The recent strike at Park City resort in Utah has shed light on the unsustainable business model of the American ski industry. Vail, which owns the resort, has long profited from high ticket prices, overpriced food and lodging, and equipment sales. However, this strategy has come at a cost to its employees, who face a severe housing crisis and low wages.
The median monthly rent in Park City is around $3,500, making it difficult for Vail’s minimum-wage employees to afford living there even when working full-time. Despite this, the company set its minimum wage at just $20 an hour in 2022, after facing staffing shortages and a strike threat by ski patrollers.
The lack of affordable housing options has led to a situation where only 12% of the community’s workforce lives in Park City itself. This means that many employees have to live far away from their workplace, making it hard for them to keep up with demanding schedules or get home safely after work.
However, the strike may have been a turning point for Vail and other ski resorts. After weeks of negotiations, the company agreed to increase average pay for patrollers by $4 an hour and offer better leave policies. This breakthrough has sent ripples throughout the industry, encouraging other ski-resort workers to consider unionizing.
The Park City strike is part of a larger trend in the American ski industry, where corporate consolidation and lack of competition have led to lower wages and worse working conditions for employees. As long as there are only two or three major conglomerates controlling most of the country’s ski resorts, workers will continue to face an unfair deal.
The outcome of the strike is a hopeful sign that change may be on the horizon. With labor-organization rates spiking at ski areas, it’s clear that workers are becoming more aware of their rights and are willing to fight for fair wages and better working conditions. As the industry continues to evolve, it’s essential that companies prioritize the well-being of their employees, rather than just maximizing profits.
Source: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2025/01/big-ski-snow-strike/681291