Tensions mount as ski patrol strike negotiations continue

Vail Resorts and Park City's Ski Patrol Union prepare for another round of mediation scheduled for Monday afternoon.

PARK CITY, Utah –  The ongoing ski patrol strike at Park City Mountain has left skiers, residents, and former industry insiders questioning the safety and reliability of the resort during its busiest season. Reports of long lift lines and limited terrain have also frustrated locals and visitors alike.

A potential light on the horizon emerged Monday morning as Park City Mountain’s COO, Dierdra Walsh issued a statement saying the Park City Ski Patrol Union and resort executives will enter into another round of mediation Monday afternoon and Tuesday, December 31.

“We were prepared to mediate with the patrol union last Friday and we were disappointed when the union instead took the drastic action of a strike. Our next scheduled mediation was for Thursday, and we were so pleased to learn this morning that the federal mediator has provided us with additional dates, and we will be meeting with her and the union this afternoon and tomorrow. We remain committed to reaching an agreement,” Walsh said.

The news came as guests at Canyon’s Village endured delays and two-hour long lines amid power surges that PCMR said were to blame for more operational hitches during the crowded holiday week.

Risky business; an insider view on ski patrol’s strike

Michelle Shaw, former Risk Manager for Canyons under American Ski Company, shared her perspective in a candid conversation during which she expressed serious concerns about safety, staffing, and the potential long-term impact on the community.

In a previous story, TownLift highlighted that the resort is operating with roughly one-third of its typical ski patrol staff. This dramatic reduction, she explained, could lead to increased risks for skiers and snowboarders.

On a fully staffed day, Shaw recalled handling up to 100 incident reports involving skiers or staff. These reports included everything from collisions to mishaps requiring evacuation or medical attention. “That’s a good day,” she said. “With this staffing level, there’s going to be more injuries—some that may not even get treated because there’s no one available to help.”

The resort has brought in temporary replacements from smaller ski areas to fill gaps, but Shaw questioned their ability to handle the unique challenges of a major mountain. “These people aren’t trained for big-mountain operations,” she said.

Key technical skills, such as avalanche control and chairlift evacuation, require extensive training and certification and Walsh said the additional patrollers PCMR has hired during the ongoing strike have the required experience.

“We have an incredibly talented group of patrollers on the mountain: highly experienced patrol leaders from Park City and our other mountain resorts. These individuals bring a ton of expertise, certifications, and professionalism and have been trained on their assigned terrain area by the resort’s patrol leaders,” Walsh said.

Community caught in the crossfire

The strike has also raised questions about liability and the ripple effects on Park City’s economy. Shaw, now a Midway resident, advised friends and family against skiing at the resort during the strike. “I told my daughter, ‘Don’t go. It’s just not worth the risk,’” she said.

Walsh maintained that safety remains a top priority. “There have been no changes to our incident response protocols as a result of the union’s actions,” Walsh said.

The impact extends beyond the slopes. Tourists, frustrated by long waits and limited terrain, have left early or opted not to return.

For Jason Davis’s family and a group of friends that chose Park City as their holiday destination, the inclination to chose another destination next year they said was certain.

“The amount of money we put in to be here and not be able to ski, I mean, nobody’s gonna want to sign up for that again. At the end of the day, there’s going to be a big hit for Park City, I think,” Davis said.

“A bad experience this season could discourage visitors from coming back,” Shaw concurred, adding that the strike highlights broader issues within the ski industry, including cost of living and worker compensation.

The strike comes at a critical time for the resort and the town. “This is the busiest season of the year,” Shaw said. “It’s sad all around—this affects everyone, from skiers to local businesses.”

As the community waits for a resolution, Shaw remains hopeful for a compromise. “I hope they work it out—for everyone’s sake. This isn’t just about the resort; it’s about the safety and sustainability of the entire Park City community.”