The ongoing strike at Telluride Ski Resort entered day four on Tuesday, with the popular southwestern Colorado ski area remaining closed to the public indefinitely.

That said, snowmaking operations are underway at Telluride again, with the resort noting that consistently cold temperatures have allowed the bolstering of snowpack to take place following warmer-than-normal early-season weeks. At this time, Telluride Ski Resort aims to continue snowmaking as conditions permit, hoping to get as much terrain as possible ready for skiing and snowboarding when a reopening occurs.

The reopening date of the resort, however, remains up-in-the-air, with the following statement provided in regard to that question: “We are actively developing and refining our safety plan to support a safe reopening as soon as possible. Please stay tuned for further updates.”

A key factor hampering the safe reopening of the resort is the ongoing ski patrol strike.

A driving force behind the strike involves the Telluride Professional Ski Patrol Association (TPSPA) seeking a wage and benefits increase of about 30 to 35 percent. Ski patrol has cited the high cost of living in Telluride as a reason behind the request for higher pay, as well as the technical nature of the occupation, which involves associated risks and required certifications.

Per a report from Unofficial Networks, the most recent counteroffer from the resort was a wage increase of 23 percent. More specifically, a December 8 offer from Telluride Ski Resort that was rejected by the Ski Patrol Union included an immediate wage increase of 13 percent for the 2025-26 season, with a guaranteed minimum cost of living increase of five percent for the next two seasons.

Per Telluride Ski Resort, this deal would have increased the average straight time rate per hour to:

• Trainee $24.06
• Basic $27.78
• Advanced $32.96
• Specialist $37.71
• Station Leads $39.84

“Despite Telski’s attempts to negotiate an industry leading, living, and sustainable wage increase, the Ski Patrol demanded an increase of 27.7% or $8.04 per hour just for the 2025/26 season,” said the resort after the offer rejection in early December. “This was not a reasonable nor competitive demand.”

Meanwhile, Telluride Professional Ski Patrol Association seems to be holding strong in their near-unanimous decision to go on strike.

“We do not get paid while on strike or picketing, and we are well aware of the effect the ski area closing has on the community,” wrote the organization. “We know we cannot replace the ski area being open, but are trying to be in a position to support ours and others basic living expenses.”

A key source of that support is set to come from a related GoFundMe, which has raised $101,520 of a $360,000 goal at time of publishing. Additionally, TPSPA issued a statement regarding “outside money to bridge the gap of a contract” on December 30, saying that “this is not an ethically or legally viable option for TPSPA to take.”

“It is the unfortunate reality that it is the responsibility of Telski and Telski only to pay their employees a fair wage,” wrote the organization.

A joint statement published by the Towns of Mountain Village and Telluride, as well as San Miguel County on December 29 addresses “increasing calls for regional governments to use taxpayer funds to help bridge the financial gap between Telluride Ski Resort and the Telluride Ski Patrol union to end the strike.”

Per that statement, authorities on the matter have told the local governments that this is “prohibited under applicable labor laws.” The statement also noted that the two parties involved in the strike have indicated that they’re not interested in third-party contributions as a resolution is pursued.

The joint statement from the local governments also addressed local impacts related to the strike:

“We recognize the strain and uncertainty this labor dispute places on local businesses, residents, employees, and guests. Staff and elected officials from the Town of Mountain Village, Town of Telluride and San Miguel County are monitoring the situation and remain prepared to respond as appropriate, while continuing to urge a speedy and amicable resolution to contract negotiations.”

Per a Monday press release from Telluride Ski Resort, the ski area is working on a plan that will allow Lifts 1 and 4 to reopen as soon as is safely possible, with a recruitment team reportedly formed to help hire qualified and experienced employees to temporarily fill in gaps left by the strike.

The shockwaves felt by this strike have been undoubtedly felt by the tourism industry and local communities in southwest Colorado. Sentiment of online commenters is a bit mixed – while many people seem to support the strike and goal of the ski patrollers, would-be guests of the resort report being financially impacted due to disrupted travel plans and non-fundable aspects of trips centered on visiting the ski area, such as lodging and flights. Some commenters have also expressed concerns related to the short-term and long-term wellbeing of impacted communities.

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