Full Breakdown
Telluride Ski Resort Closes Amid Labor Dispute
12/27/2025, 2:25:12 AM
Closure Announcement and Labor Dispute Background
Telluride Ski Resort in Colorado has announced it will close indefinitely starting Saturday, December 27, due to a labor dispute with the Telluride Professional Ski Patrol Association. The decision follows a vote by the ski patrol union to strike after unsuccessful contract negotiations that began in June. The union's previous contract expired in August, and despite multiple negotiation sessions, an agreement on pay could not be reached. The ski patrollers are advocating for a pay increase, seeking to raise starting wages from $21 to $28 per hour and for experienced patrollers, from $30-$36 to $39-$48.60 per hour.
Key Figures and Stakeholders
The dispute involves key figures such as Chuck Horning, the owner of Telluride Ski and Golf Co., and Graham Hoffman, the president of the Ski Patrol Union. Horning expressed disappointment over the union's decision to strike, stating, “We are concerned that any organization...would do something that will have such a devastating effect on our community.” In contrast, union representatives, including Andy Dennis and Jess Lyles, have criticized Horning's management style, accusing him of being unyielding and dismissive of their demands.
Union's Position and Negotiation Attempts
The Ski Patrol Union has made significant concessions during negotiations, including lowering their wage demands and eliminating requests for a healthcare stipend. Despite these adjustments, the union overwhelmingly rejected the resort's latest offer, which they deemed insufficient. The union's leadership emphasized the importance of fair compensation, particularly given the high cost of living in ski towns and the critical safety responsibilities of ski patrollers.
Official Statements and Responses
In response to the impending strike, Telluride Ski Resort announced plans to work on a strategy to reopen as soon as possible, while also offering refunds to ticket and pass holders. The resort's management has framed the closure as a consequence of the union's actions, stating, “Telluride didn’t make this decision – the strike nor the timing of it.” Conversely, union representatives have asserted that the responsibility lies with the resort's management for failing to negotiate in good faith.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics of the resort's management, including union members, argue that the closure is a tactic to undermine the union's bargaining power. Andy Dennis remarked on the situation, stating, “I feel...so unappreciated and exploited right now. They are taking advantage of us.” The union plans to begin picketing at the resort, urging community support for their cause.
What's Next
As the strike approaches, the union has expressed solidarity among its members, indicating they are prepared to continue the work stoppage for as long as necessary. The situation at Telluride Ski Resort is being closely monitored by the broader ski industry, particularly in light of recent labor actions at other resorts, such as Vail Resorts, which experienced a significant strike last year.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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,” — Chuck Horning, Owner, Telluride Ski Resort
- “He’s being a bully. This is what bullies do, take their toys and run,” — Andy Dennis, Interim Safety Director, Ski Patrol Union
- “Rather than give us a fair contract, Telski has made the decision to close the mountain,” — Jess Lyles, Treasurer, Ski Patrol Union
- “Nobody on patrol wants this to happen. Nobody,” — Andy Dennis, Interim Safety Director, Ski Patrol Union
The situation remains fluid as both sides navigate the complexities of labor negotiations and community impact.
