Industry News
A legal storm is brewing as Aspen Skiing Co. (SkiCo) confronts a class-action lawsuit challenging its on-mountain pay policies. The suit, filed by SkiCo hourly employee Craig Stout, alleges that the company has not compensated workers for the time spent commuting via chairlifts, snowmobiles, and snowcats to its on-mountain restaurants and facilities, reports Aspen Daily News.
The legal action, which seeks class status to include similarly situated SkiCo hourly employees, was filed in Pitkin County District Court. Stout, represented by Denver attorney Alexander Hood and Fort Collins labor lawyer Brian Gonzales, has declined to comment on the ongoing litigation. SnowBrains reached out to SkiCo for comment, but the company has a policy of not commenting on active lawsuits.
At the heart of the dispute is the claim that employees are not paid for the time taken to travel to on-mountain work locations from base areas. This time involves physical exertion and potential hazards, necessitating safety measures like helmet-wearing for ski or snowboard commutes. The lawsuit also accuses SkiCo of failing to provide state-mandated break time. It alleges that the company misrepresented employee perks on its website, particularly regarding free and discounted lift tickets for new employees.
The suit’s broader implications touch on the intersection of labor practices, employee rights, and the unique working conditions inherent to mountain resort operations. Stout’s case, which calls for a jury trial, raises three claims under Colorado’s labor laws and accuses SkiCo of breach of contract and civil theft.
As the case unfolds, it will be closely watched by the resort industry and labor advocates alike, potentially setting a precedent for how on-mountain employees are compensated for their unique commutes.
