CWA Ski Professionals Win Contract After Telluride Strike

Last week, members of the Telluride Professional Ski Patrollers Association (TPSPA-CWA Local 7781) at Telluride Ski Resort in Mountain Village, Colo., announced the ratification of a new contract. This win comes after members went on a ULP strike against Telluride Ski and Golf Company for its refusal to meaningfully engage with union representatives. The company issued its “last, best, and final” offer, which fell far short of member expectations or needs. On December 8, 2025, members voted overwhelmingly to reject that proposal and, on December 27, went on a strike that lasted until January 8. Strikers received an outpouring of support from other members, allies, and the San Miguel County community.

Adding to their win, supervisors successfully and unanimously joined the unit after the NLRB ruled them eligible for inclusion.

Ski patrollers play a critical role in guest safety, emergency response, and mountain operations. They deserve a fair contract that reflects their professionalism, experience, and the high cost of living in resort communities like Telluride, Colo.

TPSPA-CWA members are part of the larger United Mountain Workers-CWA Local 7781 that represents approximately 1,100 ski patrollers and lift maintenance workers. In 2024, members successfully negotiated contracts for five units: Solitude Ski Patrol, Steamboat Ski Patrol, Park City Lift Maintenance, Big Sky Ski Patrol, and Eldora Ski Patrol. These contracts were all negotiated separately with different owners and continue to move the industry forward for workers in the form of COLAs, increased benefits accessibility for seasonal workers through healthcare stipends, and industry-leading training and education packages to maintain the high level of skill required throughout the workforce. All of our bargaining units face distinct challenges, including overcrowding, avalanche-prone terrain, and outdated machinery. Their contracts reflect the diversity of needs across the membership.

 
Members of the Telluride Professional Ski Patrollers Association (TPSPA-CWA Local 7781) posed during their strike action, which lasted from December 27, 2025, to January 8, 2026.

---

This post originally appeared on cwa-union.org.