Park City ski patrollers picket for better wages from Vail Resorts

PARK CITY, Utah — Park City Mountain Resort ski patrollers took to the picket lines over the weekend following months of negotiations with Vail Resorts, the owner of the ski resort. 

Park City Ski Patrol Association, the union representing the patrollers, is seeking an increased base pay for all patrollers. Additionally, it is asking for higher pay for experienced patrollers. 

Vail Resorts’ past proposal offered a less than 0.5% pay increase, while also removing foundational elements of current ski patrol contracts. A statement from Park City Mountain Resort claimed that wages are competitive and outpaced the rate of inflation. 

During the opening day demonstration, people honked their car horns in support of the pickets. Patrollers from other resorts and firefighters joined the PCMR ski patrollers on the picket line. 

What does ski patrol do for resorts? 

Ski patrollers play a vital role in ski resort operations. They work out in the cold, serving as first responders when skiers go missing or get injured. During some emergency situations, they even work to transport injured skiers back to the mountain’s base. 

POWDER Magazine said that ski patrollers also work to keep the mountain safe. They participate in high-risk avalanche mitigation efforts, at times even triggering small avalanches through the use of explosives. 

Finally, ski patrollers work to aid in mountain operations. They often spend time setting up trail signs and marking hazards on the slopes. 

Tammy Kikuchi is a reporter and anchor for KSL NewsRadio. 

Mariah Maynes contributed to this report.

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