On Strike: Iconic Ski Resort Closes Indefinitely Amid Labor Dispute

December 26, 2025

In a growing sign of the labor movement’s rise in the outdoor industry, a strike of the Telluride Ski Patrol has shut down Telluride Ski Resort in Colorado.

The union’s workers voted to reject the resort owners’ most recent contract offer on Dec. 8. On Dec. 23, the union announced that with 99% of its members voting yes, it would begin a strike on Dec. 27. A day later, the resort announced that, due to the strike, it will close indefinitely beginning on Dec. 27.

Ski patrol employees perform essential safety functions at resorts, including responding to emergencies, monitoring avalanche risks, and trail maintenance. The Telluride Ski Patrol joined the Communication Workers of America Union in 2015. Its most recent contract with the resort expired on Aug. 31.

Since then, workers and the resort have gone back and forth over the new contract, particularly surrounding pay. The union says it is asking for $47.44 for the average hourly pay for supervisors, and the resort says it is willing to pay $39.84 per hour. This difference narrows when it comes to less experienced employees, with the union asking for $25.06 for trainees and the resort asking $24.06.

Both parties have objected to the other’s demands. On its website, the resort stated, “Despite Telski’s attempts to negotiate an industry leading, living, and sustainable wage increase, the Ski Patrol demanded an increase of 27.7% or $8.04 per hour just for the 2025/26 season. This was not a reasonable nor competitive demand.”

The union, meanwhile, claims, “The company continues to ignore our proposals for increased base wages and special teams premiums that encourage growth and retention within this group.

“In an unfair labor practice, the company continues to claim they cannot afford to increase our pay without increasing ticket and pass prices, but refuses to open the books and share costs and revenue.”

On Dec. 8, the union’s workers voted to reject the company’s latest contract offer. On Dec. 23, the union announced that it would begin a strike on Dec. 27 — 99% of its members voted yes. It is not clear how long the strike will last.

Then, on Dec. 24, the resort announced it would close on Dec. 27, stating on Instagram, “We will continue working on a plan that allows us to reopen safely as soon as possible.” It also announced it would refund all advance-purchase lift tickets and other purchases like ski lessons.

Telluride Ski Resort has a page on its website dedicated to the ski patrol issue. It claims, “There has been a lot of inaccurate information circulating in our community about our offer to the Ski Patrol … Telluride recognizes far more specialized skills [than] the other resorts.”

The union said that it “has done everything within our power, short of accepting another subpar contract, to avoid this outcome.” Gear Junkie