Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE:MTN) faces new demands from four ski patrol unions

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 Ski Patrol's strike is gaining support as industry unions condemn Vail Resorts’ tactics

PARK CITY, Utah – The strike by the Park City Professional Ski Patrol Association (PCPSPA) against Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE:MTN), entering week two, is now drawing widespread support from ski patrol unions across Vail Resorts North American portfolio, who have criticized the company’s handling of the labor dispute.

In a stern letter addressed to Vail Resorts CEO Kirsten Lynch, unions representing patrollers at Vail-owned Breckenridge, Keystone, Crested Butte, and Park City, condemned the creation of a “Patrol Support Team” to address staffing shortages caused by the strike. The unions accused Vail of pressuring and coercing employees from other resorts to cross picket lines in Park City, leaving their home resorts without proper leadership during the busiest time of the year.

“Removing local leadership without notice has caused disruption, uncertainty, and significant morale issues across patrol teams,” the letter stated. “These tactics reflect a disregard for employees and the critical role they play in ensuring safety on the slopes.”

Safety and reputation at stake

The letter warned that these actions pose risks not only to employees but also to guests. Ski patrol teams are essential to managing on-mountain safety, and disruptions in leadership and morale could compromise their ability to respond effectively to emergencies.

“Patrons and the public are beginning to question whether Vail Resorts prioritizes its workforce and safety standards over short-term financial interests,” the unions wrote, adding that the company’s reputation is at risk. They cited growing dissatisfaction among loyal customers, amplified by social media and word of mouth, as a potential long-term consequence of the ongoing dispute.

Demands and financial concerns

The unions called on Vail Resorts to cease pressuring employees to cross picket lines and to focus on negotiating a fair contract with the PCPSPA. They emphasized the high cost of living in Park City and the skill set required for patrolling a large Western resort, arguing that the company’s significant financial resources could better support its workforce.

The letter pointed to Vail Resortts $1.59 billion in stock buybacks and cash dividends over the past three fiscal years as evidence that more equitable resource allocation is possible.

A unified industry stance

Despite the challenges, the unions expressed hope for a collaborative resolution. “We remain committed to the continued success of Vail Resorts and believe that addressing these concerns constructively will benefit everyone involved,” they wrote.

As the strike continues, the focus remains on the next round of negotiations and whether Vail Resorts will adjust its approach. For now, the growing solidarity among ski patrol teams and the mounting pressure from customers signal that this dispute is far from over.

Trouble in Keystone

The Keystone Ski Patrol (KSP) conducted its first collective action movement on December 18, 2024 since unionizing last season. Negotiations with Vail Resorts began in September with slow progress. KSP organized a collective action walk-in to demonstrate solidarity and the patrol’s ability to mobilize. This came during the same time where Park City Ski Patrol voted to authorize a strike against Vail Resorts for failing to engage in fair negotiations.

“The Keystone Ski Patrol Union has an unfair labor practice charge against Vail Resorts for failing to provide merit increases to patrollers who earned a raise from last season, something that the union believes breaks the status-quo requirement while under negotiations,” KSP said.

 

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Editor’s Note: Comment from Vail Resorts, Inc. and Park City Mountain Resort about the additional ski patrol union support was requested, but was not supplied by press time.