Telluride Ski Area Closure Persists Amid Ski Patroller Strike

The ski patroller strike at the Telluride Ski Area continues, resulting in the resort’s ongoing closure. January 1, 2026, marked day five of this significant labor action, with no resolution in sight. Chuck Horning, the owner of Telluride Ski and Golf, has not engaged the 78-member Telluride Professional Ski Patrol Union since the strike began.

Strike Details and Wage Disputes

Negotiations between the Telluride Ski and Golf company and the patrollers have stalled for several months. The previous contract expired in August. The company proposed a contract that would increase hourly wages by $3.89, raising the median to $30, with first-year patrollers earning $23.50 and veterans making up to $46. However, the union is demanding a median wage increase to $35.09, seeking an hourly rate of $26 to $53.

• Patrollers argue that better wages will improve skier safety by retaining experienced staff.
• Currently, the union claims to have lost seven employees over the summer, unable to replace them adequately.
• Ski patroller Tom Sokolowski noted that the initial wages he earned over 50 years ago have not kept pace with inflation.

Impact on Local Tourism

The closure of Telluride Ski Area comes during a typically busy holiday season. Recent data from the Telluride Tourism Board indicates that lodging bookings dropped 54% compared to last year. Occupancy rates in Telluride and Mountain Village stand at 56%, down from 72% in previous holiday weeks.

Competitors Benefiting

As Telluride remains closed, visitors are turning to alternative ski destinations like Crested Butte Mountain Resort and Monarch Ski Area. Crested Butte reports being fully booked through the New Year. Monarch Ski Area is appealing to Telluride visitors by offering free lift tickets to all those who present a Telluride ticket or season pass.

Ongoing Operations and Future Plans

Despite the strike, Telluride Ski and Golf continues snowmaking operations, indicating intent to reopen. However, no new contract proposal has been communicated to the ski patrollers. The Uncompahgre National Forest, which issues operational permits, emphasizes that the responsibility for meeting safety standards rests on ski area operators.

Community Impact and Future Actions

The strike has raised concerns among local businesses and government officials. As the labor dispute continues, the potential wage gap between the company and the union has been noted, estimated at $100,000 to $115,000. Local governments have stated they are closely monitoring the situation but cannot directly intervene under current labor laws.

As the situation develops, both the patrollers and the resort company are urged to seek an amicable resolution for the benefit of employees, local businesses, and visitors alike. The community’s reliance on the ski area for tourism makes a swift resolution critical.