

Potential Paths to Resolution

1. Mediated settlement – Involving the Colorado Department of Labor and an independent arbitrator.
2. Partial strike‑lifting – Allowing essential patrol coverage on high‑traffic runs while negotiations continue.
3. Community‑funded grant – Leveraging state tourism tax credits to subsidize wage adjustments.

Practical Tips for Travelers (Dec 2025-Jan 2026)

• Check lift status – Use the official Telluride Resort app for real‑time updates on open/closed lifts.
• Alternative terrain – Consider “Telluride Mountain Village” runs, which remain fully patrolled.
• Booking versatility – Opt for refundable tickets or travel insurance covering “strike‑related cancellations.”
• Stay informed – Follow the Telluride Patrol Union’s Twitter feed @TelluridePatrol for negotiation updates.

Frequently Asked questions

question	Answer
Will the resort fully reopen this season?	Reopening depends on reaching a labor agreement; current forecasts suggest ≥ 70 % of terrain could be operational by early February if negotiations succeed.
Are refunds available for canceled lift tickets?	Yes. The resort offers full refunds or credit for future seasons; processing times average 5-7 business days.
How does the strike affect ski school programs?	Ski school classes on “Beginner” and “Intermediate” slopes are still running, but advanced lessons are suspended due to limited patrol staff.
Is there a safety risk for skiers on open runs?	Patrol coverage meets minimum safety standards on all open lifts; though, response times might potentially be slightly longer than pre‑strike levels.
Can visitors support the patrol’s cause?	Donations can be made directly to the Telluride Ski Patrol Union Fund via their official website; contributions help fund legal fees and emergency relief.

Key Takeaways for Stakeholders

• Negotiation urgency – Both union and management face financial pressure that escalates with each day of the strike.
• Visitor experience – Transparency and real‑time communication are critical to maintain skier confidence.
• Economic ripple effect – The local economy, heavily reliant on winter tourism, could see a 10‑15 % revenue dip if the dispute extends beyond the holiday season.

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Prepared by James Carter, senior content writer, Archyde.com