The ski patrollers at Arapahoe Basin are awaiting an upcoming election that could result in the formation of a union as union ski patrollers picket outside Park City Mountain Resort in Utah for better pay and working conditions. More than 70% of patrollers at A-Basin support organizing efforts. They will vote on unionization on Jan. 8 and Jan. 11.
The patrollers want a democratic process to give themselves more bargaining power and elevate their own positions to provide guests with the best experience. Although they have a good relationship with management, they feel that forming a union could lead to more professional conversations about their contracts.
Arapahoe Basin’s Chief Operating Officer, Alan Henceroth, has expressed commitment to transparency and equity with employees and guests as the unionization process moves forward.
The ski patrol unionization movement is gaining traction in Colorado, with almost half of the state’s ski resorts having unionized patrols. Patrollers from Loveland and Eldora plan to set up a picket line at Vail Resorts headquarters in Broomfield to show solidarity with the striking workers at Park City.
Vail Resorts has recruited management-level patrollers as replacement workers in Park City, causing concern among existing patrollers. Despite the strike, Park City Mountain Resort remains open, ensuring safety as a top priority.
The United Mountain Workers union stated that Vail Resorts’ anti-union tactics led to the work stoppage, affecting employee livelihoods and the skiing public’s experience.
Overall, the ski patrollers are seeking better wages and working conditions as they navigate the unionization process to ensure a viable long-term career option.
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