Full Breakdown
Telluride Ski Patrollers Vote to Strike Amid Wage Disputes
12/25/2025, 12:30:00 AM
Strike Authorization and Background
On December 24, 2025, the Telluride Professional Ski Patrol Association (TPSPA) voted overwhelmingly, with 99% approval, to initiate a strike starting December 27. This decision follows months of unsuccessful negotiations with Telluride Ski and Golf Co., the resort's owner, Chuck Horning. The ski patrollers have been working without a contract since their previous agreement expired on August 31, 2025. The union's latest proposal sought a median wage of $35 per hour, compared to the company's offer of approximately $30 per hour, which was deemed insufficient by the patrollers.
Negotiation Breakdown
The TPSPA has engaged in over 16 negotiation sessions with the resort, but progress has been minimal. The company's last offer, described as a "last, best and final offer," was rejected by nearly all union members. The union's interim safety director, Andy Dennis, expressed frustration, stating, “We had a session. I would not say there was any negotiating.” The union's adjusted proposal aimed to bridge the wage gap, reducing the difference from $115,000 over three years to about $65,000, yet the resort did not counter this offer.
Impact of the Strike
The impending strike is set to coincide with the holiday season, a peak time for the resort. In response to the strike authorization, Telluride Ski Resort announced it would close on December 27. Resort representatives, including Steve Swenson, indicated disappointment over the timing, emphasizing the potential negative impact on the community. Swenson stated, “We have no idea how long their strike will last so we will continue to work on a plan that allows us to safely open again as soon as possible.”
Community and Industry Reactions
The strike has drawn attention from the broader ski industry, particularly following a similar strike at Vail Resorts' Park City Mountain Resort last year, which resulted in significant operational disruptions. Vail Resorts CEO Rob Katz acknowledged the potential impact of a strike on earnings, although he noted that the partnership with Telluride does not directly contribute to their financials.
Union members have expressed strong community support, with ski patroller Katherine Devlin emphasizing the importance of retaining experienced staff for safety. “Losing someone with 10 years of experience is a huge loss,” she stated. The union's president, Graham Hoffman, criticized the resort's approach, suggesting that the company prioritizes belittling the union over genuine negotiations.
Official Statements and Responses
In a statement, the TPSPA highlighted the need for a sustainable wage structure to attract and retain staff, arguing that the current proposal from Telluride Ski Resort is merely a temporary fix. Conversely, Chuck Horning expressed disappointment over the strike's timing, stating, “We are concerned that any organization, particularly one that exists to help people, would do something that will have such a devastating effect on our community.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the union's proposal aims for a median wage of $35 per hour, the resort's offer includes a 13% wage increase and a minimum cost-of-living adjustment of 5% for the next two seasons. The discrepancy in wage expectations and the lack of a counter-offer from the resort highlight the ongoing tensions in negotiations.
What's Next
As the strike approaches, the TPSPA remains committed to its position, with members prepared to maintain solidarity for as long as necessary. The outcome of this labor dispute could have significant implications for the future of labor relations in the ski industry, particularly in light of recent events at other resorts.
