Park City Mountain Resort ski patrollers, after nearly two weeks on strike, have reached a tentative agreement with Vail Resorts to resume operations. The deal, set to be ratified Wednesday, averts further disruption during peak ski season.
The agreement, details of which remain undisclosed, concludes a strike initiated on December 27th over contract negotiations that had been ongoing since March. The walkout garnered public support, with many skiers expressing solidarity with the patrollers.
The strike highlighted the challenges ski patrollers face in high-cost mountain communities. One industry observer noted the potential for broader wage improvements across the ski industry should the patrollers secure favorable terms.
"Generally, when one group of employees successfully bargains for a contract they view as fair, it often creates a ripple effect, boosting wages for others," commented Alex Kaufman, a former ski resort executive. Park City, with an average home price exceeding $1.5 million, experiences a significantly higher cost of living than most areas.
The 200 ski patrollers at Park City Mountain Resort sought a pay increase from $21 to $23 per hour, arguing that $27 is a livable wage in the area. Vail Resorts countered that they had already increased base pay by 50% to $21 from $13 per hour in 2022, and offered a further 4% increase and equipment reimbursement.
The strike was noteworthy for its duration extending into the peak ski season. Some observers suggested Vail Resorts may have overestimated their negotiating position, ultimately leading to a settlement.
The tentative agreement, effective through April 2027, is a positive step toward normalcy at Park City Mountain Resort, addressing the concerns of the patrollers in a significant way. The agreement was reached following unanimous approval from the union and resort negotiators.
