Despite the ski patrol strike entering its 10th day, Telluride Ski Resort is set to reopen today, January 5th, at 9:00am. The ski resort will operate with Lift 1, the Meadows Carpet, and the Vista Carpet, providing access to beginner terrain only.
The ski resort closed on Saturday, December 27th, as the Telluride Professional Ski Patrol Association began their strike for better wages. The resort presented a new offer on Saturday, January 3rd, but it was rejected by the union as they claim it appears to shift funds around rather than actually showing an increase from the previous offer.
According to The Telluride Times, Telluride Ski Resort plans to cover the opening with “contingency EMS and Patrol staff“, with some ski patrol staff (like managers) being ineligible for the union. TPSPA President Graham Hoffman told the times that there are four non-unionized patrollers that are ineligible for the union.
“We understand the position they are in and offer them nothing but support. These are our friends.” – Graham Hoffman
Both uphill and downhill access on the mountain on any terrain beside the open beginner terrain is still completely prohibited, and anyone caught on closed terrain will be lose their pass and be trespassed from all Telluride Ski Resort property.
