Progress in Negotiations

In a promising turn of events, President Kate Lips of the Park City Professional Ski Patrol Association announced significant advancements in contract negotiations following eight days of striking. Meetings held this week with Vail Resorts and federal mediators have led to what Lips describes as "large steps towards an agreement."

Background of the Strike

The contract negotiations kicked off in earnest after over 200 ski patrol and mountain safety personnel walked off the job on December 27, creating a stir in the popular ski destination. Union representatives have been actively engaging with Vail Resorts since January 3, marking the fourth mediation session in a five-day span. Quinn Graves, union business manager, expressed renewed optimism, stating to KPCW, “We’ve seen quite a bit of movement over the last couple of days, more than in the previous months.”

Pending Issues

The previous contract for ski patrol staff expired back in April 2024, and while the negotiation tables have seen discussions around education and training packages, critical issues surrounding wages and benefits remain unresolved.

Vail Resorts' Position

Vail Resorts Mountain Division President Bill Rock highlighted that decision-making for accepting or rejecting union proposals involves local leadership, including Vice President and COO Deirdra Walsh. Rock confirmed that the company's bargaining team includes key figures such as Vice President of Mountain Operations Mike Lewis and Ski Patrol Director Andy VanHouten.

Role of Federal Mediators

With federal mediators now part of the equation, discussions have shifted from face-to-face meetings to video conferencing, introducing a level of confidentiality to the negotiation process. Labor lawyer Nate Thomas commented on the unique nature of mediation sessions, emphasizing that mediators often strive to identify common ground and facilitate understanding between the parties.

Current Demands and Counteroffers

As discussions progress, the union’s earlier disappointment in Vail’s counteroffers has morphed into a more hopeful outlook. The ski patrol is pushing for an increase in base wages from $21 to $23 across all of Vail's U.S. resorts, a move intended to keep pace with inflation. Vail argues that it has already compensated ski patrol staff with a 50% wage increase over the past four seasons, surpassing inflation rates.

Impact of Recent Snowfall

While the exact timeline for the next mediation session remains uncertain, the backdrop of negotiations has been further complicated by the recent snowfall at Park City Mountain. The resort is currently operating at reduced capacity, revealing plans to open additional terrain this coming weekend, expanding to a total of 1,900 skiable acres—only about 26% of the mountain’s full capacity.

Resort Measures and Conditions

To manage the influx of skiers, the resort has implemented measures such as temporarily restricting the Timberline lift's operations. Reports of long lines underscore the heightened demand during this peak ski season, further exacerbated by guests attempting to access closed terrain.

Looking Ahead

As tensions mount and negotiations continue, all eyes are on Park City Mountain—will the ski patrol’s demands for fair wages and better benefits finally be met? Stay tuned for updates as this situation unfolds!