Telluride Ski Resort in southwestern Colorado is set to close on Saturday as the Telluride Ski Patrol embarks on a strike over ongoing wage disputes. This decision follows the ski patrol’s announcement on Tuesday that they have authorized the strike after rejecting the resort’s contract proposal earlier this month.
In a public statement shared via social media, the ski patrol criticized the resort for persisting with a proposal that they had already rejected. They expressed that their negotiations included various solutions aimed at spreading costs and addressing the wage structure to attract and retain talent within the patrol.
“This is about fixing a broken wage structure and creating a pathway forward for years to come for those who strive to make this job a career,” the ski patrol stated. They emphasized the necessity for a wage structure that encourages growth and sustainability, allowing them to continue their contributions to the community.
In their response, Telluride Ski Resort acknowledged the ski patrol’s intent to strike, describing it as an unfortunate decision, especially during one of the busiest holiday seasons for the resort. Resort representative Steve Swenson noted, “Due to the Ski Patrol’s unfortunate choice to strike, we have made the difficult decision to close the resort on Saturday.” The resort is currently assessing how long the strike could last while planning for a safe reopening.
The resort had previously offered a 13% wage increase for the 2025-26 season, alongside a guaranteed minimum cost-of-living increase of 5% for the next two years. Under the proposal, wages would range from $24.06 per hour for trainees to $39.84 per hour for experienced leads. The resort characterized the proposal as “industry-leading, livable, and sustainable.” However, the ski patrol union deemed this offer inadequate, citing a requested 27.7% increase to address the high living costs in the community.
Owner Chuck Horning expressed disappointment over the strike’s timing, suggesting that such actions by an organization dedicated to public safety could have detrimental effects on the local community. The situation remains fluid as both parties navigate the challenges of the strike and its impact on the resort and residents alike.
As this dispute unfolds, it highlights the growing concerns regarding wages in the ski industry, emphasizing the need for both sides to find common ground to ensure continued service and community support.