Aspen Ski Patrol Deal Secures Safety as Mountain Opens Top-to-Bottom
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The buzz in Aspen is palpable. Recent snow has allowed Aspen Mountain to open for top-to-bottom skiing, offering 3,317 vertical feet of continuous terrain. This is an early-season milestone, celebrated with the Silver Queen Gondola and Ajax Express serving continuous routes from the summit to the base. Crucially, this exciting on-mountain news coincides with a major win for mountain operations: the Aspen Professional Ski Patrol Association (APSPA) and the Aspen Skiing Co. (SkiCo) have officially reached an agreement on a new three-year contract.
A Critical Agreement for Mountain Operations
Ski patrol personnel are the backbone of any mountain operation. They are responsible for avalanche mitigation, high-angle rescue, and providing crucial emergency medical care to guests. This work is both physically demanding and high-risk, so a stable contract is vital for both the patrollers and the resort.
The news comes as a significant relief to the Roaring Fork Valley community. Aspen Skiing Co. and APSPA finalized the agreement right as the 2025-26 winter season began. According to a statement from SkiCo CEO Geoff Buchheister, the deal reflects a mutual commitment to excellence. Furthermore, it highlights the need for continued skills development in this highly technical profession.
Key Details of the New Deal
While specific pay scales were not made public, the contract includes important components:
- Skills-Based Wage Increases: This compensation structure directly rewards patrollers who expand their expertise.
- Incentives for Specialized Training: The focus is on encouraging patrollers to pursue advanced medical certifications and other high-level skills.
This structure is a nod to the complexities of the job. A patroller with advanced certifications is better equipped to handle serious injuries. When an athlete is charging a serious line, the peace of mind that comes from a highly trained, well-compensated patrol force is invaluable.
Union Momentum in the Ski World
This negotiation is a key point in the larger labor movement sweeping through the ski industry. Over the last few years, numerous patrol unions, including those at Breckenridge, Keystone, and Eldora, have secured new contracts with significant gains in wages and working conditions.
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It is worth noting that APSPA, which has been in place since 1985, is the only union division within the Aspen Skiing Co.. APSPA represents all four mountains: Aspen Highlands, Aspen Mountain, Buttermilk and Snowmass. Their success here sets a positive precedent.
Breckenridge Ski Patrol Union Ratifies New Three-Year Contract
By
Nico JohnsonReady for the Season
With a crucial labor agreement locked down, Aspen is now fully prepared for a busy winter. The combination of early snow, top-to-bottom terrain, and a respected, highly-trained ski patrol ready to ensure safety means the season is truly underway. This contract is not merely a business transaction; it is an investment in the professionals who keep the mountains viable for everyone who loves to ride.
