A labor dispute at Park City Mountain resort has sparked complaints of long lines and delays at one of America’s most popular ski destinations. The strike, which began in late December, has led to a significant drop in shares of Vail Resorts, the company that owns Park City.
The Park City Professional Ski Patrol Association, a union representing patrollers at the resort, is seeking a wage increase from $21 per hour to $23 per hour. The union claims that this amount has not changed since 2022 and that Vail has not offered a counterproposal.
Despite Vail’s claims of increased wages, which amount to over 50% more than the current base rate, the company’s stock price has taken a hit. Shares have dropped by more than 5% in the past five trading days.
The strike has raised concerns about the consolidation of America’s ski resorts under a handful of companies, including Vail and its private equity background. The situation has also sparked criticism of the high cost of skiing at Park City, with some calling for greater transparency and accountability from resort operators.
As negotiations continue, visitors are being asked to respect working employees during the strike duration. Deirdra Walsh, operations chief at Park City, apologized to skiers and riders for the inconvenience caused by the strike, saying that it was not the holiday experience anyone wanted.
The situation remains fluid, with only 103 of 350 trails and 25 of 41 lifts operating as of Monday morning. The impact on customers and investors alike is clear, with shares continuing to drop and social media filled with complaints about long lines and high costs.
Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/01/06/vail-stock-struggles-as-strike-leads-to-long-lines-at-park-city-mountain.html