Telluride Ski Resort has announced that they’ll be shutting down operations on December 27 amid an employee strike that’s set to start the same day. At this time, it’s unknown when the resort will be able to reopen.

“We do not know how long the strike will last,” wrote the resort. “We will continue working on a plan that allows us to reopen safely as soon as possible.”

Due to the strike, all advance-purchase lift tickets, ski and snowboard school products, and unused days on multi-day lift tickets that are impacted by the closure will be refunded. Meanwhile, pro-rated refunds will be made available for Winter Pass holders depending on how many days are impacted. The resort says they’re still working with Vail Resorts to develop a solution for those who purchased Epic Pass products for their visit.

The Telluride Professional Ski Patrol group authorized the work stoppage with a 99% vote of ‘Yes.’

The following message was posted by the Telluride Professional Ski Patrol organization on social media on December 23:

“Unfortunately, we are announcing this news as soon as we have it, we have authorized a strike to begin on Dec 27. While there is still time for more money and understanding to be brought to the table, the company continues to push a proposal this group has rejected. We have been clear that the difference in proposals is $112,000 in year 1 and $65,000 over the 3 years of the contract. The union has proposed many solutions to spread the cost of this proposal over the life of the contract, and proposed several ways to reach the wage structure we believe will address the attraction and retention problems this patrol continues to face. This is about fixing a broken wage structure and creating a pathway forward for years to come for those who strive to make this job a career. The only way this institution can survive is with a wage structure that promotes attraction, retention and growth. We need a pathway to continue contributing to the community in this way.”

Those seeking season pass and lift ticket refunds from Telluride Ski Resort have been asked to call 970-728-7517. Those seeking Ski and Snowboard School refunds have been asked to call 970-728-7414.

The resort is expecting high-than-normal call and email volumes following the announcement, promising to follow-up on all inquiries “as soon as reasonably possible.”

Telluride is in a part of the state that’s been hurting for snow thus far this season, with 20 of 149 runs open as of December 24, per the resort website.

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