Industry News
After months of worker-led organizing, 93% of eligible members of Wyoming’s Jackson Hole Ski Patrol (JHSP) have filed for a union representation election with the National Labor Relations Board. If certified, the patrol will organize as the Jackson Hole Ski Patrol Union under Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 7781, United Mountain Workers (UMW).
Ski patrol is a skilled labor position with significant inherent risk. The skills and institutional knowledge acquired through years on the job is critical and irreplaceable for maintaining the highest safety and operational standards. At the end of the 2024-25 season, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR) was the recipient of the National Ski Areas Association’s “Best Overall Safety Program”. As safety professionals, the patrol was integral in earning this award while putting their own safety at risk every day. JHSP is committed to ensuring JHMR maintains its position as a leader in mountain safety and guest experience. Unionizing will help patrollers secure the stability, representation, and long-term foundation necessary to provide the world-class experience Jackson Hole is known for.
“We are career first-responders doing one of the most dangerous jobs in North America, yet many of us struggle to afford to live in the community we serve,” said Tyler Babcock, a nine-year patroller. In addition to being one of the wealthiest counties in the country, Teton County also maintains the largest income inequality gap. “This is about professionalism and sustainability. Among what we seek is reasonable and equitable compensation. We hope to see the same level of accountability from our resort management that we have for the safety of our guests. A union gives us a seat at the table to build a better future for the Jackson Hole Ski Patrol.”
In response to the vote, Ned Wonson, spokesperson for Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, told SnowBrains in an email, “We are aware of the statement from Jackson Hole Ski Patrol. We care deeply about every member of our team, and we value the important role ski patrol plays at our resort. We are committed to listening, engaging respectfully, and continuing open dialogue. Our focus is to work together toward an outcome that supports our employees and the exceptional experience we strive to create for our guests and our mountain community.”
With the petition now filed, JHSP has taken the first step toward securing fair compensation, comprehensive benefits, equitable career incentives, and a meaningful voice in operational decisions that affect their work and the mountain’s safety. The Jackson Hole Ski Patrol’s effort to unionize reflects a broader national movement among ski patrols seeking to strengthen professional standards and address similar economic pressures. Across the country, patrollers are organizing to ensure that the high-skill, high-risk nature of their work is supported by working conditions that promote stability, safety, and long-term career viability.
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