Skiers at Park City Mountain found themselves limited to the bunny slopes after Vail Resorts, the owner of the resort, kept two-thirds of the trails closed, including nearly all of the advanced runs. Over 200 ski patrollers in Park City went on strike for more than a week, resulting in a staffing crisis at America’s largest ski resort during the busy holiday season. The ski patrollers’ labor union had hoped to finalize negotiations with Vail Resorts before the season began, but the company rejected their proposal for a pay increase.
Abby Edwards (10) supports the ski patrollers’ stance.
“They deserve better pay and a good skiing experience too,” Edwards said.
The union proposed raising the starting pay for ski patrol to $23 per hour, up from $21. Vail Resorts initially rejected the proposal, arguing that their wage increases had outpaced inflation.
Ski patrollers play a crucial role in maintaining safety at ski resorts. They monitor terrain, respond to accidents, haul injured skiers downhill, and reduce avalanche risk by releasing built-up snow with explosives when no one is nearby. However, the high cost of living in Park City—where the average home price exceeds $1.5 million—forces many ski patrollers to take on additional jobs in the summer, including work as fly-fishing, mountain biking and whitewater rafting guides.
The strike, combined with light early-season snowfall, meant that only 50 of 350 trails were open between Christmas and New Year, the busiest week of the ski season.
Susu Wood (10), who has experience skiing at different resorts, shared her frustration.
“If the lines were several hours long to get on a lift, I would feel frustrated because I would barely be skiing and would be spending my whole day waiting in line,” Wood said.
Skiers were frustrated by long lines and a lack of open terrain, creating a nightmare for the company. Vail Resorts operates 42 ski mountains, including Vail, Breckenridge, Park City, Whistler Blackcomb and Stowe.
This is not the first time Vail Resorts has faced operational issues. A worker shortage during the 2021-22 season led to disruptions in mountain operations as well as food and retail services. Last season, warm weather forced the company to cut revenue projections.
After nearly two weeks on strike, Park City ski patrollers reached an agreement with Vail Resorts, ratifying a new contract that includes an average wage increase. While the union’s original request was for a raise to $23 per hour, the new contract includes raises averaging $4 per hour for senior patrollers, with some receiving even more based on their experience and specializations.
Charles Crenshaw (12), who has had positive experiences at ski resorts, also supports the ski patrol.
“I have had great experiences skiing at ski resorts,” Crenshaw said.
The agreement, which will last through April 2027, is expected to bring stability to the resort as it continues to serve visitors during the busy ski season.