Park City Ski Patrol demonstrates on Lower Park Ave amid negotiations with Park City Mountain Resort on November 23, 2024. Photo: Rebecca Brenner // TownLift

PARK CITY, Utah — The Park City Professional Ski Patrol Association (PCPSPA) expressed disappointment over the latest economic counteroffer from Vail Resorts, describing it as falling significantly short of their expectations for fair compensation. The counteroffer comes after 20 bargaining sessions since May, during which progress has been made on other aspects of the contract, according to the union.

“We’re out here because we’ve been in contract negotiations since May and had 20 sessions. We’ve been able to secure or to agree to a lot of our contract. Still, we’re getting held up in the economics and benefits package,” shared Quinn Graves, fourth-year ski patroller and business manager for the Park City Professional Ski Patrol Association. “The company is not offering a reasonable and fair counterproposal to our proposals, so we’re out here demonstrating our solidarity and stating that we want to ratify a fair contract as swiftly as possible.”

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The union remains resolute in its efforts to secure a contract that reflects the critical work performed by ski patrollers and mountain safety personnel, particularly in light of the rising cost of living across the Wasatch region. PCPSPA also emphasized the importance of fairly compensating long-tenured employees for their experience and skills, which they say are invaluable to the team’s operations.

“This morning, at 8:30, PCPSPA will hold a public demonstration on lower Park Avenue to respond to the company’s latest proposal,” the union announced. The counteroffer includes a raise of less than 0.5% and the removal of key elements from the existing contract, prompting the union to take action.

“We are asking for $23 an hour—$23 an hour with the same buying power as that $21 an hour several years ago. So we’re not asking for anything wild; we’re just trying to keep up with inflation and the cost of living in a mountain town,” shared Margaux Klingsmith, also a Business Manager for the Park City Professional Ski Patrol Association. “We love the community. We want to be out on the field, and we just hope that the company comes back with a proposal that allows us to continue doing our job well and professionally.”

“We’re just out here to keep the public informed about the current progress of our contract. The most current offer that the company has given us equals about a half of a percent raise to everyone, which is not fair,” Graves shared. “We’re trying to ratify a contract that is in line with inflation rates, which are currently really high, and we see those inflation rates continuing to be high. We want to be able to thrive living in and around a mountain town, and right now it’s hard to survive on a lot of the wages we’re making.”

The union’s demonstration underscored its commitment to advocating for fair wages that reflect the rising cost of living in a mountain town. Members expressed concerns that the proposed pay increases were insufficient to meet the challenges posed by ongoing inflation.

In response, Park City Mountain emphasized its efforts to support employees and the importance of reaching a fair agreement. “Park City Mountain is negotiating in good faith with the union that represents its ski patrollers to reach an agreement that continues to demonstrate the great respect we have for our patrollers and the guest service they provide at the resort,” said Deirdra Walsh of Park City Mountain.

Walsh highlighted the company’s investments in ski patrol pay and benefits, noting that, “Over the past three years, the average wage for ski patrollers across the company, including at Park City Mountain, has increased substantially – far outpacing the rate of wage inflation – resulting in very competitive wages. Our wage proposal includes additional increases consistent with how we reward all employees on an annual basis, with wages this year that would again outpace wage inflation. We are also proud to lead the industry in terms of benefits, perks, training, and the equipment compensation we provide to our ski patrollers.”

While the company expressed optimism about reaching an agreement, patrollers remained steadfast in their calls for fairer wages and improved terms. Graves added, “We’re dedicated to our work, and we want a contract that allows us to live and thrive in the community we serve every day. For us, it’s about fairness and respect for the roles we play, especially in a town that depends on the safety and experience we provide.”