At 7:30 am on December 27, 2024, union members of the Park City Professional Ski Patrol Association (PCPSPA) initiated the first modern day ski patrol strike at a major resort. In a bold announcement on its Facebook page, the union stated, “We hung up our jackets and walked out of the locker room and formed a picket line in solidarity to amplify our fight for better wages and working conditions.”
“None of us wanted to strike, but we were left with no choice,” said Julia McCarrier Edwards, member of the communications team for PCPSPA and long-time ski patroller. “We began our contract negotiations last spring with the understanding we wanted to have everything resolved before the winter season started. Negotiations regarding non-economic articles like uniforms, staffing schedules and avalanche training went very smoothly. However, once we got to the economic articles everything changed.”
She continued, “We put forth our economic request in September, which included demanding fair compensation and benefits. Despite numerous requests, we didn’t get any response for 55 days.”
Eventually, on December 26th, Vail Resorts Management Company negotiators sat down with PCPSPA for a seven hour mediation session. Unfortunately, the company refused to give a counteroffer on wages or benefits. At that point, PCPSPA felt Vail “forced a walkout by bargaining in bad faith and repeatedly violating the National Labor Relations Act.”
The ski patroller’s strike landed right in the middle of the holiday season, which is a peak time for Park City and Utah’s tourism industry. Despite Vail’s reassurance the strike would have a “limited impact” on daily operations, the effects were felt almost immediately. For the next 13 days, even with a solid 42 inch snow base, less than 100 of the 350 runs were open. Additionally, although Vail brought in managers from other mountains and assembled a support team, only half of the ski lifts were open, causing skiers and snowboarders to wait for hours in line.
Tourists from all over the world had planned to visit the largest ski resort in America during the holiday season. Sadly, most did not learn about the strike and the operational issues until they had already arrived in Park City. This caused most visitors to express major frustration and disappointment with the resort. Still, Vail held firm against the union’s requests and many feared a resolution would not be agreed upon.
Fortunately, on January 8th, 2025, PCPSPA and Vail ratified a fair contract with a vote of 100%. After standing together and not giving in, union members proudly announced, “We feel strongly that we have secured a contract with a wage structure and benefits package that incentivizes retention and career growth for our members.”
The agreement, which is binding through the 2027 ski season, is a first for the PCPSPA. The contract secures a base pay increase of $2 for new hires, with more tenured patrollers seeing an average increase of $4 an hour. The union was also able to secure a “wage parity” in which their members’ pay will rise along with any increases at other Vail Resorts. Another primary obstacle that was resolved allows for extended parental leave policies and enhanced seasonal benefits and training packages.
“This is more than just a win for our unit, it is a great success for everyone in the ski and mountain industry,” exclaimed McCarrier Edwards. “It’s been amazing to see the unity and solidarity of our group. Folks caring for each other and looking out for each other — leading up to the strike, during the strike, and after the strike.”
With the ski patrollers back on the mountain, the season is moving forward. Mid-February brings one of the busiest weeks at Park City Mountain, with the President’s Day holiday. And, of course, March brings the rush of school break vacations and spring skiing retreats.
However, the sting of the 13-day upheaval has left its mark on the resort. Due to the strike, Vail’s stock prices plummeted by $12 and total skier numbers were down 3%. Additionally, a class-action suit was filed against the company alleging that they knowingly deceived their customers by failing to disclose that the ski patrol and mountain safety union members were on strike.
Arguably, even more damaging than the lawsuit, were the multitude of social media posts and images highlighting the long lift lines and crowded runs. Along with the on-air-roast from a prominent CNBC personality criticizing the company for ruining his ski vacation.
The recognition that going on strike would impact customers and tourists did not go unnoticed by the ski patrollers. “We were concerned about our holiday visitors. We realized that people make plans months in advance and that our strike would affect their experience with the resort and the town as well,” said McCarrier Edwards. “None of us wanted to go on strike. We all would have rather been on the mountain than picketing. Unfortunately, Vail forced us into the position.”
In spite of the disappointment and frustration felt by skiers and snowboarders, most have been supportive and understanding towards the union members.
For McCarrier Edwards, the decision to go on strike was well worth the pain and sacrifice and she encourages other employees to stand up for the right to thrive. She proudly stated, “It was amazing. When you fight, you win!”
Photos courtesy of PCPSPA.
