As the holiday season approaches, the Park City Ski Patrol’s recent move to authorize a strike could have significant repercussions for one of Utah’s most popular ski destinations.
The Park City Professional Ski Patrol Association, representing nearly 200 members, announced on Saturday that a decisive 98.5% of its voting members approved the strike authorization. This development underscores tensions between the union and Vail Resorts, which owns Park City Mountain. Despite this, the strike has not been officially called.
Margaux Klingensmith, the union’s business manager, emphasized the goal is still to reach a fair agreement without disrupting operations. “We hope it doesn’t come to that, but our unit is united in securing a sustainable contract,” she said.
Negotiations Stretch On
The two parties have been locked in discussions since March, with the current contract having expired in April. Over 23 meetings later, both sides are set to reconvene on Monday and Wednesday this week. Central to the negotiations are pay increases and benefits. The union seeks to raise starting wages from $21 to $23 per hour and provide more robust compensation for experienced patrollers.
Union members have also expressed frustration over the frequency of contract disputes. According to Klingensmith, many feel the current negotiations should resolve long-standing issues, such as seasonal health benefits that remain underutilized due to high deductibles and insurance plan changes every six months.
Resort Response
Park City Mountain’s leadership has reassured skiers that holiday operations will proceed regardless of the union’s decision. Dierdra Walsh, the resort’s vice president and COO, stated that safety remains a top priority.
The resort claims to have made substantial pay improvements in recent years, with seasonal patrollers averaging $25 per hour and experienced staff earning 35% more than entry-level hires. Additionally, returning employees would receive a 4% pay raise and a $1,600 equipment allowance under the resort’s latest offer.
A Broader Industry Impact
The outcome of these negotiations could set a precedent for ski patrol teams nationwide. Past agreements between Park City Mountain and its ski patrol union have influenced wages at nearby resorts, including Deer Valley and Powder Mountain.
Union organizers are also calling for solidarity from patrollers across the industry, urging them not to cross picket lines if a strike occurs.
With the clock ticking toward the busy holiday season, both sides face mounting pressure to find common ground. The next few negotiation sessions will likely determine whether a resolution is possible—or if Park City Mountain’s slopes will see more picket signs than skiers this winter.
Could Killington Face Similar Ski Patrol Challenges?
As contract disputes unfold at Park City, questions arise about the potential for similar issues at other major ski resorts, including Killington. With its reputation as a top-tier destination, Killington depends on a well-trained and dedicated ski patrol team to maintain safety and operations. While there are no current signs of unrest, the broader industry concerns around compensation, workload, and employee retention could pose challenges in the future. Ensuring proactive communication and addressing these issues head-on may be key to avoiding conflicts that could disrupt operations.
