Skeleton Crews and Magic Carpets: The State of Telluride’s Strike Reopening
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As the Telluride Professional Ski Patrol Association (TPSPA) strike enters week two, mountain silence broken by hum of beginner lifts. Telluride closed on December 27, 2025 and announced a limited reopening of its lower mountain on Monday, January 5, 2026.
Less Than 2% of Terrain Operational
The resort is currently operating with a skeleton crew of temporary hires and a handful of non-union staff. This has allowed for the opening of just two of the resort's 149 trails—specifically Meadows North and Meadows South.
The current lift and terrain status is strictly limited to:
- Lift 1 (Chondola)
- Meadows Carpet and Vista Carpet (Beginner conveyors)
- Free Village Gondola (remains operational as it is run by the Town of Mountain Village)
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Resort warns zero tolerance for accessing closed terrain, violators face prosecution for leaving designated open areas.
Stalled Negotiations and Wage Gaps
The strike occured after negotiations stalled over wages and sustainable pay in one of the country's most expensive housing markets. Union rejects resort’s $41/hr Station Lead offer, calling it a shuffling of funds that cuts cost-of-living adjustments.
The community impact has been profound, with local lodging bookings reportedly pacing 19% behind last year. In a show of solidarity, a GoFundMe for the patrollers has raised $149,000+ to help workers cover living expenses during the strike.
