Members of the Park City Professional Ski Patrol Association (PCPSPA) stand united on Main Street, holding a sign that reads "Union Strong," as they continue contract negotiations with Vail Resorts ahead of the 2024-25 ski season. Photo: Willie Maahs of PCPSPA

'We want the same thing as the company—we want this resort to thrive,' Kate Lips, president of PCPSPA said. 'In order for that to happen, the employees need to thrive, too.'

PARK CITY, Utah — The Park City Professional Ski Patrol Association (PCPSPA) is back in negotiations with Vail Resorts after their previous contract expired on April 30, 2024. As ski season preparations ramp up, the unionized ski patrol, represented by an elected bargaining team, is working without a contract as discussions continue, with the first day of the season scheduled for Nov. 22.

The Union began meeting with the company in March 2024, and despite productive meetings, key issues remain unresolved. “We are 8 months into the process and have had 17 negotiation meetings with the company,” said Kate Lips, president of PCPSPA. “We do not have a contract yet secured.”

The patrol’s priorities in this round of negotiations include addressing wages, keeping up with inflation, and ensuring Park City remains a viable place to work despite rising living costs. “We are fighting to make this a sustainable career option so we can attract and retain the best possible people, to help keep everyone safe,” Lips said.

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Lips noted the improved tone of the current negotiation process compared to the previous one in 2022, which lasted 18 months. “We are definitively in a better place than we were 8 months into the prior round of negotiations,” she said. “There is a feeling of respect in the room that I can say was not always present last time, and that is huge.”

However, some economic issues remain unresolved. “We passed our economic proposal across the table over a month ago, and we have not yet received a counterproposal,” Lips said. “We are really hoping that in the next few weeks, we can dive into this most important issue that most affects our group.”

In response to a request for comment on the negotiations, Mike Lewis, Vice President of Mountain Operations for Park City Mountain said conversations between Park City Mountain and the ski patrol’s union have been respectful and productive. “We remain committed to working in earnest toward a new contract. We deeply value all of our team members and are proud of the recent investments we’ve made into the employee experience. The entire team at Park City Mountain is looking forward to delivering our guests a great experience this upcoming winter season,” Lewis said.

The ski patrol union also expressed concerns about morale, particularly after learning that merit-based raises earned last season are being withheld. “When we asked the company why this raise, earned by performance last year, is not being given, we were told that it was for leverage,” Lips said. “And now that people are back to work, this is starting to a have an impact on our livelihoods, not just our morale.”

Despite the uncertainty, PCPSPA members are committed to continuing operations without disruption. “We are a professional group of ski patrollers and mountain safety patrollers who are ready to show up and do our jobs with or without that contract,” Lips said. “Preseason training has already begun, and we are excited to be back to work.”

Community support remains a vital part of the ski patrol’s efforts. Lips emphasized how important local and regional backing was during the 2022 negotiations and encouraged continued engagement. “It was the community that helped us secure that contract,” she said. “We feel incredibly grateful for that support, and we hope it continues.”

PCPSPA is also part of a larger movement advocating for improved conditions for mountain workers across the West. “We are so proud to be part of the CWA Local 7781, which currently has 16 units, including lift maintenance departments and a bike patrol, and is growing every year,” Lips said. “This is not just our fight—this is happening all over the outdoor industry.”

Looking ahead, the union hopes to reach an agreement before the season begins but remains prepared to work without one if necessary. “Right now, we only have two bargaining days scheduled before the season starts, but we are hoping to meet more frequently,” Lips said. “Once we get a counterproposal, we will have a much better idea of the direction things are going.”

Lips stressed the union’s commitment to maintaining full operations throughout the negotiation process. “We are not interested in repeating the experience of going a year and a half without that security,” she said. “But for now, we are ready to work, train, and serve our community.”

As discussions with Vail Resorts continue, PCPSPA remains optimistic but cautious. “We want the same thing as the company—we want this resort to thrive,” Lips said. “In order for that to happen, the employees need to thrive, too.”