In a significant move that has disrupted holiday plans for many winter sports enthusiasts, the Telluride Ski Resort announced its closure on Saturday, December 27, 2025, due to a labor dispute with the Telluride Professional Ski Patrol Association. The resort, renowned for its world-class skiing and picturesque setting, finds itself at the center of a labor dispute that has escalated into a full-blown ski patrol strike. This closure comes as a result of ongoing negotiations between the resort and the ski patrol, which have failed to reach a satisfactory agreement on compensation, leading to a planned work stoppage.
The Telluride Professional Ski Patrol Association, representing the ski patrollers, voted to strike after months of contract negotiations failed to yield an acceptable agreement on pay. The negotiations, which began in June, centered around compensation and other working conditions, with the union seeking better wages and benefits for their members. The union's demands include significant wage increases and cost-of-living adjustments, which the resort has been reluctant to agree to.
Telluride Ski Resort, owned by Telluride Ski and Golf, has been a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders for many years. The resort's decision to close due to the ski patrol strike has left many visitors stranded and has impacted local businesses that rely on tourism during the holiday season. The ski patrol's role is crucial for the safety of visitors, as they are responsible for monitoring the slopes, providing first aid, and ensuring that skiers and snowboarders are safe.
This is not the first time that a ski resort in Colorado has faced a similar situation. In December 2024, the Park City Ski Patrol also went on a 13-day work stoppage, causing disruptions and closures at Park City Mountain Resort. Despite the historical context, the current situation at Telluride Ski Resort highlights the ongoing tensions between labor unions and resort owners, particularly in the ski industry, where safety and service are paramount.
The ski patrol's decision to strike has been met with mixed reactions from the public and the resort management. While some supporters argue that the ski patrollers deserve fair compensation for their critical role, others point out the inconvenience and economic impact on the local community. The resort's management has expressed disappointment over the union's decision to strike, emphasizing the importance of maintaining operations during the peak holiday season.
As of now, it remains uncertain when the resort will reopen, and visitors who had planned their trips to Telluride are left in limbo. The ski patrol's strike has not only affected the immediate operations of the resort but has also cast a shadow over the future of labor relations in the ski industry.
The ski patrol strike at Telluride Ski Resort serves as a stark reminder of the underlying tensions between labor and management in the ski industry. As negotiations continue and the resort remains closed, the focus shifts to finding a resolution that satisfies both parties and ensures the safety and satisfaction of visitors. In the meantime, the picturesque slopes of Telluride lie quiet, awaiting a resolution that will allow the resort to reopen and welcome skiers and snowboarders once again.
