99% of Telluride Patrol Votes to Strike Starting December 27th

The holiday rush in the San Juans is facing a major hurdle. After months of back-and-forth at the bargaining table, the Telluride Professional Ski Patrol Association (TPSPA) has officially authorized a strike. With a 99% vote from its members, the stoppage is scheduled for December 27th, in the middle of peak season.

The core of the dispute centers on a significant wage gap. Resort management (Telski) has offered a 13% increase for the first season, the union is pushing for a starting wage around $30 an hour to combat the cost of living in the area. Patrollers argue that current pay scales fuel high turnover, making it difficult to retain the seasoned experts needed for high-stakes tasks like avalanche mitigation and technical rope rescues.

Resort officials have warned that a strike could lead to widespread disruption, including potential terrain closures and guest cancellations. Meanwhile, the union maintains that their goal is to secure a "living wage" that allows them to remain part of the community they protect. This mirrors the 12-day strike seen at Park City last year, which impacted operations and terrain openings during peak season.

Related: 200 Ski Patrollers Strike at Park City: Safety Concerns Loom Amid Contract Dispute

While negotiators have left the door open for last-minute progress, the two parties remain $65,000 apart over a three-year term. As the deadline approaches, the entire industry is watching closely. We know that the safety of the mountain rests on the shoulders of these professionals who manage 2,000 acres of terrain daily.