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5d ago

Telluride Resort to Close as Ski Patrollers Set Dec. 27 Strike

Union leaders cite an impasse over wages and staffing following an unchanged “final” offer.

FILE - People ski between the trees in the deep powder at Telluride Ski Resort, March 10, 2006. (AP Photo/Nathan Bilow, File)
Beginning next winter, the Telluride ski area will be part of Vail Resorts' Epic Pass program, which provides access to a number of ski resorts for a single fee. Recently, Denver-based Alterra Mountain Co. announced its Ikon Pass, which will compete with the Epic Pass. (Denver Post file)

Overview

  • The patrol union voted 99% to start an indefinite work stoppage on Dec. 27 and plans to picket at the gondola, downtown Telluride, and Mountain Village.
  • Resort officials say the mountain will close Saturday and remain shut until a safe reopening plan is in place, with refunds offered for prepaid lift tickets and lessons.
  • Talks broke down after Telluride Ski & Golf reissued the same Dec. 6 “last, best and final” proposal that members had already rejected.
  • The company’s offer would raise median patrol pay to about $30 an hour versus the union’s goal near $35, leaving a reported three‑year gap of roughly $65,000 after recent concessions.
  • Management characterizes its proposal as “generous and market‑leading,” while union leaders warn patrol staffing is critical for opening higher‑elevation terrain and note a strike‑prep training for nonunion staff was canceled.