After nearly two weeks on strike, the Telluride Professional Ski Patrol Association has accepted a new contract from Telluride Ski & Golf, ending a labor dispute that had shut down the ski resort and affected local businesses.
Graham Hoffman, president of the ski patrollers’ union, confirmed acceptance of the offer made earlier in the week. He was not immediately available for further comment.
The agreement coincided with Telluride’s first significant snowfall in several weeks. In a statement released Thursday afternoon, resort officials announced plans to begin reopening more terrain over the weekend. “Lift 4 will open on Saturday with the additional runs of Butterfly, Lower Misty Maiden and Boomerang. The next objective will be to open the ‘Super Loop’ with more lifts and terrain to follow,” according to the statement.
The strike began December 27 after prolonged negotiations between patrollers and resort management failed to yield an agreement on wages and retention incentives. The union sought higher pay and a structure encouraging patrol members to remain with the organization—factors they described as crucial for member longevity and mountain safety.
When patrollers walked out, Telluride Ski Resort closed entirely during peak holiday tourism season. This left many visitors without access to skiing or snowboarding over New Year’s Eve and created economic challenges for local businesses dependent on winter tourism.
Town officials promoted alternative activities such as snowmobiling, ice skating, and snowshoeing during the closure period. However, bookings at lodging establishments dropped sharply. Local restaurant owners reported business in January was down by about 40 percent compared to normal levels.
Calls from residents and business owners intensified as economic impacts grew; approximately 100 people gathered Wednesday urging both sides to resolve their differences before it became too late to salvage this year’s season.
With an agreement reached and fresh snowfall on the ground, Telluride now prepares for phased reopening beginning this weekend.
