Vail Resorts Executives make millions while Ski Patrollers seek a living wage

Photo: Park City Ski Patrol

Vail Resorts' Chief Executive Officer, Kirsten Lynch, received a total compensation package of $6,288,586 for fiscal year 2024, while Park City ski patrollers are petitioning for a base wage of $23 per hour.

PARK CITY, Utah — Vail Resorts’ Chief Executive Officer, Kirsten Lynch, received a total compensation package worth $6,288,586 for fiscal year 2024, according to a report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in October. This includes a salary of $1,086,908, nearly $5 million in stock and stock options, and additional non-equity compensation. Robert Katz, Executive Chairperson compensation package is $2,202,070, while Angela Korch, Executive Vice President, is looking at $2,183,196. Vail Resorts, Inc. reported Net income of $230.4 million for fiscal year 2024.

This disclosure of Executive Compensation comes as the Park City Ski Patrol Union (PCPSPA) negotiates for what they call a living wage. PCPSPA has launched a petition seeking community support during its fight for a fair contract amid protracted negotiations with Vail Resorts.

A recent article by the Associated Press highlights the disparity between the salaries of CEOs at publicly traded companies and the salaries of people who work for them, which are on average hundreds of times lower. In 2023 the median total compensation for S&P 500 chief executives was $16.3 million. Vail Resorts Inc. MTN is not in the S&P 500.

The union, representing ski patrollers and mountain safety staff at Park City Mountain Resort, has participated in 21 bargaining sessions with Vail Resorts since May. The resort operator’s latest proposal does not include wage increases for most members, according to the union.

“Together, we can help safeguard the future of our favorite resort and the safety of all who cherish it,” the petition states.

 

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The petition highlights the union’s key demands, including:

• A base pay rate of $23 per hour to account for inflation and rising living costs in the Wasatch region.
• Adequate compensation for senior ski patrollers whose expertise is critical to mountain safety.
• Enhanced benefits and access to educational opportunities.

The PCPSPA emphasized that their work—ranging from first aid and rescue to avalanche mitigation and guest assistance—is vital to the safety and enjoyment of everyone visiting the resort.

In a statement shared with the TownLift in November, Deirdra Walsh of Park City Mountain stated, “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. Park City Mountain takes seriously its responsibility to care for its thousands of employees, guests, and the community.”

As negotiations continue, union representatives say they hope the petition will help lead to a contract agreement.

The petition had gathered more than 1,500 signatures as of Monday morning.

Rebecca Brenner contributed to this story.