The ski patrollers at Telluride Ski Resort are set to strike on December 27, 2023, following unsuccessful negotiations for a new union contract. The Telluride Professional Ski Patrollers Association announced that patrollers will walk off the job indefinitely, coinciding with the peak holiday season, a critical period for the resort and local businesses.
Union president Graham Hoffman expressed deep concern over the timing and potential impact of the strike on the community. He noted that the union has made every effort to reach an agreement but was met with a “last, best and final” offer from resort management that was rejected by over 70 members earlier this month. “None of this is comfortable, none of this is a positive, happy feeling,” Hoffman stated. “We truly feel we have exhausted every option.”
The union reported that an overwhelming 99% of its membership voted in favor of the strike. Patrollers plan to picket in downtown Telluride and Mountain Village, as the strike aims to pressure resort management to return to negotiations in good faith.
The announcement comes after months of negotiations, which began in June but have recently reached a standstill. A previous meeting on December 8 resulted in the rejection of management’s offer, and a subsequent meeting last Saturday failed to yield an agreement. Resort spokesperson Nancy Clark criticized the union’s decision to strike during the holiday rush, labeling it a “devastating attack on the community.” She emphasized that the resort had made a generous offer, hoping to reach an equitable solution.
The potential strike adds to concerns about the resort’s operational capacity, particularly as the area has experienced a lack of snowfall this season, which has limited available skiable terrain. Clark previously warned that if the company were to concede to the patrollers’ demands, it might lead to increased lift ticket prices.
While the situation may not have yet led to mass cancellations among tourists, Kiera Skinner, executive director of the Telluride Tourism Board, noted that holiday occupancy rates are currently tracking at 59%, down from 67% last year during the same period. Various factors, including early-season snow conditions and the ongoing contract negotiations, may be influencing this trend.
Hoffman highlighted the operational challenges resulting from the strike, stating that the resort’s steep and complex terrain is particularly reliant on ski patrol personnel for safety and functionality. He acknowledged the implications for colleagues in other departments, such as groomers and snowmakers, and expressed a commitment to support them during the work stoppage.
This strike follows a similar action taken by patrollers in Park City, Utah, who initiated a strike last Christmas in response to stalled negotiations with Vail Resorts. The Park City patrollers have shown solidarity with their Telluride counterparts, emphasizing the need for community support.
The upcoming strike at Telluride Ski Resort could have significant repercussions for both the resort’s operations and the local economy during one of the busiest times of the year. The situation continues to evolve, with both sides likely to face mounting pressure as the strike date approaches.
