Park City Ski Patrol Strike Disrupts Operations at Vail's Largest Resort

Ski Patrol Strike Forces Park City Mountain Resort to Limit Operations

Park City Mountain Resort faces significant operational challenges as its ski patrol union continues their strike for the fifth consecutive day. The Park City Professional Ski Patrol Association (PCPSPA), representing approximately 200 members, initiated the strike after unsuccessful negotiations with Vail Resorts over wage increases and improved benefits.

The patrol union seeks to raise starting wages from $21 to $23 per hour, alongside enhanced benefits. As negotiations resumed Monday, both parties continue discussions to resolve the dispute.

The strike's impact on mountain operations has been substantial. Weekend visitors encountered extensive terrain closures and crowded slopes, with conditions worsening on Monday due to power outages and fresh snowfall. The situation prompted Park City Mountain Resort to suspend lift ticket sales.

To maintain basic operations, Vail Resorts deployed ski patrol managers from Vail Mountain, Colorado. The PCPSPA estimates 30-35 replacement patrollers are currently working the mountain, raising concerns about emergency response times and avalanche management capabilities.

Support for the strike extends beyond Park City. Ski patrol unions from Eldora and Loveland demonstrated solidarity by picketing outside Vail Resorts' headquarters in Broomfield, Colorado.

Park City VP and COO Deirdra Walsh addressed the situation through a video statement on the resort's social media, acknowledging operational impacts while also citing low seasonal snowfall as a contributing factor to current conditions.

The resort currently prioritises opening beginner and intermediate terrain, focusing on maintaining safe operations with limited patrol staff. This strategy aims to manage avalanche risks while accommodating guests during the ongoing labor dispute.

Deirdra Walsh issued the following statement last Friday:

“We are deeply disappointed the patrol union has walked away from mediation and chosen drastic action that attempts to disrupt mountain operations in the middle of the holiday season, given we invested significantly in patrol with their wages increasing more than 50% over past four seasons, and we have reached agreements on 24 of the 27 current contract terms. We want to reassure skiers and snowboarders, our employees, and this community that despite the union’s actions, Park City Mountain will remain open with safety as our top priority, and all planned terrain will be open thanks to patrol leaders from Park City Mountain and our other mountain resorts. In addition to the over 50% increase in wages over the past four seasons, the current Park City Mountain patrol proposal increases wages another 4% for the majority of patrollers and provides $1,600 per patroller for equipment. We remain committed to reaching an agreement.”

More talks are expected today and later this week.