A strike by the Park City Professional Ski Patrol Association (PCPSPA) continues despite recent negotiations with a federal mediator, with the union expressing disappointment in Vail’s counter offer. The two sides remain far from reaching a contract agreement, with the main issues being wages and benefits.
The 200-member union, which represents ski patrollers and mountain safety staff, has been negotiating with Vail since April 2022. After weeks of talks, both parties made offers, but no resolution was reached. Union members are concerned about inadequate safety response, long lift lines, and a lack of terrain being open.
In an internal email obtained by KPCW, Park City Mountain Vice President Deirdra Walsh acknowledged the impact of the strike, stating that it led to fewer lifts operating at Canyons Village than planned. The union claims that Vail has temporarily replaced striking workers with employees from other resorts, causing uncertainty and disruption.
A letter sent by the PCPSPA to Vail Resorts CEO Kirsten Lynch expresses concerns about the company’s priorities, suggesting that it may be prioritizing short-term financial interests over workforce and safety standards.
The strike has garnered support from Colorado residents and patrollers at other resorts, with some organizing pickets outside Vail’s Epic Mountain Gear store. The union has raised over $100,000 for its strike relief fund through individual donations and a fundraising goal of $250,000.
Source: https://www.kpcw.org/park-city/2025-01-01/park-city-ski-patrol-disappointed-in-vail-counteroffer-strike-stretches-to-day-six