UPDATE: The vote that took place on January 8 was passed. The strike has ended.

According to an update from Telluride Ski Resort, a new offer was made to the Telluride Professional Ski Patrol Association (TPSPA) on January 6 related to the ongoing strike. Per the announcement about the offer from the resort, the ski patrol union is currently reviewing that offer, set to cast a vote on January 8.

Details related to that offer don’t appear to be publicly available at this time, not published on the resort website nor two key channels used by TPSPA for updates (website and Instagram). The last time TPSPA posted about an offer was on January 3, with TPSPA claiming Telluride Ski Resort was using “intimidation, bad faith bargaining, and unfair labor practices” at that time. Telluride Ski Resort described that offer as the result of a “collaborative meeting with the ski patrol union” that resulted in a revision to a prior offer that upped the hourly wage for Station Leads to $41 per hour. Other ski patrollers would be making $24.06 as a trainee, $27.90 at the ‘basic’ level, $34.25 at the ‘advanced’ level, and $39.60 as a specialist.

“On behalf of both Telluride Ski Resort and the Ski Patrol Union, we wish to thank the community for their patience as we have worked through these important negotiations,” read a statement published with the update from Telluride Ski Resort regarding the updated January 6 offer.

The impact on the local community amid the strike and limited access at Telluride Ski Resort is something that can’t be ignored. The strike started on December 27, prompting a full closure of the resort until January 5. At that point, Telluride Ski Resort was able to open three of the spot’s 149 runs (charging $30 for access opposed to typical lift ticket pricing). As might be expected, the closure and limited access has resulted in a significant drop in tourism to the area amid a holiday period that tends to be a big part of the annual revenue for local businesses.

Per a report from The Telluride Times, bookings declined 41% for the month ending January 5 compared to a 6.3% decline that was seen at similar Colorado and Utah destinations. Local booking were reported to be down 56% over the past week, too, per an article published on January 7.

As might be expected, mixed opinions have been expressed about whether or not the strike should continue. Many locals and members of the greater outdoor recreation industry continue to stand with ski patrol and their request for increased wages and employment benefits. Others have expressed concerns about how the strike will impact the town long-term.

It’s also worth noting that if a vote is passed to accept Telluride Ski Resort’s offer and the strike is lifted, it probably doesn’t mean that a full reopening will happen immediately. In similar instances involving extended strikes at other ski resort destinations, it’s taken at least a couple days. That may or may not be the case in this instance, but only time will tell.

This situation is ongoing. It’s unclear exactly what time the vote will take place, but news will likely break regarding that vote in upcoming hours.

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