Industry News
Vail Resorts faces strong criticism from unionized ski patrol teams across its properties. The controversy centers around creating a “Patrol Support Team” at Park City Mountain, Utah, which has sparked concerns about employee treatment and potential safety risks.
On December 31, a coalition of ski patrol unions from Breckenridge, Crested Butte, Keystone, in Colorado, and Park City, Utah, sent a letter to Kirsten Lynch, CEO of Vail Resorts, expressing their formal objection to the company’s recent actions. The unions allege that Vail Resorts has been pressuring and coercing skilled patrol leaders to join the “Patrol Support Team” at Park City, causing significant disruption to local patrol operations at other resorts.
The unions claim that the sudden removal of local leadership has created uncertainty and disruption throughout patrol teams, particularly during the peak holiday season. Patrol leaders who have not yet been relocated reportedly face implied threats to their careers if they do not comply with the company’s demands.
“These patrol leaders are faced with a no-win situation,” the letter states, highlighting the dilemma faced by employees caught between company directives and personal commitments.
The unions argue that the lack of local leadership could seriously affect employee and guest safety. They emphasize that effective risk management and maintaining a safe environment on the slopes rely heavily on experienced, trusted leadership.
The controversy has begun to attract public attention, with some loyal Vail Resorts patrons questioning the company’s priorities. The unions warn of potential reputational damage that could affect patronage and brand loyalty.
The ski patrol unions have called for immediate action from Vail Resorts, including:
1. Ceasing the practice of pressuring employees to travel to Park City
2. Reevaluating the long-term implications of their actions
3. Working actively with the Park City Ski Patrol Union to reach a fair contract
The unions also emphasized the need for clear communication, respectful treatment of employees, and efforts to restore trust within the workforce.
The letter concludes by noting Vail Resorts’ recent financial performance, including $1.59 billion in stock buybacks and cash dividends over the past three fiscal years. The unions suggest this wealth could be more equitably shared with the workforce.
- Related: Park City Mountain Resort, UT, Not Selling Lift Tickets Today as Patrol Strike Impacts Operations
The Park City Professional Ski Patrol Association (PCPSPA) met with Vail Resorts and a federal mediator over the last two days, December 30-31, to address outstanding contract articles. These sessions occurred against the backdrop of an unfair labor practice (ULP) strike initiated by the union on December 27 after filing multiple ULPs against the company, which is entering its seventh day today (Thursday). Over the last two days, the Company and Union exchanged offers on all outstanding articles, yet both sides remain far from a resolution, according to a press release from the PCPSPA.
The full letter is below:
I have had a ski pass at park city for 20 straight years. Yesterday was my worst resort experience anytime and anywhere. Took my kids to the Canyons. Arrived at 8:15. Stood in line till 10 when the Orange Bubble started loading passengers. Got to mid mountain to find 2 lifts running. 40 minute lifelines. 50 inch base, no wind, holiday crowds. No Ski Patrol to allow other lifts to operate. Our first turns were at 11 am. I purchased our season passes in advance, no negotiations, no holding back payment. Corporate greed at its worst. Is this breach of contract? I assumed there would be an operating resort with safety personnel present for my families needs… Not true!! Shame on you Vail
Vail resort management looks terrible! Mis management, mistreating ski patrol , implied threats, ridiculous lines at resorts, insane lift ticket prices, poor mountain management….
Just more corporate greed!