Telluride bookings plummet, anxiety rises as ski resort strike continues
The Impact of the Telluride Ski Resort Closure Due to Ski Patrollers’ Strike
The ski patrollers’ strike and the subsequent closure of Telluride Ski Resort has sent shockwaves through the tony mountain town, dominating conversations in restaurants, shops, and at the downtown gondola station where the union is picketing.
Since Dec. 27, the Telluride Professional Ski Patrol Association has been on strike, demanding higher wages and a pay structure that encourages staff retention. The resort closed on the same day, with ownership scrambling to recruit temporary workers to reopen some terrain as soon as possible.
Despite the closure, downtown Telluride remains bustling with activity, as visitors engage in alternative outdoor activities like snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and ice skating. However, the uncertainty surrounding the ski resort’s reopening has cast a shadow over the town’s bustling holiday season.
The Telluride Tourism Board reports a 22% decrease in occupancy from Dec. 27 to Jan. 3 compared to the previous season, with a significant drop in future bookings. The closure has put a halt on tourism, impacting local businesses and the community at large.
Mayor Teddy Errico remains optimistic that the resort will announce plans to reopen soon, while owner Chuck Horning is working to recruit temporary workers to fill patrol staffing gaps. However, tensions between the resort and the local community have complicated the situation.
As the strike continues with no resolution in sight, concerns are mounting among residents about the future of the town’s economy. The potential loss of jobs and impact on local businesses looms large, prompting town officials to prepare for potential support measures.
Despite the challenges ahead, Errico urges calm and reassures the community that efforts are underway to mitigate the impact of the closure. The town remains hopeful for a resolution to the strike and a return to normalcy in the coming months.
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