Telluride Ski resort to reopening as patrollers strike continues

Telluride Ski Resort Set to Reopen After Ski Patrol Strike

Updated at 4:19 p.m. on Jan. 3 to include statements from Telluride Ski Resort about its latest offer to the patrol.

Telluride Ski Resort is preparing to welcome back visitors on Monday, Jan. 5, following a more than week-long closure due to a strike by its ski patrollers. The resort announced on social media that it will operate one lift providing access to its bunny hill.

Over the weekend, the resort engaged in productive discussions with the Telluride Professional Ski Patrol Association, the union representing the ski patrollers. A new contract offer was presented during the meeting, which included revised terms to address the concerns raised by the patrol.

Spokesperson Steve Swenson expressed optimism about the progress made during the discussions, stating, “It felt like we made more progress than our previous meetings.”

The revised proposal includes an increase in the base pay rate for station leads, as well as cost-of-living adjustments for the second and third years of the contract. Additionally, a “complexity pay bonus” of $1.50 per hour worked, including overtime, will be implemented.

While the resort made adjustments for station leads, the average hourly wages for other levels of patrollers remain unchanged. The union has until Sunday, Jan. 4, to respond to the offer before the resort’s scheduled reopening on Monday.

Despite the ongoing strike, Telluride Ski Resort is committed to gradually reopening more lifts and terrain as negotiations progress. The resort aims to reach a resolution that is satisfactory to both parties.

Union president Graham Hoffman acknowledged that they are actively reviewing the offer and working towards a resolution. However, he expressed disappointment in the resort’s decision to issue a press release before finalizing the agreement, citing a breach of trust.

Online reactions to the resort’s reopening announcement varied, with some expressing relief and support for the patrol, while others voiced frustration over the ongoing dispute. The Telluride Professional Ski Patrol Association continued picketing at the gondola station in downtown Telluride over the weekend.

Originally scheduled to open on Dec. 6, Telluride Ski Resort faced delays due to unseasonably warm weather. The strike by ski patrollers forced the resort to close on Dec. 27, prompting efforts to recruit temporary staff to maintain operations.

Negotiations between the union and resort have been ongoing since June, with the strike initiated after the rejection of the resort’s final offer in December. The impact of the closure on the local economy, heavily reliant on tourism, has been a growing concern for officials.

As the resort prepares to resume operations, local authorities are exploring alternative winter activities to mitigate the impact of the closure. While challenges remain, efforts are underway to support the community and businesses affected by the strike.

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