Park City Ski Patrol Strike Enters Critical Phase
The ongoing labor dispute between Park City's ski patrol union and Vail Resorts has entered its second month, marking one of the most significant labor actions in the ski industry's recent history. More than 200 ski patrol members at Park City Mountain Resort, the largest ski resort in North America, continue their strike over wages and working conditions.
The ski patrol union, represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA), is demanding higher starting wages and better compensation for experienced patrollers. Their current starting wage of $15 per hour falls significantly below what patrollers argue is necessary for the highly skilled and dangerous work they perform, including avalanche mitigation and emergency medical response.
Key issues in the dispute include:
- Demands for a starting wage of $17 per hour, up from the current $15
- Better compensation for experienced patrollers
- Improved safety protocols and working conditions
- Recognition of additional certifications and training
Vail Resorts has maintained operations using management and replacement workers, but the strike has raised concerns about safety and service quality at one of Utah's premier ski destinations. Local businesses report feeling the impact as some visitors express hesitation about crossing picket lines or worry about reduced safety services.
The strike has garnered support from other ski patrols across the country and highlighted broader issues within the ski industry, including the growing disconnect between corporate resort ownership and local mountain operations. Several other ski patrol unions are closely watching the outcome, as it could set precedents for future labor negotiations in the industry.
As the winter season progresses, both sides remain at the negotiating table, though no immediate resolution appears in sight. The situation continues to test the resilience of both the ski patrol union and Vail Resorts, while raising important questions about the future of professional ski patrol compensation and working conditions across the industry.
