Park City Chamber of Commerce addresses impacts of ski patrol strike, advocates for community resilience

Photo: by Rebecca Brenner

Prior to the Ski Patrol Union strike, lodging occupancy reports from the Chamber showed January bookings were down compared to last year. Data on the strike's potential impact on lodging occupancy will not be available for several weeks.

PARK CITY, Utah — As the Park City Professional Ski Patrol Association (PCPSPA) and Vail Resorts, Inc. report that they have reached a tentative agreement with Park City Mountain, Park City leaders have started to address the impact of the ongoing strike within the community.

On Monday, Mayor Nann Worel and the Park City Council urged Vail Resorts to quickly resolve the labor dispute, citing its critical role as a vital employer in Park City. On Tuesday, the Park City Chamber of Commerce emphasized efforts to maintain the area’s reputation as a premier winter destination while managing potential economic fallout during peak season.

The message, sent to members and residents, acknowledged the challenges of the two-weeks long strike, which began on Dec. 27, and outlined steps to mitigate its impacts on the local economy and community.

Recognizing the strike’s timing during the critical holiday season, the Chamber expressed appreciation for the resilience of businesses, employees, and residents. “We know these weeks are incredibly important for our businesses, our workforce, our community, and our economy, and we recognize the frustration felt by all parties involved,” the statement read.

Prior to the Ski Patrol Union strike, lodging occupancy reports from the Chamber showed January bookings were down compared to last year. Data on the strike’s potential impact on lodging occupancy will not be available for several weeks. The next lodging report will be available this week but will contain data only through December 31 and the strike began on December 27.

“We know from the most recent lodging report as of December 15, 2024, that early January bookings were trending down compared to last year, and we will continue to monitor lodging statistics for impacts,” the statement read.

Emphasizing Community Values

Amid tensions surrounding the strike, the Chamber urged the community to approach the situation with kindness and respect. “The best way to navigate these difficult circumstances is to recognize the strain we all feel and to continue to treat each other with kindness, civility, and respect,” the statement said, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the community’s “Mountainkind” character.

The message echoed similar sentiments from Park City COO, Dierdra Walsh and Ski Utah Director Nathan Rafferty, who both wrote editorials recently in the Park Record. Walsh, said Park City Mountain employees are “putting up with relentless harassment online and in person that is absolutely shameful. They don’t deserve it, and it needs to stop.”

For his part Rafferty said when the conversation devolves into toxic rhetoric, mudslinging, or threats, resolution becomes impossible, and new issues arise.

The Chamber reiterated its commitment to advocating for a swift resolution and supporting local businesses, residents, and visitors during this challenging period. Once resolved, it pledged to promote Park City’s continued standing as a premier winter destination.

Chamber initiatives to support the community

The Chamber announced plans to address the strike’s effects, focusing on three key areas: messaging, data gathering, and maintaining Park City’s brand resilience.

1. Messaging and Communication: The Chamber is responding to visitor and media inquiries by emphasizing Park City’s diverse winter activities and exceptional community services.
2. Data and Stakeholder Engagement: Efforts include monitoring real-time booking information, analyzing lodging data for trends, and gathering feedback from local businesses about cancellations and concerns.
3. Brand Advocacy: The Chamber plans to reinforce Park City’s reputation as a world-class destination and is prepared to ramp up marketing efforts in target markets if necessary.

Rebecca Brenner contributed to this report.