Ski Cooper announced on Tuesday, via Vail Daily, that all of its employees will start with a base pay of $15.25/HR for the coming winter season. The move comes to compete with nearby Vail Resorts starting wage of $15/HR.
“This new company minimum wage of $15.25 (per hour) exceeds the Lake County living wage figure of $14.26 (per hour) for a single adult as calculated by the MIT Living Wage Calculator and outpaces most ski resorts in the state, including the Vail Resorts, whose minimum wage this season is $15 (per hour),” the company said. “In addition to increasing the company minimum starting rate, this move will also provide for wage increases in all pay grades for our returning employees.”- Vail Daily
I love to see that Ski Cooper is taking a big step forward in compensating its employees. Making $15.25/HR is nothing crazy, but it’s well above the federal minimum wage, and is a huge step forward in making ski careers financially feasible.
Here’s to hoping other resorts will follow suit.
Ski Cooper Stats:
Summit Elevation: 11,700′
Base Elevation: 10,500′
Vertical: 1,200′
Trails: 62
Lifts: 5
Skiable Acres: 480 ac.
Average Snowfall: 260″