Park City Mountain will stay open if Ski Patrol strikes

Photo: Park City Ski Patrol Protest

Union warns safety could be compromised as company recruits ski patrollers from other resorts to keep slopes open.

PARK CITY, Utah — Tensions continue to rise between the Park City Professional Ski Patrol Association (PCPSPA) and Vail Resorts as negotiations over wages and benefits remain unresolved. Margaux Klingensmith, a member of the PCPSPA Executive Board, expressed frustration at recent developments, including the company’s reported recruitment of patrollers and personnel from other resorts to fill potential gaps in staffing.

“We have confirmed that the company has asked patrollers and non-patrol personnel from other resorts within the company to scab at Park City,” Klingensmith said. “It is incredibly disappointing to see the company choose to invest in scabs rather than invest in a fair contract to avoid a strike in the first place.”

Deirdra Walsh, VP/COO, Park City Mountain shared in a statement with TownLift that Park City Mountain has plans in place to safely operate the resort all season long. “If the union takes this drastic action (calls for a strike), Park City Mountain will remain open to serve our employees, guests, and the community. If necessary, we are prepared to deploy our Patrol Support Team, which consists of experienced patrollers from Park City Mountain and our other mountain resorts.” Walsh asserts that the Patrol Support Team possesses extensive skills, certifications, and professionalism, ensuring safety remains the resort’s top priority.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Park City Professional Ski Patrol Association (@pcskipatrolunion)

The dispute comes as PCPSPA prepares for mediation with the company in the coming week, following a lack of progress in negotiations. Last week, the company reportedly declined to present a counteroffer addressing wages or benefits, further straining discussions.

Klingensmith emphasized that while PCPSPA has not called for a strike, the association is concerned about the broader implications of the company’s approach. “We feel that in the event of a strike, this will make not only Park City Resort unsafe, but will diminish the safety at resorts where the scabs are coming from,” she said.

The association reiterated its commitment to securing a fair and reasonable contract, aiming to avoid a strike while addressing concerns for employee well-being and resort safety.