As a long-time admirer of ski patrollers, I strongly believe they are the backbone of mountain operations. With 45 years of personal experience interacting with patrols in various resorts and conditions, I can attest to their professionalism, courtesy, and respect. My sister’s recent experience at Park City Mountain Resort is a perfect example of their exceptional service.
During her rescue after a serious injury, the ski patrol team showed exemplary professionalism, keeping my sister calm and safe throughout the ordeal. The head of the rescue team, Maura, was firm yet clear in her orders, ensuring her safe transport to the bottom.
However, Vail Resorts’ claims about patroller compensation are misleading. Despite a 50% hourly rate hike over four years, first-year patrollers still earn $21 an hour, which is significantly lower than their starting salary of $14 an hour in 2020. This raises questions about the company’s valuation of its employees.
The disparity between high-level management positions and ski patrol roles is striking. With thousands of applicants vying for a handful of patrol positions, it seems Vail Resorts overvalues executives while underpaying its most essential team members. As the CEO, Tom Marsico stated, “The people who really run the show are the mountain ops folks,” yet the company’s pay scales suggest otherwise.
It’s time to recognize the true value of ski patrollers and their contributions to the resort experience. By doing so, Vail Resorts can create a more equitable compensation structure that reflects the hard work and dedication of its most critical team members.
Source: https://www.parkrecord.com/2025/01/08/three-observations